Did you know...
that HERO empowers families to create change in their built environment through increased accessibility of information and education about homeownership, home repair and rental assistance programs?
No? Well now you do. Soon the world will know too. HERO website re-re-design coming soon!
No? Well now you do. Soon the world will know too. HERO website re-re-design coming soon!
sunday / January 31, 2010
Wish List
The crew is headed to Tuscaloosa this week to host Black Tie Pie, a fund raising event at the Bama Theater. We hope to raise a little "dough" (hahahaha ha ha) and cross off a few Wanted Items from our list in the process.
saturday / January 31, 2010
Relative? I think so.
From Robin Hewlett - partner at Chicago's Backstory Cafe
"The world of conventional business offers no workable model for how to relate the diverse effort we each bring to our collective efforts. Nor do Utopian visions of non-monetary autonomous zones provide acceptable alternatives. Our journey necessarily begins within the structure of capital, yet ee struggle to build relationships that might break that mold."
*NOTE* Visit their website and read the General Info section. Backstory = PieLab, PieLab = Backstory.
"The world of conventional business offers no workable model for how to relate the diverse effort we each bring to our collective efforts. Nor do Utopian visions of non-monetary autonomous zones provide acceptable alternatives. Our journey necessarily begins within the structure of capital, yet ee struggle to build relationships that might break that mold."
*NOTE* Visit their website and read the General Info section. Backstory = PieLab, PieLab = Backstory.
friday / January 29, 2010
Customers talking to customers...
Perhaps this is what it's really about.
thursday / January 28, 2010
This Photo isn't Good, but...
York, Alabama is.
Ryan scored us a group visit to meet Shana and Nathan at the Coleman Art Center. The co-directors, who have both lived in York for five years, gave us a tour of their facilities and spoke about some of the many wonderful public art initiatives happening at the center. It was a great opportunity to share ideas and suggestions. We can't wait for the duo to visit us in Greensboro!
Now Ryan is going to elaborate further because my mind isn't working today and surely a much more valuable account of our day would be useful.
Ryan here, reporting from his laptop a day after the fact... As Megan alluded, York was incredible. On our way into town we spotted this. The famous attraction that got me researching Coleman Arts and York in the first place (also partial inspiration for BikeLab).
After snooping around the Bike Shed we met up with Shana and Nathan who spoke with us about their own experiences as artists in residence and the time they have spent in York since. It was uncanny how relevant their words were and how similar their struggles have been to our own.
After that, they toured us around their campus and showed us: their lasagna style garden which, along with only one full time staff member, is tended by the York community; the local library which also serves as two galleries, one showcasing student work; their living spaces (empty at the moment) for artists in residence; and their classrooms/wood-shop that was full of outstanding work done by local youth.
Needless to say, it was an incredibly enlightening experience and we all hope to visit again soon.
Ryan scored us a group visit to meet Shana and Nathan at the Coleman Art Center. The co-directors, who have both lived in York for five years, gave us a tour of their facilities and spoke about some of the many wonderful public art initiatives happening at the center. It was a great opportunity to share ideas and suggestions. We can't wait for the duo to visit us in Greensboro!
Now Ryan is going to elaborate further because my mind isn't working today and surely a much more valuable account of our day would be useful.
Ryan here, reporting from his laptop a day after the fact... As Megan alluded, York was incredible. On our way into town we spotted this. The famous attraction that got me researching Coleman Arts and York in the first place (also partial inspiration for BikeLab).
After snooping around the Bike Shed we met up with Shana and Nathan who spoke with us about their own experiences as artists in residence and the time they have spent in York since. It was uncanny how relevant their words were and how similar their struggles have been to our own.
After that, they toured us around their campus and showed us: their lasagna style garden which, along with only one full time staff member, is tended by the York community; the local library which also serves as two galleries, one showcasing student work; their living spaces (empty at the moment) for artists in residence; and their classrooms/wood-shop that was full of outstanding work done by local youth.
Needless to say, it was an incredibly enlightening experience and we all hope to visit again soon.
