Community.
Websters dictionary has this to say about it:
com·mu·ni·ty
From Middle English comunete, from Middle French comuneté,
from Latin communitat-, communitas, from communis
Date: 14th century 1: a unified body of individuals: as a: STATE,
COMMONWEALTH. b: the people with common interests living in a
particular area; broadly: the area itself (the problems of a large
community) c: an interacting population of various kinds of individuals
(as species) in a common location d: a group of people with a
common characteristic or interest living together within a larger
society (a community of retired persons) e: a group linked by
a common policy f: a body of persons or nations having a common
history or common social, economic, and political interests (the
international community) g: a body of persons of common and especially
professional interests scattered through a larger society (the
academic community)
2. society at large
3. a: joint ownership or participation (community of goods)
b: common character: LIKENESS (community of interests)
c: social activity : FELLOWSHIP d: a social state or condition.
As we see the word community has three basic meanings and quite
a few breakdowns of those three, and that is just the word. Community,
to me, is also a feeling and the feeling that it holds in each
persons heart and mind is as individual as their finger print.
The trick is in finding that elusive common ground, the fact that
we all have fingers.
Nineteen, people have a vision of the future of Grand Forks, and
are daring and community minded enough, to pick up nomination
packages from City Hall for the up coming Civic Elections. Nominations
will be accepted to City Hall starting October 5th and will close
October 15.
Hopefully there ideas of community will be able to help find that
common ground to act as a strong foundation for building a sustainable
future.
A community must develop a vision in order to address sustainability
and to help guide those who are unclear about a future course.
Identifying alternative approaches and resources that can assist
the visioning process is necessary, and Grand Forks’ community
centre in the works will certainly help to bring many different
groups together under one roof. This can be used to rally that
cooperative community spirit around.
Communities with the greatest and most diverse citizen participation
are often resilient and strong.
Innovative and constructive partnerships between different sectors
and interests also will provide significant progress toward creating
sustainability.
Every community has a history, and events planned around it that
are both educational and cultural and the Boundary area is no
exception. These activities provide local character and strengthen
community ties, and the community centre can provide another place
for that.
In human history man has approached communities with the idea
either making the community they live in work, or starting a new
community, or intentional community.
Some Myths about Intentional Communities
Compiled by the Fellowship for Intentional Communities, October
1996
Myth: Most communitarians are hippies.
Fact: While some of today’s communities can trace their roots
back to the counterculture of the `60s and `70s, few today identify
with the hippie stereotype. (Moreover, many of the characteristics
that identified “hippies” 25 years ago–long hair, bright
clothes, ecological awareness–have become integrated into mainstream
lifestyles.)
On the political spectrum, communitarians tend to be left of center.
In terms of lifestyle choices, they tend to be hard working, peace
loving, health conscious, environmentally concerned, and family
oriented. Philosophically they tend toward a way of life which
increases the options for their own members without limiting the
choices of others.
Myth : Most people who live in communities are running away from
responsibilities.
Fact: Many people choose to live in community because it offers
a way of life which is different, in various ways, from that of
the wider society. Since living in community does not eliminate
everyday responsibilities, most community members raise families,
maintain and repair their land and buildings, work for a living,
pay taxes, etc.
Because of the increased free time which results from pooling
resources and specialized skills–many community members are deeply
involved in their wider community of neighbors, and often provide
staffing or even leadership for various local civic and social
change organizations.
Myth: Most intentional communities are “cults.”
Fact: Many sociologists and psychologists know that the popular
image of “cults” and “mind control” is distorted.
Both the American Psychological Association and the Society for
the Scientific Study of Religion have done research that refutes
the idea that religious or other groups are systematically brainwashing
their members or interfering with their ability to think critically.
Although the term “cult” is usually intended to identify
a group in which abuse occurs, its use frequently says more about
the observer than the observed. It would generally be more accurate
if the observer said “a group with values and customs different
from mine; a group that makes me feel uncomfortable or afraid.”
Myth: Most members of intentional communities live impoverished
lifestyles with limited resources.
Fact: In terms of material wealth, communities evolve like families:
starting off with limited resources, new communities tend to live
simply. As they mature, they tend to create a stable economic
base and enjoy a more comfortable life–according to their own
standards. Many established communities (20 years and older) have
built impressive facilities, some of which are quite innovative
in design and materials. The dollars to finance these improvements
have come from successful community businesses, ranging from light
manufacturing to food products, from computer services to conference
centers.
With technological advances families are moving out of the factories
and back into the home. Family values are playing a bigger part.
We have said a lot about the BMX Track but one can’t help being
blown away by how successful it has become in its first year.
Provincial races this year, National races next year, all due
to a massive volunteer effort.
