Recently I spent a couple of days with groups of veterans in Chicago. Each of them are exploring how to build a supportive community around veterans.There were so many things that struck me from this trip and the conversations that I had with them. I am deeply...

“Borrow A Human” I have been learning so much about how libraries are helping to build connected caring communities. I was at a writing workshop at my local library and saw that I could have borrowed a human. I had heard about this but had never ac...

This was the dreary scene as I listened to the flight attendant introduce himself as the plane was leaving Newark. He said he was born and raised in Brooklyn and was very committed to making sure that each and every one of us had a good flight. He went beyond...

  I have been noticing some great community spaces recently. One of the most inspiring was The Porch at Boulevard. I discovered “The Porch” while hiking around Bellingham, WA. It was created by friends of Mark Witter. Mark loved his slow bike ...

When you are talking gifts and about the things you care about, know a lot about and like to do, it’s pretty hard not to smile! The conversations in Pembroke, ON were inspiring and so exciting to see new partnerships formed and plans made. Thank you Communit...

Where Will We Post The Great Photos? At one of the recent conversations focusing on innovation, we discussed planning backwards. Our journey may seem difficult and there will be challenges but as we plan, let’s start at the end. Our great “hike&#82...

At a planning session for a new development in my neighbourhood, much attention was focused on preserving the facades of the older smaller buildings that have been around for many years. The new developments will be added to the the existing structure that wil...

  A burst of sunshine in Yellow Springs Ohio is the Little Free Pantry hosted by the First Presbyterian Church of Yellow Springs. There is a great variety of food and they take  requests. It also seems to serve as a neighbourhood gathering point. What a...

My amazing Dad has run his own service station for 47 years as of last month! He’s on the right and our friend and part of our family, Jim is  on the left. Their story started when Jim was a high school student working in the building when Dad took over...

What Are Your Hidden Gifts? Often when we think of our gifts and assets, we think of big things such as being a volunteer at community centre or coordinating a knitting club. However, there are often other things we overlook that are a part of who we are, but ...