New Urbanism and Web 2.0

It occurred to me today that the reasons why more and more people are choosing new urbanism as the kind of community they want to live in is for much the same reasons why so many people are attracted to social media and web 2.0 technology.

We are social beings. We try our best to build barriers between one another but before long we eventually break them down.

In the 1950’s we built suburbs 30 miles from where we worked on the belief that our happiness was linked to driving big cars, mall shopping and lawn care.  The “people” factor was secondary.

Today we recognize how much richer, “greener” and satisfying our communities can be without long commutes. We’re rediscovering the joy of shopping locally for food and supplies.  Working and socializing in our community is not something to fear but something that can really enhance our lives - socially and financially.

Finding ways to attract more employers to our communities is now becoming a full-time community effort as we recognize that the sustainability of our communities depends on the social and commercial mix of our neighborhoods.

Community building is at the heart of new urbanism which is why I couldn’t wait to get a copy of a new publication called Instructions from the Cook: Recipes for New Conversations.  This book by George Nemeth and Jack Ricchiuto (two individuals you can follow on Twitter) looks at how “conversations” between people can build community and eliminate the misunderstandings that can cause fragmentation.

If you haven’t joined Twitter you should. Twitter is one of those web 2.0 technologies enabling conversations between people and nurturing a great mix of commercial and social chat. It’s the “virtual water cooler” for many who work at home and others as well.  The popularity of Twitter and a number of discussion forums on the web is rooted in the fact that real, breathing people want to share their thoughts, ideas, humor and fear with other real people everyday.

We congratulate each other on the birth of children and share condolences at the loss of a loved ones.  Thousands (if not millions) of people connect in this way regularly, almost without fail.  This is, IMO, a truly awesome concept and development in our modern lives.

We’ve found a way to make “cold, unfeeling techonlogy” very touchy feely much like we’ve done with our communities.  From the ‘burbs to new ‘urbs we’re rediscovering the gift and impact of conversation outside of our protected circles and the appreciation of being in community with each other.

Tags: Featured, New Urbanism, community, conversation, new urbanism, Twitter

The Leisureville Alarm - Meet the Author

Last week I reviewed nationally acclaimed and New York Times reviewed book, Leisureville. In today’s podcast I have an interview with the book’s author Andrew Blechman.

A former Los Angeles Times reporter, Andrew Blechman conducted the most in-depth research into the retirement community boom in America. These aren’t just small, benign communities dotting the landscape here and there…some will approach over 100,000 and they are big business for developers. One more thing…children are not allowed (not without special permission and a pass and they better not be there beyond 30 days over the course of the YEAR).

Most importantly we have to ask what message will this leave for the youth of today and tomorrow? How will they feel to be excluded in this way and what will that mean for us as we grow old? Will they continue to support our pension and old age benefits system?

This is a podcast for everyone to listen to and as Andrew points out, especially moms!

Tags: Featured, Podcast, Community, Leisureville, Moms, New York Times

Reality vs Fantasy - A Survey

This blog is all about the joys, challenges and opportunities of community life.  There is of course another community of which I’m a part and by extension so is this blog.  That’s the online community that includes bloggers, readers and the whole gamut of web 2.0 forums that help us to connect, interactively with one another.

In the spirit of connection I’m responding to a Blog Reader Challenge put on by Kelly McCausey of WAHMTalkRadio.  Kelly blogs over at WAHM2.0 on the Sparkplugging blog network. Yesterday she issued a challenge to bloggers asking for the community to blog about one or more topics listed in the challenge, including the following choice question:

What do you wish your kids would say to you?

Well…as my son enters his Junior year at high school and my daughter prepares for college, here’s what I wish my kids would say to me (the realist):

Son (as he arrives home from high school): Hi mom! I had a great day at school The assistance you gave me last night as I did my trigonometry homework was superb! You didn’t confuse me at all and I shall come to you always with my homework when I need to hear the voice of wisdom.

Daughter (as she returns to residence after class):  Hi Mom - I decided to call you long distance to tell you what a wonderful day I had!  My professors were so engaging - I can’t wait to get into my homework.  There is some freshman party tonight at the student pub that I have no interest in attending as, after all, I’m still underage and there may be drinking there.  Plus I don’t like  all the noise and raucous behavior that will distract me from my scholarly endeavors.  Anyhow, I love you and I kiss the picture of you and Dad every night before I go to sleep (after saying my prayers). Love you!

Okay, that about does it.  That’s what I’d like my kids to say to me

Tags: Featured, New Urbanism, college, Community, reality, teens, WAHM2.0

New Urbanism Developments Clashing with the Real Thing?

New urbanism is a nod to the past and an acknowledgment that we love to live in neighborhoods where we can stroll to the corner store, socialize with friends and family close to home, utilize public amenities and services that help us to live in an eco-friendly ways, and work in an office down the street or in our homes.

That’s the new urbanism dream in a very simple nutshell. Best of all it’s not just a dream anymore - we’re reshaping old cities and building new communities across the country that meet these goals.

