Willimantic, Now & Then
JUNE BISANTZ
When I consider the things that make a good community, I'm impressed with how many of those things already exist in Willimantic – diverse neighborhoods, beautiful old architecture, the ability to walk or bike everywhere, unique local celebrations like the Boom Box Parade, lots of artists, friendly people, an arts center, a natural foods co-op and even an art supply store. What more could anyone ask for? I love Willimantic just as it is.
There is always the future to consider, however, and growth and change. I’d like to see the creative thinking that already goes on here manifest itself in even more concrete and observable ways. For example, a town-sponsored arts council (instead of a non-profit arts center) which could generate funding for public art projects to enliven our streets. Meeting places where people could gather, talk and play music. More ways for Willimantic’s already substantial creative community to connect with, characterize and shape Willimantic as a center for art, self-expression and creativity. I think this is surely the way for communities like ours to build a bright future – and something Willimantic is uniquely poised to take advantage of.
For my community, I resolve to make the choice consciously whether to use the energy-consuming modern ways, or whether the old-fashioned human-powered method might suffice.
I am not talking about “It was good enough for my father, it’s good enough for me.” I am talking about an honest and thoughtful look at how we use our resources.
A Few Modest Resolutions from the Community
The New Year is upon us. 2008! Remember when 1984 was a literary prophecy too far in the future to take seriously?
This year – what with the climate change predictions, the Democrats thumbing their noses at us, and the war, of course, grinding on past any rationale that may ever have existed – seems like a good year to think about resolutions.
I am thinking about “Community Resolutions,” which I think means changes that need to happen to make our communities more sustainable. What can I do to make this a better community?
By Mark Svetz
SARAH WINTER
I resolve to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in my governance that the election of the Bottom Line affords us in Willimantic. I resolve to attend selectmen's meetings and report on them via Neighbors Paper.
I am completely frustrated by our national representatives willingness to suck up to a lame duck, illegal and unpopular administration. Again and again they vote to fund his deeply immoral policies at the expense of our country and the world. Challenging our government seems beyond the power of the people anymore. The federal government is so entwined with corporate interests that to have my voice heard appears impossible.
Time, money, energy, climate change: They are all related, I think. After all, we work more hours to sustain our ‘lifestyle’ than any humans in history. A little thought to how we spend our money seems appropriate.
The snow blower may make clearing the sidewalk easier, until you think about how many hours you have to work to pay for it. Then, shoveling away that snow may seem a little easier. Plus a shovel is not so repulsive to others. Easier to stop and have a conversation with the passerby!
As I think about this resolution, I am aware that we are not going to turn the clock back. But, it may turn out that all this stuff we work so hard to buy, might be good for the corporation that sold it to us, but it isn’t necessarily good for us.
So, I am resolving to, for example, walk when I can, ride my bike when I have to and drive only when absolutely necessary. I will talk to my friends face to face when I can, rather than e-mail them.
I have come to believe – and this resolution reflects that belief – we have all become slaves to our “labor-saving” technology. It is time, I think, to give it all a second thought. Not to throw it all away. We all know about the baby and the bath water. Rather, I would have us all think about it again.
That is my resolution.
With all that in mind I have asked a few friends to write their Community Resolutions. What I have is resolutions from three thoughtful people whose ideas have appeared in this column during the past year.
So, I hope you enjoy!
I have come to the conclusion that the true power of the people is a local power, in our own towns and communities. Many towns have "signed" the Kyoto accords, for instance, while others have passed impeachment resolutions. Some towns have taken the social step of making Internet access available to all with town wide hosting of high speed internet.
Since the election of the Bottom Line and Jean deSmet I have felt a window opening. Fresh air of possibility is stirring in our town. I want to work to keep the window open and resolve to attend regular selectmen's meetings and report on them to my neighbors via Neighbors Paper.
All I have to do is go out at night and do it. Yikes, wish me luck!
LINDA WEISS
I believe the place to begin when thinking about community is: What can I contribute as an individual? What can I offer up? I think everyone can contribute in some way – however grand or small – unique to that person. Participation and connection with each other is what fills the soul. A sense of belonging comes with offering up a part of ourselves – our good work – to the world. Those small connections are what build pathways between us.
If each person offered up a particular effort, think how vibrant and connected our community would be. I long for more celebration, events that connect our spirits with imagination and inspiration.
So, for this year I will offer up more moments of celebration. This might take the form of organizing a sustainable living festival, having friends over for cob-oven pizza, creating storyscapes for the community, create a group that looks at celebration in our culture/our community...and form ways to celebrate with others that are meaningful to us. My wish is for more moments like these.
My imagination sees a soul-filled community with rich, diverse, celebratory communication that inspires us to live with deeper meaning and connection. I hope I find more people that want to take the time to celebrate!
Mark Svetz and Sarah Winter own Clothworks, a shop on Church Street in Downtown Willimantic, where they make and sell clothing and bags.
June Bisantz teaches Digital Art and Graphic Design at Eastern Connecticut State University. She has a string of public art pieces to her credit that have delighted the community.
Linda Weiss lives with her husband, Randy, and daughter, Emma, in Chaplin. She has studied Nursing, Massage and other healing arts, because the community needs these skills.
Solar Fest
WILLIMANTIC –JANUARY, 2008
