Bea loved last year’s event so much that she wanted to host this year. Wish granted!
– BEA – 
Talk to us a bit about community, about yourselves, and about PorchFest, please…
1-What got you interested in PorchFest?
I attended PorchFest last year and really enjoyed the musicians, poets, and nice neighbors. This event gave me “permission” to say “Howdy” to neighbors I didn’t know yet.
2- What is community? How do we build it?
I define community as people and families who share something basic, like the neighborhood they live in, a workplace, a common cause – and because of an over-riding desire for this common element to be successful – the people manage to get to know each other and pull together on common goals. Catalysts are important for community building. Either a common GOOD THING – like farmer’s markets, community spaces and sharing art and music – or – a common threat (fires, heavy snow, dirt bike track or pig farm moving in…) can build community.
3- What have you done to build community?
Be friendly. Support community gardening. Volunteer at local grade school, Holmes E.S. I would like to keep the north side of Bridge Avenue getting better and better as a good place for families to live.
4- What do you hope to accomplish at PorchFest? What do you want to help PorchFest accomplish?
I hope people will enjoy coming to my humble yard, feel blessed by the huge old apricot tree, and enjoy the musicians’ and poets’ gifts to us. I hope I can be part of PorchFest being a series of fun, warm and fuzzy gatherings.
5- What things will you be doing to make this year’s event special?
Cleaning up my yard! Tending the neglected garden! Making lemonade, maybe cookies.
People should come if they are curious, adventurous, and willing to be just a little vulnerable going into the unknown, after all – questing after food for the soul (music, poetry) and to be the guests of strangers.