Why is it important to restore a derelict one-room school building, no longer in use? A recent article in a student publication gave a worthwhile answer: “They are part of our heritage. They are a symbol of a community. A place where people came together, where the next generation was educated, a place where adults and children formed strong bonds with their neighbors.” That quote captures exactly why these simple structures still matter. One-room schools were more than places of learning. They were the heart of rural communities. For decades, these buildings hosted spelling bees, Christmas programs, pie socials, and school board meetings. They were places where farm kids received their first glimpse of the wider world, and where neighbors gathered in times of joy and sorrow. Today, many of these buildings sit vacant and crumbling—weathered by time, forgotten by progress. And yet, they hold an irreplaceable piece of Missouri’s story. Restoring a one-room schoolhouse is not just abo...

  It all started with a folding table and a dream. I decided to host a potluck in our garage—because nothing says “community” like a plastic table next to a weed whacker and a half-deflated beach ball.  But in our small suburban town, where the biggest excitement last week was the garbage truck backing into a mailbox, this potluck had the potential to become the social event of the season. First, I printed some invitations (read: scribbled notes on sticky pads) and walked door-to-door like a middle-aged Paul Revere shouting, “Bring a dish and a chair!” People were intrigued. A few asked if this was one of those pyramid food schemes. Others wanted to know if there would be Jell-O salad. (Of course. What kind of operation do you think I'm running?) The day arrived. I swept the garage, shoved the lawn mower behind an old quilt, and strung up some Christmas lights I forgot to take down in 2019. Our suburban garage was transformed into a cozy, slightly flammable banquet hall. Neigh...

In today’s world, it might feel like people are more divided than ever. Turn on the news or scroll through social media, and it seems like everyone is arguing—especially about politics. But there’s a surprising and simple way to bring people together: get to know your neighbors. When neighbors build trust and relationships with each other, amazing things can happen. Political differences seem smaller. People feel less lonely. Communities become safer, happier places. Let’s explore how this works—and why it matters. The Power of a Friendly “Hello” Getting to know your neighbors often starts with something small: a wave, a smile, or a quick “hello” on the sidewalk. These simple actions might not seem like much, but they open the door to friendship. In the book "The Art of Neighboring," authors Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon say, “When we learn the names of the people who live around us and begin to build relationships, we create a stronger, healthier community.”  In other words, ne...

  KSMU story (2025) One-room schools live on in Ozarks culture

  If you’ve ever felt a lift from a spontaneous chat at the mailbox or the sight of a child’s chalk art stretching across the sidewalk, you’ve experienced more than a pleasant moment—you’ve tasted hope.  A new six-study project from University of Missouri psychologists Megan Edwards and Laura King followed 2,300 adults and discovered that hope alone —more than happiness, gratitude, or excitement—predicted whether people felt their lives were meaningful. Why does that matter for the block where you live? Because meaning isn’t a private treasure we hoard; it’s social capital that spills over every time neighbors greet each other, share garden tools, or plan a potluck. The MU team notes that people who sense meaning enjoy better relationships, stronger physical health, and even higher incomes. In other words, a hopeful resident is likely to be a better friend, volunteer, and community problem-solver. Turning research into sidewalk practice The researchers outline four...

Best of Show   – One of 13 submissions from the Main Street of Marble Hill, Mo A video of the live announcement  of these winners and discussion about Show Me Neighborhood Art Week can be viewed on YouTube. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- University of Missouri Extension is proud to announce the regional and statewide winners of the 2025 Show Me Neighborhood Art Week , a creative community outreach program that celebrates public art as a tool to build stronger neighborhoods and deepen residents’ sense of belonging. Now in its second year, the weeklong initiative encourages Missourians of all ages and skill levels to create art that reflects pride in their neighborhood and contributes to a shared sense of place.  In 2025, 68 sites from across every MU Extension region participated, and 434 public votes were cast to help us recognize outstanding entries. Fourteen votes from people out of state who were visiting displays.  The number of registered sites and Missourians vot...

A new opportunity is now available at Greene County senior centers and public libraries for older adults who want to reflect on their lives, preserve their personal stories, and connect with others through shared memories. University of Missouri Extension Community Development Specialist David Burton is offering a unique class centered around his newly published booklet, A History of Me . This guided journal is designed to help individuals recall and write down meaningful experiences from childhood through later life. Participants will explore themes such as family, school, relationships, work, beliefs, and personal achievements. “This class isn’t just about writing your life story,” said Burton. “It’s about sparking conversation, building community, and passing down wisdom and legacy to future generations. Handwritten stories are a priceless gift.” Each session includes prompts and group discussion that encourage storytelling and connection among participants. The booklet can al...

*Image created by David Burton, author of this blog, by merging Peter Block's photo and the book cover. Peter Block’s book, "Community: The Structure of Belonging" is a compelling and human-centered exploration of how to build resilient, inclusive, and empowering communities. It’s not a technical manual, but rather a philosophical and practical guide to shifting the ways we think about engagement, leadership, and social transformation. Originally published in 2008, the book remains highly relevant today, especially in an age marked by increasing social fragmentation, civic disengagement, and a longing for meaningful connection. Main Themes 1. Shifting the Narrative: From Problems to Possibility One of the foundational themes of the book is the importance of shifting our narrative from one of deficiencies and problems to one of possibility. Block argues that communities often fall into a trap of focusing on what’s broken — poverty, crime, underdevelopment — and in do...

  In 1884, Georges Seurat created a famous painting called "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jette," using tiny dots of color instead of brushstrokes. This technique, called Pointillism, made the painting come alive as the dots blended together from a distance, creating a beautiful image. This idea can be compared to our communities today. Each person is like a single dot, and together we form a larger picture. Just like in Seurat's painting, we all contribute to the overall image of our communities. We may not always realize it, but every action, no matter how small, adds to the bigger picture of our neighborhood, school, or town. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, attending a community event, or even offering a kind word, we are creating our community one “dot” at a time. Each of us has the power to make the world around us brighter, kinder, and more welcoming. However, we are not just connecting the dots; we are also creating them. Every new relationship or po...

Do you have a special talent for spotting someone’s excitement and shutting it down? Do you find satisfaction in watching a big idea shrink into a quiet shrug? Then you might be exactly who your town does not need. Some towns have people who can listen to a new idea for a park, community event, or downtown improvement—and with a raised eyebrow or a slow shake of the head, bring it all to a halt. There are always those ready to remind everyone of every reason a dream won’t work. “We tried that in 1987,” they say with confidence, even if no one remembers. “People around here won’t go for that,” even if no one’s actually asked them. They sit in meetings nodding politely while thinking, “Not a chance.” They gently file passionate proposals into the trash with a well-practiced smile. They hold the keys to empty storefronts and unused buildings, choosing to let them fade rather than hand them over to someone with a fresh idea. In towns where young people come with energy and hope, these voi...