The Evergreen State

The Pacific Northwest is a great place to visit and live. It is the home of the Evergreen tree where it gets its nickname, majestic mountains and is the friendliest place to ride a bike. The League of American Bicyclists, which was founded in 2008, ranks the states on several criteria: funding for bike legislation, bike programs, policies, infrastructure, planning and education. Washington maintains that biking is a main mode of transportation and it supports the environment. Communities of Distinction TV knows that Washington is strong advocate for the environment and all that protects it.

More Bike-Friendly States

Right behind Washington is Colorado and Oregon. These states also support bikers in every way and provide safe paths for the people who ride them. The air is clean and roads are smooth. Biking is serious business in these states as money pours in to the state for it allowing for better conditions for the bikers. Minnesota and Delaware jumped up in the ranks and are proud to be included in the top five bike-friendly states.

All For One

Communities love to advertise how wonderful they are and how they band together in hard times. They boast about their economy, their residents and the amenities they offer. And then there are the small towns where everybody really does know your name, your mother’s name, who delivered you into the world, and who you dated. These are the places where the word family means something more than blood relatives. Residents in these locales welcome each other in stores, restaurants and barber shops with warmth and usually a pot or two of coffee, plus some neighborhood gossip. They are also the places where locals join together and help each other out with an all for one and one for all plan. The Communities of Distinction Terry Bradshaw show takes pride in showing these unique hometowns to viewers across the country.

Communities of Distinction on Where Ethnicity Lives

Across America, there are hometowns where the people and the food are as authentic as their homelands. Native languages are spoken first before English. Pockets of ethnicity thrive in big cities where people from the same country or region live and enjoy what they love from their birth place. Head to one of the many communities in America where the food is as authentic as the people like in Comanche, Texas or Jeanette, Pennsylvania. Listen to them talking and you will almost feel like you are back in the country where their ancestors are from.

Go Where the Locals Go

Most tourists think they want to visit the small towns and experience what life is like there. But they usually avoid the local dives where the food is home cooked, the coffee is too strong and the gossip stops dead in its tracks when a stranger walks in. This is where reality lives. It lives in the small stores, mom and pop restaurants and beauty salons. Look where all the cars and trucks are parked. This is where the locals are. If you happen to walk in, nod your head and smile to show you are friendly. Take a seat and order the daily special. If something smells good, ask what it is and order it. You might be surprised. Talk to the locals about their history, the town’s history and how it is all stitched together. There is no better place to visit than these genuine hometowns. They are special. So go where the locals go.

The Land of the Free and the Brave

There is a reason why America is called the Land of the Free and the Brave. Its founding fathers fought to have independence from their once homeland and to have the right to start a new life in new land. The braved the hardships of living off the land in a place they knew not much about. They struggled and made it their home. They made families, made friends, and opened businesses. The early settlers were strong and resilient and much like Americans today.

Communities of Distinction TV on How to Get Back Up and Carry On

Not much can knock us off our feet. If we do stumble, we get right back up and fight back. If one of us dies, we all mourn and fight to preserve that person’s memory and legacy. Scare tactics hardly work in the States. We know who we are, what we have fought for and still fight for and know who the weaker ones are. This is the land of cowboys, NASA, patriots and the average Joe. Americans know how to get back up, dust off and carry on. Bad weather cannot deter us from what we need to get done. Mother Nature has thrown us some pretty serious curve balls which devastated some of our neighborhoods. But not for long. We rose, and went to work as usual, but with a little more bravado, attitude brotherly love.

Work Hard, Play Harder

We work hard in the United States. We get less time off for rest and relaxation than other countries. We work longer shifts and days and then spend sometimes hours on the road commuting. But when we get home or have some time off, we play as hard as we work. Adventure is a motivating factor and we grab it like a rancher lassos a bull. When we need some quiet downtime, we head to the water where we take tranquility to a new level of solitude. Beauty is all around us. At Communities of Distinction TV, we work hard to bring the best America has to offer to the small screen so everyone else can enjoy it.

America Has Never Been Better

One look at the news and others could ascertain that the United States is under siege from not only the bad guys but from forces of nature. But like the proverbial thorn stuck in the lion’s paw, we pluck it out, patch it up and move on. Adversity makes us more determined to do what we have to. This character is ingrained in us at birth. The first time we fall as a toddler, our parents encourage us to stand back up and walk again. We may fall a few more times but we will not only walk but run. Just watch those who lost limbs. Americans are touch. And America has never been better because of them.

More than Just a City, Town or Borough

Communities are more than just a location. They are where people meet and plan activities, seek support or information and be together. There are communities of artists, musicians, engineers and runners and many other kinds of interests in which people band together. These groups are strong and are comprised of people from around the world. After a tragedy affects one of them, they regroup as a collective and find solutions to prevent it from happening someplace else. This is what a strong community does.

