Northside Knows Community!

I had the opportunity tonight to talk about Share Some Sugar at the Northside Community Council meeting. I've been to several neighborhood council meetings over the last few weeks in an effort to meet other Cincinnati Neighbors who are committed to building Community in Neighborhoods.

There are lots of really awesome things that Northside Neighbors are doing to build a sustainable community. I'd like to share some of the great things that were talked about at the meeting.

• Two very passionate neighbors, Jon and Heather are starting a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) group in Northside. I love that they are building this from the ground up. But the thing that really got me excited is that there are lots of ways for neighbors to get involved. You can not only purchase locally grown food, help garden and grow produce, but you can also share your garden with the CSA so they can use it grow veggies! What a fantastic use of privately owned space. They have a vision of using as much local land as they can get their hands on to grow local food and then support the community with it!
• In the good old days, neighbors would knock on your door and bring you baked goods when you moved in the neighborhood. In Northside they've evolved this tradition of welcoming new neighbors by having Meet & Greet events and neighborhood potlucks!
• Northside is planning to grow their 'Northside Goes Green' Earth Week into a bigger and better week this year. With plans to have another 'Reduce/Recycle/Run-Walk-Bike' race, a 40th Earth Day celebration, Great American Cleanup and lots more! Looking forward to Earth Week! 
• Northside has moved their wonderful farmers market indoors for the winter:North Presbyterian Church Auditorium at 4222 Hamilton Avenue on Wednesdays 4:00- 7:30pm from now until the market moves back outside in the spring. For more information contact Robin Hendersonvia email or at 513-591-0083.
• There's a Bicycle Cooperative in Northside; MOBO! Who knew?! Bring your bike and work on it all year long.

Looking forward to partaking in some of the Northside upcoming events!

Neighborhood Swap Meet Success!

Thanks to everyone who came out to our Neighborhood Swap Meet and for bringing such great stuff to swap!! After all of the swapping, we donated about 15 bags on unswapped items to CAIN (Churches Active in Northside)! It's been a while since I've seen a Sega/Genesis!

Neighborhood Swap Meet Photos here

Shareable.net Article: Why I Started Share Some Sugar

reposted from Shareable.net: http://shareable.net/blog/why-we-need-to-share-some-sugar

WIStartedShareSomeSugar

By Keara Schwartz 

12.10.09, 10:04am Comments (0)

   

Saybrook Avenue is your typical street in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Cincinnati, OH. It’s lined with small starter homes with front porches that anyone from young professionals to retired couples reside in. Unlike many of the new subdivisions, it happens to feel like a neighborhood.
 
Four years ago I moved from a small apartment in Manhattan to one of these starter homes in Cincinnati. When I moved into my house I needed a lot of house things like power tools, gardening tools and lots of other items that would help me take care of my house. I got to know a few of my neighbors who were all really friendly and offered to let me borrow anything that I needed. I was so appreciative of their offers since it saved me money and time going to the hardware store.
 
Every once in a while there was something random like a tall ladder that I needed and no one that I knew had it. The idea of spending $100 dollars on something that I would probably only use once or twice made my stomach turn. I thought to myself, "There must be someone in my neighborhood who has a ladder," but I didn’t know who that was. Off I went door to door asking neighbors who had a ladder. “I don’t have one, but I think Greg down the street does.” And so I went to Greg’s house. “I think Amy and Ted are borrowing my ladder, but I can’t remember if they still have it or not.”
 
As I was going from house to house, I realized a few things. First, I was meeting all of these new neighbors that I hadn’t previously met. Borrowing things was actually a great way to meet new neighbors! Second, wow, why is it so difficult to find out who has what in my neighborhood? There has to be a simpler way to go about this. I can go online and search to buy a ladder and get over 120,000 results, yet I can’t find someone in my own neighborhood who has one.
 
Two and a half years later I needed that ladder again, but I found out that Greg had moved. At the same time the economy was in a downturn and people’s spending habits were changing.
 
Out were the days of buying something that sat in your closet collecting dust, and in were the days of only really buying what you needed to get by. The Green Movement was becoming more widely adopted. Bringing your own reusable grocery bags to the store was not only for the eco-conscious college student, but soccer moms were following suit. People were downsizing their homes and staying in to watch a movie rather than taking the family out to dinner and to the movie theatre. Most people were a part of online communities such as Facebook or LinkedIn, but did not feel like they had a sense of community in their own neighborhood.
 
All of these societal shifts prompted me to think about the insight that I had a few years back, "Wow, it’s really hard to find someone in your neighborhood who has something that you need. There’s got to be a solution to this problem."
 
