Woodbury Program: ‘It’s About Building Community’

Costs rising. The economy still sagging.

Building relationships in Woodbury? Priceless.

Seven local nonprofits are organizing an upcoming event in Woodbury that aims to build community connections as the economy continues to rebound.

The free workshop, “Thriving in the ‘New’ Normal,” is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 31, at Woodbury’s .

“We’re trying to help people talk about the economy in a new way,” said Joan Mathison, of Woodbury-based B.Green Business Strategies, who is heading up the event. “Relationships are the new wealth, and we can help each other.”

The program will feature three speakers whose aim is to highlight how neighbors can work together to focus on “the upside of the downturn,” Mathison said.

“Our community will be stronger if we work together,” she said. “We’re all in this together.”

Cathy Dyball, from Community Thread, will talk about her organization’s "Time Bank program," through which residents exchange services with one another.

Alisa Rabin Bell, executive director of the , will talk about community building, Mathison said, and a popular teacher from District 833 Community Education will speak on “doing more with less.”

The outgrowth of the event will likely be more initiatives and connections in Woodbury, Mathison said.

“We’re kind of a bedroom community, so it’s hard to get to know your neighbors,” she said. “The more we help each other, the stronger we all become. It's all about building community."

Seating for the program is limited; call 651-731-1320 to reserve a spot. There will be food and door prizes, Mathison said.

A donation of food, personal products or cash for Woodbury’s is encouraged.

A nonprofit resource fair will be held in conjunction with the event from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Central Park.

The workshop is presented through a collaboration of nonprofit organizations that serve the Woodbury community: Community Thread, District 833 Community Education, , Southeast , Tubman, Woodbury Community Foundation and Woodbury Yellow Ribbon Network.

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