Let’s move on to the “cool communities’ handprint,” pgs 59-66. Your choice of topic: Share your scores for the Dalton Community and your biggest “aha” about this OR Which of these seven is
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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I would like to comment on the 7 indexes...
ReplyDeleteVitality: The city just finished a new green space in town, people are out running, walking, biking at all times of the day and evening. The Raisin Trail for Mountain Biking is a great start.
Learning: I see Dalton College has many continuing ed. classes available. The college has grown in the 20 years that I have been in Dalton. I see that as a plus, especially with the student housing going in.
Around Town: We are close to Chattanooga and many people do their shopping and dining there. I see where it can be a plus to live close to the next big metro area, but also a minus. Citizens may be apathetic to push for these shops and dining in our town if they can get it just up the highway.
Earning: I think it would be difficult to start a new, small business in Dalton. I have seen so many neat shops and restaurants close after only a few years.
After Hours: Big ZERO for Dalton. I have always said that Dalton is a great place to raise a family, but a terrible place to live if you are single. Chattanooga has the right idea in that area. Quality dining, nightlife (bars, dancing, theatre, symphony, etc.)
I think small communities can be "cool". The author says that we don't need to exceed in all areas of the handprint to attract and keep the next generation. I think Dalton is doing well in the Vitality and Learning areas. It doesn't hurt that we are close to Chattanooga and Atlanta. If we were stronger in After Hours and Earning we may attract more people.
Well put Cushmom, I agree with everything you said.
ReplyDeleteI think we fair well on social capital as it pertains to diversity. I have been very impressed with the school system's ability to incorporate our Hispanic citizens without losing the support of local alumni and their families. I hope that this trend continues. If a public school system loses its alumni support, the whole city eventually suffers.
I hope that in the future, DSC will expand allowing for more residential students and the businesses they support.
Cushmom, I wholeheartedly agree with you that small communities can be cool. I do, however, think we have more of an uphill battle to "spread the word" than larger cities like Atlanta and Chattanooga. I think proximity to these two cities helps us in many ways but, as you mentioned, may provide some challenges as well. That's why I think Ryan's regional approach has some applicability to Dalton.
ReplyDeleteI just love the simplicity of this book and would love for the whole town to read it! How did you find this book? Have you heard the author speak? It sounds like she is from Wisconsin, which is where I was raised. I have lived in Georgia for 29 years now, but still a Cheesehead at heart. It makes me chuckle to see some of the small towns mentioned as examples. It was not like that when I lived there. I wonder when the change began?
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