JBA Central Blog System

Creating a city that is human-scale seems like it might be an obvious task that one need not worry about too much, but the sad truth is that it seems that very often builders, developers and planners forget to consider the people who will be using their very creations. Take sidewalks, for example. It is very easy to see where planning failed when you suddenly find your sidewalk ending, perhaps taking up on the opposite side of the street for a few blocks before re-appearing. Or perhaps you're walking down a sidewalk that has all of the utility poles squarely in the middle of it, along with a few other obstacles, such as road signs. As you walk around these items you might think them a little inconvenient, but imagine now that you're wheelchair bound and can no longer actually navigate the sidewalks because of these obstacles....that's not feeling friendly, is it?

There are so many other examples of this kind of planning failure, and the only way to stop it is to actually pay attention so that you can throw that word of warning (Hey! That isn't going to work!) before it's something you have to go back and fix. From there, start asking what the community needs in order to be a safe, functional place and proceed accordingly. At the worst of the "best case scenario" spectrum, going back to fix user-unfriendly features is a good step and learning from those mistakes is a good first step.

How often do you get the chance to participate in something bigger than yourself? While we may not realize it, most of us are continually in the process of participating in something larger than ourselves- our communities, for example, would fall into that category. Companies whose services and products reach and affect others and religious and spiritual organizations are another two ways. Whether you're clad in cowboy boots or a business suit, there are always ways in which your actions and interactions affect the larger whole.

Instead of just bouncing along and letting this happen as it will, why not use your intelligence and your caring to make conscious change. Whether that means producing a higher quality western product that will last longer and give customers a great deal of enjoyment or doing service work to help those in need, you'll be actively choosing to have a positive effect, which will be nourishing and healing not just for others, but for yourself as well.

Summer vacation is seeing the last of its days this year, if it hasn’t already passed, and it is time to get ready to head back to the classroom. Communities everywhere are getting into the swing of early morning school bus routes and afternoon homework dates. Whether you are preparing to send off your little buckaroo to elementary school, send your teen to the halls of the high school, or you’re waving to your young adult as you drive away from a college campus, there is one thing that each of your burgeoning scholars will need: back to school style!

Every year is an opportunity to re-invent themselves, and come back to class with a whole new look and a new wardrobe to show off. For parents, back to school shopping is a great way to cycle out some of the old favorites that have seen better days. So take the opportunity to help your kids find pieces that are durable, and able to stand up to some tough wear. If your kids are still figuring out their autumn fashion, it’s time to consider comfortable, classic western wear. Since western wear was originally designed to stand up to the harsh environment of the American prairie, it’s modern successors are more than capable of taking on challenges all the way from the playground to the campus quad!

Of course, western fashion isn’t all about the iconic cowboy hats and bandanas—though they are certainly options for unique pieces to add to your closet. Western apparel has been making its way into mainstream fashion for years now. Stylish and comfortable cowboy boots are a great option for everyday foot wear. And who can deny the comfort of a classic pair of denim jeans, made stylish with a leather belt and buckle? Everybody from the usual suspects working the Texas ranches to fashionistas in New York City have felt the inspiration of the American Old West in their wardrobes. So pull out the denim and cowboy boots, and lets suit up for school!

How you interact with your community teaches your children many things. When they see you volunteering to work the school's fall carnival or donating food or clothing to the local charities, they learn what it is to be a good citizen. And teaching by example is the best way to instill in them the value of contributing to the greater good.

For many families the support given and received is a true blessing. It wasn't too long ago that most areas of the country were fairly isolated by geography so they had to depend on one another for many services. From the boy down the road that came and mowed the lawn to the farmer whose road-side stand supplied seasonal vegetables and fruits for the community's tables- everyone played a part in making sure that everyone was fed, housed, and nurtured. Places like the old grange hall and churches were where families gathered for special events and those usually included a covered dish dinner where all the best dishes were shared with neighbors. Children played with their friends and the adults congregated after the meals under shade trees and on porches. Those days are returning for a lot of reasons but the best reason is to give and receive the love and support of your community.

