Connections Make The Community

A few years back, when I was unemployed, I sat back to reflect on what I could do with what I had.  I still had a good relationship with the company that had let me go.  The cut backs were in response to the down economy, and my job fell into the cut back category.  So I volunteered to work for free, to be sure on a limited basis. My reasoning was that at least it kept me in the industry of my choice, and my former boss gave me some freedom to foster relationships that I hadn’t previously had the time or opportunity to develop.  I realized that despite living in the Napa Valley for some 20 years, I had been so busy raising my kids, I hadn’t taken time to get to know the people.  I decided that I would make a point of reaching out to groups in the community that I supported but didn’t really know.  The first group was one that I believe plays a vital role in our society and especially in this community, but is overlooked, underappreciated and perhaps just assumed.  That would be the artists.  You may wonder, by now, what I could do for artists?  I was a volunteer part time weekend radio host on 99.3 The Vine.  I invited artists to talk about their projects, their philosophy of art and how they were making an impact in the community with what they created.  Over time, I eventually was re-employed and had the opportunity to work with the non-profits of the Napa Valley – which put me into contact with another vital aspect of this valley.  Do you know that Napa Valley boasts well over 100 non-profits, many of which serve the needs of residents who are often ignore or marginalized?  These dedicated citizens quietly go about their day helping hundreds of folk throughout the year, making a difference that improves the lives of individuals and families, giving them hope and help.  Now, in addition to making connections with artists and helping non-profits get their message out to the public, I have the chance to work with the small business owners.  And I’m discovering yet another vibrant part of our community – the entrepreneur.  They work hard to market goods and services, and have great commitment and enthusiasm for their product.  Now some five years later, I realize that at one of my lowest points I found a way to reach out into a community that is alive with creativity, a will to do good and the confidence to pursue an idea.  We all benefit from the artists, the non-profits and the business owners.  I realized that I have come to the place where I could very well run into some of these amazing folk outside of work and have a conversation with them, not necessarily related to our professional relationship.  At the very least, I could say “Hi, how’s it going,” which to some may not seem like much, but for me, it’s big. Just this morning, I was out getting my cup of java to start off my day in downtown Napa, and I saw a gentleman I had done business with, also heading to the coffee shop.  As I passed him by, I stopped and said, “Hey!  How did it go for you?” – referring to a recent promotion and interview we had given his business.  He looked at me with a friendly smile, but puzzled look.  So then I asked him if he was the manager of the certain business, and he said, “No,” … flustered, I smiled brightly, and wished him a good day anyway, and he kindly did the same.  I could feel embarrassed, but instead I’ve decided it was a great opportunity to make yet another connection in this amazing community.  Have a great day ya’ll!