KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL.... AND THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
VOLUME 1 EDITION 4
NOVEMBER 2020
LIVE
The Road is Always Greener Why traditional neighborhoods emphasize connection and accessibility, and how their use of streets and parks make for a more connected, successful community.
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LEARN
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
In last month’s article, we discussed street design, accessibility of public spaces, and how mixed-use developments work in harmony with a diverse community. Now, we will delve further into both the street networks of traditional neighborhood developments along with parks and other open spaces to understand how they interact and influence traditional neighborhoods. As previously mentioned, key characteristics of traditional neighborhood developments are its variations of living spaces, mixed-use land uses, a main street, and an easily navigable and walkable design. While all of these features play off and interact with one another, it is “context-based” street design which allows for traditional neighborhoods to work in this way. To reiterate a prior concept, “context-based” street design is an approach which proposes that streets can and should answer to the varied needs of a certain area, whether institutional, residential, or commercial—and the streets of traditional neighborhood developments do just that. Typically, this design model includes organized blocks, alleys, and patterns which, with the help of public spaces, foster a flexible transmission of foot, bicycle, and automobile traffic. To contrast, conventional suburban developments often feature large blocks and low-traffic local streets that feed into streets with higher levels of traffic,
which then lead to streets with consistent speeds and traffic volume. In other words, conventional suburban developments are ultimately dominated by the automobile with less regard to pedestrians. On the other hand, traditional neighborhood developments are, again, extremely supportive of multiple modes of transport and also emphasize smaller blocks to increase walkability and create a network of streets, allowing for multiple routes of transport. This, again, ties into the mixed-use aesthetic of traditional neighborhoods: multi- and single-family homes are blended with apartment and townhome living, which generates a natural buffer for traffic and is further maintained by generally lower speed limits for motor vehicles. This aids in constructing safer spaces for pedestrians and bicyclists, and the organized network of streets and blocks renders it easy
and accessible for residents to find their way around the neighborhood. As we have examined in these articles, the many facets of traditional neighborhood developments must work in conjunction with one another in order to exist. Just as parks and open spaces rely on context-based street design, so too does street design depend on the existence of parks and open spaces. Like mixed-use spaces and combinations of different sizes and types of living arrangements serve to buffer traffic, large, often circular fields of grass are utilized for the same reason: automobile drivers must slow down and become mindful of the roundabouts that permit the flow of automobiles in one direction, which effectively and naturally mitigates traffic. This, however, is just one use of open spaces and parks in traditional neighborhood developments.
Parks and open spaces can act to establish the perimeter of traditional neighborhood developments in order to disconnect neighboring areas that might consist of different land uses, and they can also be utilized for gathering or recreational purposes. As an example, the presence of a park or open outdoor space, sometimes including a lake, in the heart of a pedestrian shopping center allows for things like relaxing, fishing, and holding events that promote business for surrounding shops and restaurants. And like street trees work to reduce visual pollution, parks and green spaces afford visual breaks from the architecture of a built environment. Public social interaction is essential to building a strong community, and parks provide the space to do that, unlike conventional suburban developments whose majority of parks and outdoor spaces are composed of fenced-in backyards, where there is little opportunity or chance for social interaction. Overall, it is clear the ways in which street design influences public spaces, just as public spaces influence street design. Traditional neighborhoods do much to create synergies between elements, displaying a true concern for their residents’ needs rather than focusing on the influence of the automobile as conventional suburban developments do.
LIVE ORLANDO
Coffee Hour with BEAT
Giving Back with Gratitude this Thanksgiving Season ever dream about. As a young man, who barely spoke English, I arrived in Florida with the dream to build a town and find success as an entrepreneur. I was welcomed with open arms to this community, as a human being, and as a businessman. As we kick off a month that is well-known for gratitude, I would like to start by thanking my wife Jill and my entire family. It is not always easy to understand the intense requirements of business. Its a packed travel schedule, long workdays and working on the weekends. For almost 25 years, Jill has supported me and Avalon Park Group. I am very thankful and do not take this for granted. I would also like to thank all the team members, which I consider close friends and family, from Avalon Park Group for their passionate, dedication, and hard work for our many enterprises around the globe. Additionally, I would be remised if I did not recognize my appreciation for Avalon Park Groups’ business friends, partners, clients, vendors, bankers, and government entities we work with every day. Thanksgiving is the time to look back and while doing so, I am deeply thankful for the United States of America. As an immigrant from Switzerland, this country has offered me everything I could
As a businessman, I learned in order to earn you have to invest. Many years ago I heard a speech from the late Richard DeVos, the owner of the Magic basketball team
law you can reach all your dreams. It is not only an honor to be able to give back in thankfulness to the community which allowed me and many other entrepreneurs to be successful, but I see it as an obligation and honor to give back to the community and less fortunate. Giving for Avalon Park Group often means identifying a need and filling it. Almost 20 years ago, Avalon Park Group donated school sites for Avalon Park Elementary school, funded the Timber Creek
SOMETIMES PEOPLE BELIEVE GIVING IS JUST MONEY. I STRONGLY DISAGREE, THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS OF GIVING BACK, AS IN TIME AND TALENTS. and billionaire entrepreneur. He told his fellow church friends in Fort Lauderdale that he experienced something interesting. He would start to give 10% of his income to the Church as required by the Bible. However, he then decided to give more of his income, and at times to give more than he earned in a given year. Rich DeVos said, “The more I donated, the more my fortune grew.” I am fortunate and deeply thankful to be in this country where you can pursue your dream and by working hard, being honest and obeying the
would not have what we have today, a wonderful town, where people can live, learn, work, and play. A town where people can find a strong sense of belonging and safety. Hence giving back starts early and should never end. We are also replicating this giving model in our Avalon Park Daytona Beach community. We have been blessed to truly start community partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club of Volusia and Flagler County and the Ormond Beach Youth Football and Cheer Association. From supporting youth sports and community events, we are looking forward to continuing to give back in this community!
Sometimes people believe giving is just money. I strongly disagree, there are so many ways of givhigh school football stadi- ing back, as in time and um, and built the Timber talents. I am thankful that Creek Bands marching the Avalon Park commufield. A high ranking nity is among the best I Orange County Public have experienced when Schools school official it comes to giving time asked me, “How can you as volunteers in schools, afford to do all those dowith local seniors and nations, Avalon Park has with community service barely started, and with clubs. I admire anybody just few homes cannot spending time to give possibly be making you back, sometimes it is easy money.” By the way, my just to send a check, and CFO also wondered what much harder to invest I was doing when “giving time and passion when away with both hands.” giving back. So, in the spirit of the season, as I I am thankful and glad look to new and familthat Avalon Park Orlaniar ways to give back, I do started with giving. It encourage you to do the was the strong foundation same! for a great community. Without those gifts we Happy Thanksgiving!
LEARN ORLANDO
Ormond Beach Youth Football & Cheer Association go Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
Junior Varsity (ages 11,12,13)
Junior Pee Wee (ages 8,9,10)
Tiny Mite (ages 5,6,7)
Ormond Beach Youth Football and Cheer Association encourages young athletes to succeed, on our fields and in the classroom. Our program is all volunteer ran, and we are happy to make a difference in so many young lives. We can not do this alone, Thank to Avalon Park Group for your support and sponsorship!
LEARN (Cont.)
It’s All About the Kids! Vote for Charlene Today
$100,000 could be awarded to Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counites to provide after school bus transportation scholarships to over 150 Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties members! BUT it takes VOTES! It takes only seconds to vote, and you can vote one time per day for each email you have. Voting ends on NOV. 4th, so please VOTE, VOTE, VOTE! CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE FINALISTS! If Charlene wins the popular vote, BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF VOLUSIA/FLAGLER COUNTIES WILL RECEIVE A $100,000 AWARD! About Charlene: Charlene spends approximately 120 hours per month volunteering and advocating for the eight Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia / Flagler where she serves on their Board of Directors and helps organize their annual Christmas Celebration and Honor Roll Banquet; she has worked with the organization for nine years. Funds received from winning the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award would provide after school bus transportation scholarships to over 150 youth who are members at our Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties!
CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHARLENE AND BOYS & GIRLS CLUB!
WORK ORLANDO
Daytona Beach International Airport Adds Daily Flights to Dallas and Philadelphia
American Airlines announced it will add two new seasonal service routes servicing Daytona Beach International Airport: Dallas/ Fort Worth (DFW) and Philadelphia (PHL). Both flights will be daily morning service scheduled to begin in December and run through April and offer connections to the many destinations served by American’s Dallas-Fort Worth and Philadelphia hubs. Passengers will be able to select business and economy class seats.
travel to and from the Daytona Beach area,” Feaster said.
the Daytona Beach area and highlight the importance of regional airports like DAB.
“American is a great airline partner, and we are thrilled they are adding new, nonstop service at Daytona Beach International Airport,” said Airport Director Karen Feaster.
multiple layers of protection, including enhanced cleaning of American’s spaces in American’s new nonstop airports and its airplanes and flights to two additional “Our recent investments to enforcement of its face coverdestinations will further the airport coupled with our ings policy. And in the comstrengthen the airline’s sersolid relationship with Amer- ing months, American will be vice offerings at DAB, which ican are some of the reasons the first U.S. airline to start currently include four daily they believe in the market deploying SurfaceWise2, a flights to Charlotte, North here in Volusia County,” said breakthrough EPA-approved Carolina. George Recktenwald, county antiviral protectant. This manager for Volusia County antimicrobial surface coating Government, which operates will help protect passengers “We are pleased to add this new service because we the airport. and crew members against know how important access transmission via surfaces, to our largest hubs is for local “These new destinations particularly on high-touch residents who want one stop provide an enhanced service areas such as seats, armrests, to the world,” said Brian offering to our community tray tables and overhead bin Znotins, American’s vice while showing visitors just doors. president of network planhow convenient it is to exning. “We also look forward plore all the county has to For more information, conto bringing more people to offer,” said Recktenwald. tact Marketing & Customer Daytona Beach, especially Experience Director Joanne during the colder winter Tickets are available for pur- Magley at jmagley@volusia. months.” chase now on aa.com. org or 386-561-7185.
“This is a very uncertain time for the airline industry, but the leadership at American understands the desire for
While the new service offerings provide more options for area residents, it may also help boost tourism in
Through the American Clean Commitment, the airline is protecting passengers’ health during the pandemic with
Duke Energy Site Readiness Program The Duke Energy Site Readiness Program began in 2005 in North and South Carolina and Duke Energy Florida implemented the program in November 2012 following the Duke Energy/Progress Energy merger. The Site Readiness Program is intended to identify, assess, improve and increase awareness of industrial sites in Duke Energy service territory, as well as to advance the state of readiness of these sites. These studies are conducted by nationally recognized site selection consul-
tants who evaluate the sites and provide a final report on recommendations for the properties. To date, 34 properties have been evaluated in Florida. Over 280 Sites have been evaluated over the past 14 years, spread out over all of the states that Duke Energy serves. Since the program’s introduction to Florida in 2013, 27 properties have been evaluated. To date, 46 large projects have been won on sites eval-
uated through this program (GITI Tire, Sierra Nevada Brewery, Clearwater Paper, etc.) resulting in approximately 10,000 jobs and over $8 billion in capital investment (includes projects announced but not yet started). Many of the sites have been or are in the process of being developed into active industrial parks. The program has been recognized by numerous economic development organizations and national publications, and has been recognized by
Work Updates Provided By Team Volusia EDC
Site Selection Magazine and Southern Business & Development Magazine as one of “The South’s 10 Best Site Programs.” View the Florida Site Readiness Map here.
WORK (Cont.)
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE Meet the Member
Interview with Anne Timm from INOFEA The 5th Floor is an international collaborative pro-work space where members are able to enjoy international collaboration benefits in our 5th Floor locations and connections throughout the world. We would like to introduce you to Switzerland member, Anne Timm. 1. How did INOFEA come about? INOFEA has been founded in February 2014, as a spin-off of the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland. We own a patented enzyme technology which makes enzymes used in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and food ingredients 20 times more stable and recyclable. This helps our customers to reduce their energy consumption by about 15%. Since our enzymes can be used for sustainable continuous manufacturing processes 20 – 50% less waste occurs, which is economically and environmentally of high interest. 2. Could you give us a short overview of INOFEA?
We have very experienced, skilled and motivated team members in INOFEA. One of them is our Head of R&D and Production, Dr. Rita Correro, who developed our enzyme technology in the recent years. In her team there are Lars Grossniklaus and Anna Ruf, both working intensively on our customer projects. On October 01, our new Business Development Manager Nilesh Shah joined the team having like myself, many years of industry experience. We are working with top Pharmaceutical and Food companies, have supply and license agreements in place. Our customers value the benefits our technology brings. We add additional benefits to biocatalysts by immobilization and shielding of enzymes. The shield-
ing is like a cocoon, providing a better stability to the enzymes. 3. What makes INOFEA future-oriented? We support our customers to reach their sustainability goals. Take the food industry as an example; food companies need to ensure that we have for the fast growing population on our planet sufficient healthy food and on the other side to use our resources of farm-land in an efficient way. The reduction of energy and other raw material consumption is essential. More and more people move away from eating meat and alternative protein sources become important. We are with our technology exactly supporting these future oriented targets.
4. INOFEA is a company founded and based in Basel. What do you particularly appreciate about this region? The region of Basel is a very lively region, we have here many startups and large international companies, so it is easy to get in contact with our clients and partners. And of course, the proximity to the University of Applied Sciences, two of our founders are working there as Professors and support us from a scientific point of view. Finally, the fifth floor offered us the wonderful opportunity to bring our labs with the offices together, we have now the privilege to work in new labs perfectly equipped with all what we need.
Why Business Connections are Important
Networking is a job; creating relationships lasts forever. It is part of the human condition to desire connections because connections create feelings, and feelings are the crux of prosperous businesses. Aside from the many physical and mental health benefits of creating genuine connections, relationships also improve business. In other words, if people feel like a business not only cares about them, but also identifies with them, then they are more likely to support a business. To further elaborate, there are clear differences between networking and connecting: networking is an activity through which people are able to develop a clientele and transfer information. Connecting, on the other hand, is a form of relationship building, which does more for a business than networking alone.
In the words of the late poet Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” A business person may meet twenty people a day through networking, but through connecting via emotion, the business person will not be forgotten. This can lead to many benefits for a business, such as new referrals, and referrals received through real connections increase the quality and likelihood of securing leads. In the context of coworking,
coworking is arguably the best way to create long-lasting relationships. Connecting and building an emotional repertoire via coworking with others outside of your business, then, often results in an explosion of new ideas that can only exist through this mutual kinship. Coworking also allows for a diverse pool of connections which helps to remind that there is something to learn from everyone; ideas are made malleable and those with whom one connects can aid in forming an idea into something to be put into action. In addition, building genuine relationships through coworking can lead to
joint work and new partnerships and collaborations as well as introducing you to specialists and others who can help your business. One of the most important things essential to building and maintaining a successful business is empathy—not only seeing others for what they have to offer, but for who they are. With a concern for the matters of the heart, a new sense of satisfaction can bloom from the knowledge that you are directly impacting and helping others.
For more information on The 5th Floor in US or Switzerland or to learn more about how you can do business with this 5th Floor Member, please e-mail us at Info@The5thFloor.US.
PLAY ORLANDO
West Volusia Toursim On My Mind By Georgia Turner, Executive Director
Who would’ve known back in January that words like “Zoom” and “virtual” would be be playing a major part of our daily vocabulary! I just did a quick count and it turns out that I’ve attended -- hold on to your hat -- 190 virtual meetings and events between March 30 and September 30! The good news is, I’ve gotten a lot of great information about the tourism industry and our path to recovery during these calls. If you’d like to get a sampling of some of the fantastic information I’ve gathered from the webinars I’ve attended, click on this link, courtesy of the Southeast Tourism Society. Locally, I’ve been impressed with the creativity shown by organizations like the Athens Theatre who transitioned into virtual events almost immediately after the pandemic began. Thankfully, they also transitioned to safe LIVE events as soon as they could. I’m also thankful for the four Chambers we belong to who have adapted their morning meetings, business after hours and networking events to a virtual platform. Some have been Zoom only, while others gave you an option to be there in person OR in the comfort
of your own home. One last shout out to Joe Hearn at the Center at Deltona who has hosted in-person meetings where the attendees felt extremely safe. Two memorable events that I personally attended were the Team Volusia board meeting and the Volusia Hispanic Chamber membership meeting. With all this said, it’s very encouraging to see how our community and especially our tourism industry is adapting! Hopefully more and more meetings and events will be going “live” again soon.
New Art, History Tours There are two new tours in town! The Downtown DeLand Miniature Art Adventure, conceived by Ray Johnson and facilitated by John Wilton, features a self-guided tour of small art works by eight artists all decorating a variety of nooks and crannies. With support from WVTAA, the Museum of Art-DeLand has published a guide to the 20 locations which includes a map and color-coded locations. The guide is available at both Museum locations (100 and 600 N. Woodland Blvd) and our Visitors Center, 116 W. New York Avenue. The other tour, developed by the West Volusia Historical Society, offers a new experience: Walking Through History -- The Old Northwest and Stetson University Historic Districts. This is a one-hour docent-led walking tour of the DeLand House neighborhood. Click here for reservations!
