Celebrating Spring in Your Local Community
April is upon us, Spring is in the air, and with it come holidays like Passover and Easter—times to celebrate the closeness of family, contemplate the meaning of faith, and appreciate the ties we share. As we put away our winter coats for lighter jackets and enjoy longer, sunnier days, it’s a perfect time to look around at the communities we call home. When you walk down your local Main Street, do you feel a sense of pride? Would you describe your hometown as a place where you have a strong sense of belonging, or just an address where you park your car at night? What makes the difference between a town being simply a place on a map and a place you truly feel at home?
Spring is a season of renewal and possibility. The lifeless branches of the oaks and maples sprout tiny green buds that will grow to thick canopies of shade in the hot summer sun. The sunny petals of daffodils and the sweet smell of hyacinths remind us that it’s time to plan our own summer gardens. Perhaps you find yourself, like many, at the kitchen table, poring over seed packets and envisioning what each plant can bring—a flourish of basil here, a burst of tomatoes there. Do we want to plant the Brandywine or the Cherokee tomatoes? Will they grow well in the bed with the oregano or the basil? Each plant has its own needs for water, sunlight, and nutrients. Some thrive side by side; others need a little more space. Every species brings its own advantages, and with careful planning and cultivation, July and August can deliver a beautiful, serene space full of life and a bountiful harvest.
Our communities mirror this delicate balance. Growth depends on many different elements—people, businesses, and organizations—each with its unique needs, working together. Just as a sudden hailstorm or late frost can damage even the most carefully planned gardens, our communities can face unforeseen hurdles, like factory closures and industries lost to cheap labor overseas. Pennsylvania towns have weathered many such storms over recent decades, leaving some of our once-thriving communities uprooted, untilled, and in need of replanting.
Taking part in your hometown’s revitalization can feel intimidating. We may find ourselves wondering, “Where would I even begin?” Like gardeners combing over their seeds at the kitchen table, we can begin by asking: What town, borough, or city do we hope to build? Do we want to revive the past or boldly head in a new direction? What do we want people to think of when we tell them where we live?
It’s easy to think community development should be left to the experts—the city planners and business leaders. It can feel overwhelming for those of us who appreciate a beautiful garden but doubt our ability to tend it. Yet, you already play a bigger role than you realize. Like butterflies quietly pollinating blossoms, your everyday interactions gently support the growth of local businesses. Your voice, your attention, and your curiosity matter too. By noticing and nurturing community initiatives already taking root, you can help cultivate a place that truly feels like home—not just the place you park your car at night.
Let’s keep this perspective as we walk along the streets of our downtowns, admiring the mismatched buildings and diverse businesses. Instead of focusing on the ugly duckling on the block or the empty storefront, let’s focus on what our towns are trying to grow. Which green shoots are breaking through the cracks with potential to become mighty oaks? Who are the worker bees ensuring our garden remains productive, and who are the social butterflies that keep the space lively? What steps can you take to contribute to the shape and direction of your community?
As we celebrate the arrival of spring and the promise of renewal, we wanted to use our space this month to build a community with you. What better way to do that than to invite you to share your community with us! Here are some ways you can get involved:
Visit a family-owned shop, introduce yourself, and learn about their vision for your town.
Celebrate a local business, nonprofit, or community gathering spot by sending a photo and description to connect@wtpppa.org so we can promote them.
Check out our socials where we’ll be reviewing the book What I Found in a Thousand Towns: A Traveling Musician’s Guide to Rebuilding America’s Communities—One Coffee Shop, Dog Run, and Open-Mike Night at a Time by Dar Williams, and join in on the conversation. Nominate a person or business in your community as a community bridger.
We’re always looking for blog posts from members of our community. We’d love to know: What was it like growing up in your hometown? How has your town changed since you were a kid? Is there a wonderful community organization you’d like to highlight? Any success stories of revitalization efforts? Send your thoughts to blog@wtpppa.org for consideration, and we will work with you to post it here.
Each of us brings unique experience, and with thoughtful cultivation, we can grow our communities into spaces filled with life, connection, and abundance!