By the Numbers and Around the World with Communities of Distinction

There were about 19,000 people who finished the 26 mile Boston Marathon last year. By contrast, there were about 37,000 people who finished the London Marathon in the same year. Both are major races in big tourist cities where law enforcement was and is heavy. Other cities which have significant races are Chicago, San Francisco, New York City and Vancouver, British Columbia to name a few. Runners around the world mourned the attacks in Boston and vow they will continue to race no matter what. The running and marathon community is widespread and steady in their support of the sport they love.

Best in the World Community

Communities of Distinction is a program about what is best in America and in Canada. Runners are tough people. Many put their bodies through rigorous physical exertion so they can make it through a race or marathon. Their personal best is never good enough. They are constantly finding new and better ways to improve what is already great. Adrenaline keeps them going and the crowds move them the rest of the way to the finish line. The athletic community, like all the others in the world, is powerful, close-knit, strong and able to continue what they love to do best. Their resolve is as strong as it as ever was. It is not just the runners that are this way. Americans as a whole are this way. Our country was founded the strength of its fathers and it is still prevalent in every hobby and interest community in the country. And in the world community.

How a City Goes Broke

All it takes is one piece of very expensive equipment bought on loan to run a city into major debt. The city bought a very expensive incinerator under the assumption that the trash companies using it would pay a fee every time. That didn’t work out the way it was planned. So the city borrowed new money to put toward the old loan. Soon enough, the new loans mounted and send the city into the red. The Governor called in a receiver to take over the city’s finances who was not supported by the city leaders or its city employees. This is how a city goes broke and ends up in bankruptcy. Others ways to put a community in debt are paying out huge pensions to city workers who have only a few years of service logged, giving larger than normal pay raises, and building a pool or ballpark when there is already one there.

Corporations Back Big City Services

Fleet services take care of and replace city vehicles like ambulances and police cars. But when the city is operating in the red, the fleets are put on hold. Repairs do not get done and cars and trucks scrape by using the same aging parts which badly need replacing. This is not a workable solution when residents need police protection or emergency services. When the city is MotorCity, also known as Detroit, where else do you turn to other than the big name corporations that made the city was it was. Ford, GM, Chrysler, and Penske are four of the majors who donated more than $8 million dollars to buy the city more police and emergency vehicles. Quicken Loans and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan also donated. This is proof positive that every business, large or small, can do something to help restore the city where they operate.

What Works and Does Not Work

Every city has services which citizens need to be safe, have emergency medical care, good roads, strong schools and responsible city leaders. If the city does not have the funds it needs to pay city employees, repair or replace vehicles, take over schools that are failing or any other necessary function, it files for bankruptcy or is its financial functions are given to an outside, objective person or company to manage until the city can prove it will not go into debt again. What works is unique to that city and what does not work is clear from how other cities have not taken receivership seriously. Communities of Distinction realizes if the residents want to see their city survive, they too need a voice to. Think of cutting elected officials’ salaries and selling off some property to American companies to save and make some money. An emergency city manager can negotiate labor and vendor contracts. But they are usually not local. If all sides work together, a city can be saved, jobs may not be lost and pride will return. It takes a city of people to revive and save a hometown.

When Cities Go Bankrupt

Cities file for bankruptcy when they overextend on salaries, pension and retirement plans and grow city services to a point where paying for them puts the budget in the red. In order to cut expenses and work back to being solvent, city leaders cut jobs and trim city services. Property tax revenue declines when homes are not being sold. If homes are not being sold, there are no citizens buying goods for them and generating sales tax income for the city. These are a few reasons why cities find themselves in debt and look at filing bankruptcy.

Finding a Way Out

There are a few ways to get out of the red. Bankruptcy is one and usually is the quickest way even if the city or community creditors do not like it. Cutting jobs, therefore cutting salaries, retirement plans and benefits is another. Although, in the end, this does not help all that much as people move someplace else which is less expensive to live. This is all done in the name of restructuring. In the end, it helps but it is painful for everyone until the area is more financially healthy.

Community Pitch-In Days

If we love the community we reside in, we should offer to pitch in doing something we know how to do. The City of Vallejo, California is proud that its residents offered to help clean up graffiti, started new neighborhood watch programs to aid a reduced police force, and patrol for code violations during its bankruptcy and restructuring. Other things residents can do are plan street cleaning days, approving sales tax hikes and spending discretionary money in town.

Rising from the Red

City budgets, like household ones, must be balanced in order for the city to rise from the red and become solvent again. Often, the community is put under different and impartial financial management by the bankruptcy judge and has to prove that the budget is balanced every quarter. Once this is done for a year or more, the judge can hand financial responsibility back to city leaders. But to get there, cities need to look at Vallejo, one of the largest to file for and come out of bankruptcy, to see how I was done and learn from it. Rising from the red takes time and sacrifice from everyone who lives and works in city or community.