There are, however, still many people who fear new urbanism because it’s not perfect. They worry that some of the new urbanism communities being developed are too “fake” looking. They worry that because many newly built “new urbanism” communities also attract big retailers that these communities will compete with the real thing (e.g., historic towns, urban city cores).

I don’t get it. Why the worry?

New urbanism isn’t just about the buildings, it is about a mindset. We should be happy that we have a growing segment of the population that simply wants people friendly communities. We should be overjoyed that developers and city planners are thinking of ways to make old and new communities equally eco-friendly. It’s hard to live a green lifestyle without some solid help and leadership from our community leaders and service organizations (like recycling services, etc.).

The new urbanism movement is making all of this possible.

One of my favorite OLD new urbanism cities is Montreal…take a look at this article heralding a recent new urbanism seminar there but also raising some of the same old concerns we always hear about…click here to read.

Tags: Featured, New Urbanism, community, Montreal, neighborhoods, new urbanism

Neighborly Chat - Try It

Are you one of those people who run hurriedly into the house/car/garage the minute you glance your neighbor next door?

It’s okay to admit your neighbor phobia because of course you’re not alone. But really do you think it would be that bad if you were to stop and talk for a minute?

I’m not being Mr. Rogers or anything but I happen to be married to a man who was not naturally the neighborly type. Before meeting me I think he believed neighbors were not of this world (or at least his).

Maybe he thought his hair might ignite if he spent 30 seconds talking to some of the people who live closest to us. Whatever it was, I got him out of it about 10 years ago and while he is no chatty Cathy he never ceases to amaze me with his knowledge of who moved in where and who’s getting work done on their house, etc.

The other morning he and I were sipping our coffee on the front porch when all of a sudden I heard “Hi C!”

I asked hubby who that was and he informed me that the voice was coming from our newest neighbor and it didn’t stop there. Hubby was able to tell me all sorts of interesting facts about our new neighbor’s love life and renovation plans (he’s engaged).

Even if you live on acres of land in a rural area, it’s still nice to have a neighbor in your vicinity to share a warm drink in the winter, or to call upon when you need a hand with something. City life and suburban life are truly better if you’re among acquaintances, instead of strangers. Don’t you agree?

Tags: Featured, New Urbanism, Your Home, community, garden, neighbor, new urbanism

Hard to Go Vegan on July 4th Weekend

I’ve been thinking about it and I’m not really certain that I can go vegan…yet. I’m pretty convinced by the argument that our modern means of keeping animals for slaughter and the slaughtering process itself contributes to our ill health and harms the environment. Hopefully with all this attention there will be an increasing effort to make the slaughtering process a more humane and eco-friendly necessity in our lives.

So while I’m a luke-warm meat eater (most of the year), come the July 4th weekend (well any major summer barbecue weekend) I become a very enthusiastic carnivore.

Across the nation as we gather in our communities to celebrate our love of country and neighbor there will be a few consistent elements drawing people together. Flags, music, fireworks, and…barbecued meat! Neighbors, children, grandparents–the whole, great cross section of your community will be gathered in parks to celebrate our nationhood together.

It helps to have the sweet smell of your favorite meats cooking. It’s an image and experience we cherish throughout our lives. Food cooked really well, outdoors for all the senses to enjoy.

So for those of you that are vegetarian or vegan my hats off to you. I’m sure you’re having as much fun as the next person during your July 4th holiday festivities.

I will think of you as I lick my fingers clean!

BBQ Ribs Southern Style:

4lbs country style pork ribs (trim the fat)

4 tbsp. lemon juice

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tsp. all purpose flour

3/4 cup Jack Daniels (or to taste)

1/2 ground mustard seeds

4 tbsp. Worcestshire sauce

1 1/2 tsp. Hot Sauce of your choice

Marinate ribs: place in a baking dish. Stir together lemon juice and flour until it is smooth. Add all other ingredients. Spread mixture over the ribs - make sure you turn over ribs to coat well. Marinate for 2 hours.

Grill: Place your marinated ribs over medium to hot coals and grill for about 1 hour. Mmmm!

Tags: Featured, Holidays, New Urbanism, barbecue, community, kids, moms

Graduation Joy

What makes our communities so special are the interests we share and the bonds that develop because of it. Don’t underestimate it. Those bonds help to shape your community in ways that can enhance your family’s development, build your career or business, and ultimately help the wider community at large.

Last night I witnessed how the love of community and friendship really shapes a young person for the future. Our eldest graduated from high school. Yes that was an emotional moment. Not only was my little baby graduating from the very school I graduated from more than 2 decades ago, but I saw in her and her friends the same joy, excitement and anticipation for the future that I had so long ago and carry with me to this day.

As the valedictorian for her class said “We’re at the peak of our lives!”. She encouraged her “sisters” to be kind and compassionate citizens of the world and to remember their training and preparation to be responsible and conscious women in a world that needs them.

This is a community of young women who are going to change the face of the world for the better - just like millions of other young people around the world.

