We Are Neighbors

  In the heart of Colorado Springs, a bold initiative has taken root: the ambitious goal to host 1000 block parties across the city. This initiative isn't just about throwing parties; it's a concerted effort to strengthen community bonds, foster neighborhood camaraderie, and promote unity among residents. I recently visited Colorado Springs for 10 days and witnessed firsthand the transformative power of these gatherings and their potential for that city. First, the goal of 1000 block parties represents a commitment to building a more connected community. In a world where digital connections often overshadow face-to-face interactions, these gatherings provide a vital opportunity for neighbors to come together, share stories, and build meaningful relationships. Whether it's chatting over a barbecue grill, joining forces in a game of street soccer, or simply enjoying live music under the stars, block parties create spaces where friendships can flourish and bonds can deepen. Mo

  I went back to my hometown on July 20, 2024, for the 40th anniversary of my high school class. There were 52 graduates from Ash Grove High School in 1984. It was great seeing 22 classmates, telling stories, and catching up. I grew up in Ash Grove from the 1960s to the 1980s. I managed a newspaper in Willard during the early 1990s. I have lived in Republic since 2002. I can confirm that these towns have changed in the last 30 to 15 years. “You Can’t Go Home Again” is a book written by Thomas Wolfe. In it, he tells the story of an author who returns home only to discover that the town residents are mad at him because they see themselves in some of his stories. Then he writes this famous line: “Back home to time and memory which cannot be recaptured.” No matter how detailed or pleasant my memories are about the friendly small town experience of growing up in Ash Grove, things have changed. The town has changed because people have changed. Those lazy, hazy days of the 1980s can never be

  Once every five weeks I take our family dog Otis to the Mutt Hutt in Republic for his grooming. Otis always comes back looking great, smelling better, and in a good mood after playing with the other dogs. Dog grooming can be rather expensive,   but   I’m told   that the clients don’t always sit still. And there is also barking involved,   and   client snacks   and an occasional potty   clean up when the clients get to playing too hard! If I post a photo of Otis and his new haircut, friends far and wide comment on how cute he looks. At   home after a grooming,  family members make a fuss over Otis telling him he looks great. Now contrast this to my   own   experience after a visit to get my haircut in Republic. Every five weeks, I sit patiently in the chair , I   never make a mess,   and   my barber never has to give me   treats! But,   I do leave happy. Ironically, when I post pictures of myself with a new   haircut,   I get no notice. No one comments about me being a doll, adorable,

  In a business or even our personal lives, innovation or improvement often fails for the wrong reason. It is not that the idea is bad. It is just that the idea never had a chance. Our crazy busy lives are killing our innovation and causing us to be unreceptive to new ideas in our personal lives and our businesses. How many times have you seen a great idea at work bubble up, and even be met with excitement, only to have it die because no one had time for it after the brainstorming session. When we have packed schedules already, new projects simply die when we try to add them to existing workloads. That is why I advocate the creation of “stop doing” lists. It is not an idea unique to me. I first learned about this idea in the book “Crazy Busy,” by Kevin Deyoung, but has since seen others reference it as well. Most of our work schedules do not have free time – especially if we have been at that place of work very long. Adding new activities without eliminating other tasks is a good way t