Something else from my inbox. As I’ve been out and about I’ve heard lots of mentions about the idea of developing cooperatives in South Berwick. Some have discussed it as a way to get needed businesses, like a hardware story, into South Berwick. Others have discussed it as a way to keep important but struggling businesses in town. Others have talked about developing purchasing cooperatives for alternative energy or weatherization technology and equipment. Maybe we should put together a group from South Berwick to go to this meeting and try to turn some of these ideas into reality. Anyone interested?
Fifteenth Annual Changing Maine Gathering sponsored by Cooperative Maine and Resources for Organizing and Social Change
The Co-op Model: Transition to a Democratic Economy
Saturday, February 28, 2009, (Snow date: Sunday, March 1, same time/place)
Pine Tree State Arboretum, 153 Hospital St., Augusta
Success stories on how cooperatives (food, housing, producer, credit unions, worker) have been organized and operated successfully. Workshops on how to organize a new cooperative, how to promote them in your community, joys and problems to overcome.
Cost: $0-20/day or whatever you can pay
For more info: www.cooperativemaine.org
I don’t know in what category this fits, but like many people my age I am concerned about the daily care of my aging parents. I can’t take care of my mother who lives in Virginia, but I do try to make myself available to my older neighbors hoping that Karma will encourage my mother’s neighbors to look after her.
While looking for advice on how to be a better long distance caregiver I came across an article on “The Beacon Hill Village.” (You can find it in the 04/02/2006 Garden section of the New York Times or google it) Basically, it’s a cooperative for people over 50 with the long term goal of letting people age in their own homes. Members help each other and pay a yearly fee to suppliment activities and services.
What if we, as a community, decided to make South Berwick an elder-friendly town. Could this be the cornerstone of our economic development? There is certainly the need and I don’t know of any other area towns that are offering services to this growing population.
I love this idea. I have been helping my parents out long distance too, although not as long distance as you, and have been thinking about what makes a community a good place to grow old. I would love to work on the idea for a cooperative. Yesterday I was at a meeting and another South Berwick resident was telling me about her interest in a “time dollar” program that she heard about that is happening in Vermont, where there is an organized system for bartering mutual services. How can we move these ideas ahead?
By the way, I think this is the article that Brian is referring to.
The time dollar concept was origionated in Ithica, NY. You can read all about it at http://www.ithicahours.org As someone who already volunteers in town, I’d love to get something more then thanks for my time and effort.
This is a great idea. As chair of the South Berwick Volunteer Network (SBVN), I can attest that transportation is a priority need for an aging population. Our 20 volunteer drivers can barely keep up with the need for rides to medical appointments. We see, on a daily basis, a serious need for transportation to grocery shopping, hair appointments, and activities at the community center. Other services are also needed. Current limited resources (volunteers) will not allow us to expand to cover these needs. I would love to work with anyone who is interested in developing a cooperative community proposal. Meanwhile, if you’d like to volunteer as a driver, please call 384-3311 and leave a messsage. We’ll get back to you ASAP!!!
Zelda- I don’t know if you are aware that The First Parish Federated Church has recently partnered with SMAA Southern Maine Agency on Aging. I don’t know if they have services that would support your group, but they may. There is an organizational meeting/lunch tomorrow at 10:30.
I am a trustee of the church and I know that we make space available to many different groups throughout the week. Check out the calendar at http://www.fpfcme.org or call the office, there may be an existing group who could help you with your mission. Maybe you could help to organize the different groups under one umbrella to provide services more efficiently….there are only so many people who volunteer their time it would be nice if they were all used to their best advantage.