Smaller communities operate on a different economic dynamic than
the big cities. If a school needs a new playground, before the
paperwork could make it past 2 bureaucrats in the big city, who
would eventually say, “there is not enough funds”, the
smaller community will have someone say I can get the wood, and
I can get the machines, and I can get next thing you know, the
playground is up.
Grand Forks is full of this kind of spirit and if those that are
running for elections this fall can find that, as the common ground
to build on, then moving into the new millennium will be a smooth
ride for Grand Forks and the Boundary Area.
Positively
Greenwood
Greenwood’s boomtown growth and subsequent
decline was linked directly to mining activity in the area. Unlike
other such mining communities, Greenwood’s heritage has been preserved
through many remaining buildings which document its history. This
stop on our heritage tour is at the other end of town from the
Museum. On the corner of Copper Street and Short Street you will
see the McArthur Building (pictured above) Community Centre. It
was originally owned by Russel Law, and Caulfield and was a large
hardware and dry goods store. In 1903 an unusual cyclone hit Greenwood
with much of the damage being done to the smelter and the McArthur
Centre.
In 1913 L. A. Smith and Co. took over the building and 3 years
later it changed hands again.
In 1916 the McArthur Centre became the Gulley Block, which delt
in furniture, carpets and linoleums. Gulley was also a mortician,
and rooms below were the Centre are believed to have been a morgue.
From 1920 to 1927 there were no taxes being paid on the land and
building, so in 1927 The City of Greenwood took over the building,
and in 1969, it was named the McArthur Centre, after a man who
was a great contributor to the Greenwood Community, W.E. McArthur.
The buildings high ceiling has since been taken advantage of by
building a second floor which is now being used by the Kettle
River Art Club. When visiting the second floor of the building
you get to see close up the detail of the ceiling work
(pictured to the abve).Details of craftsmanship were not only
on the inside but also on the outside with decorative brick work
around the windows and wood trim as well (see inset photo)
Take a trip into Greenwood and walk the trails, check out the
unique shops, and quench your thirst at one of the local cafés
or drinking establishments. Be sure you stop by the museum to
find out more of the rich history of Greenwood or phone Merilyn
Walker at the Greenwood Museum (250) 445-6355.
giraffe
ROLLING FOR READING
Toni Cordell has travelled the world filming television shows.
She’s been charged by an angry water buffalo, searched by gun-toting
soldiers, and attacked by a snake charmer’s cobra. But nothing
ever scared her as much as the fear that someone would finally
discover that she could barely read. Toni kept her secret for
35 years! When she was a kid, other students called her a dummy,
and teachers treated her like she couldn’t learn. She knows now
that she should have gotten help for her problem. Instead she
just got angry. Being a poor reader made everything so difficult.
When she grew up her children couldn’t understand why she never
read them storybooks or helped with their homework. Only Toni
knew that by the time her son was in fifth grade he could read
better than she could. She had to read a book three times before
it made any sense to her.
Toni thought it was too late to do anything about her problem.
Her mind was changed after seeing a movie about a grown man who
finally admitted his illiteracy and learned to read. At age 45,
Toni signed up for adult reading lessons. Within a year, she was
teaching other people. She was so happy to be literate that she
wanted to do something to let others non-reading adults know they
weren’t too old to learn either. It had to be somelthng unusual,
so that newspapers and TV stations would notice and cover the
story. That’s when Toni started Rolling for Reading. In 1989,
she roller-skated across her home state of Oklahoma, talking to
students and community groups along the way. That trip brought
a lot of attention to the problem of illiteracy, so Toni began
to plan for something bigger for 1990. She decided to become the
first woman to roller-skate across the U.S. She took off from
San Gabriel, California, and skated into Jacksonville, Florida,
five montlhs and 2,300 miles later. Toni skated 15-30 miles a
day, and gave talks in the towns she passed through. It was hard
work physically and the cost of the trip ate up the family savings,
but Toni got a tremendous boost from knowing she was getting kids
and adults fired up about reading.
At one school, an eleven-year-old boy stood up in the crowded
auditorium and told Toni, “I’m just like you. The kids make
fun of me. They tell me I’m stupid.” Toni spoke to him right
from her heart. “I think you’re one of the bravest people
I ever met,” she said. “You’ve just proven that you’re
not afraid of what other people think of you. Just because other
people call us names, doesn’t mean they’re right.” She told
him, “If you’re not learning the way the information is presented,
it doesn’t mean you’re lazy or stupid. It simply means you need
to be taught a different way.” Toni knew how illiteracy could
make you feel like an outsider, but she knew it could be overcome.
That’s why she was ‘Rolling for Reading’.
