The Library will be closed on Saturday, July 3, 2010, for repair work in the atrium. The Library will also be closed on Sunday, July 4, 2010. Enjoy the holiday weekend with family, neighbors and friends. Look for the Library in the Des Plaines 4th of July Parade!
Holidays and traditions bring us together as a community. While on Facebook recently, I noticed a list titled, "How To Build Community." It originated with the Syracuse Cultural Workers (according to their Website) in 1998. I can't help but think it would be a great starting place for this community, Des Plaines, IL - a catalyst, a conversation-starter, something to engage the imagination and reenergize this city to reach its full potential. Read the list and let me know what you think. What would you add to the list?
How To Build Community
Turn off your TV
Leave your house
Know your neighbors
Look up when you are walking
Greet people
Sit on your stoop
Plant Flowers
Use your library
Play together
Buy from local merchants
Share what you have
Help a lost dog
Take children to the park
Garden Together
Support Neighborhood Schools
Fix it even if you didn't break it
Have Pot Lucks
Honor Elders
Pick Up Litter
Read Stories Aloud
Dance in the Street
Talk to the Mail Carrier
Listen to the Birds
Put up a Swing
Help Carry Something Heavy
Barter For Your Goods
Start A Tradition
Ask A Question
Hire Young People for Odd Jobs
Organize a Block Party
Bake Extra and Share
Ask For Help When You Need It
Open Your Shades
Sing Together
Share Your Skills
Take Back the Night
Turn Up The Music
Turn Down The Music
Listen Before You React To Anger
Mediate A Conflict
Seek To Understand
Learn From New And Uncomfortable Angles
Know That No One is Silent Though Many Are Not Heard
Work To Change This
Have a wonderful, safe, uplifting 4th of July holiday.
One of the ways to get to know your neighbors is to open your drapes or curtains, and let your cat sit in the window. It's amazing how many people, especially kids, stop and look at "the kitty" in the window. Maggie, our gray and brown tabby, is very friendly and thinks anyone who stops by, passes the window, reads the electric meter, or delivers a pizza is her best friend!
ReplyDeleteI know this is true because most of the lengthy conversations I have had with my neighbors have resulted from me wanting to play with their dogs for awhile! There's nothing like a friendly pet to coax out a smile and a hello.
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