Richmond Politics: Complimentary Commentary

"I've always wanted to be considered an upstart. I just never knew where to begin."

-an original Local Gal-ism

Everything I learned about politics I learned from Duck Soup:




So according to the Palladium Item, there is a contention between the self styled Democrat and the Republican Mayoral candidates of Richmond, and this is deemed an electoral "cross road".  Cross road shmoss road, I say. It looks more like Wayne County's beloved radio personality has wrongly turned on a one way street (Richmond is rife with them) by not toeing a party line. Some of us who grimace at the the mention of politics might actually find that refreshing. Others who take part actively may be completely boggled, as protocol has not been followed. Our local Democrats don't recognize the fresh face before them. Who knew he was a Democrat? Who cares? Well, the Democrats may, but for everyone else we'll see. Surely I'm not the only one yawning at the two party system. If it's national, it's a dated circus. If it's local, it's a hoot.

So did the Local Lady jump on a bandwagon by sharing Dave Snow's Mayoral announcement? Yes and no. Why do I think this is a good idea? Dave Snow is accessible to Richmond's youth. If his candidacy manages to pull in twenty previously non active voters locally, I still say good idea and thank you very much! His running has potential to pull in much more. Whether he wins or no, this could be good for Richmond where voter turn outs have always dragged out the same civic minded groups (usually the elderly and then occasionally me). If young people take more of an interest and bother to find out where the city building is and what actually goes on there that would be grand. Maybe the kids will register to vote, then who knows what great things could happen next.

Is it fair this small town celebrity begins with such hullabaloo? It isn't his fault he knows his way around the Youtubes and the Twitters. Will this win the election? Not if the status quo is held at the polls. Pappin might not be a familiar name to a regular Richmond whippersnapper, but she will be familiar to long time local voters. She has experience, and I suppose after serving, you are for better or worse a tried and true politician. Who ever wins will have to get over any distaste of politicking as it may come with the job. Whomever does win will hopefully always prioritize the serving side above the elbow rubbing (be it necessary or no). As the act of running in itself takes much effort and care, it's likely our candidates will do just that- whatever their political affiliations. I admire persons who serve the community publicly. It can't be easy and constituents aren't wildly grateful on a daily basis.

In local forums hosted on Facebook, the people have spoken. They are looking for a candidate who will do less trash picking among the neighborhoods, let's just hope that after Mayor Sally Hutton leaves office they themselves are willing to keep them picked up.

Whatever may happen, three cheers for our little democracy. The next election is shaping up to be interesting and will hopefully sell the papers well. All eyes on the starting line, who will we vote for? Let's wait and carefully examine the platform(s) our candidates will stand on. When we know bringing jobs to Richmond will be the standard fare, as it should be, it will be interesting to see how the candidates differentiate. May the best for Richmond win.


<3 the Local Gal

Note:

*You may vote in Richmond and you may not be elderly. Congratulations, I'm right there with you.

*You may be elderly and never vote. That's okay too, and being elderly, I believe in your right to complain even if you are not politically active. You've lived long enough to earn it.

*You may be a Democrat and you may welcome Mr. Snow with open arms. You may be a Democrat and not. Who hugs who is not my business.

*You may be a Republican. Is this your tea party or mine?

*You may be young or old & take offense at the ageism in this entry. If you're older, comment and share thine wisdom. Maybe you're a teenager who knows where the city building is- get involved and say something below. 

I guess all I'm trying to say is that I recognize my entry is full of sweeping statements. I like to keep a clean house so that's just the way it is- however the dust bunnies may feel. My broom may not apply to you. Don't take it personally, please, but feel free to comment anyway.

Dave Snow for Mayor

Who made it to the Grass Roots Action Center for Dave Snow's announcement? I did not, but I am excited about this. Best of luck to Dave- Richmond is lucky to have you. Your enthusiasm is contagious!

Visit Dave Snow for Mayor for more information.