Carl
Dortch
Director, Lolita’s
Legion
url:http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/canopy/8126
email: lkitto@direct.ca
Letter to
the Editor
Community Centre: a personal touch
My impression of personal is the human touch, a sense of the personal
verses impersonal, a feeling of warmth verses cold, a sence of
community verses commodity and creativity verses generic.
I am neither young nor old just somewhere inbetween and realizing
that the impersonal touch of our time is money; more is better
than less, bigger is better than smaller. This has depersonalized
and segregated us all to feeling a deep sense of loneliness. I
believe change is both good for one’s growth on an emotional,
intellectual & physical level but not at the cost or loss
of human spirit. As a community I feel we would and could serve
the interests of the community by working together to also create
a personal community of shops like a town square which would reflect
our creativity, warmth, individuality and sense of unity.
I would like to see the children, seniors and inbetween have a
town with a base that can support the interests and needs of the
community and help cultivate a feeling of belonging to fuel the
human spirit. When you lose your connection to the spirit, your
sense of belonging and being part of a community, no amount of
money will buy it back for you.
Kim Davis
Inventors
+ Construction worker Hard Hat’s were first invented specifically
for workers on the Hoover Dam back in 1933.
+ Arthur Giblin was the inventor of the first flushable toilet.
It is believed that he later sold the rights to market his invention
to Thomas Crapper, a fellow plumber and boss.
+ In 1938, Chester Carlson invented xerography out of two natural
phenomena already known: materials of opposite electrical charges
are attracted, and certain materials become better conductors
of electricity when exposed to light. By combining these phenomena
in a unique way, he was able to create a new process for making
cheap, fast, good copies on plain paper
+ The shiny armor we know from many a movie (especially Robin
Hood/King Arthur movies) wasn’t invented until the 13/14th century,
while those movies take place (including the Holy Land stuff)
between the 9th and 12th century.
+ Abner Doubleday, the inventor of baseball is also credited with
firing the first Union shot of the Civil War.
Quote
The peoples of the world are one people, enriched by individual
differences, united by the common bond of humanity. The diversity
of a global community is its greatest strength; understanding
and respect is its greatest gift.
Internet History
part 2 cont.
from issue 12
http://www.burnww.net/1998bww/HTM/CONTENT/internet_history.htm
Internet Commerce
The explosion of the WWW and the Internet has initiated a new
type of consumerism. Commerce has been a powerful driving force
behind Internet growth in recent years. Many corporations have
used Internet marketing in similar fashion to catalogues without
the printing expense: For buying, selling, and trading over the
largest possible consumer medium. On-line services for companies
of every size have become standard for those wishing to reach
the largest consumer group possible. As the Internet continues
to grow, so too will the services offered by corporations conducting
business on the web. Supermarkets deliver groceries ordered over
personal computers. Similar services will soon be offered for
users wishing to rent movies or arrange for transportation. Price
comparison is simple to find for smart consumers. First time buyers
purchase new computers daily.
Internet Requirements
To establish on-line service to the Internet and to the WWW several
requirements must be met. A connection to the Internet is most
essential if you already own a computer and a modem. There are
a few different ways to connect to the Internet. The easiest and
most common way to get on-line is through the telephone. Access
to the Internet and the WWW are made available by establishing
service with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). America On-Line,
CompuServe, and Prodigy are all Internet service providers. These
corporations are designed as service oriented Internet providers.
Although these three are recognized as having many service advantages
over a local Internet provider, what they donate in service they
lose in overall Internet quality. The modem speeds these three
offer can not compete with established local providers. As a result,
users of these three do not utilize the quality and speeds of
the Internet to their full potential.
Browsers
Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.02 and Netscape Navigator are the
two default web browsers used on the Internet today. Although
these programs share many similar functions, each has its distinctive
characteristics. Both should be experimented with, and the ultimate
decision should ultimately come from personal preference.
Domain Name & URL
A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is another important detail to
establish when planning to conduct business on the web. A URL
discloses the name of the server that stores the files for a web
site. The file’s name and directory path are also revealed. The
domain name can be compared to a street address and phone number
for the web. For example, http://www.openminder.com is our domain
name. Generally the domain name should be kept under eight characters.
A domain name attracts users to you or your company without a
tedious search. Creating an easily remembered domain name guarantees
more visits from users.
Internet Risks
Like the park mentioned earlier, the web can be a wonderful place
to play. Unfortunately just because experimenting on the web is
fun does not mean it is without hazards. There are potential harms
lurking in cyberspace. (Knowing how to identify potential problems
and dealing with them are crucial for clean system maintenance
and theft control.) Evils to watch out for while exploring cyberspace
include viruses and cookies.
Cookies are both a necessity and a danger to many Internet users.