As I looked at my daughter hugging her girlfriends with all her might, I felt joy in the community she was blessed to be part of during her 4 years of high school and such appreciation for the common bond they built that was not only about themselves but about all that they plan to give as loving people and stewards of this world.

Congratulations to Hannah Jane and the SJMP Graduating Class of 2008!

Tags: Education, Family Life, Featured, New Urbanism, community, education, graduation, high school

Our Town: Pictures and Music

This morning I read once again an article that highlighted a reporter’s misperception about new urbanism. He explained how new urbanist communities are the ideal communities for those who want to live the green lifestyle but that “most people” can’t afford to live in these communities. Every time I read this I have to sigh.

New urbanism communities are not just new constructed high end communities or re-developments in costly areas of the city. New urbanism is also a lifestyle and a mindset. It is about examining how we live together in community with one another and how we can adjust our city or town policies and guidelines to enhance our social and physical environments. If anything, new urbanism is about making communities more accessible to a variety of income earners. Many new developments are specifically designed to give opportunity for healthy, green living to low and middle income residents.

Yesterday we celebrated our annual village festival which actually started out almost 40 years ago as an act of protest and activism against development that would have torn out the soul of our old community and made us a useless bedroom community with no purposeful commercial or artistic center to encourage residents to work and play where they live. These guiding objectives help to cut environmentally costly commutes and encourages people to be engaged and supportive of green living, small business and safe community initiatives. We all benefit from that.

Thanks to our act of protest decades ago we now have a thriving social and commercial center that supports safe and healthy lifestyles for families and and makes it easier for people who want to work at home or close to home.

Yesterday’s festival attracted upwards of 50,000 people from our outlying rural areas and the huge metropolitan city to the south of us.

It’s an event that just about everyone looks forward to because of the friends we’re able to connect with in the community, the activities for the kids and the fabulous food, arts and crafts that are available for purchase or barter!

Rather than ramble on about how great the Unionville Festival was I thought I’d just show some pictures from our event and remind you once again what a benefit it is to our families, our businesses and social life to celebrate and make a big deal about where we live - that attitude transformed our sleepy bedroom community into a vital new urbanism center.

Here’s a picture to give you an idea of the size of the crowd filling our Main St. during the festival. The street is closed for the day.

This festival isn’t just about browsing it’s about entertainment too. Click on the video link below to get a small taste of an amazing teen named Rob Christian. Rob performs all over the country but he’s a native of our region and it was a thrill to have him again at our annual festival. I’m sure we’ll hear more about this talented musician in the years to come:

Young Jazz Talent at Unionville Festival 2008

One of my husband’s favorite activities is buying food–especially his favorite hot sauce from a vendor who is also at our weekly farmer’s market.

On our Main St. we also have beautiful heritage homes so garden and house gazing is a nice activity too. Here’s a friendly home owner waving at this paparazzi!

Tags: Featured, New Urbanism, Community, Work at Home

Finding Business Success Close to Home

Whether you have a successful online business or are just exploring the potential, you’ll want to listen to this week’s program. We’ll be interviewing a mom who has worked online for a few years as a marketer but is only now expanding her business locally and is having great success.

Her success has been so positive for her bank account that she was able to make the decision to leave her full time job. Patrysha Korchinski of PK Marketing Solutions will share her tips and insight on what it takes to expand an online business to serve the needs of your local community.

Also in today’s program…the secret phrase that you’ll need to win the 8 gig iPod as part of the Mom’s Talk Radio May contest. Click here for more details.

Other mom owned businesses that I think will inspire you:

Internet Based Moms

Multi Media VA

Chele’s Treasures

.

Tags: Featured, New Urbanism, Podcast, entrepreneurs, community, new urbanism

A Champion Like Brad

Hurricane Katrina devastated the lives of thousands of people in New Orleans especially the Lower Ninth Ward. This tragedy was something we’ll never forget. Not just because of the devastation and terrible emergency response, but also for the coming together of community advocates to help rebuild communities throughout the hurricane ravaged area.

This event shows what a community can do or what a handful of people can do for a community. Today’s post picture features Brad Pitt talking about rebuilding homes for displaced residents in the lower Ninth Ward through is non-profit group Make it Right.

What Brad Pitt has set out to do is to raise funds and support to help provide the difference between displaced residents’ assets and the cost of rebuilding their home. He’s got amazing architects and planners on board and the plan is to rebuild a sustainable, green community that I hope will be a great model for other communities.

What really moves me about this story is the momentum that one or a few people can bring to a situation. Sure this BRAD PITT movie star, but he is also Brad concerned citizen. Look in your groups and communities and you’ll likely find that one person or group that is always there making a difference.

Yesterday I popped into one of my favorite sites Brewed Fresh Daily (a regionally focused blog) and saw a call out for folks to visit and support a locally owned book store coming on hard times. The poster highlighted books and items that one might want to purchase at an upcoming “Rent Party” for the store. That’s a community coming together and those are the actions that make us feel alive and a part of a community that needs and benefits from our care.

So are you a champion for your community?

Tags: Featured, New Urbanism, Brad Pitt, Community