Each year in May, people around the world "Walk" their neighborhoods in celebration of Jane Jacobs (b. May 4, 1916 - d. 2006), an urbanist and activist whose writings championed a fresh, community-based approach to city design and building. Her 1961 book, “The Death and Life of Great American Cities”, introduced ground-breaking ideas about how cities function, evolve and fail. An international program of the non-profit Center for the Living City, Jane Jacobs' Walks are an informal sharing of hidden treasures, historic notes, tasty bites, and friendly chat. This year marks Danbury's 3rd year participating.
Ted Killmer, a Danbury Downtown resident and worker who conceived DisH Liv(ing) - that means "Downtown is Happening" - as a "Walking" extension of Jane Jacobs' influential thinking, will guide cellphone-less tours this coming month on Saturday, May 6th and Saturday, May 22nd. Both Walks will begin at 11:00am and go to 1:00pm.
There will be eight 2017 Walks, supported in part by the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition, the Walks also receive support by the Danbury Cultural Commission, CityCenter Danbury and the more-than-generous participation of eateries, shops, businesses, and individuals who make Danbury home. The Walks will continue through October.
The Walks are FREE, though tips are welcomed. As much as possible, stops are wheelchair accessible, family friendly, and do not require difficult climbs. Attendance is limited. Reservations are encouraged. RSVP to dishliving@gmail.com with your name, the number in your party, and a phone contact. A confirmation will let you know where to meet. To add your name to the DisH Liv(ing) mailing list, visit dishliving@gmail.com or call (475) 289 3113. ("Walk" programs and dates are subject to change.)