Your Community Circle

Anyone who knows me knows that you're probably not going to find me on most social networking sites. Well, I'm converting. Maybe it's just because I work for the originator, but Google has announced a new social media tool that I think actually captures (and harnesses) the democratic spirit of the internet.

Read more about Google+.

Virtual community building that actually translates into meaningful and productive real-world relationship? I think it might just be so...

On Location: Mackinaw Island

Mackinaw Island, Michigan

Today marks the final day of the Mackinaw Policy Conference during which policymakers and business people from the state of Michigan convened (as the name suggests) on Mackinaw Island to discuss strategies for bolstering the state's economy through both legislative and entrepreneurial approaches. 

In celebration of people coming together to strengthen our community, I am (finally) posting photos from my own trip to Mackinaw Island, May 10-13. But first, a couple of important details:

• Mackinaw Island is located between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan and, as with any island, you must take a ferry to get there. 
• Cars are not permitted on the island (though we did spot a police truck escorting a large construction vehicle during our visit). Instead, horse-drawn buggies, bikes, and foot power are the main forms of transportation.
• The island is best known as a hopping tourist destination during the summer, but people do live there year round, receiving supplies by ship.
• Though the island was the nation's second national park, it no longer maintains this federal designation and instead a large part of the island is a state park.
• The island was the home of the first battle in the War of 1812.
• Doud's Market on the main street is Michigan's oldest family owned grocery store (established 1884). 

Michigan's Oldest Family Owned Grocery

Police Bike Parking

Dream Greenhouse Nestled in the Woods

Fort Mackinaw

Mackinaw Island Beach Front

"Mighty Mac" Mackinaw Island Bridge

Arch Rock

View from Atop Arch Rock

How To Build Community

Contrary to popular belief, I have not disappeared off the face of this earth. Rather, I've been quite busy with about a month of unexpected travel. You see, I've gotten a new job at Google which begins the first week of June. My last day at my former job was May 6 so I've had some time to visit Traverse City, explore Mackinaw Island, travel to upstate New York, and take in the scenery in Amish country of Ohio. 

Though plenty of lengthy updates about these exploits are to come (as well as some much needed garden work and blogging), I wanted to share this image of a poster spotted hanging in a small coffee shop in Burton, Ohio where I'm currently located. In case it's hard to read, I've included the text at the bottom.

Though some of these make me roll my eyes (e.g. listen to the birds, sing together), others give me some good ideas. In fact, I'm bringing back some Amish recipes and baking supplies which I think I'll share with the neighbors...

So, for now I'll conclude with a commitment to post more details and photos of my travels soon and the hope that the rain lets up tomorrow afternoon so I can plant some cabbages after I get back in town.

Transcription of the image text:

How to Build Community

• Turn off your TV
• Leave your house
• Know your neighbors
• Look up when you are walking
• Greet people
• Sit on your stoop
• Plant flowers
• Use your library
• Play together
• Buy from local merchants
• Share what you have
• Help a lost dog
• Take children to the park
• Garden together
• Support neighborhood schools
• Fix it even if you didn't break it
• Have pot lucks
• Honor elders
• Pick up litter
• Read stories aloud
• Dance in the street
• Talk to the mail carrier
• Listen to the birds
• Put up a swing
• Help carry something heavy
• Barter for your goods
• Start a tradition
• Ask questions
• Hire young people for odd jobs
• Organize a block party
• Bake extra and share
• Ask for help when you need it
• Open your shades
• Sing together
• Share your skills
• Take back the night
• Turn up the music
• Turn down the music
• Listen before you react to anger
• Mediate a conflict
• Seek to understand
• Learn from new and uncomfortable angels
• Know that no on is silent, though many are not heard - work to change this

Seed Starting: Round #4

On Sunday, May 1, I started my second to last batch of seeds:

• Serge garden peas
• Pioneer shelling peas
• Eureka cucumbers
• Marketmore cucumbers
• Burpee pickler cucumbers

I was hesitant to start peas since these are best direct sown into the ground. However, we weren't sure when we were going to be able to get into and work in our community garden plot where I plan to plant these guys. So, because peas are cool weather crops and tend to be done by mid-June when the weather gets too warm for them, I wanted to be on the safe side and start a few, giving them a head start in case we can't get into our garden for a while. The main reason for my caution is that I really want a lot of peas for freezing. They make such a wonderful (and easy) side dish throughout the year and they don't take up much freezer space. Just a winning preservation crop all around!

I am also very excited about the cucumbers. Supposedly these vining vegetables are prolific, but that's never been my experience. In years past, the cucumbers we planted from seed in our community garden plot have always been first ravaged by cucumber beetles in their early stages and then killed by a powdery mildew. So, again in my attempt at preemptive vigilance, we are starting cucumber seedlings and planting those seedlings in our newly constructed raised beds on the side of our house.

I'm glad there's only one more round of seeds to start (squash and zucchini this Saturday) because it means it's almost time to plant! Though spring has somehow passed over us and we've gotten very few gorgeous mid-60s days, I am ready for summer and the harvest it brings.

It's Catching On...

For all those who like to be early adopters, it looks like time is running out to jump on the "grow your own produce" hay wagon. The other day, Josh and I saw this sign outside an apartment building on Jackson Road.

So, if you simply must be the first of your friends to do something, better start with a garden this summer! Not sure where to begin? I'd love to offer whatever help I can. Leave a comment with your inquiry and I'll certainly respond.