Little House on the Prairie - A Lesson in Community Development

Each weeknight CTS (Crossroads Television System) broadcasts episodes of Little House on the Prairie, which I enjoy watching with my daughter Rachael. In tonight's episode, The Pride of Walnut Grove, the town's school board sponsors Mary's trip to Minneapolis, where she is selected to compete in a statewide mathematics competition.

In order to combat Pa's pride, Mr. Hanson and Ms. Beedle convince him that the trip is an important opportunity for the community - "How often do we get a chance to see Walnut Grove in the paper?" Mr. Hanson asks.

Mary's trip to the city was positioned as an important development and promotional opportunity for Walnut Grove. And the community pride displayed when Mary returns home with the second place prize helps define the culture of the pioneer town. Walnut Grove prides itself on perseverance, dedication, hard work, and community support.

Little House on the Prairie reruns, now 35 years old, air at 7 p.m. Check them out. They are great lessons in community development.

South Side of Colborne Street Brantford Saved!

As the demolition of 41 buildings along a three block stretch of Colborne street in Brantford draws nearer, the 1,600 followers of the Facebook site Save the South Side of Colborne Street need to be congratulated for their determination. Although they won't change the minds of City Council or stop the bulldozers, they have through their tireless advocacy 'saved' the south side.

In just a few short weeks, the group has raised more awareness, assembled more research, and contributed more historical documentation in support of this stretch of buildings than has probably been accumulated during the lifetime of the structures. Their collective work will not go unnoticed, and will help to set the standard in Brantford and other communities for defining inclusive processes for community development, especially where built heritage is concerned.

Although I personally feel that clearing the way for new development is the best option for Brantford at this time, I have a great deal of respect for the heritage of our communities, and the dedicated and devoted that work tirelessly to preserve it.

Learning Through the Arts Creates Recycled Fashions in Niagara Region Schools

Niagara Region artist Angie Geiss, through her In the Orchard art program, has found a way to keep discarded clothing from the dumpster. In partnership with Niagara schools and Salvation Army thrift stores, Geiss works with students to create wearable, recycled fashions, according to this article in the St. Catharines Standard. Jeans, sweaters, shoes, scarves, handbags and much more are transformed under the guidance of area artists as part of this innovative program. Look for this Learning Through the Arts Initiative, with support from the Ontario Arts Council, to be exhibited in the Niagara Region soon.