'Ever Better Community' Conference Planned For March 17th At The Fairgrounds
The “Ever Better Community” conference is the project of a group of concerned citizens who wanted to create a space where residents could join in a county-wide discussion about our community values and structures. The idea was to invite Mariposans to reflect on the kind of community they want, to better understand the help that is available to those in need, and to get more involved in new and long-standing initiatives designed to enhance the community.
As a result, the first Ever Better Community Conference will be held at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds, Building B, on Saturday, March 17, 2012. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Attendees are asked to donate either $10.00 to help defray expenses or a canned good for those in need.
The organizers set up the conference so that the morning session, “Ethics in Hard Times,” will focus on values.
The panelists for the 9:30 a.m. session will include:
Doug Binnewies –
George Radanovich – Former
Ginger Foster – Pastor, United
Alice Tudor – Director, Mountain Crisis Services
Les Marsden – Conductor and founder, Mariposa Symphony Orchestra
Meg Keoppen – Local gardener and writer
Tyson Wellcome – Director of Ethos
Following the morning panel, everyone will be invited to talk at their table about their own thoughts and feelings about how to behave in hard times. A “talking piece” process will be introduced to make sure that all who want to speak have an equal opportunity to do so and, equally importantly, everyone has the chance to listen thoughtfully to one speaker at a time.
Lunch is scheduled from noon to 1:00 p.m. Food will be provided. Participants are encouraged to visit the information tables staffed by members of local groups and agencies during this lunch break.
Beginning at 1:00 p.m., the afternoon sessions dealing with “Local Strength,” will address the issues of food; shelter; emergency services; children and youth; elders; water, energy and technology; transportation and new initiatives.
Confirmed speakers for the afternoon session are:
John Elliott – Facilities Manager, UC Merced
Brian Blew – Director, Heritage House
Charles Mosher – Director, Mariposa County Public Health Department
Following the presentations, participants will have the opportunity to speak with the specific groups and agencies in which they have an interest. (Any groups or agencies wanting to participate in the conference are encouraged to pick up a questionnaire at the library and return it to the library by Friday, Feb 17.)
The conference will conclude with an informal hour of networking time between 3 – 4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to stay and socialize. Because seating will be organized by the neighborhood where participants live, it is hoped, at a minimum, that by the end of the day everyone will know their neighbors a bit better.
