As I was learning about Ralston, one thing that stood out to me was the lack of an official community center to coordinate gatherings for people with similar interests and help more people interact with one another in a common space. Since Ralston seems to be such a socially connected community, I believe this could help more people try new things and find common interests in the community, thus becoming a staple “contact zone” within the community.
My contribution to Ralston would be a Tech Cafe which is, in short, a place where people can go to get food and eat while also using built-in computers to do work or chat with people. My Tech Cafe would also include an area where people can go for technical assistance. This place would work as a wonderful contact zone for all people within Ralston to both eat and get together. It would especially provide benefit for older folks or similar people who are not technically inclined. It would be a place that gives them a reason to leave their houses and see other people as well as be able to communicate with others who they are not as easily able to visit in their older age. Its prosperity will come from being a good hang out place for younger people after school or during breaks as well as people who may not own or know how to effectively use a computer. Plus, due to Ralston being somewhat isolated from the rest of the state due to the canal, it provides a place for technical assistance that would have normally resulted in people needing to leave the city. It fits well with the community driven ideals of Ralston as well as allows for even more autonomy from the rest of the state.
One thing I would add to the Ralston community is a Nature Center to help people reconnect with animals and nature. It could also serve as a daycare center for when parents have to go do work or run errands. After taking a look at the town of Ralston, I have found that they have a lot of parks where people can meet up or hang out but one thing that I didn’t see was a nature center. Nature centers can be great for small communities because they introduce everyone to local animals and wildlife that they could find around their homes. It also could serve as a place where hurt animals could go to get better.
I propose that every Saturday should host a drive in movie theater. I propose this because of bringing people together after a long week will ease everyone’s mind. Not only that, but this would allow the community to come closer together and form a ever lasting bond. Neighbors can watch the movie together outside, people who don’t live close can get together and create stronger bonds, and kids can play outside while waiting for the movie to start. Drive in movie theater combines all the outside activities a family would have in their backyard or camp with being in public with the whole community. This proposal would make Saturdays a day to look forward to and be a night that will not be forgotten.
I think what I would like to contribute to Ralston is a software/game development studio. I think it can bring a nice profit in. The idea behind the building is that it would be eco friendly with solar power and as low carbon emissions as possible. I also would like to make the building look fun and vibrant to try and add to the built Environment of Ralston. Obviously the construction of a building would provide jobs in but I also intend to employ artists to create a wonderful looking workplace and building in general. The business itself would also provide jobs to software developers or game devs in the area. I am also willing to offer internships and coop opportunities to students of the Technical school
I am proposing that a local nonprofit animal rescue be added to Ralston. I personally believe that all communities should have an animal rescue/shelter, however, Ralston especially. Ralston is a community full of functioning members, who understand the quality of life, which is why I think they would extend this understanding to animals as well. Research has shown that breeders can be detrimental for all animals, which is why rescues are necessary. This would be a place for members of the community to meet and hopefully adopt a new member of their family. This space would also be used to house stray animals that have been dumped by their previous owners so that they aren’t running loose around Ralston. If done correctly, I definitely think the Ralston Animal Rescue could be considered a heart and soul attribute.
The Ralston Elementary School Song
By Candace Ames (1932-1999)
Chorus:
Our school is on a green island
A sturdy homestead’s where we began
To understand
Our fruitful land
And harvest knowledge at Ralston School
We learn through our playing in first year K
In first grade, we’re learning in diverse ways
In second grade, we strive toward productive days
Here at Ralston School
In third grade, we reach out to make new friends
In fourth grade, we’re setters of helpful trends
In fifth grade, we’re ready to round the bend
Toward middle school
Our school is on a green island
A sturdy homestead’s where we began
To understand
Our fruitful land
And harvest knowledge at Ralston School
From autumn to springtime, we learn with glee
Our parents and teachers are pleased to see
We want to improve our community
And the wider world
With classmates from countries that span the globe
We respect their customs and stories told
We value traditions, both new and old
Here at Ralston School
Our school is on a green island
A sturdy homestead’s where we began
To understand
Our fruitful land
And harvest knowledge at Ralston School
Dear New Ralston Neighbors,
Consider this your formal welcome to Ralston, Vermont. I hope that the move to the “Green Island” went smoothly and that you are excited about contributing to our community. Please accept my apologies for the delay in welcoming you; the transition to spring is always a hectic time around here, and the seasonal transitions are myriad.
I will use this blog to share with you information that may help you adjust to Ralston life and to find a way to make our community your (temporary) home. As you develop proposals for improving the quality of life in Ralston, I will post them here—with your permission, of course—to provide other Ralston residents a fuller picture of our emerging sense of place.
I have deputized Erik Esckilsen, one of your Champlain College professors, to post in my name. If you see a post here under his name, know that I have given him the authority to use this space.
I will keep this message brief so that you can spend more time exploring Ralston’s past and becoming part of its present and future.
Again, welcome.
Sincerely,
Zora Dardas
Mayor
P.S Feel free to reach out to my office at any time: ralstoncity@gmail.com.
Ralston, Vermont's "Green Island" City 