Diversity in Decision Making

Community centers like Burroughs Community Center are vital to cities. This weekend I attended a neighborhood "Summit" meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to bring all the community organizations together in the same room to ensure no duplication of services and discuss ways to work more closely aligned. While a great deal was accomplished over the course of the day, I was struck by how homogenous the group was, even in light of our truly diverse neighborhood. We brainstormed ideas to bring other organizations to the table. I feel strong that a Community Center is one of the few locations (other than a library or school) which is comfortable for individuals of many different backgrounds. Programs are offered for kids and senior citizens alike. English and Spanish language. We need (Bridgeport) need to capitalize on these capabilities and do a better job of reaching individuals who have been traditionally marginalized or not had a seat at the table. It's time for neighborhoods to have welcoming groups, welcoming newcomers to each neighborhood (home-owners and renters alike). Also, information about community organizations needs to be disseminated in the local churches and translated into Spanish and marketed in the local hispanic businesses. It's time we start creating real "relationships" between neighbors, regardless of their economic, racial, cultural, or religious backgrounds. Diversity is more than living within a three block radius of someone grew up different than you, real diversity is branching out, and creating real lasting relationships. Our children are great at doing this while in school, why can't we???

Great sandwich find!

The Chavez bakery on State Street, next to Cesar Batalla School was a great find! I drive by almost daily, yet never stopped until Friday... yum! We had two delicious sandwiches, warm roast-beef and turkey with vinagraitte dressing. Both of my toddlers loved the sandwiches too! The smell of cakes and cookies when we walked in was incredible. I walked in and said to myself "finally!" I have been truly missing having a traditional Italian bakery with yummy bread, sandwiches, and good cupcakes! This may not be an Italian bakery, but the Portugese bread is absolutely delectable and well worth the stop... Now, to find more great hidden stops in Bridgeport!

Mexican Gelato? A fresh taste of heaven!

Helados Vazquez has the BEST food/dessert on the cheap around- HANDS DOWN!!! I waited with my family for months for the new "ice cream store" in Black Rock to open. We noticed the painstaking renovation of the building, completed to absolute perfection and became even more excited. We wondered what kind of ice cream place would make renovations as beautiful as theirs. Then, the sign came up- Helados Vazquez. Wow, we were excited, a Latino business purporting to sell the traditionally Italian gelato. Hmm, we would really have to try this place. Our curiosity was at its pique. Upon opening, we arrived to discover a brilliant Mexican oasis with the most incredible FRESH, true to taste gelato I've ever had--- I have lived in Rome, this is the first gelato in the States that comes close in taste... Plus, an even better surprise-- the FOOD! WOW! Mouth-watering traditional, fresh, Mexican cuisine. Every meal I have had (6-7 thus far!) has been unbelievable. I love to eat out but I usually leave feeling a bit guilty, that I should have just cooked at home for the price of the meal. However, at Helados Vazquez-- the price is cheap, but the quality and taste is gourmet. This is my new favorite spot. Anyone else tried it yet? What are your thoughts???