Community Minded
"Every exit is an entrance to someplace else," Patti LaBelle
Last week I attended a celebration in honor of the John R. Grubb Community YMCA, an organization that meaningfully served the urban core of the Des Moines metro for decades. For many of those years, I was an advisory council member and shared in the labor of love for the space that was affectionately known as the “Grubb Y” in the city. But, like so many other great things in this world, the Grubb Y’s time has come to an end. The City of Des Moines will soon open the new Reichardt Community Recreation Center in its stead.
One of the general expectations in climbing the corporate ladder is to join boards in order to rub shoulders (or is it elbows?) with potential business-decision makers. Connections matter. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. All that jazz. About a decade ago, my boss (at the time) was invited to join the Grubb Advisory Council but he couldn’t find the time in his schedule. He did, however, find the time to suggest that I would be a good fit for the position. Upon his encouragement, I agreed to the post. Unbeknownst to me at that time, the work I would put in would pale in comparison to the friendships and perspectives I would gain through active community participation in which decisions were being made by those closest to the heart of the community. It was a beautiful thing to witness and admire as kind ideas became reality.
What is the definition of a great community? The word is rooted in the Latin communitas “community, public spirit” (from Latin communis, “common”). Paradoxically, it seems “public spirit” is less “common” these days, especially in the wake of the pandemic that wreaked havoc on many community gatherings.
As I listened to the various speakers at last week’s event, a common theme shone through: It’s not about any certain building; it’s about the people. It’s about people knowing they can help each other when they come together in the name of community. It’s knowing that you can make a difference in this big old crazy world. It’s knowing there’s meaning in shared purpose and that great communities are welcoming and understanding to the needs of others. They always find ways to open their arms. Being witness in real time to a group that knows how to love on each other is something I’ll cherish forever, and I take with me into the world every day. I am so blessed to have played a small role in it all. “Think globally, act locally” resonates even more loudly with me these days after my experiences at the Grubb Y.
Thank you Rick, Mona, Tavian, Derek, Joyce, Sharon, Cameron, Hogan, Kevin, Trisha, Ramon, Jean, Jacquie, Bobbie, Rodney, Ben, Joe, Jason, Michelle, Jamel, Josh, Kevin, Tyler, Shekinah and so many others that consistently demonstrated the beauty that comes from being a part of something bigger than yourself. Your leadership through service to your community is admirable and brings me hope knowing you’re in the world finding the next things to bring others joy and hope.
As an independent musician, I have incredible admiration for communities that coalesce around live music. This Sunday, March 23, I’ll have the pleasure of returning to Legendary Byron's, a mecca of listening room culture in Iowa, where citizens from around the Pomeroy area gather to be with each other and actively listen as artists perform and share stories. It’s an unbelievably special place and I’m so blessed to benefit from their open arms and welcoming spirit. It’s a true catalyst for my life as an artist. Communities that believe in each other provide incalculable momentum for those they support in their quest to find beauty.
As I’ve written before, community creation and the cross-pollination of thought through art and discussion in this modern world are crucial. We need each other, and the symbiosis found between artist and audience speaks volumes to this. The talented and inspiring Kenni Falls is joining me for the next Third Thursday performance on March 19 at the Unity Center starting at 6pm. We’ll have cookies, coffee and conversation when we’re not playing songs and sharing stories from the stage. We’ll also have an area for a music swap. Bring a CD, book, vinyl, cassette — any kind of physical media you’d like to exchange. Who knows what you’ll discover while also sharing something new with someone else. If there’s one thing I know about recognizing great community these days, it’s that it’s not built overnight. It’s a labor of love that doesn’t have a clear beginning or ending because new people are always welcome to join with open arms and hearts.
To find more stories and insights across the state of Iowa, please consider following and supporting the many talented journalists and storytellers of the Iowa Writer’s Collaborative of which I’m a proud member. We’re planning two wonderful nights of music as part of our IWC Storm Lake retreat on April 23 and 24th. Admission is free for our paid subscribers. Please RSVP with the links below now as seating is limited for both events. The Weary Ramblers will perform on Thursday, April 23rd in the Mermaid Room of the Cobblestone Ballroom in Storm Lake and Friday, April 24th is the Inaugural IWC Hootenanny at Legendary Byron’s in Pomeroy.
Please also note that all paid subscribers are welcome to join the monthly Iowa Writers’ Collaborative’s Office Lounge on Zoom. It’s the last Friday of every month and it’s a lively conversation with Dr. Robert Leonard moderating. Please join members of the IWC and other paid subscribers for an unscripted conversation here.
NOTE: All annual paid subscribers to the Chip Happens Substack also receive a copy of my CD compilation, Twenty-Five, that includes 25 original songs. If you are only in the market for the CD, it is available here for $25. CD art and design were completed by my amazing and talented wife, Jen Albright, who is the driving force behind our strategy + creative firm, AlbrightSpark. To learn more about my personal experience helping folks with caregiver and home health care insurance, please click here.
I appreciated seeing you at the event and your extended time in conversation with me. The program was a wonderful celebration of the meaningful relationships created in Grubb Y's lifetime.