To the Journal editor:

Recently while teaching a sixth grade English course the students are reading the book “Seedfolks” by Paul Fleischman.

It is an interesting read about a neighborhood following a young girl in transforming their surroundings. How is this?

By planning a garden in an empty lot where it has transitioned into a garbage heap. The 13 characters in this book come together and take a lot and transform that lot into a community garden. Sounds familiar. If you have noticed several gardens have been popping up in Ishpeming.

This is a positive sign. Is there more that could be done? Yes. A continual usage, momentum, and perseverance is needed in Ishpeming neighborhoods.

Twice in Ishpeming’s history it received awards in being one of the cleanest cities in the nation. When reading the documents it was expressed that the efforts of accomplishing the goal to get that title was to get the community together, neighbors, to clean up their homes and maintain them.

It was a process of neighbors helping out their neighbors. This is a theological outlook but consider the thought of planting positivity into the hearts of our residents.

Ishpeming is not what it once was but with planting seeds not just in the ground but in the hearts of its residents.

We must stand up and help one another. Look at a trashy lot and clean it up. Ask your neighbor what help they may need. Be positive. In today’s world that is difficult but do what you can do.

Use the city’s past not as something to dwell on but a guide for inspirational growth.

JONATHAN P. KORPI

Ishpeming