We got an email from Stephanie Olson in British Columbia with their Summer Bucket List.
"Here is a list we made up for our small town that gets a lot of summer visitors.
The list is available at the Info Centre/Museum and at the Rec Centre. People who work there can elaborate on the suggestions (e.g., Where is the trailhead? How hard is the hike?)
I've met people who treat it like a scavenger hunt, trying to do everything."
What a fun way to make visiting your town easier for tourists (and newcomers)!
Make your downtown a vibrant place for $100 or less. 39 placemaking ideas that fit in any (or no) budget.
The past few years took a toll on downtowns. Empty buildings look worse than ever! Downtown is still the heart of our small towns, but it doesn’t look like the welcoming community place we want it to be.
And we don’t have much budget to do anything about that.
Make your downtown a more vibrant place for $100 or less. Deb will show you how in this course. And you'll see how other towns are using these ideas.
A rapid fire list of dozens of ideas so you can find the one that makes you shout "That's it! Let's do that one!"
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My first question about that membership was ‘they have to pay both, even though they could be from anywhere? Not just Iowa?’
There’s a good deal of benefit to the membership! You’ll also receive:
· A minimum of nine Members-Only Lectures during the year at no additional cost.
· A monthly electronic newsletter (or paper copy for those without email).
· Weekly emails (sent on Fridays) during course sessions with information about the following week.
· Central Iowa Symphony has provided two complimentary concert tickets per OLLI member.
· Stephens Auditorium, on campus, special offers on tickets to select shows.
· Octagon Center for the Arts reusable 10% discount off purchases of $25 or more in the Octagon Gallery shop or on Octagon class registration.
If you’re interested in having me bring a webinar to your community, either in person or virtual, send me an email to deb@saveyour.town
Many years ago I went to Harrington, Washington to speak at a conference. We also did a walking tour around downtown. They posted this note back in 2019:
"Thanks for all your inspiration and positivity. There are plenty of us in Harrington WA that love what you and Becky do. Here are a couple of our small downtown treasures. Keep on being a shining example of thinking outside the box. www.harringtonbiz.com You are welcome here anytime, we’d love to have you. We have an airbnb available and an RV park to accommodate you. Way to go The Post & Office and Studio1onsouth3rd let’s keep on making progress!"
I wondered if these two businesses made it through Covid. So I followed the links and ... THEY ARE STILL IN BUSINESS!
We'd love to hear your stories and see your pictures. Feel free to send an email to deb@saveyour.town
Some of our older videos don’t have an audio version link. However, you can still click on the video and listen that way.
You can save the link to your home screen too! On your iPhone or iPad, open Safari and navigate to the website you want to save. At the bottom of the Safari browser, find and tap on the share icon on the menu bar. It looks like a box with an up arrow. Then from the list of share options, choose Add to Home Screen. If you’re not an Apple person, just google “how to save a link on my phone.”
We know you’re busy and might not have the time to sit down and watch the video. You want to, but the day gets away from you.
It’s important to keep in conversation about what’s going on in rural.
Even if you don’t take any small steps, even if you are buried with paperwork and don’t know which way is up, you need to be around people who are positive. You need to hear what people who are making positive changes are doing. We share those stories with you every month on our videos, and every week in our newsletters.
It is about hearing the ideas, but more importantly it is about surrounding yourself with those who are speaking your kind of language. It’s about listening to those who are doing it and learning their stories.
You want to hear from people who raise your motivation and increase your desire. Listen to the language of positive people so you can maintain your energy. As you listen you are developing the mindset that works. You learn to deal with the committee of negativity when you listen to us. You will develop the muscles to talk to your people about gathering your crowd, building connections, and taking small steps. You’ll become stronger and have more language to share with your community. You’ll remember the stories of other towns that are ‘doing it’.
We are your biggest cheerleaders, and we’re not going to stop. We know you’re busy. We also know on some days we are your only source of positive energy. We believe in you, and we will continue to encourage you to build your muscles to get stronger.
Hi, My friend Kevin told me today about a purse he saw in the window of a local store that would be perfect for the trip I'm taking. So I went to the store, saw the purse and bought it.
It was that easy for:
Kevin to refer me to a local place to buy something I need and
me to take 30 minutes and go there and buy it.
Shopping local isn't hard. I encourage you to give it a try!
Hi Lynette from Colorado sent me this email after watching a webinar:
"Thank you so much again for today! We really appreciate your valuable knowledge! It sure sparked a lot of excitement and ideas! We are excited to explore some of them at our meeting next month!"
I do appreciate these notes. And I understand how easy it is to fall into the 'wait until the next meeting' trap. I sent her this note in response:
"So what if you started exploring ideas now, before a meeting? Over coffee, or a beer - just get started."
We encourage you to take your excitement around a big idea, and get together with like minded folks - right away. You don't need permission to do so. You don't need formal structures. That's the Idea Friendly way to get things done.
Thanks, Deb
Bonus pic - this is Vintage Soul Boutique in Ordway, CO - love the pop up!
