Category: River Roots Redevelopment Column

  • An Example of Adaptation

    RiverAdmin

    Last week we explored what it takes for a community to be adaptive and resilient. This week, I want to look at how one centuries-old institution has had to adapt: the library. While libraries existed in ancient times–often only for the rulers or wealthy–their establishment for the public in America came in the 18th century.… Read more

  • Adapting Communities

    RiverAdmin

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    The only constant in life is change. This expression is credited to Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher who lived approximately 2500 years ago, but it still rings true today. Looking back over the last century, and even throughout more recent years, it is evident that change truly is a continual part of life. The history of… Read more

  • Asset Based Community Development

    RiverAdmin

    Community development and redevelopment–where do you even begin? Generally, there are two ways of approach: looking at the community’s needs and looking at what the community already has–its strengths. Each of these approaches paints a very different picture of a community and occasionally they are used separately, but often they are employed together for double… Read more

  • Woolworth’s Building Revitalization

    RiverAdmin

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    Investing in the economic vitality of Downtown Oil City, from the bottom up.  Moving away from the top-down, grant-based model for community development to a more localized, entrepreneurial approach.  Revitalizing distressed communities is one of the largest and most intractable problems in America today. Rural towns in economic distress did not just happen but are… Read more

  • Allegheny River Trail in Clarion County

    RiverAdmin

    If you’ve been in Foxburg in the last 9 months, you’ve probably noticed a big change. The Allegheny River Trail in Clarion County (ARTinCC) has been making progress on closing the Foxburg–Emlenton gap of the bike trail. With a DCNR grant and the additional help of a generous local supporter, the group was able to… Read more

  • Regional Collaboration – Kanawha Valley

    RiverAdmin

    Last week we looked at different levels of collaboration needed to build a resilient community. This week, I want to dive a little deeper into regional collaboration or collaboration between towns. Unfortunately, neighboring communities are sometimes seen as competition rather than another player on the same team. But research is showing that building a resilient… Read more

  • How can we multiply our effect?

    RiverAdmin

    “Two heads are better than one.”  or “Many hands make light work.”  You’ve probably heard at least one of these phrases before, and they’re true. This week I want to talk about something that has the potential to exponentially multiply everything we do: collaboration. Let’s look at 3 levels of collaboration, starting with person-to-person. When… Read more

  • What is Resilience and How Do We Achieve It?

    RiverAdmin

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    Community resilience has been defined as the ability of communities to prepare for, withstand, adapt to, and quickly recover from disaster or hardship. Hardships hit communities somewhat indiscriminately, and a seemingly successful community can still experience decline. A look back at the history of many of our towns here in the Oil Region can attest… Read more

  • River Roots Farm – Spring Update

    RiverAdmin

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    Winter might seem like it would be a pretty slow time for projects like River Roots Community Farm, but behind the scenes, Community Farm Coordinator, Jeremy, has been hard at work. Throughout the winter, he has been researching, planning, and gathering materials to make 2023 a successful growing season. By using a succession planting method,… Read more

  • Looking Back at Blueprint and Forward to River Roots

    RiverAdmin

    Since 2014, the Blueprint Initiative has been the catalyst for projects throughout the Allegheny-Clarion River Valley Region (ACRVR). The Blueprint Core Team and subcommittees focused on 4 main goals in the areas of recreation, business, family, and culture. Over the last nine years, this initiative has evolved and grown, constantly seeking better ways to support… Read more

  • Introducing New River Roots Redevelopment Writer, Rachel

    RiverAdmin

    My name is Rachel Brosnahan. (No, not that one!) I graduated from Pittsburgh Technical College with a degree in graphic design. I am currently a freelance designer working with businesses and nonprofits both locally and nationally. My husband and I, along with our two children, enjoy all the outdoor opportunities this area has to offer.… Read more

  • An update from Selina

    RiverAdmin

    Here we are, a month into 2023 already, and time shows no signs of slowing down! You may have noticed that our column has taken a break over the last few months (though work certainly hasn’t!) and now we are back, with a new look, a new broader focus, and some new people behind the… Read more