Memorial Day 2010

There is no better day to live in a small town than Memorial Day. This year, I marched along with the parade, videotaping my daughter, who was playing sax in the school marching band, so I don't have the comprehensive selection of photos I've posted in past years. (To get a sense the whole parade, click here, here and here - posts from previous years.

Here is a selection of photos (and one video) from the day.

The boys above are watching the fighter jets that zoomed low overhead at 10:05 am, just before the parade began.

Not necessarily scenic

business committee, originally uploaded by jahansell.

But important to the future of our town. For the last year and economic advisory group has been meeting to talk about the needs of businesses in town and how to promote economic development. Last night they presented their findings to a very interested group of businesses owners and people like me.

We split into groups to brainstorm next steps and solutions, and I volunteered (well, was asked in advance) to join a group to form a new Sharon Business Association. I'm excited, because I think my experience can be very helpful - I am interested to help the group start by articulating a vision and a clear mission, as well as specific goals and action steps... in other words use everything I"ve learned in nonprofit management to help the for-profit community. I've come to see the divide between them as much smaller than I'd ever thought - in terms of building community, providing opportunity, creating a shared vision that benefits everyone - we are all in it together.

seascape

Millerton Artist Henry Klimowicz has been creating with strips of corrugated cardboard for over two decades. This collection, which to me looks like it could be underwater, or maybe on Mars, is entrancing. Henry recently converted his Boston Corners barn into a gallery, The Re Institute, which has already had a couple of shows of interesting work, with more scheduled. See a few more photos here.

Art Show

artshow, originally uploaded by jahansell.

The theme for today and tomorrow is going to be art (in this area, it could be the theme every day for a year, there are so many interesting artists and galleries around.) Region 1 (the schools of the six local towns) had a big art show - each school chose 1 or 2 pieces from each grade to be shown. My daughter's piece is on wall on the left (tiger - the project was to go from 2 dimensions to 3). The room at the Interlaken was packed with families come to admire the work of our community's children.

Tomorrow: the work of a fascinating Millerton artist.

double rainbow

doublerainbow, originally uploaded by jahansell.

Driving home from Millerton, around 7:30 pm - this was one of the most intense rainbows I've ever seen. And it wasn't even raining!

Tree down on the green

tree down, originally uploaded by jahansell.

On Saturday night we had an intense wind storm that resulted in an all-night power outage - from about 9pm til about 5am - for all of Sharon.) I don't think this gigantic tree was the culprit, but it was impressive lying there along Sharon Green! This picture is even better!

SharonFarm Market to be

sharon farm market, originally uploaded by jahansell.

Coming soon to a storefront near you (or near me, anyway) - the grocery store, empty for over a year, is undergoing major renovations and will reopen as the Sharon Farm Market in a month or two. It still has much of the same layout, shelves and signs, but scrubbed clean, and with a whole new vibe. New owner Chris Choi is putting in a sushi bar, fresh flower section, and even a soda fountain / coffee bar (if he can find someone to run it - he wants to rent out the space, so if you are interested, stop in!)

The Sharon Revival continues

jam, originally uploaded by jahansell.

Jam has been open about a year and I have neglected to post about it - they have delicious sandwiches, baked goods, an eclectic selection of groceries and specialty foods, and quite a few frozen entrees to bring home for dinner. It's in the little plaza across from the shopping center adjacent to the new Northlight Art Studio. (A few years ago those shops were the Stove Doctor and the video store, respectively - both useful too but I'm happy for the change!)