Peabodys

Susan and I were fortunate enough to attend the Peabody Awards in New York on Monday. We enjoyed roaming about the city as well. As different as New York and Watkinsville are, I came back reminded of some lessons that we can apply locally:

1) You can't have enough trees and greenspace. We spent time in both the New York Botanical Garden and Central Park. In both places, and in other places throughout Manhattan, it is obvious how an investment in trees and greenspace pays off as places grow.
2) You've got to build quality. It seems obvious, but it is plain to see when visiting that the good stuff up there is what stands the test of time; the rest is essentially disposable. You see this in Watkinsville with our historic structures.
3) Culture and art are huge positives. We need to nurture the history, culture and artists we have in our community -- at the end of the day, that's what will set us apart.