Speaking to Strangers in Richmond, Indiana

The Local-Lady blog has been quiet now since Wednesday. I took some time off the computer to spend time with family and friends. It's good to step away from the screen sometimes. I hope everyone had a good Memorial Day weekend. We did. Our family is grateful for the veterans in our lives, the people in military service and thoughtful remembering those who didn't make it home...

<3

I've lived in Richmond well over twenty years now. I know which neighborhoods not to walk in alone. I know where to stand in the sun, in view safely. I know where to run if there's trouble, who to call. When I look outside I see and know my neighbors. We watch for each other. But if I were a stranger, how would I see this city?

Bicycle Rust Sculpture

We walk and bike primarily for transportation. Being on foot or two wheels keeps us on a street level car drivers cannot know. We are stopped by passersby. We watch for the irises to bloom because we know which corner they'll be growing.

Last summer, on his way to work, my husband was stopped by a man on the street. This man had nothing but a pack on his back and the shoes on his feet. He was a man from Detroit, Michigan traveling by foot. “There's nothing there. That city is dying, so I'm making my way south to look for something” Here was a man from Detroit, traveling by foot. He told my husband that Richmond scared him. “This place is ghetto!” “I'm afraid here!” My husband walked with him awhile. He showed him the police station. They parted ways. We couldn't tell you his name.

This isn't the first time a stranger has expressed their fears to us.

He was tall and had grey hair. At first sight I took him for another bum on a bench, but when I rushed out to kiss the children, he smiled. He was not dirty. I didn't feel that he was bad. I could feel he was listening while we talked about flowers and birds and playground excursions. Finally, he spoke “Are you from around here?” He asked the whole family. “Yes, we are from here,” we answered. “What can you do in this town if you have a few hours?”

Empty Bench in Richmond, Indiana

I pointed out the downtown center city area. I pointed the way to the Depot District. He interrupted:

“I'm afraid!” He went on, “I've been sitting here scared. I'm not from here. I am stranded. I don't know this town, and it frightens me.” He told us a bit about his bad luck and his hard life, “I've cried many tears and said many prayers.” I looked at this large man and wondered that a tall man was speaking to a small woman of his fears sitting alone on a city bench. But then I understood. I know where to go, who to call. I know which street is safe and which street on which I should not be alone. He was a stranger.

All we could do was listen. All we could do was say: “Here you are safe”, “This is where you can go for help, for information”, “If you are hungry you can go this way”.

He told us his name, and we told him ours. I couldn't tell you what his name was but I remember his face. He was from Texas. He was Navajo. I know he was Navajo because he said, “Yá'át'ééh” before he turned to go.

Graffiti can be beautiful. This isn't an example of that sort, however.

We need to do more to fight the decay in this city. It frightens the people who move through it. When we own our place and show that it is loved, people will know that we care.

So how do we change these fears? Say hello, plant more irises. Smile at a stranger and dispel each other's fears.

<3 Your Local Gal

Richmond Native: Achilles Tenderloin, Musician & Artist

Joe Augustin AKA Achilles Tenderloin

This introduction is a conundrum. How do I introduce you to Joe? You probably already know him! He's that guy. Joe is the man who performs often at the "E" Street Pub. The air changes when he takes the stage. Everyone perks up; everyone looks up. His musical trance is magical. His enthusiasm and passion are catching. Everyone sings along. It's an uplifting, communal experience, almost like church, if church was a smokey filled pub scene and "I would Walk 500 Miles" was the hymn. Joe is a Joe of all trades: artist, musician, librarian and Mr. Pun. Here we go:


What is one person, place or thing that keeps you loving and living in Richmond, Indiana?

"The city's passion for locally produced art and music is a major factor in the daily decision to keep Richmond as my home base. It's true that support from businesses and institutions has been known to wane, at times, but not for lack of enthusiasm from Richmond residents. The city is packed with artists, musicians and their friends, most of whom recognize how important it is to foster friendly, sustainable relationships with businesses and among ourselves. Wherever new pockets open up for the arts, they can barely contain the rush of locals waiting to show their stuff.

