** The adoption of the 2010 Master Plan update
** The Coker College Centennial through 2008
** The Centennial of the Hartsville Fire Department
** The completion of the Lawton Park Pavillion makeover
** Dedication of the Coach T. B. Thomas Recreation Center
** The launch of Selling Hartsville and Hartsville - The Art of Good Living
There is almost always something going on in Hartsville, South Carolina. It is truly an amazing small city.
Happy 2009. Let's see what great new things can happen in our town.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Finding light in the community
There is a blog called Smart Communities that recently mentioned an article about Columbia that appeared in the NEW YORK TIMES. This article called Columbia a microcosm of the current economic problems. It was not an optimistic or flattering view though it was probably close to the mark. The writer of the blog, commenting on the article, noted that a different kind of leadership is needed at the community level. She discussed leadership that can provide communities with lights that would begin to lead to solutions and changes that made a difference. It was an interesting observation that caught my attention because of the number of people who have observed that the Selling Hartsville campaign is coming at the wrong time because of the confluence of economic events that are buffeting our community and communities all over the nation and world. I wonder if we all look at Hartsville - The Art of Good Living as one of the lights through which we can begin to look for solutions.
For example, one of the major objectives of this selling Hartsville program is for each Hartsvillian to remind other Hartsvillians that it would be smart to look in Hartsville first before deciding to make purchases in some other community. That little light shined our own retail opportunities might be the difference for one of the retailers.
For example, as you hear of people who might be moving to the area, it might be a great opportunity to get them together with some of your friends to discuss the qualities you feel are important to the high quality of life we lead in this community.
Let's just think how one at a time we can make a positive difference to continue growing Hartsville into the community we want it to be; into the community we need it to be.
For example, one of the major objectives of this selling Hartsville program is for each Hartsvillian to remind other Hartsvillians that it would be smart to look in Hartsville first before deciding to make purchases in some other community. That little light shined our own retail opportunities might be the difference for one of the retailers.
For example, as you hear of people who might be moving to the area, it might be a great opportunity to get them together with some of your friends to discuss the qualities you feel are important to the high quality of life we lead in this community.
Let's just think how one at a time we can make a positive difference to continue growing Hartsville into the community we want it to be; into the community we need it to be.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Those who serve!
Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a very Happy New Year to any who might be perusing this post.
And, to those who serve and who build and protect communities on a daily basis a sincere thank you for all of your efforts.
As we take a moment or two at this time of year to reflect on those things we call blessings it seems appropriate to offer appreciation to those who daily serve ...
as caregivers
as protectors
as public policy makers
as teachers
as volunteers
as educators
as spiritual advisors
as optimists
as investors
as board members
as people who make a difference in the lives of others without thinking much about it because it just what they do. All communities need these people and as we continue thinking about community building we need to think THANKS for the difference these givers make.
And, to those who serve and who build and protect communities on a daily basis a sincere thank you for all of your efforts.
As we take a moment or two at this time of year to reflect on those things we call blessings it seems appropriate to offer appreciation to those who daily serve ...
as caregivers
as protectors
as public policy makers
as teachers
as volunteers
as educators
as spiritual advisors
as optimists
as investors
as board members
as people who make a difference in the lives of others without thinking much about it because it just what they do. All communities need these people and as we continue thinking about community building we need to think THANKS for the difference these givers make.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Hartsville is Full of Pleasant Surprises
I was just visiting the HartsvilleToday civic journalism site. This is a site where anyone who wants to be part of the conversation can provide some news, observations and opinions about the community we call Hartsville. Several times in the past I have commented on the value of this site as a community building tool. And, again this morning I am overwhelmed by the photo stories from this past weekend (Jana has some really interesting photos). In addition to the photos, you can quickly read into the site the idea of how many different problem solvers we have in Hartsville. Another name they might go by are community builders. They are the wealth of Hartsville. In a few days we are going to have another story about Hartsville from the perspective of Mrs. Betty Wiggins. Her observations show this community building spirit is the foundation of what has made this community different from many others for decades.
I know Thanksgiving has passed but this is a very sincere THANKS to all those who build this community from so many different places
I know Thanksgiving has passed but this is a very sincere THANKS to all those who build this community from so many different places
Friday, December 05, 2008
Rich weekend in this small community
Not much to write but it is important to make strong note of how much there is to do in this small city this weekend. Jana and others on Hartsville Today are calling it a Christmas Extravaganza and I can't imagine even big cities in our State have this much variety for an early December weekend.
For this community building or community thinking blog, the major point is that none of these things would happen without the active involvement of people who care. The consultants who helped us shape the message of the Selling Hartsville campaign that is now expressed in the words, "Expect Pleasant Surprises" commented on the embarrassment of riches in this town. One of the major treasures are those who continue to work so hard to make things happen. You can make your own list of names but Seth Godin, whose newest book is called TRIBES, would note that we are full of tribes who are being led by those who understand that the status quo just is not fun.
Some things happening
Hartsville Community Players Christmas Show
Hartsville Christmas Parade
Good Living Marketplace
Burry Park Tree Lighting (that was some out of the box thinking by Mel)
For this community building or community thinking blog, the major point is that none of these things would happen without the active involvement of people who care. The consultants who helped us shape the message of the Selling Hartsville campaign that is now expressed in the words, "Expect Pleasant Surprises" commented on the embarrassment of riches in this town. One of the major treasures are those who continue to work so hard to make things happen. You can make your own list of names but Seth Godin, whose newest book is called TRIBES, would note that we are full of tribes who are being led by those who understand that the status quo just is not fun.
Some things happening
Hartsville Community Players Christmas Show
Hartsville Christmas Parade
Good Living Marketplace
Burry Park Tree Lighting (that was some out of the box thinking by Mel)
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