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September 22, 2003 |
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About Town Dave Uphoff |
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Let's get together
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One of the pleasures of living in a small community is the sense of belonging. It is hard
to belong to something in a large city because it is so overwhelming.
Years ago Minonk and other small communities had more street life. Prior to television, Minonk would be jammed with people on Saturday night not just to shop but also to visit. Minonk needs to make it easier for people to get together again and enjoy the comradery of living in a small community. With the completion of the recreation park at the north end of the city, young people will have another outlet for getting together. Adults will also be able to use the bicycle and walking paths in the park. During the winter, the hockey rink can be made into an ice rink that will allow people of all ages to ice skate. The completion of the Westside Park pavilion will enable families and friends to get together for picnics, reunions, etc. in a pleasant setting. Like other small towns, Minonk has a large number of older residents. A senior citizens center is needed to enable them to get together for social and recreational purposes. The former Wigwam restaurant at the south end of the city would be a good place for a senior citizens center.
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However, just providing places for people to get together is not enough. People must
be encouraged to get together again to liven up the community and improve the quality
of life for our residents. Meet your friends at one of the local restaurants for lunch
or dinner. I still remember how lively the cafes in Europe were and still are. People
would sit for hours at a restaurant dining and talking. To me, the best form of
entertainment is a lively conversation among friends over a long and leisurely meal either
at home or in a restaurant.
I can't help notice the absence of many of our city leaders from the local business establishments. Leaders in our community must be accessable to the public not only to allow people to communicate with them but also to remove any aura or misbeliefs that people may have about them. When I was young, the local police officers walked the streets of Minonk each night checking the doors of the business establishments to make sure they were locked. Heinz Janssen and Shorty Fryman would always stop and have a word with us youngsters hanging around the bank corner. The fact that the police would acknowledge us gave us a greater respect for them. Take advantage of living in a small community. Make Minonk a sociable place again. Get out and mingle! |