Recent months have shown the largest spike in support for the arts among locally owned businesses that I've seen in more than five years--and with no shortage of local artists and musicians to meet the demand. It's exciting to see a fresh crop of business owners inviting art and music into their halls. My hope is that more local business owners have witnessed the recent surge of activity and will decide to follow suit.

New online resources, like Local Lady, have made a huge difference, by promoting awareness throughout the community at large."

Thanks, Joe! How long have you been playing your music on the Richmond scene?

"I've been performing my songs publicly in Richmond since 1997. At that time, there was an Earlham owned cafe, Java Jazz, in a small, house-like building across National Road West from Domino's Pizza. Java Jazz was an impressively popular cultural delta, where Richmond residents regularly mixed and shared ideas with Earlham sudents and faculty, forming relationships through book clubs and chess tournaments, as well as open mic music and poetry events.

I brim with excitement to see so many local businesses stepping up the plate, again. After Java Jazz closed in 2002, a string of local businesses carried the torch, but there was a period of about five years, from late 2007 and late 2012, when there were few, if any, avenues for adults and teenagers to freely congregate and inspire one another with original art and music."

Where did Achilles Tenderloin, your name come from?


"I started using Achilles Tenderloin for concerts and recordings in 2004, shortly before releasing a collection of ten songs called "The Bath." The name is a pun on the Achilles Tendon, the nickname for the notoriously vulnerable tendon behind the human heel. An Achilles heel can also refer to any fatal flaw or the sole weakness of just about anything. Achilles was a legendary warrior whose mother dipped him in the River Styx to make his body invincible. She held him by the heel though, so that was the only part that wasn't galvanized by the water. In the legendary battle at Troy, an enemy warrior killed Achilles by shooting him in the heel with an arrow."


What inspires you to create your drawings? Your music?

Augustin Original Drawing

"Self-discovery and catharsis motivate me to create. Art and music are how I get to know myself a little better each day. I rarely begin a drawing with any inkling of what it will turn out to be. It's similar with music. Although I often choose from the same crop of songs, I allow each performance to emerge organically, so the songs are always a little different (or a lot!) from the last time. Performance is a cathartic, expressionist activity, for me, and frequently delivers some surprising insight into my own thoughts and feelings."


Where can people purchase your art & sample your music?

"I frequently, about once a month, scan my latest drawings and upload them to my Achilles Tenderloin, Ink Facebook page. If you see something you like and want to purchase the original, or a print, you can contact me via facebook, or by email: achillestenderloin@gmail.com . If you want the edge on my newest drawings, I encourage you to show up at any local music event and look for the bearded guy bent over his spiral bound sketchbook.

My musical performance style varies widely, from one context to the next, so I prefer to share my music in a live context. My Achilles Tenderloin (music) facebook page is the best way to stay on the lookout for upcoming performances. That said, I do have some audio and video recordings available online on my YouTube Channel and some MP3 recording here.

Joe, renaissance man, what are you gonna do next?

"One goal for this summer is to expand my performance circuit to include more venues in Indianapolis, Bloomington and Cincinnati. A related goal is to find more venues where I can exhibit drawings for sale during the show. I have a handful of other projects in the works, too, so please stay tuned--I'm not a hard man to find!"

You have gotta see this guy live!

Disclaimer: Photos of  live Achilles Tenderloin performances were provided by the interviewee. Great Shots by Joseph Halberstadt Photography!

What's Behind That Window?

A Charming Display

Two Sisters Books & More!

My family has come across a few rather intriguing, unfamiliar places about town. How many times do we pass by a window, wonder what could be inside and yet move on in a hurried fashion? In an effort to slow down and get to know Richmond, the Local-Lady blog will be posting an occasional "What's Behind That Window?" post.

Today's will be the first! We discovered one window in particular that seemed magnetized each time we passed by it: Two Sister's Books & More. Local-Lady is pleased to introduce you to one of the most darling spots to shop in town! I was delighted to chat with the owners! Kate answered all of my questions. Here we go:

How did you come to own a shop in Richmond and what keeps you living and loving this corner of the world?

