Pictured by row — Café Chat: “Saving a North Central neighborhood institution” (see Food for Thought); “Mural celebrates rich cultural history” (On the Cover) |
May Public School Briefs (see School Days); Pet of the Month: “Tiniest patients need foster homes” (see Community/Pets); “Musical journey leads to symphony performance” (On the Cover) |
“Stay safe in high summer heat” (see Community); “Famed vocalist releases memoir” (see Arts & Entertainment)
Hello, North Central neighbors!
Writing this month’s cover story, I learned a lot about the Washington Park neighborhood, or Barrio Santa Rosa as it was known. The depth of history was surprising – I lived in that neighborhood close to 10 years and never learned about the rich tapestry prior generations had weaved there. Hopefully, the new mural at the Washington Activity Center will spark conversations about history there and elsewhere – I think that communities become richer and more cohesive by reflecting on those who came before us.
I also want to give a shout out to the kind stranger who helped my kids after my son’s truck had a blowout on the I-17 – never a good thing, but incredibly dangerous on a busy freeway. They pulled over safely, and as my son worked to get the spare loose, someone pulled in front of them, opened his trunk, took out a floor jack and said, “I’m here to help.”
As armed conflict overseas, mass shootings here at home, stories of financial hardships and deep political divisions inundate newsfeeds, it is important to remember that random acts of kindness and considered acts of community take place every day. There are young people expressing beauty through music and seasoned artists preserving cultural history; there are volunteers building gardens and neighbors working together toward common goals.
There is always good to be found – if we keep our eyes open to it. And sometimes we have to create the good simply by showing up and saying, “I’m here to help.”
We hope you enjoy our May issue, and until month, all my best,
Kathryn M. Miller
Editor, North Central News
editor@northcentralnews.net
