It was a fun way to start a Friday. 80 people joined the Near and Dear event starting at the Brantford Public Library and heading out to explore the downtown core. The day is all about learning about each other, sharing stories about our community, and having ...

That’s What It’s All About I have been thinking recently about how space can be created or modified to create an opportunity for people to slow down and connect. These Hokey Pokey dance steps create that in Chattanooga, TN. It creates an opportunit...

I had just arrived in Chattanooga and it was a sunny warm beautiful Easter Sunday. After dropping my bags at the hotel, I walked to the park on the river front. There was a couple sitting on a bench in the park and the guy was holding a baseball. I asked if he...

Steamy hot pizza is on display in the front window of Golden Boy Pizza. My mouth waters looking at the varieties of delicious pizza that are available, but I also see the line of 10 – 15 people waiting to get in the door. The pizza at this North Beach fi...

In the Southwest neighbourhood of Philadelphia, the Southwest CDC publishes the Globe Times. This local paper has been “bringing good news to the people” since 1945. One of the features is highlighting and sharing stories of one of the many neighbourhood b...

With multiple flight cancellations, I had time to study the contents of this unusual vending machine. This is a SouveNear machine at the Cincinnati Airport. A wide variety of items from colouring books to earrings to T-shirts all made by local artists are for ...

Bob Dylan once said that masterpieces of art should be in diners, gas stations and in the places that are part of our daily lives. At the coffee shop and bakery near where I was staying in Napa they are encouraging the creation of masterpieces on your napkins....

Prior to Valentines Day, a team I was with hosted a community art/ craft night several years ago. The group made hundreds of homemade Valentines. On Valentines Day we met at a busy transit stop and gave them away and sang love songs. The team had learned about...

A couple of years ago I stopped at Wallace, Idaho, population 784 for gas and food. The town seemed unique from the start as the interstate seemed to built above the small town. The people in the town were so welcoming. I met Ray in line at a grocery store. He...

Welcomed Like a Long Lost Friend Last week after a meeting I explored several shops in an Eastside neighbourhood. Renzullo’s Food Market was one of the places I visited. It is an Italian deli that has fresh sandwiches, full coffee bar, community table, a...