Kate and Patty are the two sisters.

"My sister Patty and I grew up in Centerville.  It’s a great place in which to grow up, but there wasn’t a whole lot to keep people around who aren’t actively raising families, and when we were young we couldn’t wait to get out of Wayne County and start living.  The Depot District has some amazing buildings and a fascinating history, but when we were in high school and even college the only place to hang out was Charlie’s.  The District is starting to grow and develop now, and we wanted to be on the ground floor.  We believe that our bookstore provides the community with one of those features they’d find in a big city, thus helping attract and keep young talent in the area."

Why is the shop called Two Sisters? 

A Cozy Book Nook

"Well, the slightly sarcastic answer is that there are two of us, and we’re sisters.  More creatively, when designing the store we wanted it to feel like the sort of old bookstore you’d find if you happened to be backpacking through the English countryside.  We’ve done a lot inside the store to convey that, from the bookshelves our father custom-built to the period-accurate paint on the walls.  We thought The Two Sisters sort of sounded like the name of a pub you might frequent if you wore argyle and could pronounce Benedict Cumberbatch's name without snickering."

What's the story behind the book shop? Childhood dream? Spur of the moment decision?


"Like all good things, the bookstore was both a childhood dream and a spur of the moment decision.  I had always wanted to own a bookstore called Ragueneau’s, after the bibliophile baker in Cyrano de Bergerac.  It was one of those things that I’d talk about doing when I had a lot of money, which has never happened.  Last summer, I had quit my job teaching high school English and my sister had graduated from college.  Neither of us were finding work in a timely fashion, and 193 Fort Wayne Avenue happened to have a “For Rent” sign in the window.  It was our father who seriously suggested we open the business and did a lot of the legality and monetary research for us.   Whether we become a fixture in the community or a miserable failure, we can officially cross this one off the bucket list.

Your shop is located in the Historic Depot district. What drew you to this particular area?

Depot Street View in Spring

The Depot District has a great opportunity to quickly become the trendiest place in town.  On several occasions we’ve had customers remark to us that walking through the Depot District reminded them of this little neighborhood they loved in some much larger city.  In addition, the owners of Depot and downtown businesses really work together to develop and support the community.  We’ve felt very welcome here, and we cannot wait to watch the area grow."

You have book clubs! What kind of events are happening in your space?

"Our Solarium is a room in the back of the store that’s free for anyone who wants to reserve it for meetings and/or parties. We currently have two clubs that meet there regularly: Cognoscenti SteamPunk Society and The Not-So-Young-Adult Book Club.  More information about them can be found on our website.

We also frequently have local authors like Steve Martin and David Hughes in to do book signings.  On May 18th, Tom Everhart will be in to talk about his book 0-60 in Five Minutes: My Stroll Through Rock-n-Roll Music.  

In the future we’re looking to have story hours, classes, and many other events.  Sign up for our mailing list on our website or follow us on Facebook to keep in the loop!"

You have tea! Tell me about your special blends, please?

"As stated earlier, we wanted our store to have an English feel, and being tea drinkers with no local tea rooms we started making our own blends for the store with the idea of having each one be in honor of a specific author, character, book, or genre. For example, our Literary Heroes tea is in honor of characters such as Mr. Darcy and Mr. Rochester and is made of Earl Grey plus Vanilla and Cinnamon. This adds a touch of class to an already classy tea. We offer tins of loose-leaf teas for $10, individual cups of tea for $2, and tea accessories such as teapots, teacups, and infusers. We also have a special offer for groups in which they can learn about blending teas and then create their own unique blend."

Darlene Frame, Local Poet

Thank you Kate and Patty! We can't wait to watch your business grow, and we'll be back for books, book club, events, tea and more!

