Parting Thoughts: May/June 2012

by Jim Dittmann
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By: Jim Dittmann

Well here we are:  Parting thoughts Volume 1 Issue 3

A kitchen table startup of just a few months ago – sweet dreams can come true…

Few days go by that one of you doesn’t stop me to say, “Hey I like your kid’s new magazine” – I say, “Well thank you very much” (proud parental moment) – “but it’s a family affair.”  LocaLeben appreciates your support – enthusiasm – and help!  Compiling her pages has produced many unexpected, but magnificent consequences.  Many new friends are being introduced – people have been very generous in sharing their experiences while we learn and grow to appreciate the culture and history of our little community.  The Legion Band story let me spend hours with Clete and Betty Willihnganz, the passionate keepers of volumes of material illustrating the band’s many accomplishments – its connection to the community and the many lives it touched.  Look for future articles as we explore the legacy of the “The American Legion Band of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.”

Memorial day is a few weeks away – buy a poppy – shake a veteran’s hand and say thanks.

Studying the past always brings me back to the thought of community and the interdependence of it all.  Being aware that our everyday choices dramatically affect our local economy and those choices will help us to sustain our own place.  Given today’s political and economic climate – now is the perfect time to think Local.  Pause to consider the tremendous benefits from keeping our money in our own community.  Shop at your neighbor’s store – we all benefit from the economic multipliers created when more dollars are re-circulated at the local level.  More of our tax dollars circulate right here and that helps schools – parks – police – fire and a whole lot more.  Some say local goods are more expensive – not always – gather the information – check it out – you may be surprised.  Embracing the local economy and supporting neighborhood business keeps the community original – and ensures our uniqueness.  Locally owned businesses give more to the local non-profit organizations and they create good places to work.  Local businesses are better for the environment as well – we live here…

As we revitalize our downtown – a perfect opportunity to build on the character that is Beaver Dam awaits us – let’s make and keep it unique – we owe it to those who came before us and to the next.  Choose to participate and enjoy the many things that can be.

LocaLeben is a source to improve community awareness – showcasing activities and projects – which improve the physical and social fabric of our hometown.  We look forward to hearing from many of you soon – please write to us with thoughts and suggestions…

A very special thank you to Clete & Betty Willihnganz for sharing –

Take time to view the original art of James Milton Smith, “Unveiling the Unexpected” a one-man show at the Seippel Arts Center continuing through May 20.

The “Wandering Man” stopped by this afternoon.  He wonders why people don’t stop at stop signs anymore.  He concludes that it must be because there are just too many of them – they’re everywhere.  “Ever go through a strip mall? – There’s a stop sign every 50 feet so everyone rolls through them – have we lost all the respect and discipline we were taught?”  “And why do we need to make all the roads so large?”  “Are the cars that much bigger?”

Cheers –

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