Your Local Neighborhood Community Builders: Who are They and What do They Mean to Your Place?
Not too long ago, I wanted to write a post about “your local neighborhood gaslighter.” This was in response to a heated conversation with a commercial property owner in my Pittsburgh neighborhood. When I approached him about upkeep issues, he said things like “You’re lucky to have me here,” and “You don’t know how good you have it compared to what it used to be like.” I had a whole post planned in my head as I realized gaslighting occurs in all sorts of situations. But I’ve learned that it’s draining to spend time reacting to someone else’s unbecoming behavior.
Instead, I want to take a few minutes to write about “your local neighborhood community builders.” Every place has community builders. Some hold formal leadership positions. Others make community life more delightful through informal neighborly gestures. Two such people in Pittsburgh’s South Side are Joe and Kim. They’re parking lot attendants for a local hospital system. Joe generally works the first shift and Kim works the second. My wife and I have come to call their station the “Snack Shack” because they dole out treats to the neighborhood dogs. We’ve been dropping by during our walks for about two years and have never walked away without a smile on our faces and the dogs’ bellies full of treats. And we’re not the only ones. Joe told me recently that there are close to 40 dogs on his list.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that seeing Joe and Kim is a daily highlight for dozens of people and their pups. They don’t even live on the South Side, but they’ve become part of the community fabric. Community life is just a little bit better with them here. I’m in awe when I think about all the relationships that have grown out of their decision to say hello and hand out biscuits.
Did you notice the photo at the top of the post? Last week, they gave us some goodies for Christmas. It was gesture (out of their own pockets) that made a heartfelt impression on us. We’re reminded of their kindness with every squeak of the new toy. Thank you, Joe and Kim, for adding a simple daily enjoyment to our lives on the South Side.
So who are your local neighborhood community builders? How do they make a difference in your town? I’d love to know. More importantly, I hope you’ll let them know how they’re a positive force in your community.
Current Cycle Forward Projects
Central Ohio Greenways Trail Town Framework development. I’m excited to be working in central Ohio to explore how a trail town program can be implemented there. More on this soon!
United States Forest Service 10-Year Shared Stewardship Trail Challenge. I’ve been partnering with American Trails to help the Eastern Region implement the challenge. The Forest Service has the largest trail system in the U.S. and finding ways to effectively steward them is important.
Gravel riding research for a Pennsylvania client. I’m working a light schedule over the holidays but have carved out some time for this (my “fun” project for the holiday week). If you are aware of any recent articles or research on the gravel market, please let me know.
Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition midway assessment. This multi-state trail coalition formalized in 2013. I actually staffed the effort at the time and occasionally provide consulting services to the group. I was recently asked to lead an assessment of the effort’s success to date.
Happy Solstice and Happy Holidays from Cycle Forward! Thanks so much for being part of this community and for all you do for your trails and places.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Amy
PS - I’m doing a Deciding on Trails book giveaway next week. Anyone who signs up for this newsletter in December (or shares it with their network) will be included in the drawing. If you share the newsletter with others, let me know that you did.