My family had an excellent time browsing the shop Saturday. I was lucky enough to catch a local author, Darlene Frame, doing a promo for her book of poetry I Always Do Laundry on Monday. The book is published through a local publisher, Kids at Heart Publishing, LLC. All proceeds of her book go to help a friend in need of a kidney. I can't wait to snag a copy of her heartwarming poems for myself along with an extra! What a sweet edition of poems (just in time for Mother's Day!).

If you haven't been already, it's about time you step inside their quaint shop chock full of books: old and new, something for everybody, each book is a portal waiting to take you to a new world. 

Interview with Local Author, Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge

On a recent trip to Morrison Reeves, my children and I sought out copies of books by local author, Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge. We were delighted by her historical non-fiction! The children especially enjoyed Just Fine The Way They Are a story about the formation of our nation's highway system. Connie and I exchanged e-mails. I'll share some of our dialogue below:

Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge

Connie, you live in the Richmond area. What is one person, place or thing that keeps you living and loving this area?

When my husband and I were considering relocating to Richmond back in 1991, two things about the place really stood out.  The first was Morrisson-Reeves Library.  It was organized, friendly, obviously well-run.  I could see myself spending lots of time there and, as a writer, that was important to me.  The second was the Richmond Symphony Orchestra.  I was stunned and delighted to learn that the community had supported the Symphony for decades.  On that initial visit, knowing nothing about Richmond, both Morrisson-Reeves and the Symphony spoke volumes.  They told me what the people of this area value and what they are capable of coming together to create and sustain.  I knew this was a place I could love being a part of and I wasn’t disappointed.  I’m just finishing a two-year term as president of the Richmond Symphony Board and the folks at Morrisson-Reeves know me.  They know me well!

You primarily write historical non-fiction and children's books. What drew you to these particular genres?

Early on I dabbled in fiction when I wrote for Highlights for Children and Cricket Magazine.  But my first non-fiction magazine article about the friendship of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams was just such a joy to write I knew it was my thing.  I loved not having to worry about the plot:  in both non-fiction and the retelling of folktales (which I also love) the plot is a given.  That frees me up to focus on teasing out the best narrative flow and telling the story in the most engaging way I can.  I also love the research part of writing non-fiction.  Visiting archives where old letters and diaries are stored and actually holding them in my hands (often wearing special gloves!) is thrilling.  I write for children and young adults because they are a demanding audience and I respect the demands they make of me:  honesty, clarity, brevity, and most of all fun!

Do you have a favorite out of your books?

That’s a question I’m asked a lot and it’s a hard one.  I suppose I will always have a tender spot in my heart for my very first picture book Wicked Jack, which came out in 1995.  We had a prickly relationship, Jack and I, and at one point I was determined to just file the manuscript in a drawer.  But Jack wore me down, I sent his story off and it’s become something of a Halloween classic.  I can still hear him saying “I told you so!”

One of your books has an almost local slant “Just Fine the Way They Are” is a story about the formation of our nation's highway system with a slight focus on Old National Road, Highway 40. How did you decide to write a book about this particular subject?

I discovered the National Road right about the same time my family moved to Richmond.  It was the subject of an issue of Cobblestone, a great U. S. history magazine for kids I subscribe to.  I remember thinking “A road.  How boring is that???”  After I finished that magazine, I knew the National Road was anything but boring.  I started reading and researching but, for several years, couldn’t find a story in the middle of all the interesting facts and anecdotes.  Then I came upon a reference to Mr. John Slack, who thought The Road shouldn’t be built because things were just fine the way they were.  Bam!  I had a title and a storyline and I was off to the races!

Another subject of your writing is Edith Wharton, a person and subject you have studied passionately. When did you discover Edith for yourself and what about Edith made you decide to write her biography?

Back in 1995 and 1996, I took some English courses at Earlham College and Edith Wharton’s House of Mirth was one of the books I was assigned to read.  A new Wharton biography (No Gifts From Chance by Sheri Benstock) had just been published, and I devoured it because I liked House of Mirth so much I wanted to know more about the woman who wrote it.  When I finished that biography, I knew Wharton was a woman young people would be interested in.  She was part of Old New York Society, which frowned on novelists in general (let alone female novelists!) but she managed to make her escape from a life of pampered leisure because she simply had to write…stories poured out of her from a very young age.  Her charitable work during World War I (when she was living in Paris and decided to stay rather than relocate to a safer place) also intrigued me.  She had silk sleeves but she was capable of rolling them up and getting to work when action was called for.

