30/01/2024
Talk about an intelligent idea!
Hello all!
After two years of owning this building, I still feel the space is underutilized. We are closed two days out of the week and I would like to offer something to the community.
I feel there is a disconnect that needs to be addressed. Globally for sure, but I can't do anything about that. I can try and help my neighbors, however.
I like to be proactive as opposed to reactive and was motivated to organize something after I saw the garden meme attached to this post. Originally it was all about sharing veggies, then it grew to become something a little bit more.
I've been thinking a lot about our seniors these days and their well-being. What if the grid goes down? We need to have a system in place to be able to check in with our neighbors, offline. Sure, we can organize garden shares too. And find babysitters and handymen and maybe someone to shovel for our elderly neighbor after the big storm.
It doesn't have to be all doom and gloom, I see it as taking the place of the neighborhood "block party". My dream is that we have neighbors in each district who can facilitate and spearhead agendas with no narrative other than to keep everyone connected. (By no means will this be affiliated with any religious or political organization. I truly want it to be social and fun.)
A little about me, I was a founding member of the bi-partisan group "REPRESENT US" in Madison and truly believe in engaging the community in becoming more self-sufficient and connected with their neighbors. For a short period of time, I was a neighborhood representative in the SASY area on Madison's east side. We met at a community center called the Goodman Center each month to discuss things going on in our collective neighborhoods. I realize we don't have designated neighborhoods "per se", but thought we could break these "neighborhood gatherings" into Sturgeon Bay's 7 districts.
Connecting with neighbors monthly will give everyone an opportunity to check-in with each other in person, and get the lowdown on current issues or to answer questions or concerns that arise. Marsha Rummell was the SASY neighborhood alderperson and she was at every monthly meeting taking notes and bringing our concerns back to the city. She was a fantastic watchdog. If she couldn't be there she'd read over our minutes and act accordingly. I've invited the 7 alderpeople to attend our meetings.
The following times have been blocked out for district meetings at drömhus.
First Monday
Districts 1 & 2
District 1: 5:30-7
District 2: 7-8:30
FIRST TUESDAY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Second Monday
Districts 3 & 4
District 3: 5:30-7
District 4: 7-8:30
Second Tuesday
Districts 5 & 6
District 5: 5:30-7
District 6: 7-8:30
Fourth Monday
District 7
District 7: 5:30-7
I realize I have a small place, and expect that initially we'd have a smaller turnout. My dream is that it becomes something bigger, and perhaps we could utilize our city parks/buildings to meet should this turn into a larger affair. Maybe other larger local businesses would like to host once the ball gets rolling.
I wish to start Monday, April 1st. That gives everyone time to get the word out and get organized.
I will provide cookies and coffee and the space, you do the work.
The good news is that two Alderpeople have reached out expressing interest and I've heard from several community members that this is an endeavor that is sorely needed.
Here are the 7 districts.
https://cms9files.revize.com/sturgeonbaywi/Community/maps/2023%20City%20District%20Map%20%203.14.23.pdf
Let's see what happens.
Spread the word.
Tack sa mycket!
Heather