Tuesday / January 26, 2010
NADA: Ride Wrong
Dan stripped the Clockwork "M3", and his Takara of parts to use with his new NADA frame. This Frankenstein of a bike* is what was born of the conversion. Light, tight, and ugly, it is NADA all the way.
Oh, and if you see Dan riding this bike around town be sure to try and race him; we are preparing for Bici Coop's Heartbrakes Benefit this February.
Oh, and if you see Dan riding this bike around town be sure to try and race him; we are preparing for Bici Coop's Heartbrakes Benefit this February.
monday / January 25, 2010
Aquaponics, BBQ, HBO Schedules, Helicopters and Cyberduck.
Another monday, but a morning like no other. A crowded table this morning at PieLab, with a few new faces and a couple regulars.
Larry and Terry were just passing through. They showed Charles how to use Facebook. They're going hunting later today. Larry likes his venison barbecued; Terry likes his in spaghetti sauce.
Erica is from Eutaw. She bakes and she's a graphic designer. Irony? Erica moved to Alabama in 2004 from Philly. She works with a nonprofit in Selma. She'll be back.
Charles is considering getting a computer. I think he'll probably have one by next week.
One of our most fascinating customers is Jerry. Three pieces of pie today. Two cups of coffee. I think Jerry just likes to have someone to talk to.
Every time I see James I remember the great time at his house earlier this fall. A wonderful family who makes wonderful pizza.
No other place like this one. This is what it's about.
Larry and Terry were just passing through. They showed Charles how to use Facebook. They're going hunting later today. Larry likes his venison barbecued; Terry likes his in spaghetti sauce.
Erica is from Eutaw. She bakes and she's a graphic designer. Irony? Erica moved to Alabama in 2004 from Philly. She works with a nonprofit in Selma. She'll be back.
Charles is considering getting a computer. I think he'll probably have one by next week.
One of our most fascinating customers is Jerry. Three pieces of pie today. Two cups of coffee. I think Jerry just likes to have someone to talk to.
Every time I see James I remember the great time at his house earlier this fall. A wonderful family who makes wonderful pizza.
No other place like this one. This is what it's about.
monday / January 25, 2010
Read Often for Reassurance:
Maybe too much contemplation isn't healthy. But it happens. Constantly. Persistently. Endlessly. Forever. So...
We're designers who sell pie. Hopefully we're making a positive impact in this community, leading by example, and empowering others. It's about people. It's about community. It's about boosting this communities morale. It's about offering fresh (or "outside," if you must) perspective on a small, rural community like this one and it's about using design thinking to bring fresh, new ideas and possibility. And it's about having fun.
Bottom line? Everyone likes pie. There is nothing threatening about pie. In it's buttery crumbly crust and with it's warm blueberry filling.
And it's about rethinking how we do business. It's approaching business from the standpoint that a profit mission and a social mission don't have to be mutually exclusive notions.
There is an infinitely renewable source of young adults who want to do good things. And they're doing it. They're just stepping up and doing it, no questions asked. Embrace it. PieLab could be one more initiative that brings lasting growth to Hale Co, leading to more job opportunities, and a revitalized economy for local residents. Maybe. Maybe not? But we're trying. And we're here. All we can do is keep trying.
We're designers who sell pie. Hopefully we're making a positive impact in this community, leading by example, and empowering others. It's about people. It's about community. It's about boosting this communities morale. It's about offering fresh (or "outside," if you must) perspective on a small, rural community like this one and it's about using design thinking to bring fresh, new ideas and possibility. And it's about having fun.
Bottom line? Everyone likes pie. There is nothing threatening about pie. In it's buttery crumbly crust and with it's warm blueberry filling.
And it's about rethinking how we do business. It's approaching business from the standpoint that a profit mission and a social mission don't have to be mutually exclusive notions.