Is there another book in the works?

I’m currently at work on a second biography for junior high/high school readers of Emily Post, author of the most well-known etiquette book ever written.  Emily is ten years younger than Edith Wharton and, since they were both upper class New Yorkers, this new book seems almost a historical sequel to The Brave Escape of Edith Wharton.  I also have the bare beginnings of a non-fiction picture book set in the early days of the Roman Republic and a piece of middle-grades fiction sitting off to the side of my desk in case I hit a rough patch with Emily and need a break.

Indeed, Richmond is rich in cultural resources: our excellent public library, orchestras and community arts enrich us all. We are blessed by the contributions made by our local authors, musicians and artists. Thank you so much Connie! I am glad you live here. I am glad you make history come alive for your young readers. 

The Brave Escape of Edith Wharton, a biography of Edith Wharton is a wonderful read, and I can't wait to read and share more of your stories with loved ones in the future!

For more information about Connie and her books, please visit her website.

Local Political Awareness and Participation

Occupy Richmond, no offense seems a bit less fruitful than it could be. A handful of people (or a brave army of one) stand on a corner with a sign. The optimist sees it as an exercise in democracy. The pessimist sees a waste of time. I see it as an admirable right of expression, but without pragmatic direct involvement, it seems to be nothing more than a small attention grabber for a small population who perhaps may feel otherwise like an almost silent minority.

City Building Image Source

When I consider the problems our community faces, we seem to be a microcosm of the larger picture. The problems we face are not unique to us. They are problems the nation needs to address. Unemployment, drug abuse, crime and a general malaise (etc., etc., etc.) are not only Richmond's problems, they are the problems of the United States. When I see people express outrage and frustration with the status quo, I understand and nod in agreement. But when I see people protesting national politics on the street corners of our city, I do wonder at the effectiveness of such a protest. One may argue it is to inspire awareness, but if awareness of the cracked up American political scene is lacking, I am surprised. Blues and Reds and in-betweens as well as the unaffiliated can all become purple in the face describing just what is wrong in America today. Politics and political awareness are some things I have actively worked to evade in the past!

Have these people ever attended a local public meeting? Do they vote for local and state representatives that they feel represent them after having researched their options? It's easier to look at the staged drama of national level politics and forget the problems in our own backyards. I know I do. I find myself at the polls each time, promising to be more informed and guess selecting the smaller stuff and hot button pushing the big ones. Maybe it's easier emotionally. It's more impersonal to vote for a figurehead president than to consider people who could be our neighbors as our government representatives. One can even make a game of potshots at a president we will never have to face, but when we vote on a local level we either stick our head's in the sand or consider the feelings of the candidates we could possibly (and probably) know. We display our signs as a sign of loyalty to a party or person, with the full knowledge that in supporting that one we are withdrawing support of another even if we don't mean to give offense. It's also easier to rail against what we can look at as a giant conspiracy of American downfall than to look at our own city and take initiative where doing needs done. There are informed individuals and active participants among us, but there could be more. I'd like to be one of them. I'm not there yet. I'm considering the effectiveness of those politically involved in the Occupy Richmond movement, while yet having to google Richmond City government stats. I wish you could see me wink, so that you would know not to take offense at my lighthearted monologue.

All I know is this: in order to tackle a very large problem, it's easiest to work on the smaller details first. When the smaller things are taken care of consistently on a daily basis, the larger things seem to take care of themselves. At the very least, things are much smoother. Maybe it would work on a political level. If we awoke to local politics and community based problem solving, would national tasks seem less insurmountable?

