KULTURE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2005 10A
IS WHERE THE F
Out of the "ghetto," students form close-knit communities through sharing their food, homes and lives
By James Foley correspondent@kansan.com
DIS
Stephanie Farley/KANSAN
Joan Pinnell, Wichita junior, and Nick Garcia, Prairie Village sophomore, help themselves to fruit salad and pineapple during a group potluck Monday, while Radharaman Dos of Independence, Mo., prepares watches. The meetings, which were started by David Titterington, Prairie Village senior, take place every week at his home with meditation from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. with dinner taking place afterward. Below, food from the potluck.
"Shoot. I'm late," I thought as I hurried down. Kentucky
down Kentucky Street. As I walked toward my destination, I made sure my cell phone was off. I knew my tardiness would be disruptive, and a buzzing cell phone would certainly not help. I slowed my pace and quietly made my way up the steps of the old house. Inside was still and quiet. I crept into the living room and picked a spot on the floor next to a stranger sitting quietly in meditation. There were about 10 other bodies, all sitting undisturbed by my late arrival. Mindful not to make much noise, I folded my legs into the half-lotus position, straightened my back and began to meditate.
This scene is like any Monday night at David Titterington's house. Each week he hosts a meditation session, followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner.
Titterington, Prairie Village senior, has been hosting the event since 2002.
"At first it started out as a people meeting to meditate together, and we would have dinner afterwards," he said. "But eventually it evolved into an official potluck."
More and more people seem to be too busy to take the time to sit down and share time with one another. Everyone is constantly on the go or in front of the TV or computer. An event such as Titterington's potluck is a way to get in touch with the community.
"Building community at mealtime is a heart-warming and potentially sacred experience that has been somewhat neglected in our culture."
Cody Jackson Lawrence resident
"Building community at mealtime is a heart-warming and potentially sacred experience that has been somewhat neglected in our culture," said Cody Jackson, Lawrence resident. "Potlucks are a great way for everyone to reconnect and build positive relationships."
Anne Bruce, