From time to time I have been concerned that the 19th ward seems a bit insular and that we don't always take advantage of relationships/connections with other communities. At the same time, many worry about our 'negative reputation' re: drugs, crime, etc. Sometimes there has been a tone of 'us vs. them' yet the answer to most human problems requires more of a 'we' approach. I am starting THIS thread and asking that people take a minute to post a story about something good that is happening and how this 'good' has involved/intersected with other people and/or communities.

I'll start with a story:
As some already know, there are a number of people here who are involved in trying to address the issue of feral cats (see feral cat group if you want to learn more). A few weeks ago, 3 Marlborough Road residents were featured in a D&C column by Mark Hare - the article highlighted the efforts of these residents (the 'cat ladies') in terms of their care for a feral cat colony. These residents have cared for 15 or so feral cats including trapping cats, ensuring that they get proper veterinary care, releasing cats back into the community and then feeding them, building winter shelters, etc. The residents count on relationships with a number of people to make this thing "work" - these connections include veterinarians (local and out of county), 2 community wide feral cat groups, other neighbors who help, neighbors on adjacent streets, etc.

The newspaper article captured the interest of people who live outside of the 19th ward, including a woman in Pittsford who called, out of the blue, a few weeks ago asking to talk with the "cat ladies. This woman wanted to thank the Marlborough "cat ladies" for their work and asked if they'd be willing to come to a brunch and be the 'guests of honor' for their work with the cats. The Marlborough 'cat ladies' were a little reluctant at first (you know that there are stereotypes re: woman, cats, etc :-) but they agreed to attend and did so this past weekend. THe woman in Pittsford had invited other people she knew and all who attended shared their stories and appreciation of the work of the 'cat ladies'.

I think that this is just one story that highlights the positive things that can happen when concerned and committed citizens work together, connect their efforts with others and create connections with other communities.