Diverse Historic Community . In Search of . Long Term Relationship

[iloveionia]

Bring it on folks.  
Let's do this together:

October 2010
Dear Friends,

Great things are happening in Springfield.  Have you heard the heartfelt story of Miss Maggie, i.e. the Make it Happen Preservation Project that was completed at her historic home in July?  60+ neighbors and friends joined together and in a weekend transformed her dilapidated home into a model of love, preservation, and ultimately awareness.  

Preservation SOS is a grassroots organization working under the umbrella of Sustainable Springfield a 501 (3) (c) in Historic Springfield.  What does SOS do?  Well it is more like what don’t we do?  Saving our homes is #1.  Beautifying the neighborhood comes a close second behind.  We’ve grown to become an advocacy group, helping neighbors find information and resources to save and restore their own homes.  We’ve taken a step to work with local businesses; a group of folks will be painting and beautifying “8th Street Market” on the corner of 8th/Hubbard at the end of this month.  We’ve worked directly with owners, specifically 423 Walnut Court and 1626 Ionia to clean, protect, beautify, and ultimately save their historic homes.  We are building a positive relationship with the city; a movement to stop demolitions and mothball (board, secure, and monitor,) our neglected homes is moving forward.  

Did you know that this movement is barely 2 ½ months old?  Personally, I am blown away with what we have done.  We are just people; we only offer our love for Historic Springfield, our love for old homes, and give our time to make a difference in the community by putting forth action to our desires to improve the community.  Yup, most definitely, we are an action group.  You know the whole notion of “talk is cheap?”  Well we get that; we talk less, and do more.  This love that we have shared has made an immeasurable difference in our community.  Truth is there is more “difference” to be made.  That’s where you come in.

Each one of us as individuals, and as members of groups, organizations, and businesses has something unique to offer.  â€œIf everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” â€"Henry Ford.  Can you imagine how successful we can be as a community if we join our passions and talents together to help one another, ultimately helping our community?  I mean, isn’t that what it is all about, helping each other?  Giving selflessly?  

I know we can find a way to help you.  Do you think you can help us?  Collectively, we can accomplish more than continuing to work as separate entities.  I just want to start the dialogue, communicate, stay in touch, and let the opportunities to help one another come to light.  In essence, I honestly believe we all want for the same thing; to make our community the best place it can be for everyone.  How great if we could do this together!  

Yours in friendship,
Nicole Lopez
Preservation SOS President



click here to view the flyer for our door to door campaign and public mailing:
http://www.myspringfield.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6426#p6426


modified SOS letterhead:

[Springfield Chicken]

Well said, Nicole.  It's funny.  When we moved to Springfield 6+ months ago, all our friends were horrified.  Now, after hearing about the great things going on here, they are envious.

Passionate?  I think Springfielders invented the word!  Even when the passions clash it's because each side wants what's best for the neighborhood and may just disagree about how to achieve it.

There is so much going on here and so many ways to be involved it's almost overwhelming.  Thanks to you, and all our other visionaries - Amanda, Chris, Gloria, Rita, (by the way, that was alphabetical in order) and others who play important roles and those who have done so in the past.

I continue to be so proud to live in this community!