January 2018 Letter from the Director

As we settle into 2018, we at NECIC and Temp2Higher are looking forward to another exciting year of working to improve the quality of life and economic landscape of the North End! We welcome the New Year and are grateful for another year to work with our elders, youth, residents, faith, non-profit, business and public-sector partners in improving the North End neighborhood.

First, we are happy to announce that the updated North End Community Economic Development Plan is currently being reviewed by the Public Affairs Committee of Mansfield City Council. Upon passage from committee, the Plan goes onto the full Council for a vote. Upon successful passage by Council, NECIC will be releasing the new Small Grants Program, a great opportunity for residents to engage in working their own plan in creative and collaborative ways.

Next, recognizing that building community occurs on several levels, we wanted to convene thoughtful discussions about how we engage as local, state, and national citizens, and why it is important that every citizen hold dear the right to participate in the political process.  To that end, NECIC Board member and local OSU faculty, Dr. Phil Mazzocco, will lead a discussion of the book The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Inspire and Define Our Nation, by Howard Fineman. The first meeting will be held at Main Street Books on Wednesday, March 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and owner Llalan Fowler has been kind enough to offer 20% off the book if ordered through Main Street Books. Let us know if you'll be attending so we can gauge attendance, and please share with anyone you think might be interested.

Lastly, I’d like to wish a farewell to NECIC Community Organizer Nyshia Brooks whose involvement with NECIC, both as a volunteer and staff member, spans several years.  She is leaving to pursue a new opportunity and we are happy that she is committed to “still being around.”  Nyshia organized the North End Elder Program, Citizen Action meetings, the North End Faith Based Advisory Council, and represented NECIC on several committees and task forces.  We thank her for her contribution to the North End community and to NECIC.  Community Organizer Geneva “Kay” Smith has joined NECIC full–time and will be assuming these programmatic roles.  We wish both ladies success in their new roles.

Enjoy the New Year, and keep current with our programs and activities by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Sincerely,

Deanna West-Torrence