So here is my to do list:

1. Figure out who's in charge here.

2. Attend my first public meeting.

3. Stop guess selecting at the local polls. (Don't judge me, internet. I'm not the only one!)

50 North 5th Street, here I come, ready or not!

Sprout of Control

I recently contacted via e-mail a new group forming in the Richmond area, Sprout of Control is Susan Isaacs, Wayne County's trustee, Jessica Clark of Porter Advertising, and Bethany Norwalt, who is busily at work many hours in a designated Sprout of Control greenhouse area. I thought it would be great to ask them some questions to get the scoop on Richmond's community gardening initiative! Susan Isaacs graciously answered me. Our transcript is below:

Image Source

spearheaded by three local ladies:

Great name! Where does it come from?

I have to defer to Jessica and Bethany on this one - when I heard it I loved it, but I cannot say where the inspiration came from...

I'm so sad not to hear the back story on that, as I absolutely love the name! Kudos to the clever person for coining it! What prompted the formation of this community garden project? How did you all meet?

A community garden was started last year at Sylvan Nook Church through a partnership between my office (Wayne Twp Trustee) and the Sylvan Nook Church. This year, I believe Bethany and Jessica attended the BOOST event and became interested in (and then passionate about) starting community gardens in Richmond. Jessica heard about the Sylvan Nook garden and called me. The three of us decided that by merging resources and working together we could have a greater impact and Sprout of Control was born.

Are you interested in sustainability and organic gardening methods? If so what kinds of sustainable/organic actions are you implementing in your work? 

We are very interested in all of the above! We hope to incorporate these things into the gardens as much as possible. Again, I think Jessica and Bethany may have more to say on this - they are very passionate about upcycling...

Jessica weighs in: 

One thing we are doing is rain barrel systems for water conservation. Porter Advertising has donated parcels and polyethylene posters (ad poster materials) that we are using for many different projects. We have been using 2 liters pop bottles and pizza boxes in the seeding process.  We will be using many up cycled materials such as wood pallets and rubber tires.

I can't wait to see further conservation and up cycling efforts made through your project. I think it has a real potential to empower people not just by growing their own food but also to empower them to really try out better environmental habits through their new awareness and experiences found in gardening. 

I've heard your gardens will be included in the RAM's Garden Tour this year! I love to see existing groups working together in our community. Are there any plans in the works to collaborate more with existing companies or nonprofits? It would be great to see involvement with the Clear Creek Co-op!

We have many ideas for future collaboration - everything from gardening classes by local master gardeners (through Wayne County Extension) to canning events to end-of-season feasts. There are so many opportunities to do so much around the garden project. The community has been incredibly supportive of the garden project. The challenge so far is not lack of ideas and opportunities, it is simply making sure we stay focused on the gardens first - we have to do everything we can to make the gardens successful, which means we are focused on doing everything we can to get as many people involved in actually working in the gardens and helping them reap a wonderful harvest!

How can people apply for a plot? How much of a commitment do you expect from members?

Open Registration is Saturday April 13. People can also get registered by contacting any of the three of us - my office phone is 973-9392 or we can be reached at our sprout of control gmail address (sproutofcontrol@gmail.com). In a nutshell, those who sign up for plots are expected to take care of them. We want the gardens to be kept up and we want them to be fruitful. There are not a lot of rules...

How would you encourage someone who doesn't necessarily have the time to commit to a community plot, but who is interested in being a part of Sprout of Control to get involved?

Everyone is welcome to come to our Big Dig days (tentatively set for April 27 but dependent on weather and soil readiness). People can donate tools and supplies. People can help spread the word. People can donate money too - we have to pay for our water usage and buy equipment and supplies that are not donated. People can like our Facebook page to help expand our reach. We need garden coordinators/directors for each garden. We need canning jars and supplies. Experienced gardeners can volunteer to be at a garden once a week or once a month to help inexperienced gardeners be more successful! Any and all are invited to participate in whatever way they are able!!!

What are your goals for this year? What are your goals in the next five?

