On July 1, the group discussing Peter Block’s Community: The Structure of Belonging met to consider how to create community in a pub, in particular a Belgian-style pub called Brewery Vivant, which one of our members, Kris, will be opening in October on Cherry Street in Grand Rapids. Kris led the conversation with questions and lots of sticky notes and markers for us to share our ideas.


A few of our thoughts:

•  develop historic background about the property
•  host political dialogue
•  host and/or provide food for local block parties and attend them
•  provide stimulus for patrons to have conversations around, e.g. quotes on paper table covers or coasters
•  provide space for community groups, writers, creative space, etc
•  once demolition is done (i.e. before construction begins), bring through accessibility experts

Next time we meet, Thursday, August 5 at 7:30 a.m., John Schmidt will host us at Second Reformed Church, 225 East Central Avenue in Zeeland. We will consider how to inventory local talent – sometimes called asset mapping – in order to link people with talents and skills with others who could benefit. The idea is to leverage these gifts in a way that builds community. Consistent with our previous discussions around Peter Block’s thinking, asset mapping is about gifts, not deficits; possibilities, not problems; ownership and responsibility, not blame; citizens, not leaders. Please join us as we contemplate the abundance around us.

Brewery Vivant