AN EVENING OF TOGETHERNESS
Every year for the past 7 years, Community enCompass has hosted a progressive dinner called Taste & See. It is a celebration and commemoration of the people, energy, and growth within Muskegon's core neighborhoods.
Throughout the evening, we travel together on buses through the neighborhoods, taking in the sight of changed and changing streets and structures. These networks in progress remind us: we must attend to foundations before building outward.
We stop and hear young neighbors share their gifts--their songs, their words, their wisdom. We are there to receive these gifts, be changed by them. We are reminded that these young change-makers are just as much the present as they are the future.
We sit together at dusk on the farm, connecting with land and neighbor over plates of local flavors. We remember the best pairing for good food is good company (or a foamy beverage from one of our local brewers).
We go out into the world rejuvenated by the harmony of complex notes found merging in the heart of Muskegon.
MEETING THE MOMENT
At the cusp of autumn, Taste & See also marks a time of transition here at Community enCompass. For some of our staff, the colder months represent additional challenges as needs of unhoused neighbors become more urgent. For the farmers of McLaughlin Grows Urban Farm, the cold season is a time for planning. This year, the outdoors have been a way to maintain physical distance while holding programs like Muskegon Prescribes Food for Health and the Youth Empowerment Project.
With the bulk of 2020 being one long “time of transition,” we've wondered how to celebrate and commemorate with respect for the health and safety of our staff and neighbors. As much as we wanted some form of Taste & See to be our answer, after much deliberation, we knew it was not. So, we are officially cancelling Taste & See 2020.
While this was a difficult decision, the loss of Taste & See has brought about unexpected gains. Adaptation sparks innovation, and new things are in the works here at Community enCompass as we focus on walking alongside neighbors in these ever-changing times.
Please continue to follow along with us through social media and e-news as we prepare to announce new endeavors and ways to get involved!