Message of community (12/10/07)

Last week's presentation by John Phipps of the U.S. Farm Report was truly outstanding.

Phipps, a farmer, engineer, humorist, and broadcaster, had plenty to say. And it was impossible to do justice to his wide-ranging, anecdote-studded speech in a single newspaper article.

Toward the end of his remarks, Phipps hit a serious note as he worried about the stress facing today's farmers and the stress facing rural communities.

Then, in characteristic fashion, he drew a laugh from the crowd when he offered a simple suggestion: Clean your house.

One of the great losses in the 21st century is the decline of rural America's great tradition of hospitality. When people get together, particularly in one another's homes, communities and families grow stronger.

Part of the decline in hospitality, said Phipps, is the rise of the two-income household. With both parents working and kids over-scheduled, the housework doesn't get done. And the biggest single impediment to asking your friends over is concern that the house is a mess.

Silly as it sounds, said Phipps, better partnership by couples in keeping the house tidy can be an important first step toward re-building community connections. His suggestion: Husbands should be responsible for keeping the first floor of the house presentable for guests.

Do that, he said, and you'll reap big benefits.

"Extend the hospitality of your home," he said. "Build a community one committed friendship at a time."

Not a bad message at all. Our thanks to The Portland Foundation for bringing John to Jay County to share his message on behalf of the Friends of Jay County Agriculture Endowment. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]