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Spring 2007
James Hare, Executive Director
Dear Friend and Partner,
Cornerstones Community Partnerships turns 21 in 2007. Most organizations would probably choose to celebrate the 20 year mark, but we feel 21 is more appropriate because of the emphasis Cornerstones has always placed on working with youth. And, like so many of the young people we've worked with since we began in 1986--when we were called "Churches Symbols of Community" back then--we think turning 21 has special significance. It means we've come of age. We've survived the challenges of growing up and are ready to face the challenges of moving forward. It signals a time to celebrate the things we've done right, and most importantly to learn from the things we could have done better.
Of course, such reflection makes one consider disappointments as well. Thankfully, I think the former significantly outrank the latter. Yet, I do think it is important to mention that Cornerstones continues to see many rural communities we work with struggle economically. And so, lest our eyes grow dim from the glare of 21 candles atop Cornerstones' birthday cake, I want to focus some of its light on a crucial new preservation partner that is tackling this problem in New Mexico--the Santa Fe Farmers' Market Institute.
An essential mission of the Institute is the promotion of small farms, ranches and other rural land-based operations. The Institute plugs into place an important missing piece of the preservation puzzle Cornerstones continues to try and solve. Just as Cornerstones acts to ensure that historic publicly owned buildings remain vibrant symbols of community; the Institute seeks to sustain the historical land-based lifestyle that created these unique landmarks in the first place. I'm convinced safeguarding the agricultural and economic vitality of rural areas, just like mixing straw into adobe, strengthens preservation of our architectural heritage and community traditions.
Given the complementary nature of the Institute it should come as no surprise that many of the people who got Cornerstones off the ground--Susan Herter and Joan Brooks Baker to name just two--are solidly behind the successful launch. Susan and Joan; Cornerstones' party hat is off to you, just as it is to our other founding supporters during this special year: Nancy Meem Wirth, Peter Chapin, William Cowles, Gifford Phillips, William Wardle, the greatly missed George Clayton Pearl, and of course the New Mexico Community Foundation. Thank you all!
Cornerstones birthday festivities will include a special celebration on Saturday, October 6th, at the site of an early community project--the beautiful chapel of La Sagrada Familia at the base of Black Mesa in Pajarito. You are cordially invited to attend. Complete information will be posted on our website soon, but please save the date now--after all, we would not be here to celebrate were it not for your constant support and encouragement. And, in the meantime, stop by the farmers' market wherever you live and buy some local produce. In that small way you will also support Cornerstones, its partner communities and other organizations around our country that work so hard to keep the places we live special.
Warm Regards,
James Hare