Speaking of New Art... The Lue Gim Gong mural, which was destroyed in 2015, finally has a new home -- on the side of our Visitor Center in Artisan Alley! The original mural was painted by artist Courtney Canova in 2003, and he recreated it on our building. Lue, known as “The Citrus Wizard,” created what became an early version of today’s Valencia orange. We’re so glad he’s back!
PLAY (Cont.)
1st Annual Bash on the Boulevard Comes to Ormond Beach! Ormond Beach MainStreet is proud to present the 1st Annual Bash on the Boulevard, Sunday November 8, 2020 from 4 pm – 8 pm. Don’t miss a chance to be part of Ormond’s next great tradition. Gather a table of friends, coworkers or neighbors to dine under the stars in Granada Plaza on Granada Boulevard. Unlike other dining events, you pick
the theme! Got a favorite movie, country, or era? Set the vibe with creative table decorations and attire chosen by YOU, and let your appetite decide what’s for dinner. Choose whether to order a special dinner package from one of Ormond’s fantastic local restaurants or create a home-made picnic. Enjoy outdoor fun, mu-
sic, raffles, a cash bar, and more. Compete with your neighbors! Awards will be presented in five categories including The OB Life, Most Elegant, Most Colorful, Best TV/ Movie-Themed and Most Creative. Each group is encouraged to bring creativity, ingenuity, and FUN to their designated space, as they develop their own unique look and individual décor. Only the
table, white linen tablecloth and chairs are provided – everything else is up to you. Tables of eight (8) are available for just $175 each, and will be spaced to allow for social distancing so you can feel comfortable gathering, even in these unusual times. Tickets can be purchased at buytickets.at/ormondbeachmainstreet All proceeds benefit Ormond Beach MainStreet, a locally-run, volunteer-led nonprofit who is celebrating 25 years of supporting local business, preserving local history and creating a unique sense of community in Historic Ormond Beach. Your support will help ensure we can be here for the next 25 years. For more information, sponsorship opportunities or to volunteer at the event, please contact julia@ormondmainstreet. com or becky@ormondmainstreet.com or call 386-492-2938. Presenting Sponsor: The Management & Merchants of Granada Plaza Sponsored in part by: 31 Supper Club; Adams, Cameron & Co, Realtors; Advent Health; Daytona Beach News-Journal; Edward Jones Financial – Jason Morgan, CFP; Halifax Insurance Partners; Highlander Corp.; Money Pages; Nancy Cortez, Real Estate Broker, Home Staging; Ormond Observer; Ritchey Cadillac; Southern Stone Media; TD Bank; WastePro; WSBB Radio
Coming together to create a healthy community ORLANDO
Your Joints were Made to Lift You Up
Your joints allow you to do incredible things, but they’re vulnerable to damage, inflammation and wear-and-tear. Trust your knees, hips and shoulders to the specialized expertise of AdventHealth’s orthopedic team – providing individualized care for even the most complex conditions to get you back in motion, fast. Plus, we’re committed to providing the safest treatment, and a personal nurse navigator to help you every step of the way.
education, research and innovation for all team members and leading edge treatments that further push the definition of what truly great patient care is. Everything we do is designed to fulfill our ultimate goal – to help people live a healthier, fuller life in mind, body and spirit. To meet our new doctors and learn more visit VolusiaFlaglerOrtho.com
AdventHealth Daytona Beach is close by and home to a certified Orthopedic Center of Excellence for hip, knee and shoulder surgeries. This important designation is representative of a bestin-class orthopedic surgery program with top rankings in quality outcomes and patient satisfaction.
