I've been reading this thread with a great deal of interest. i applaud Kitty's enthusiasm and desire to get involved and improve the quality of life for people living in Wildwood. I also agree with some of Grannynance' comments.
I have no experience at all with Wildwood, but I do have a lot of experience with people and town councils and Mayors of small towns. And the one thing I know is that no Locals anywhere ever want "people from away" telling them how to run their lives. I think this is one of GrannyNance' areas of discomfort.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kittygilchrist
Helping children is great, soup kitchens too, food truck, yes.
That is all giving someone a fish.
I would like to see:
Collaboration between Wildwood residents and Villagers with the objective of raising Wildwood's standard of living AND providing Villagers with a charming town to explore, take grandchildren, eat, and shop. And don't forget train watching. TV and Wildwood basically merge. Would it not be advantageous to collaboratively and proactively manage that process?
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My thought is that you have to crawl before you can walk, and then run. People "from away" have to be careful to start small, get to know people and personalities, prove their good intentions by helping solve current problems, gain credibility by working in the trenches, etc., before they start proposing managing a process to merge The Villages and Wildwood.
I think getting involved with the Foodbanks in surrounding communities is a great first step to getting to know local people and building relationships that will help effect change without seeming presumptuous.
And I apologize if I've misconstrued anyone's feelings or comments. I have nothing but admiration for Kitty and her passionate zest to get involved and make a difference.