Several years ago, I was in Akron, Iowa, population 1,558, for an onsite Idea Friendly visit for one week. They’ve been gathering their crowd, building connections, and taking small steps. Their former mayor, Sharon, sends updates periodically. The following is from her latest email update.
We now have seven businesses serving food:
Casey’s.
Chubs is now doing homemade breakfast and lunches.
Pizza Ranch has new owners since you were here.
The old bowling alley, and they have the best pasta nights. The chef is from Chicago, so he and his family moved here and bought a house.
Joe’s Café also has new owners specializing in Mexican food. The new owners were from Sioux City, but they are renting a house here.
The corner bar, under new management, and serving meals from a new kitchen; A young gal is managing and cooking. It thrills my heart to see so many cars parked around it, especially at night. They frequently have special activities on Saturdays. Certainly draws people to town.
The golf course has a new manager this summer; and last winter they totally remodeled the inside and created a beautiful patio on the north side of the building.
Justin Higman added fifteen new camping spots to his Lazy H. The front five were all taken by people from Omaha. So, that should mean a lot of new friends for fellow campers. Many of last year’s seasonals left their trailers there all winter; that part opened April 1. The rest of them and the cabins open in May. He is currently in the process of adding one larger cabin and two smaller ones. https://www.lazyhcampground.com/
The Hearts and Souls group is really working on finding out what people want. A lot of young people are working diligently on that. They presented plans for a walking trail around the golf course area at their last gathering. In addition they are working on a plan with the state to safely get the campers from the Lazy H safely to the business district.
The school finally got their school bond issue passed, so they are currently letting bids. The plan is to start building this summer.
The bids came in for our new aquatic center almost double what they were in 2020. However, a few weeks ago someone anonymously gave a check for $250,000. They tore the old pool out in February and March when it was so warm out. A couple of weeks ago the city council agreed to accept a bid on the construction of the pool and start construction this summer.
The Care Center (nursing home) has decided they are going to break soil for an Assisted Living unit. the city of Akron name is on the present lease for their new building and will also be on the new addition.
A guy from LeMars bought an old, dilapidated farmhouse. They raised the house, put a new level under it, and remodeled the old part. It was going to be a hunting lodge, but they decided to let others rent it out. Only $800 for a weekend or by the week for $1200. It sleeps sixteen, but with the huge family room, you could sleep lots more there. The kitchen is on the first floor. The family room is built over the garage. There is a wooden deck on all four sides, and a ramp to get up to the second floor. It is absolutely gorgeous and located just maybe a mile South from the Lazy H. https://www.facebook.com/AkronPonderosa/
I still need to get a picture of the finished area between the vet clinic and the bar. They are converting the front part of that area to a sitting area with tables, large city tree/flowerpots. The back part the new owners of the bar have rented and will have an outside eating area for the smokers. However, if someone wants to buy the lot, the lease will be suspended. The lumber yard donated and put up the wooden fence.
A few years ago, a new young family purchased the Akron Lumber. You should see the remodel project going on. All new roofing, and now they are making part of it a lawn and garden center. And as for the inside of the building, they have rearranged it all. The old depot across the highway is where they have their showroom for their cabinets and faucets. On top of that his parents have moved to Akron, and they are his two most awesome additions to the business. https://www.hardwareretailing.com/iowa-couple-follows-dreams-reopens-akron-lumber-company/
Price Auction Company has been having online auctions every two weeks since the end of the pandemic. Hopefully they again soon have in-person auctions. In addition, they have also started a flea market in Westfield. Both activities bring additional people to our community!
Housing right now is at a premium. The house two to the east of us sold the day it was listed; another house took only the weekend to sell.
Oh, my gosh, Deb. You cannot believe what is happening to spark enthusiasm in our community! Life is good in Akron, Iowa. I love this place!
David Burton sent this response: This is a great topic! Reminds me of the Lawn Art With Neighbors (LAWN) initiative going on this spring. Third year for LAWN in our area.
I wrote a newsletter about being neighborly. I suggested writing thank you notes to people in your community. Many of you agreed with me and responded! Here's just a few responses:
From Grace:
Hi! I like this idea! I like to welcome new neighbors with homebaked goods and my phone # in case they need something before they have more connections in our small community of Dunsmuir, Ca. Thank you for continuing to inspire us to be more neighborly in an increasingly less trusting society. Warm Regards, Grace C. Sanchez
Leslie Casey from a small town in NH wrote:
Things people can do to be more neighborly - an interesting question.
I find I can generally tell what kind of reception I am going to get before I knock on a stranger's door, just by what the house is communicating to the world. Too many homes set a tone for anyone who passes by that strangers are unwelcome, and that the people who live there are unhappy with their lives. Do they mean to reveal that about themselves, and could more neighborly behavior actually make them happier?
Signals that the folks who live in a house are neighborly:
· There is an obvious, functional front door and a path to it. It is not blocked with potted plants or other objects. It is not around back off a second-story deck, nor is it accessible only through a locked garage.