Tiny Towns and Big Cities All Face Budget Cuts

While some of the big cities in California are facing municipal budget slashing, smaller towns are also getting hit. Rhode Island is a small state and one of it tiniest towns Central Falls emerged from bankruptcy recently, but not without some painful scars. City pensions were slashed, the number of city jobs was cut and city leaders did not have control over their domain. But in the end, the tiny town of a little more than 19,000 people made it back. It took a little more than a year, but the town is back on its feet on its own again. This is the lesson every American city and town should learn.

Apartments of the Wealthy

The luxury apartments of the wealthy are something to admire but homes the rest of us can barely afford. Most of them buy their apartment homes for millions of dollars and in upscale communities, in tall buildings with terrific views. Wealthy apartment buyers are sticking to where they want to live and not buying homes in other states like Florida. They are looking at more low-key ways to live and moving away from the chandeliers and marble counters kind of home. Even affluent Americans want a home that appears to be common and everyday.

Renting versus Owning

Home ownership may not be in the cards for some people. Perhaps it is the cost of buying one, plus insurance and the maintenance a home requires. Renting is a better option for many people. Someone else is in charge of the maintenance and all one needs is renter’s insurance to cover belongings. But it takes patience and some personal contacts to find the right apartment home. There are thousands of beautiful apartment complexes around the country and most are managed by management companies not located in the same city as the apartment community. These companies only have their bottom line in mind. On the other hand, a private rental gives the renter a little more room to breathe when funds are tight and rent is due. Renting versus owning is better for young adults who may relocate to a new city for a new job, for someone who does not want the hassle of home ownership or for an elderly person who sold the family house and wants to downsize.

The New Minis

Remember what bachelor apartments used to look like? Now cut the size in half and you have what is now called a micro apartment. These tiny spaces are the latest rage in apartment living. They come equipped with modern Murphy beds, kitchen tables which roll under the counters and cubes that are tucked into the ceiling instead of closets. If you like to cook, this is not the home for you since there are two small burners on the stove. Builders of the mini spaces say they are affordable in size in crowded cities and affordable in rent where rent would normally expensive. These are almost perfect homes for single people, married with no kids or the elderly. As demand grows for this trendy new kind of home, prices may drop. And it might be fun to figure out how to furnish a small space. Swiss and Japanese furniture designers have mastered this years ago. If this kind of living is for you, it may be the community you have been looking for.

Right in the Middle

Somewhere in between the ultra high end and micro apartment homes are the average apartments where most renters live. They consist of either one or two bedrooms, some have washer/dryers in them and some do not. They are owned by either a management company or someone they know. Many of the renters have lived in them for years. They have a modern look and plenty of room for all of a renter’s possessions. Kitchens offer enough space to cook large meals and closets are walk-in and spacious. The bedrooms are comfortable and welcoming at the end of the day. But with any apartment, it is up to you to make it home.

Sleeping In

There are many health reports stating how important a good night’s sleep is to overall well-being. When it is cold outside and there is no reason to get up early why not stay in bed and sleep in? Pull the covers up to your chin and catch a few more winks. The benefits to getting more sleep are: better moods and mental health, the body gets a chance to catch up with itself, a sharper and more aware mind, and the body generally feels better. So stay in your pajamas all day.

Big, Hot Family Breakfast

The chance to have a big, hot family breakfast together, instead of a quick, grab-n-run breakfast, is one of the benefits of snow days. Everyone can slow down and take their time eating. Conversations can be leisurely and the family has a chance to talk about what to do for the day. There is no rush to get out the door to school or work. Take time to find out what everyone wants to eat and involve everyone in making it. When a family enjoys a hot meal around the table, there is nothing but goodness to gain from it.

Movie Day

There is no better reason to sit in front of the TV and watch movies as long as you want. The choices for finding and renting films are much greater today than they were 20 years ago. Go online and find the best resources and then curl up on the couch with a blanket, hot chocolate, some snacks and get immersed in the movie. Take a break when it’s over and then start all over with a new flick. Pick a genre and stick to it all day choosing movies from the olden days until present day. Each person picks a movie and the family can take a vote on their favorite one.

Play in the Snow

Playing in the snow is a lot of fun when mom and dad join in. Have a snow ball throwing contest with prizes. Build a snow man or snow lady, snow dog, snow cat, snow whatever. Find creative ways to use anything from the outside to make it. Go sled riding. If there is no sled available, use a heavy duty garbage bag, garbage can lid, or heavy piece of cardboard. And it is always fund to have a snow ball fight. Choose sides and let the snowballs fly and land there where they may.

