Catching up

What a week. I am simply exhausted!! But, hopefully it was fruitful.

I haven't had time to blog much on the meeting between M. Cooper, R. Sorenson and myself. They basically let me know the progress of the Mayor's Conservation plan, invited me to be on the task force committee, and asked for my input.

My input is this:

1. Provide classes:
a. home maintenance - many people purchase homes without any idea of what it will take to keep it up, or even what the ordinances are they they need to adhere to.
b. gardening - landscaping can add a lot to a home. Many people are not aware of what types of plants to use where. Tips are readily available for free by greenhouses. The problem is, these are often held at the greenhouses themselves. Another issue is that people in the suburbs have different issues than those in central Sioux Falls. Rich soil is characteristic of the central city, however things like parkway issues and shade are often problematic.
c. babysitting - several teenagers reside in the central city and have no experience taking care of younger children. These courses provide these teens with life-saving skills and a means to make the extra money.
d. community leadership - leadership is there for the taking, but how do you organize? How do you maintain interest in your cause? What resources are available?
e. finance - so many homes are in foreclosure right now. Options are available. What can the average person do to plan to purchase a home, save a home in peril, commit the resources needed for average upkeep.

2. Volunteer Activities
a. landscaping parkways - show that they are entering a neighborhood that cares. Often that is all that is needed to keep thugs away.
b. picking up garbage around the neighborhood - benefits us all! Kids can get in on this, too but with guidelines on how to handle (or not) certain types of garbage. Provide some sort of treat and/or gathering afterwards.
c. home maintenance - many elderly people live in the neighborhood and need things done that they are unable to do themselves. Some people don't have the skills to make simple repairs, or for that matter more skilled ones. With all the builders in the S.F. area, surely we could ask for a day or two here or there to help.
d. graffiti removal - this one irks me. Right now the city holds the homeowner responsible for clean up of graffiti on their property - whether they are 30 and financially stable and physically fit, or 90 on a limited income with physical impairment. This is bogus. This is a city problem, there should be other means.
e. summer activities - keep young children busy and out of trouble!
f. piano lessons - same as above, also music has been proven to improve educational ability as well.
g. acting classes - fun!
h. tutoring - the city now has many expensive tutoring businesses. Lets find some volunteers to assist with children in families of limited income!
i. peanut butter and jelly - many disadvantaged children don't get 3 meals a day. Churches and other organizations could assist by providing sandwiches at noon.
j. troubleshooting
1. lighting - have people walk through the neighborhood at night and assess lighting issues
2. crime areas - identify problem areas and take steps to change them
3. blight - same as above.

3. Community Activities
a. book clubs
b. garden clubs
c. theater
d. art classes
e. photography
f. teas
g. dog training
h. architectural walks
i. quilting
j. card playing
k. think tanks

4. Outside Involvement
a. Sanford - In the last year its been all about them, but what about the surrounding neighborhood. Will they build a fence?
b. Area colleges and high schools - people with the willingness to learn and the resources to help
c. Realtor association
d. Home Builders

That is the list that I provided at the meeting. Now I need help in getting these things started. I need a spark, or I am the spark and I need the fuel. I feel like a bad salesman in a way. I have vision and knowledge but cannot close the sale!