There is an infinitely renewable source of young adults who want to do good things. And they're doing it. They're just stepping up and doing it, no questions asked. Embrace it. PieLab could be one more initiative that brings lasting growth to Hale Co, leading to more job opportunities, and a revitalized economy for local residents. Maybe. Maybe not? But we're trying. And we're here. All we can do is keep trying.
friday / January 22, 2010
BikeLab: A Mission
BikeLab is a small group of dedicated volunteers working in Greensboro Alabama to provide refurbished bicycles to Hale County residents who lack transportation. Our goal is to recycle as much as possible, waste as little as possible, and reach as many people in need as possible. BikeLab typifies how education, community building, environmental consciousness, and physical well-being can all come together through a single means, bikes.
thursday / January 21, 2010
This Weeks To-Do List
--Embrace optimism
--Welcome change
--Drink good coffee
--Talk to someone new
--Have fun
--Keep it simple
--Be responsible
--Inspire others
--Repeat
--Tell your friends
--Welcome change
--Drink good coffee
--Talk to someone new
--Have fun
--Keep it simple
--Be responsible
--Inspire others
--Repeat
--Tell your friends
wednesday / January 20, 2010
Amanda the "Vegetarian"
This morning Mr. Melvin Green (Who attended Amanda and Robin's first small business workshop on Monday and who met Dan and Ryan the next day while they were surveying "Old School Candy") came in and asked Robin if she was interested in some ribs for lunch. To Ryan's delight, Robin accepted.
Later that day, Mr. Green's arrival in PieLab was announced by the most succulent smell of ribs. After setting down the full tray of pork ribs he told us that he had raised, slaughtered, and barbecued the hog himself.
The smell that you could almost taste, coupled with the fact that the hog was all local, was enough to convince even Amanda to try a bite (She loved it). Thank you Melvin Green! PieLab wishes you luck with your restaurant venture, you certainly have our thumbs up!
Later that day, Mr. Green's arrival in PieLab was announced by the most succulent smell of ribs. After setting down the full tray of pork ribs he told us that he had raised, slaughtered, and barbecued the hog himself.
The smell that you could almost taste, coupled with the fact that the hog was all local, was enough to convince even Amanda to try a bite (She loved it). Thank you Melvin Green! PieLab wishes you luck with your restaurant venture, you certainly have our thumbs up!
wednesday / January 13, 2010
Charles and I talked for quite a while today about Greensboro's thriving past. One time, the "streets were lined with people." Long ago, "stores were open until midnight, and a movie cost fourteen cents." Fifteen year old Charles was an entrepreneur. His farming family owned a produce stand. Young Charles sold hot dogs from the stand for fifteen cents each. Hungry customers got a deal; two for twenty-five cents.
Charles thinks Greensboro is good.
Charles thinks Greensboro is good.
wednesday / January 13, 2010
monday / January 11, 2010
Can Greensboro Recycle?
Britney, (MLab's very first intern) organized an informal meeting at PieLab this weekend, to discuss development of a Greensboro recycling initiative. Several residents were in attendance including a few local business owners as well as members of the local Episcopal Church and a few other interested individuals. Bill Hertz, a recycling pundit from Tuscaloosa shared his knowledge on the subject, while encouraging meeting attendees to discuss the future of recycling in Greensboro. Feedback was positive and guests lingered after the meeting to enjoy some pie and brainstorm more ideas.
Next week Britney will attend a City Council meeting to discuss her plan further. Stay tuned. More to come on this exciting endeavor!
Next week Britney will attend a City Council meeting to discuss her plan further. Stay tuned. More to come on this exciting endeavor!
saturday / January 10, 2010
Today I met Meg. Or maybe it's Mag. Pronounced with a long 'a' sound. Meg is originally from Faunsdale, Alabama. She lived and worked just outside of Washington DC for a while. Now she lives in Greensboro but commutes to Tuscaloosa to teach 6th grade math. Meg started a recycling program at the Episcopal Church.
Jerry stopped in again. Two of his cousins were working at the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks. He told me to insulate the water pipes at my house so that they don't freeze during this cold spell.
Adelaide is very sweet. She once worked for the US Air Force. I think she reminds me of my mother.
A peculiar amount of DC connections today. This town continues to surprise me.
Jerry stopped in again. Two of his cousins were working at the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks. He told me to insulate the water pipes at my house so that they don't freeze during this cold spell.
Adelaide is very sweet. She once worked for the US Air Force. I think she reminds me of my mother.
