Creative Community Plan News Today

Led by Lillian Norman and the Wadena Development Authority, a group of residents and community leaders are looking at the future of Wadena and the needs of the community through a survey of locals.

I need people who would be interested in working with me on the Take-and-Make kit program that I have been running with the Wadena City Library.

Consider how resident view Wadena and how visitors view Wadena. What's the difference?

Projects are coming together and more are developing in Wadena.

Essentially, placemaking is a strategy and effort to realize the benefits of creativity and place-based identity in a town.

Participation in creative activities with others or even alone, improves feelings of loneliness which is associated with a variety of health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death.

Rural towns that have invested in building their creative sectors have seen increased community pride, created jobs, and more name-recognition for their town.

A newer project that should be on your radar in case it becomes reality is incorporating some artistic activities into the Farmer’s Market here in town. Whether it is listening to a band, having the opportunity to sit down and paint, making prints with the natural elements of the environment, or something else, I would love to hear from you.

Much of the work that I have mentioned in this column in the past has come about because someone brought up an idea, and then we simply went out and did it together.

A newer project that should be on your radar in case it becomes reality is incorporating some artistic activities into the Farmer’s Market here in town. Whether it is listening to a band, having the opportunity to sit down and paint, making prints with the natural elements of the environment, or something else, I would love to hear from you.