Conventionally used to describe inadvertent, negative effects of medical treatment, author John McKnight uses the word to describe the consequences of professionalizing care--turning citizens into "clients" and care into "service".
I recently witnessed a well-intentioned person try to co-opt, professionalize, define and control a movement long-percolating among grassroots groups and volunteers citizens. This person believes "success" requires a leader who will focus efforts and "take it to the next level". Beholding work that has potential is inspiring, but the desire to co-opt a movement dis-empowers enthusiastic people, destroys creativity and stifles agility.
I'm grateful to my friend who gave me the book just before I started my new job. It is helping me to be aware that co-opting, professionalizing and serving can be harmful. I'll do my best to support positive efforts and leave power where it belongs--with citizens.
We'll be refining the herb spiral this week. The herb seedlings and seeds are just about ready to join the great outdoors. The idea is to plant the herbs that thrive in arid climes at the top, getting progressively water-loving as they descend.
Here's the plan from top to bottom: Rosemary, oregano, marjoram, sage, tarragon, thyme, dill, cilantro, parsley, chives, fenugreek, lemon balm, a pile of cheery marigolds spilling from the bottom.
I entered in the addresses of all of the community gardens I could find on the Near-West Side of Cleveland into a Google map. I thought I'd share. Let me know if I'm missing any.
You can click through to see them all or use your mouse to pan across the map.
"I operate within the constraints of my life. Opportunities abound. " My friend Doug Lodge's statement in the recent Antaeus Dance program uses graceful prose to refer to what I call "being scrappy".
My job history is comically diverse, but the through line is that I am open to opportunities as they arise. So far it's been a real trip.
I've been a babysitter, lawn-mower, athletic club janitor, baton twirling teacher, journalist, drive thru cashier, waitress (from 3rd shift at Country Kitchen to fine dining), bartender, pizza maker, telemarketer, knitting store employee, modern dancer, choreographer, audio book quality assurance tester, dance educator, assistant to a city councilman, archival property researcher, passenger train advocate, after-school program designer, community researcher, Volunteer Coordinator, Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator and a Census Campaign Coordinator.
I'll be starting a new job soon. My first full-time, grown-up, benefits and retirement job. I know the constraints and opportunities will continue to keep life interesting. I am never bored.
I went on a pilgrimage to Southern Ohio last weekend. My grandparent's house on S. 10th street in Ironton has been torn down since I was last there. In place of the mint green and chocolate brown post-war bungalow is a parking lot. The unchanged view of the hills from their former backyard did console me.
View from my grandparents' former home.
I visited my grandparents in their retirement community in Portsmouth. My93-year-old grandfather complained about the lack of decent chess and checkers. He also told me stories about the rooster his family had when he was growing up and about how my grandparents got married when he was on leave in the Navy. My grandmother followed him up and down the west coast via train when they were newlyweds so they could be together while he finished his enlistment.
Charles E. Morrison, Navy photo
I also went hiking at Lake Vesuvius in the Wayne National Forest. I stayed a a great little bed and breakfast right on the Ohio River: , Riverview Inn in Franklin Furnace.
Lake Vesuvius, Wayne National Forest, Ironton Reservation
It's difficult to choose only ten things I like about Cleveland, but I guess I'll finish my list with something salient. I like the Cleveland International Film Festival--coming soon!
Those who don't have a car still do Pay public infrastructure taxes too So why can't those who don't have a car Use the bridge in their own backyard?…
All kinds of traffic should be delivered Up over the Cuyahoga River If they drive a bike or just walk around Give everyone a way to get downtown.
Let's keep Cleveland on the right track. Take a step forward not a step back Now is the chance if we answer the call To build a bridge that connects us all.
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