COVID Testing DaVita Labs COVID-19 PCR Testing Process
But, what does it really mean for our patients and how did we get this certification? DNV GL Health Care is a world-leading certification body committed to supporting the development and continual improvement of health care quality and patient safety in health care organizations. They work with health care providers, like AdventHealth, national and regional health authorities, and key stakeholders around the world to facilitate patient-centered, safe care. Not only is our Daytona Beach campus the recipient of this elite designation, our Palm Coast, Deland and Fish Memorial campuses across Volusia and Flagler counties are also noted centers of excellence for hip, knee, shoulder and spine surgeries. At AdventHealth, we’re driven by a mission that extends the healing ministry of Christ to all our communities. We believe this means providing exceptional and compassionate care, continued
ABOUT DAVITA LABS DaVita Labs is a state of the art laboratory located in DeLand, Florida. We process over 60 million specimens per year for patients receiving dialysis treatment from DaVita Kidney Care clinics all across the country. At DaVita, we are a community first and a company second. Standing true to this philosophy, we have been able to expand our testing capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now have the ability to provide PCR COVID testing to our local community.
DaVita Labs has been processing COVID-19 PCR tests since April, and is now able to offer PCR testing to our local community. DaVita’s PCR testing process offers: Results reported within 24 hours of specimens arriving at DaVita Labs An easy to use online portal for ordering tests and receiving results Testing kits provided, if desired Local customer support representatives available to answer questions and provide assistance
For more information, please contact labs@davita.com.
©2020 DaVita Inc. All rights reserved. Proprietary and confidential. For internal use only. 0820 v1
COMMUNITY CORNER ORLANDO
Kayla
“The Boys & Girls Club means a lot to me, but #1 being there for each other. I’ve been going almost 7 years now and I have always had staff to talk to. Any problem I’ve had, no matter if it is at school, Club or home, someone has been there to let me know they are there for me. #2 Love, the Boys & Girls Club loves me and I know the staffs always have let me know they love me. In all the 6 years nobody has been mean or bullied me or show anything other than that, and I think that’s really amazing! Honestly, the Boys& Girls Club is and always will be a great place to be at so all together the Boys & Girls Club to me means loyalty. So thank you Boys & Girls Club. I love and appreciate you!” -Kayla, age 11, 5th grade, Jeep Beach / Edgewater Club
Nevaeh
“I love the club it teaches valuble lesons you will need in life. For the first day at the John H. Dickerson Boys and Girls Club I was nevous didn’t bother to make friends. A few week in and I’m the most out going person you’d know. It also teaches you how to apoligize the right way. The staff tell you to say “I apoligize” then say what your apoligizing for. I also love it because of the staff. Did you know they’re strict because they love you and they want to make sure your doing the right thing.” - Nevaeh, John H. Dickerson Boys & Girls Club
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COMMUNITY (Cont.)
GUEST SUBMISSION
Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue! Hip Hip Hooray!!!
share the world’s highest standard of living and enjoy freedoms other countries only dream about. Our democratic experiment continues to evolve and there is still much work to be done; but we ALL love living “And on a day we meet under Old Glory’s proto walk the line And set the wall between tections. us once again. How we each deal with Frost says, ‘Good fences We keep the wall bea worldwide pandemic make good neighbors.’ I hear that annoying Pub- tween us as we go.” is unique. I’m not myOn Wednesday, we self…lonely and irritable. lix announcement, “We Frost’s meaning is that should all awaken with More illness than I have are all in this together.” good neighbors respect a smile, feeling great, ever had. I can’t go to the I’m thinking to myself one another. Perhaps thinking about working movies, a concert or play. while consuming my together to heal our diGrumpy must be my new own carbon dioxide and we’ve lost some of that this year. vides for the next four stale breath, fighting off normal. years, and offer three hypoxia…who is WE? cheers for the red, white, Let’s make the WednesI am praying that I don’t I’m am looking out for and blue. day after election day to ME! Please just tell me have to wait until Janwhen I can get vaccinatmeet with our neighbors, uary 1st for civility to ed! put aside our differences, The Village Idiot return to our lives…I’m and remember the things hoping for things to In 1914, poet Robert Frost we all have in common! change on Wednesday, wrote the Mending Wall. First and foremost, we November 4th. The vitriol and acrimony of this election cycle is no surprise. 2020 has been a year of discord. It’s like a bad court docket…Mask v. No Mask, Black v. Blue, Dem v. Rep, Don v. Joe, Titos v. Jack, Dodgers v. Rays, Louisiana v. Mother Nature.
Here’s the thing; I think we have lost the perspective that We Are ALL Proud Americans. Social interaction has been replaced with social distancing. Since March, we just wave to our neighbors; no more grilling ribs and having a cold beer together on Saturday afternoon.
Frost’s poem depicts a pair of neighboring farmers working together on the annual chore of rebuilding their common property divider. He wrote:
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