I tend to frequent the small independent coffee shops… except for when I am in Wisconsin Rapids. I usually go to the McDonalds as it is one of the friendliest “coffee shops.” I must not be the only one to know this, as it is often bustling with conversation and activity. Yesterday I pulled in and drove completely around the parking lot and found the last vacant spot. As I entered a gentleman opened the door for me and welcomed me there. As I sat with my oatmeal and coffee I saw a lady with a pot of coffee asking if we needed a refill. She explained to me that it was United Way Day at McDonalds, a partnership that has existed in this town for over 30 years. I told her I was amazed by the crowd and she said it will be like this all day long. She also told me about some creative ways that were building partnerships with many local groups and citizens to build on what is going well in the area and address what citizens would like to see and specially around some difficult issues like poverty and homelessness.