Merchants and Farmers Bank

I walked past the old Merchants and Farmers Bank this afternoon. It's on 5th, a couple of buildings down from Main Street. This isn't my hometown- I grew up, and still live thirty minutes to the west. Our downtown is much smaller, just a few blocks of Main Street, but there has been a revitalization thanks to the higher enrollment at the university. Here, on this Main Street, where downtown encompasses a large geographic area, the effects of the dying American small town can be seen in the empty windows and the going-out-of-business signs.

I spent a lot of time today thinking about communities and what makes them strong and the importance of being involved. Supporting local businesses and farms, and promoting the local arts scene are so important, but so is fighting for your community and voicing your concerns. We are all in this together. It's easy to become overwhelmed with the sheer amount of information, especially negative. Turn those feelings of hopelessness and anger into something productive. Where can you join the work of your community? What can you start? What need can you meet?