Moving Forward

[Debbie Thompson]

I heard an excellent presentation about Springfield and its history last night. One of the slides discussed what holds Springfield back, and one of the points was internal warfare.

Sadly, it’s true. I hear it and see it. I’ve been guilty at times, I’m sorry to say. Subtle and not-so-subtle digs at each other. Sometimes its recent issues, and sometimes grudges are dragged out and dusted off. Some of them so old many newer residents are confused, not even knowing what they are about. It always results in hurt feelings, then you feel like you have to defend yourself, and we are off to the races.

I’ve heard it said that if Springfield could get its act together, it would be unstoppable. If that’s true, it’s us stopping ourselves. I am so encouraged about all the new non-profits in the ‘hood joining SPAR and SIA in making Springfield better. What amazing work we are all doing! Other neighborhoods have to be envious of the talent we have here.

• Sustainable Springfield: community gardens, orchards, beehives and working on backyard hen legislation
• Friends of the Parks (formerly Disc Golf): How amazing is the new disc golf course they spearheaded, and the movie at the cruise last month?
• Preservation SOS: Mothballing 101…the force behind the legislation, accepting houses to save them, encouraging owners to mothball, helping neighbors in need improve their homes, boarding vacant homes with broken windows, and all around working like crazy preserve our historic fabric, prevent demolitions and mothball houses.
• SAMBA: Who knew organizing an old-fashioned “Crusin’ the Strip” would turn out the way it did? Talk about exceeding expectations! We were stunned is the only way to put it. It was so much fun. It will be so positive for Springfield. The First Coast Auto Club has it on their calendar already for July 28th.
• The Mommies Group: How encouraging is the fact we have one, and that so many families with young children are moving here?
• SHEC: Scanning archives and researching our houses, compiling Springfield history, and building a website to share it.
• SACARC: Thanks to SACARC, hundreds of animals have found loving, forever homes, and we no longer have packs of stray dogs running the streets of Springfield.

We all have our flaws, and we all have our strong points. It’s time to forgive each other our flaws and move forward, acknowledging each other’s accomplishments and points of view, and encouraging everyone working to improve Springfield. We all love Springfield, and our agreements outweigh our differences.

[nvrenuf]

Well done.

[dblanch100]

I totally agree Debbie. Well said, and here is to moving forward!!!

[movedsouth]

Thanks Debbie. Please lets also not forget that Springfield is a diverse neighborhood, and as Debbie listed, is represented by a diverse list of organizations. Our ability to passionately pursue different solutions to the difficult problems facing Springfield is making us succeed.

[Gloria]

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

And Debbie, you are a peacemaking child of God.