Earlier this month I joined in Community 2022, a group formed about ten years ago by my amazingly wise and spark-filled friend, Fred Miller, CEO of The Kaleel Jamison Consulting, based here in Troy, NY. There are about 40 of us, ranging in age from early 20's to near 90, from throughout the US and several other countries, of various professional fields and interests, who have promised to gather one weekend every August until the year 2022 to share the unfolding journeys of our lives. We "check in" about highs and lows since last year, discuss topics of interest, and chill (there's a communal Electric Slide and a "talent/no-talent" show on Saturday night :)) This year's "world conversation" topic was "what does it mean to be local?" I thought about that as I jogged this morning, down Park Boulevard, down Middleburgh, past dreary looking School 2 (wishing there were sunflowers planted all around to welcome kids back to school), right turn onto the 8th Street bike path (which sorely needs some love -- repaving, garbage cans, perhaps bikes to borrow, a water fountain?), up through the Martin Luther King projects, down Oakwood, past the lovely pavilion and fountain, then the sprawling Frear Park golf course -- and it struck me how vastly different the quality of life is for so many people who are my neighbors. Think Global. Act Local. I will meet with the new principal of School 2 tomorrow to find out how I can be a better neighbor this year and I will find out which Troy City Council Committee handles Parks and Rec and find out when their next meeting is so I can voice my hopes for the 8th Street Bike Path which would be such a good thing for School 2 and kids at the "Kings." If I recall correctly, we taxpayers spent $50,000 on a new sprinkler system for the golf course this year. I think it's time we focused on the other side of the neighborhood. Spark.
AuthorFirefly ideas often spark on my morning runs. I am posting them here on this new blog page for inspiration. Maybe they will *spark* an idea for you, too. Archives
May 2015
Categories |