Get Ahead on Homework

This may not sound like a fun idea, but getting ahead on homework has it rewards later. Encourage teens to bring their books into the family or living room and every one can take an hour or two of quiet and study time. If homework includes the internet, why not ask if there is anything anyone else can look up for the teen student? Everyone gets a chance to learn something about the topic and pitch in.

Get Busy in the Kitchen

Kids of any age can help or take over the kitchen. Go through the cabinets and fridge and see what there is to use. Use the imagination to make something with what you find. There are so many delicious things to make from just about anything. Almost anything can be added to pasta to make it more flavorful. The same thing applies to pancake and waffles. Experiment with coffee and try adding some other ingredients into it: peppermint, cinnamon, chocolate chips, ice cream and anything else that might be on hand. What do you like to do when the city or community where you live has a snow day?

The Western States

America’s west is more than just the west coast where California is. It also includes Texas, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

“The King of Cowboy Towns” is another name for Sheridan, Wyoming. It is located in between Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore. Its Historic Main Street District is lauded for its beauty and the plenty of unique stores, bars and eateries. Sheridan has 10 beautifully clean lakes and there is always something to do outdoors. Culture lovers should note that the town has two theaters, an art fair, and galleries.

Texas Hill Country is full of small towns. Boerne is one of them. It is the county seat and boasts the highest median income in the state. Its natural beauty lies in its lakes, caves, trails and historically-kept downtown area. Mild temps with lots of sunshine make it the perfect place for those who love outdoor activities.

Golden, Colorado is truly golden in its small town feel and only 15 miles from Denver. It is the home of two major breweries and pristine parks. Management, business, science and art are the big industries for this clean air small town. Unemployment is not bad. While it is a pretty well-known town for tourists, it offers a farmers markets for locals.

The Midwest, East and Central US

Kentucky is home to many beautiful small towns. Danville is one of them. It is one of those lucky places which enjoys all four seasons. Danville has charming neighborhoods and residents proud of their town. Four major companies have centers there. And it has plenty of activities throughout the year for everyone of any age to take part in and enjoy.

Clive, Iowa is near Des Moines. It has awesome geography and its Greenbelt Trail system connects walkers and bikers to paths which stretch across town. Clive is home to 4 major corporate offices and more than 600 businesses. The annual Clive Festival draws thousands of visitors for a day of fun in the outdoors.

Way up in the Northeast is Brattleboro, Vermont, a small city tucked under some of the most magnificent terrain in this part of the country. It is a haven for artists, skiers and lovers of books. This is another city with a low crime rate and good employment. The city has several independent bookstores, live music venues, puts on 13 festivals each year. There are 90 major employers in the area and yet the average commute to work is only 12 minutes. This is a great place to raise a family or relocate to if you want to thrive in an artistic-friendly community.

The Benefits of Living in Small Cities or Towns

Consider the benefits of living in a small town compared to a larger city:
Lower property taxes, lower fuel costs, cheaper housing, better schools, lower car insurance rates, less traffic and less time commuting, better shopping at locally owned businesses than name-brand stores and the feeling of community. All of the small towns above are close enough to big cities where residents can enjoy what the metropolis has to offer, where guests can fly into and out of and, if needed, where locals can commute to work. However, the real beauty of living in a small town is knowing your fellow residents and coming together for fun or when times are tough. These are the kinds of places where front doors are left open, where block parties are just another name for having a barbeque and there is always someone around when you need them. These are America’s communities of distinction.

How to Know If It Is Right

Finding the right home is not easy. An internet search for the word Home brought in more results for nursing and assisted living homes. You have to know where you want to live, if the schools are good, if it is safe and accessible to grocery stores and other necessary places. You also have to know what kind of home you want. And that all depends on what size family you have. The best way to know if you choose the right home is if you fight to get it.

So Many Choices

Single people will look for smaller homes, a bungalow, or a condo. Something not too big and difficult to pay for or maintain. Families will need a larger home, of course. But there are options to consider: a one story or two story home? How many bedrooms and bathrooms? Do you need a two car garage? Do you want the garage in the front of the house, side of the house or back of the house? Then there are the yards. So many choices to choose from and you may not even get them. What will you be satisfied with? What can you live without? What must you have? But the size does matter.

Each to His Own

Small homes are good for couples and singles. Mid sized homes are also good and allow for a family to grow into it. Large homes are better for extended families which gives them all the room they need to be alone when they need to. Everyone feels better when they have their own room where they can escape to. Each home, whether it is an apartment or mansion, has a space set aside for meals. This area can be formal or not but it is meant to be a gathering place.

Neighborhoods

Whatever kind of home you choose is the home you want. Think about the home your parents raised you in and ask yourself if that is the kind of home you want for your children. Home is where we meet at the end of the day to eat together and find out how the day went. It is where holidays and birthdays are shared. It is located in a community where there are others like you and yours. This is when you know you have made the right decision. Have you found yours yet?