And so I created Share Some Sugar, an online service that finds someone in your neighborhood who is willing to lend you something that you need. Need that ladder? Or how about borrowing an Xbox and Guitar hero for your holiday? You can go to www.ShareSomeSugar.com and type in the item along with your zip code. A list of results come up, showing which neighbors are willing to lend out that item. You then request to borrow the item for the dates that you need it. Once they accept the request, you meet your neighbor to borrow the item, use it and return it to them.
 
There is a security deposit feature and a contract as options to make you feel more secure in your transaction. Similar to eBay, you can leave feedback for your neighbor. This feedback system enables other neighbors to find out more about other neighbors sharing history prior to initiating a request with them.
 
When you become a member you choose a neighborhood that you would like to join. You can either join an existing neighborhood or create a new one, like one for your apartment building. The neighborhood discussion groups enable you to connect with your neighbors online. You can plan block parties, give away an old bike that your child outgrew, get a recommendation for a babysitter or anything else.
 
Why buy when you can borrow from a neighbor? You can:

• Lower your environmental footprint by consuming less.
• Save money by borrowing instead of buying.
• Get to know new neighbors and watch your neighborhood turn into a community.

We look forward to sharing with you and your neighbors at Share Some Sugar!

Soapbox Cincinnati Article: Share Some Sugar Makes Neighborhood Borrowing High Tech

via: http://www.soapboxmedia.com/innovationnews/1208share.aspx

SOAPBOX, 12/8/2009

When Manhattan transplant Keara Schwartz moved from her Over-The-Rhine apartment to a house in Hyde Park, she needed a lot more "stuff."

But she didn't necessarily want to buy things that she'd only use occasionally, like power tools or a snow blower or a ladder. 

"There was so much stuff I need for a house. Every time I'd buy another tool, I'd think, 'There has to be someone in my neighborhood who has this,'" the graphic design manager said.

That formed the idea for Schwartz's new web site, Share Some Sugar, an online neighborhood borrowing site that launched just weeks ago.

The free service, which is in Beta, has three main components. Users can offer an item to share, look for an item by neighborhood or zip code, or discuss neighborhood issues like block party plans or safety issues.

Users sign up for the service by creating a profile which allows them to list, look for items or have discussions. Currently nearly 300 items have been listed on the site including sprinklers, wheelbarrows, a carpet steamer, GPS and digital camera.

Schwartz said Cincinnati is a perfect place to launch the site because of its neighborhood awareness. The city has 52 neighborhoods and numerous suburbs. The site allows users to save money, reduce their environmental footprint, and meet their neighbors.

"That exchange - of helping someone the first time you meet them – is a good way to start off a new friendship in your neighborhood," she said.

Schwartz is promoting the site and working up the inventory through local media and social networking sites. Eventually, she plans to spread the concept to other cities.

Share Some Sugar hosts a 'neighborhood swap meet' this Sunday, December 13 at Coffee Emporium. Learn more here.

Writer: Feoshia Henderson

Source:  Keara Schwartz, founders Share Some Sugar

Infographic: Why Buy Local & Ten Reasons to Shop Local First

This article is reposted from:  psfk.com

Infographic: Why Buy Local & Ten Reasons to Shop Local First

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AUGUST 5, 2009

Local First, a Grand Rapids. Michigan based organization that encourages sustainable, locally-based economies has made a simple but effective illustration of how money flows if it’s spent at a locally owned business versus a non-local business.

They explain their top ten reasons to shop local first:

1. Significantly More Money Re-circulates In Greater Grand Rapids.

When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers and farms. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as the Greater Grand Rapids tax base.

2. Non Profits Receive Greater Support.

Local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners.

3. Unique Businesses Create Character & Prosperity

The unique character of Grand Rapids is what brought us here and keeps us here. Our tourism businesses also benefit.

4. Environmental Impact Is Reduced.

Local businesses make more local purchases requiring less transportation and usually set up shop in town centers rather than on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

5. Most New Jobs Are Provided By Local Businesses.

Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally.

6. Customer Service Is Better.

Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service.

7. Local Business Owners Invest In Community.

Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.

8. Public Benefits Far Outweigh Public Costs.

Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure and more efficiently utilize public services relative to chain stores.

9. Competition And Diversity Leads To More Consumer Choices.

A marketplace of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.

10. Investment In Greater Grand Rapids Is Encouraged.

A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

Neighborhood Swap Meet!

Join us at our 1st ever Neighborhood Swap Meet where you can sell, barter or get rid of stuff that sits in your closet collecting dust and leave with unique items that other people no longer need. 

Have a tool that you have no use for? A piece of jewelry that you never wear? Or a weird gift that never came out of the box that it came in? Bring them along to our Neighborhood Swap Meet and leave with 'recycled' holiday gifts for friends and family, a hip 'new' holiday outfit or something totally cool that you would never find anywhere else.