A cookie is a file that is automatically downloaded onto your
computer. Most cookies are beneficial and help programs run more
efficiently.Before accepting cookies it is advisable to check
both the cookie source and files to ensure they are from a reputable
source. Cookies could potentially give control of your computer
to a hacker on the outside.
As the name implies, viruses are the other danger to be wary of
in cyberspace. They come in many shapes and forms.Some of them
are created intentionally, while others were created accidentally.
Many Internet Service providers offer a “fire wall”
to prevent viruses from downloading onto your system. Viruses
cause hours of frustration to those who have their systems infected.
They can wipe out a hard drive or erase important information
on your system. Fortunately you can purchase anti-viruses which
are manufactured to prevent those little bugs from wreaking havoc
on your system.
editors note: Before a virus you hear about, makes you panic check
out this site first! http://www.kumite.com/myths/home.htm
404 Error
Another frustration of cyberspace exists in the form of the dreaded
404 error. If while surfing the net you should encounter the 404,
the message probably means the Page does not exist. It is also
possible that too much traffic to the site has made it impossible
to get through at the time. If so, try the site again at another
time.
Latency
Like your daily commute to work, the Internet is also plagued
by traffic. Peak usage is comparable to rush hour. When many users
are trying to get to the same place, the amount of time it takes
to get there increases. The delay in cyberspace is referred to
as latency. Latency occurs when the signal you are receiving is
forced to jump to and from numerous hosts to reach you. When fewer
users are on-line, the number of jumps necessary to reach you
is reduced.
Trivia
* Dr. Seuss coined the word “nerd” in his 1950 book
“If I Ran the Zoo”.
* A cockroach can live several weeks with its head cut off.
* Mexico City is sinking at a rate of 18 inches per year as a
result of draining the water table for human consumption.
* During your lifetime, you’ll eat about 60,000 pounds of food,
that’s the weight of about 6 elephants.
* Nanotechnology has produced a guitar no bigger than a blood
cell. The guitar, 10 micrometers long, has six strummable strings.
|
Einstien, appeared on the doorstep
of a nice family in rural Grand Forks, at the beginning of August.
Since his arival at the shelter nobody has come forth to claim
him. He is a young (under a year) shepard cross with golden lab.
Healthy smart and willing to please. He is a gentle and would
make a wonderful family pet. He does require training. To meet Einstien, stop by the SPCA shelter at 8120 Donaldson Drive, Grand Forks. Contact shelter by phone at (250) 442-5858 / fax: 442-5838 |
Job
Start
Job Start provides employment for youth who are not in school
and who have little or no work experience. Job Start is designed
to help youth gain their first work experience, while developing
marketable skills and sound work habits needed to obtain long-term
employment.
How Does it Work?
The provincial government encourages employers to hire youth by
providing them with a wage subsidy of 50% of the minimum wage
for a maximum of 360 hours, to help offset the cost of training.
Employers provide the rest of the wage.
Am I Eligible?
In addition to being a permanent resident of B.C. and eligible
to work in Canada, you must: *be between the ages of 17-24; *not
be currently employed or working in the field of the position
applied for; and *not be enrolled in school or planning on returning
within six months.
How Do I Apply?
There is no form for you to fill out. Employers interested in
hiring a youth must complete an application form that is then
submitted to a Host Agency for approval. Once approved, employers
use a variety of methods to locate and hire youth. Youth are encouraged
to participate in Job Start in two ways. First, young people can
directly approach an employer they are interested in working for
to see if they would like to take part in the program. Second,
youth can also contact the Host Agency in their region for more
information on employment opportunities available.
When Do Employers Have To Apply By?
There is no deadline date for applications, however funds are
limited.
Information about Host Agencies and other program information
is available by calling 1-877-BCYOUTH
Tornados
+ What do you get when a tornado goes over a bakery?
+ What are tornadoes called when they go over water in Belgium?
+ Why did the tornado cross the road?
+ What is a young tornado’s favorite dessert?
+ What’s a meteorologist’s favorite party game?
Answers
Riddle me this!
Three men checked into a hotel room for which they paid $30. The
next day, the manager realized that the men had been overcharged.
She gave the bellhop $5 to return to the three men. On the way
to their room the bellhop decided to keep $2 for himself, and
give each of the three men one dollar. The three men had now paid
$9 each, or a total of $27.
This plus the $2 the bellhop kept makes a total of $29. What happened
to the other dollar?
Answer
Tornado Answers
1. A Funnel Cake.
2. Brussel Spouts
3. Who would stop it?
4. Funnel Cakes
5. Twister
Riddle me this! answer
There is no missing dollar. When calculating the answer after
you take 3 off making 27 one should be counting down to 25 to
account for the $2 the bellhop kept as part of the $5 he was given
not back up to $30. 30-3-2=25 not
30-3+2=29