A peculiar amount of DC connections today. This town continues to surprise me.
saturday / January 10, 2010
BikeLab is getting poised to strike.
friday / January 8, 2010
This week...
Today I met Jerry. Jerry lives fifteen miles outside of town. He ventures into Greensboro to do business and visit his cousins. This was Jerry's fifth visit to PieLab. He drinks his first cup of coffee with cream, and his second cup black.
Last night I met David. David teaches English at Greensboro East. He plays the guitar and lives in Newbern.
Yesterday I met Judith. Judith is left-handed. She enjoyed the spinach, walnut quiche. Judith would like to volunteer somewhere in town.
On Tuesday I met Meador. Meador owns a farm on Hwy 80. His business card is quite nice. I think that might be thermography...?
Last week I remembered that all of this isn't about us or for us. It's about every single person who walks in our door. I'll remind myself daily.
Last night I met David. David teaches English at Greensboro East. He plays the guitar and lives in Newbern.
Yesterday I met Judith. Judith is left-handed. She enjoyed the spinach, walnut quiche. Judith would like to volunteer somewhere in town.
On Tuesday I met Meador. Meador owns a farm on Hwy 80. His business card is quite nice. I think that might be thermography...?
Last week I remembered that all of this isn't about us or for us. It's about every single person who walks in our door. I'll remind myself daily.
thursday / January 7, 2010
Pecans!
This week, we've been scrambling to refine our application for a Design Ignites Change Implementation Award, to help launch the Youthbuild Pecan Butter Initiative (better name still to be determined). The designers at PieLab have partnered with Youthbuild, (a local youth and community development program for high school dropouts), to help the students establish a small business, utilizing one of Alabama's most plentiful natural resources. Pecans! With access to PieLab's certified kitchen, the students will pick, crack and chop their way into a pecan frenzy, developing their very own brand of pecan butter and other related pecan products. With guidance from the PieLab designers, the students will learn how to brand and market their product, while discovering the value of design as it relates to business. We hope to use the Implementation Award to help jumpstart the project.
Visit the Design Ignites Change website to find out how you can ignite change in your own community.
Visit the Design Ignites Change website to find out how you can ignite change in your own community.
thursday / January 7, 2010
Can You See the Speed-Bumps in this Photo?
Neither can Ryan, and that is exactly the problem.
They have almost thrown Dan (and many others) off of their bikes on a nightly basis. They have caused countless cars (not only our own) to jolt and scrape their undersides. Ryan is positive it must have tripped a squirrel... or at least a few dogs.
What good is a speed-bump if you can't see it? Ryan has a solution, coming very soon.
They have almost thrown Dan (and many others) off of their bikes on a nightly basis. They have caused countless cars (not only our own) to jolt and scrape their undersides. Ryan is positive it must have tripped a squirrel... or at least a few dogs.
What good is a speed-bump if you can't see it? Ryan has a solution, coming very soon.
wednesday / January 6, 2010
Ryan's New Toy
The Meg/Ryan are both back from break, recharged, and excited to get back to work. It seems that we have brought our norther climate with us, but we may at least get some snow out of it!
This camera belonged to Ryan's mom and while its light meter might not be working at all (per se)... It is an incredible camera. Once he figures it out, Ryan hopes to begin documenting many of the historic locations in and around Greensboro.
This camera belonged to Ryan's mom and while its light meter might not be working at all (per se)... It is an incredible camera. Once he figures it out, Ryan hopes to begin documenting many of the historic locations in and around Greensboro.
wednesday / January 6, 2010
Megan Deal and Ryan LeCluyse:
are two graphic designers living and working in Greensboro, Alabama. They each found themselves in the rural south after taking their Americorps vows, and then swearing a year of their life to service. Megan, who hails from Detroit, and Ryan, who comes from Baltimore, will work together over the next year to operate the very first Project M Lab.
The M Lab was born out of the 2008 Project M session and has since been used to station passionate young individuals interested in the possibilities of meaningful graphic design. For the remainder of this year M Lab will be the design studio (whatever that means) of the combined forces of Meg/Ryan.
Copyright © 2009 Meg/Ryan,
All Rights Reserved
About Meg/Ryan