All unswapped items will be donated to CAIN (Churches Active In Northside) unless you let us know that you want to keep them.

The first 50 people who show up will get a free Schwag Bag with goodies from Park + Vine, Share Some Sugar and Coffee Emporium!

If you plan to sell, barter or get rid of stuff, please arrive no later than 4:30pm to set up your stuff. If you want to 'shop', come by after 4:30pm.

We look forward to Swapping with you!
- Share Some Sugar, Park + Vine and Coffee Emporium!

RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=193557333517&ref=mf
www.ShareSomeSugar.com
www.ParkandVine.com
www.Coffee-Emporium.com

East Walnut Hills Neighborhood Assembly

I attended my first neighborhood council meeting tonight in East Walnut Hills in Cincinnati, OH. I really didn't know what to expect. What I did know is that the room would be filled with people who were passionate about their neighborhood. And that it was. There were about 25 neighbors in attendance. There was a formal leader of the meeting and a typed of agenda and notes from last month's assembly. That was helpful to get me grounded on what topics were discussed that preceded this meeting. 

A few highlights... it felt really good to see how excited folks were when the leader Joe talked about new businesses that recently opened up. In a town where many businesses have come and gone, it's always nice to hear about determined business owner who want to keep a neighborhood alive with new shops and restaurants. A few that I took note of:

1. Lucky John's Slow Market @ 2550 Woodburn Avenue. Selling healthy and organic products and expanding to sell furniture, accessories, clothing and more- all from local companies.
2. Suzie Wong's @ 1544 Madison Road. Owner of Shanghai Mama's opens up new Asian restaurant. Group went here after the neighborhood meeting! It's currently a BYO!
   
3. Art, Jewelry and Potter Sale @ 2801 Woodburn Ave. Sat & Sun 11-4 through December. Local artisans make and sell knits, rugs, weavings, pottery, paintings
   

I must admit it was sad to hear that 19 East Walnut Hills Police Officers jobs will be cut in the next few weeks. As well as a favorite Police Officer will be getting demoted. However, the police officers shared good news. Crime went down 60% in the last year in EWH!

I look forward to attending lots more Cincinnati Neighborhood Council meetings and meeting new neighbors over the next few weeks.

BuyCincy's Article on Share Some Sugar

Share Some Sugar: Borrowing Goes Web 2.0

For most of us, the closest we get to lending some sugar to a neighbor is listening to Andre 3000 demand it in "Hey Ya!" However, a Cincinnati web-entrepreneur is looking to change that. Keara Schwartz created Share Some Sugar, a site that very simply "finds someone in your neighborhood who is willing to lend you something that you need."

Search by the item you need and the zip code, city, or neighborhood you are looking, and Share Some Sugar will search its listings to ensure you don't have to buy something you might only use once a year.  

What's better than the concept of the service is the execution. A feedback system lets you rate borrowers and lenders, crowdsourcing the trustworthiness of those you deal with. Concerned that an item might come back damaged? Put a security deposit in your listing. 

Right now, lending is done on as a neighborhood service. Lend something out, and borrow something you need - no charge. However, as the service rolls out of beta, an option will become available to rent out your goods.

Why share some sugar with your neighbors? We'd have to agree with Share Some Sugar's belief statement:

 We Believe... 
In being resourceful and making the most of what we have. 
It is our responsibility to care for the environment. 
That neighborhoods should feel like communities. 
We still believe what we learned in kindergarten, that 'sharing means caring'.

via: http://www.buycincy.com/2009/12/share-some-sugar-borrowing-goe.html

'Tis the Season To Share

'Tis the Season To Share

What better time of year to share what you have with others than during the holiday season? It's a time of giving, receiving and sharing. Have any Folding Chairs, Gardening Tools or Sports Equipment that sit in your closet or garage collecting dust for most days out of the year? How about sharing some of your things with your neighbors on Share Some Sugar? You can feel good about saving your neighbors money and meeting new neighbors in the meantime!

Holidays in the Neighborhood

• Ever hear about friends who have attended a Progressive Neighborhood Dinner Party? How about co-hosting one this year with some neighbors?
• Or what about planning a Neighborhood Holiday Party? You can borrow extra folding tables, chairs and platters from a neighbor on Share Some Sugar.
• Bored of the same old decorations that you put up last year? Try swapping your colored lights and decorations for a neighbor's white lights and inflatable santa!
• Have an email list for your neighborhood? How about forwarding your neighbors this email? Or sending an email to your neighbors about why your neighborhood would benefit from Share Some Sugar.

Launch Party Was a Success!

Thanks to everyone who attended our launch party. We had over 100 friends and neighbors join us in our celebration! The first 50 people who had RSVP'd received a Sugar Cookie Mix that we recommended they bake for a neighbor!

