MA/NY CT Resources for Info, Events, Recommendations, Sites worth Checking (web and cultural)

When all the world's abuzz with main stream media covering weather, major news events and lighter fare, it doesn't hurt to create local networks online to process ideas (as I do here on www.livfully.drupalgardens.com ) on Facebook, a town and regional website. Even linking info 'across state lines' makes sense to promote neighboring state program options.

The Tri-Corner area of MA/NY CT  can also remind more people to think about how when MANY Connect and share info, more happens. I hear of this in various circles, from PC (permaculture) to 'going local to keep funds and resources multiplying and helping an area thrive'.

That was the theme of the Berkshire Co-op annual meeting in 2014. I'll have to check the particular book recommended, but here's a few sites to get the wheels turning. Why not see how you might replicate some good ideas along these lines in your area and share the jist of what's enhancing your economy and cultural scene.

While many areas are known for their hospitality or are colored by their climate (think Beach Life on any coast, but especially in warmer climes), places like Pete's Bar in Neptune Beach Florida has managed to 'take that idea to a new level organically' by starting a Thanksgiving late morning gathering for well, drinks and socializing in the street before folks have their big meal back home. What started out with a dozens of people has grown to a couple of thousand happily taking in some 'meet and greet' time.

More non-profits are finding ways to fundraise with dinners, raffles, and unique events as are many schools, fire departments (these may include carnivals after parades) and scholarship events (fireworks in our area, as well as raffles and special events). Often in rural areas, the population is aging and younger people are leaving.

The result is a decline in school-age kids and people to fill lower wage jobs. Maybe by 2050 almost half of the US population will live in urban areas! All the more reason to create your communities in person and online (and around the country for US-All of a Miracle, my name for the USA and wider circles of caring people).

Maybe we'll have to migrate for economic, climatic or other reasons. But wherever you are or land, 'take root and branch out in positive directions'.  Check out these listings and add your own as you feel led.

P.S.A current issue in our MA/NY CT tri-corner area is whether to 'Bring Back the Trains" which would mean using the HoUSAtonic RR for passenger service from NYC to Pittsfield since MA recently bought the tract fro CT to Pittsfield. Now the NYC Metro-North line goes to Wassaic NY with about a 40 minute car drive from there to Canaan CT which borders MA. After hearing both sides to the issue (coverage in the Lakeville Journal  in CT, www.tricornernews.com , but also in a MA paper), the work, costs and time for riding beyond Wassaic to get up to MA may not prove feasible.

There are pros but there are also cons. I could make this another post but will offer the idea that vans and busses likely could transport people (not freight so much) and bring in more tourists and residents to enhance the economy.

Some predict a few thousand would come to the area daily but others say that is an unrealistic number. We have serious constraints due to a lack of public water supplies in many towns, so most homes need a well and can only provide a certain amount of water per building.

But for now, let's get back on track about how people CAN SHARE HELPFUL RESOURCES to get interested in visiting an area and yes, maybe living there for a spell.

 Now He-erre's THE LIST!

CT- - tricornernews.com, registercitizen.com,( litchfield) countytimes.com,  (Waterbury) rep-am.com,  (Hartford) www.thecourant.com , www.hotchkiss.edu

MA-- www.berkshirerecord.com, www.berkshireeagle.com, www.OurBerkshireTimes.com (free online calendar listing of events, current and back issues), www.ruralintelligence.com, www.toastmasters.org ( check for local public speaking and meeting training in any state, area), www.bcc.edu 

NY-- www.poughkeepsiejournal.com, www.mainstreet.com (free  current and back issues online) ,www.vassar.edu , www.dutchess.edu , www.marist.edu

websites for most towns, libraries, school, colleges (a lot for alums but also area residents to enjoy cultural events, donate and more) and many FB groups to network

Also Radio Stations and Local Access Cable TV and News programs can keep people connected in helpful ways. Check out online or on a radio  www.npr.org (many local stations), Christian radio (online such as Sound of Life), and more.