Part of community outreach programs that exist today consist of reaching out to the youth boys and girls in an attempt to teaching them life lessons to be used throughout their life. The boy scouts offers such life lessons to youth boys. The boy scouts start with simple lessons of tying knots and how to start a fire safely. Next, they progress to how to use a knife safely and begin with leadership lessons. Eventually, as the boy matures into a teenager, they are able to teach other younger boys the same lessons that they were taught and in doing so, will reinforce what they have learned. The goal of the boy scouts is to help mold children into mature adults with knowledge of anything and everything that they will need to survive. With classes in life saving or shotgun shooting, to wilderness survival, the boy scouts learn it all. It also gives the ability for the child to become independent and be accountable for their choices. Camping and hiking are also part of the lessons so that they are constantly on the move.

If you are interested in marriage therapy, Cary NC residents, you are not alone. There are many people who find that their relationships could use a little help in being the most desirable possible relationship between two people. There is a reason why one invites their family and friends to witness their union, after all, and much of it has to do with the fact that those will be the people who help to support the marriage. While leaning on friends and family can be helpful and of benefit, there are times when it is best to work with a professional who has the skills, tools, and knowledge to impart to those who need to work on their marriage.

One need not wait until things are highly stressful and difficult before seeking help. In fact, for many3. people, learning the tools, such as how to communicate more effectively, can prevent issues from getting larger than they already are. Think of it like brushing your teeth- if you care for your teeth at home, the dentist can help you with the bigger issues, but you won't be nearly as likely to have them!

In this day and age of technology, many people are forgetting some of the tried and true means of finding what you're looking for, whether that's a roommate, a massage therapist or a dog! While online sites and email groups have allowed people a great deal of communication and the ability to easily network and find what they want, let's not forget those other methods such as...

* Bulletin boards: pick your location and you'll find a host of related (or not) information on everything from handymen to healers to house mates needed.
* Yard Sales: not the best when you want one specific item (unless it's a common one) but a great way to find treasures of all sorts
* Word of mouth: put the word out there and you might be surprised what all you find coming back to you.

The 'buy local' mantra is spreading across the country. People are becoming more aware that importing cheap good from overseas has a hidden higher cost. This reality struck hard after Katrina and fuel prices soared world wide. It became apparent that if the global economy came to a slow and pricey halt that even our most basic needs may not be met. Farmer's markets are springing up all over the country and these are now being extended into the winter months as farmers and cottage crafts people provide everything from the summer fare to winter vegetables, canned goods, and even warm winter wear.

This is now being extended to the availability and consumer choice to hard goods- including cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs from Dallas used car dealership. Not only are people looking to reduce their own cost for a reliable late model vehicle, they are looking to do it within the community that they live. Although these vehicles may be used they have low mileage and some still have months left on the manufacturer's warranty. Buyers can feel confident that they are also helping to provide jobs for those working in sales, maintenance, and in the office. People who live in the community, which provides prosperity and stability for all.

Most community neighborhoods have playgrounds or parks so that local children can play around and enjoy themselves. These playgrounds are convenient as they do not require people to travel great distances to get to them, and also allows the family to relax in their own comfortable setting. Another joy of having your own community playground is that you don’t have to worry too much about who is in the playground, as they are typically private and restricted to residents only. The same goes for the community pool, as guests have to come with residents and there are a restricted number of guests per resident. As most neighborhood communities would have residents pay a homeowner association fee, these fees typically go towards putting in playgrounds and pools for the community itself. While some resident may not like these fees, they are vital to ensure that playgrounds, pools, tennis courts, and other great amenities are built for the residents of the local community.

Events where large groups of people come together form temporary communities that can create long-lasting ties of friendship, business and more. Take, for example, the World Equestrian Games. 2010 is a big year for the games already as it will be the first time they have been held outside of Europe. Taking place in the US - Kentucky, of course - will bring not only people from all over Europe, but from all over the United States as well. Together, riders, trainers, owners, vendors and fans alike will all gather to celebrate and revel in the World Equestrian Games. As with all events in which people have gathered together with a common cause, there will be a sense of group unity that pervades, despite the competitive nature of the event. This can be seen with many other events, conferences and gatherings of people.