Thanks to Arnold's Bar & Grill for providing a complimentary & awesome space!

If you'd like to see the rest of the pictures, you can check them out here.

LAUNCH DAY!

Today is a big day here at Share Some Sugar! After months of hard work developing our website, it's time for LAUNCH DAY! I've never had a launch day before, but it already feels really exciting! 

Thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way. I couldn't have done it without your creativity, passion and friendship.

There have been a lot of refinements of the site to make it as easy to use as possible. We hope you enjoy your experience on www.ShareSomeSugar.com. We'd love to hear your feedback, ideas and comments. Please send them to use via the 'FEEDBACK' link on the left side of the page.

I'm looking forward to celebrating the Launch tonight with friends, neighbors and colleagues in Cincinnati! See you this evening!

Keara & Shugie (you're favorite new neighbor)

Neighbors Have Your Back

My dog's name is Carter, otherwise known as Houdini. He is a dog by day, escape artist by night. When I first got him he figured out how to escape from his crate. So I locked up his crate with chains and came home one day to find him sitting on my bed. 

Since it was 68 degrees today, I let Carter play around in my fenced in backyard while I went out for a long run. I came back to find the fence gate wide open. My gate doesn't just open with a simple push, it requires a bit of cognition. There's a squeeze and push motion that dogs ARE NOT supposed to be able to figure out. Well, leave it to Carter, he figured it out.

I walked out to the street and a few of my neighbors told me that Carter had been running around the neighborhood. I must have bumped into 10 different neighbors who were all walking around the neighborhood trying to get him back. They were sharing their techniques which have worked in the past. My favorite technique is the 'Dog Bate' one. That entails borrowing a neighbors dog and walking the dog into my house as my dog runs by. Generally it works. Carter gets jealous and comes right in.

So after an 8 mile run, I continued running around on the hunt for Carter. Finally a neighbor who was walking her dogs offered to stand still. Carter, being a dog who likes to sniff other dogs, went up to the other dogs and said hi. I pretended I wasn't going to get him, and stood back for a few seconds. I then SNATCHED him up and carried my 52 lb dog back to my house. Halfway back a neighbor gave me their extra leash so I would be able to walk him.

To all of my neighbors. Thank You for being caring, thoughtful and helpful. Without you, Carter would be running around in the park while his mommy was stressing;)

New Promo Video & Launch Party!

Things are continuing to be very busy here in the Share Some Sugar pre-launch world. We are in our final phases of the web development based on usability research and final tweaks to make the site as simple and intuitive to use as possible. 

Check out our new promo video: Share Some Sugar Promo Video.

Come celebrate with us at our Launch Party on November 20th @ Arnolds Bar & Grill, Downtown: Launch Party Invitation

How you can help: 

1. Forward a link to our website and the video to friends and neighbors.

2. Spread the word about our launch party and talk to your friends and neighbors about the value of Share Some Sugar:

      Save money by borrowing instead of buying.

      Lower your environmental footprint by consuming less

      Meet new neighbors and watch your neighborhood turn into a community

Hope to see you at our launch party!

Halloween = Neighborhood Day

Halloween= Neighborhood Day
It's amazing how much a neighborhood can change when pumpkins, costumes and candy are involved. Yesterday morning was a normal day in my neighborhood. Most neighbors were in their homes, taking care of errands, cleaning up leaves and for the most part sticking to themselves. As the day progressed people were setting up their lawn chairs on their porches and in their driveways around their fire pits. Though Halloween is mostly focused on children trick or treating, it seems that what is really happening is the parents are meeting other parents, stopping to chat and getting to know new neighbors. By the time I left my house to head out to a halloween party, I saw neighbors from all around the neighborhood congregating in driveways and lawns. It felt so good see how much a neighborhood can transform when Sugar is involved! I'm hoping that Share Some Sugar facilitates that neighborhood feeling on the other 364 days of the year!

Halloween Leftovers
So you anticipated more trick or treaters than who actually came to your house. I did, and I ended up with way too many Tootsie Roll Pops and Mini Snickers. I don't know about you, but it's dangerous for me too keep so much candy in my house. How about bringing the extra candy into your office and sharing it with your co-workers. There's nothing like extending the spirit of halloween beyond the big day. 

Costume Swap
You're awesome spider man costume was the hit of the night! Now what are you going to do with it? Everyone knows you can't wear the same costume 2 years in a row! It's almost as bad as wearing the same thing to work 2 days in a row. Try gathering a group of friends or neighbors and swapping halloween costumes. When next year rolls around, you'll be ready to go. No Halloween morning stress, trying to figure out what you're going to be.

I hope you had a great Halloween!