This year we want our gardens to thrive and for the gardeners to have fun and enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of their labor. Two new gardens is a big challenge. We will also be supporting the Hope House garden and a garden at Noah's Ark daycare. For me, the goal is to get these gardens (and the Sylvan Nook garden) up and running - with plenty of gardeners and support.

In five years, I would be thrilled to see 10-15 neighborhood community gardens all over the city of Richmond. Every neighborhood has at least one garden. There are small flower gardens drizzled throughout the city. Where there once were drab, colorless signs of urban blight, there are now green and colorful gardens, sprouting out all over the city! I believe people are sick and tired of all the negative - establishing and nourishing the growth of community gardens does much more than produce veggies. Community gardens build neighborhood pride and a sense of community.

I agree, and I am sure the gardens will be something all of Richmond will take pride in! Thank you so much Susan Isaacs, and ladies of Sprout of Control for graciously answering my interview request! I wish all of the gardens this year a very abundant harvest!

If you are interested in learning more about Sprout of Control, "like" their community Facebook page to stay in the loop. Visit them at their informational/registration meetings held throughout Richmond next week on April 13th at the Richmond Farmer's Market in the Townsend Center, the Innovation Center or the Depot. Please feel free to check the Official Local-Lady Community Calendar for the dates, times and locations for these upcoming events and more!

This is a wonderful opportunity to beautify the city, engage and enrich the lives of our residents. Kudos, Sprout of Control!

Getting to Know You

I grew up in Richmond. My family relocated here when I was an infant. As a youth, I undervalued my hometown and longed to escape it. I could share embarrassing, restless preteen poetry of a midwestern, angst-filled flavour, but we will forego that and spare you the pains! In the last decade I have been blessed to travel to either side of the American coast lines, paying homage to both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. I've seen the Space Needle in the sleek streets of Seattle, Washington, the bucolic beauty in small towns of New York and Connecticut. There was also quite a bit of road in between! Now I feel I have a more balanced view on the best and worst points of our Rose City. I appreciate it more for what its worth. I won't scorn my hometown any longer. I'll claim it. Visiting large cities opened my eyes much like the country mouse in Aesop's tale "The City Mouse and The Country Mouse". My Beach Boy fantasies of a golden California are tempered with real life experience. Like any other geographic locations it is blessed by certain scenery and plagued by its eyesores. There are many cities on the map that lack many of Richmond's assets. The very least compliment I can pay my own hometown is that I can afford to live here. We ARE lucky; we ARE Richmond.

A team of researchers led by Dr. Barabasi of Northeastern University tracked over 100,000 people through their mobile phones to learn about human travel patterns^[1]. It was discovered that most people are creatures of habit, 83% of the people tracked barely diverged more than 22 miles from their homes^[2]. Additionally, people seem to hit the same spots on the map in their set daily routines. Let's set ethical questions concerning mobile phone tracking research aside (their information was scrambled and anonymous, Barabasi assures us), and simply remark that I am certain to be of that majority.  Home, grocery store and an occasional bite out is my personal travel pattern! After living in the Richmond area for more than 20 years, there is much within my town I have not explored. How many other residents are creatures of habit who return to their work, home and favoured haunts over and over again?

Now that I am here for the time being and not romantically fantasizing an escape, I hope to discover more about the city in which I live. According to the Richmond, Indiana wikipedia page, Richmond covers 24.08 square miles^[3]. If I tour every inch of that I will have ventured out just enough from the average bubble to escape being lumped into the majority of people deemed boring by John Schwartz of the NY Times. Along my way I hope to discover and share the riches hiding in the open all around us. Maybe we can inspire each other to be a bit more adventurous. Where is your absolute favourite Richmond spot and why? Be it a bar stool in a local pub, a quiet spot by Clear Creek or a great bench for people watching- do share!

Love,

Your Local Gal 

References

1. Cellphone Tracking Study Shows We’re Creatures of Habit
2. Mobile revealed, People, creatures of habit, confirms a large experiment
3. Richmond, Indiana - From Wikipedia