Restoring Our Town

I'm getting psyched, an old expression, for the optimism in this town which has been growing at a time when you feel the networks are taking you down. WESO radio is taking you up? Fr. Peter Live had two wonderful enthusiastic people on his show today. The Spirit 970, featured Gus Steeves, a well-known local reporter and Donna Silverburg, a certified art teacher. It always starts with a rant or rave....This week, was Fr's rave.
The program started with praises for the Mercy Meal extended to the community last evening at St. Hedwig Parish, on Everette St. in Southbridge between 4:30-6:30 PM. Father announced that St. Michaels will hold their first mercy meal with a spaghetti dinner, on Thursday, January 29, 4:30-6:30 PM, in the fellowship hall.
Gus and father then talked about the homeless plight in the area, father saying we have a family shelter, but nothing for individuals. Their is a need to create shelter in this area, or at least provide transportation, maybe by a van to services out of town, like in Worcester. Fr. mentioned that we do have a Community Center at the Amory Senior Center, for emergencies. The Hope is to get a "free meal" in the immediate area at least each week. He said the people were welcoming and warm, and about 50 people were in attendance, half parishioners. It is a way for Community church people to come together, and for people who are alone to share a meal and company with others for one night. He said it's all about action, "Just do it." Then it starts to build and the word get out.
Gus and Fr. also discussed the possibility of providing food by growing food, using the example of giving a fish or teaching how to fish, providing for a lifetime. Thus we begin our "Community Garden" topic. One topic of interest at St. Michael Church, because of the land area, perhaps four people sharing workloads and produce. Gus mentioned that outside of tomatoes, what would other cultures bring to the table. The gardens would have to be in walking distance to homes, Gus said. Then was the subject of having a Committee for Agriculture, which has been in discussion locally, as well as funding for small community gardeners.
Father stressed that we should get to the root of the issue. If its homelessness, come and find the root of the problem. And that the gap between the have and have nots is growing. Their was a mention of the Obama stimulus program and an acknowledgment that the Town of Southbridge has been proactive in this. Gus said we received information on January 2nd, and had two and one-half weeks to get it together. Money would be designated for vehicles in various departments and for the Industrial Park Access Road, and Generator waste water treatment plant. The stipulation is that the project must be completed in 2 years. One benefit would be that the Southbridge tax payers would incur no additional raise in their taxes.
Donna Silverburg was his second guest, who announced an upcoming program featured in our town library. "Picturing America" is being held free of charge, sponsored by a national endowment (2002). Donna, who is a certified art teacher, encourages teachers and students to get engaged. It is a way to help teachers,"Looking at Americana." "We have more visual learners." said Father Peter, who admits that he is one. (Me too!) The teaching profession has changed since the advent of computers. Interactive programs are encouraged with web sites. Through visuals you can see how everything is connected, like getting into the event as if they were there. Donna said "images are so strong and memorable."
Father and Donna are involved with the Historical Commission and are happy to see the progress of restoration of another building on Main Street, with multi-use purposes.
Donna will be at Shepherd Hill, Dudley with an exhibit Saturday, Jan. 17th. 6PM. Father mentioned that he will be airing the show next Thursday, live from Washington, DC., where he will hopefully be able the see the Smithsonian, once again. Donna added that they had a small piece exhibited there. This is the website for "Picturing America" . Father mentioned that pictures of Southbridge are available on Dick Whitney's Website. I'll have to try and find photo's of the building they were talking about in my spare time. Please find Dick Whitney's photos here. If you are interested in hearing the radio presentation, which lasts one hour, you can tune in here. (Temporarily unavailable)
It was another very interesting show. Great people restoring our community, and by their hard work, making it even better.