· There is an ornamental plant or other decorative item visible, even if the house is otherwise poorly kempt for whatever reason(s).
· When answering the door, a large growling dog is not allowed to nearly push its way out. Also, signs threatening violence are not in evidence.
· The person answering the door presents a calm, pleasant demeanor, however fake or brief, to allow the caller to introduce themselves and explain the purpose of the visit. If they feel they need to get tough after that, then fair enough.
· Conversely, they do not frantically try to put you off with details of whatever personal crisis they may be in the middle of at the moment. It is not appropriate or necessary.
Generally, people could be more neighborly by exhibiting, or at least mimicking, well-socialized behavior.
I had a teacher who shared an example that has stayed with me. She was from a small town in France where her father was the mayor. Though he was not wealthy, if a stranger came to town and unexpectedly needed a place to stay and a meal, it was the mayor's duty to welcome that person to his home. Now that I own an old farmhouse on a dirt road off the center of town, I always ask myself whether a stranger in trouble would choose my door. The answer is, I believe, "yes." Though it is not "showy," people always seem happy as they pass by our welcoming house. They often smile and wave, or drive extra-slowly to take in the peaceful scene.
A final thought - I am reading Jane Jacobs and her critique of mid-century urban planning. I realize now that many Americans spend their lives in houses that are designed to disengage the occupants from passers-by. I think that has warped our sense of neighborhood and made us afraid of the people around us for reasons we can't even articulate. Hence the overall poor socialization. We don't get any practice at it! How can a stranger become a friend if I never see them or interact with them?
That's all I got.
Keep up the good work.
Leslie
Sullivan, New Hampshire
My answer:
Hi Leslie,
Wow - there's a lot to dig out in that email. Thank you for putting so much attention on the subject.
I have a rescue chihuahua who feels it is her inherent duty to protect me from all real and imagined terrors. Doorbells and people knocking send her into a tizzy. Her barking frightens any possible visitors (and some neighbors.) Would I get rid of her? No. She has been a loving companion these last 3 years, and after several times meeting someone she calms down. I think of her when I hear dogs barking as I visit someone.
I do like the idea of having your home represent a welcoming attitude. It's the little things isn't it? Yard cared for, perhaps some plants or decorations on the stoop, a wreath on the door -- it doesn't have to be fancy. Again though, we don't know if the residents are able or can afford to do those things. Which in my mind is just another great reason to reach out to them and be neighborly!
As far as mimicking well socialized behavior - that's open for discussion too. What you and I might think is appropriate, someone else may not. Is it an age difference? Maybe. It might be a geographical difference as well.
I know I've presented both sides of the argument here. That was intentional. I do know community happens when people talk to each other. I'm looking for ways to take a small step and create a path to conversation!
Thanks for sharing about Jane Jacobs. What a great mind! I wish I could visit with her about thoughts on rural design. She did focus on urban. I think you do have a point about how we've created moats around our homes though.
Finally, I so love that you choose to live in a town of just over 600 people! Thank you for the email, and for getting me to think a bit more on a Friday night.
appreciate your work, working hard to be a good neighbor and a better person.
cheers
Naren
From NZ
From Myrna
I love this idea, Deb! I am a big believer in the power of a handwritten note. I write a thank you (and not just a 2-sentence note, although there is nothing wrong with that!) for every single order I get for my home business. People really appreciate that.
One other fun little idea – you know how so many people leave shopping carts out of the cart corral? When I’m walking IN to a store, I try to grab one of the strays and bring it in. If many people did this, soon the parking lots would be uncluttered and the poor overworked “cart cowboys” would have an easier job. J
My two cents!
Myrna
From Catherine
Love this!
Catherine Sak
Executive Director
Texas Downtown Association
From Melissa
I recently started a 40 minute commute and am using that time to check in on people with a phone call. In the past I have made excuses why folks probably don’t want to talk to me, they are probably busy it’s 5pm or it’s too early at 8:00 a.m. etc. However, I’m brave and have just been going for it. I figure if they don’t want to talk to me they won’t pick up the phone. So my challenge is each week call one new person even if for 5-10 minutes to say hello I’m thinking about you. Old friends, grandpa, my friends in hospital, etc. I have found that the more calls I do, the easier it gets to press call. It takes a friend to be a friend still rings true today. I’m hoping this small phone call is the chance to keep the connection and be able to invite folks over and share in person experiences too, but it has to start somewhere.
Melissa, an introvert who still needs people in her life.
Mt Ary MD
From Angela
You could also use Send Out Cards for this idea. Take a picture of a garden or business window and send out a card with the compliment.
Angela Bobier
Sent from my Bell Samsung device over Canada’s largest network.
Backus Page House Museum Tyrconnell Heritage Society
From Deb:
We had a random group of ladies that would drop off a wine bottle and note to a new friend/neighbor that was suggested to them. The group just kept growing and growing with each new name. Wine fairies they called themselves.
I wish we could bring back a new form of the Welcome Wagon idea. Maybe this is it.
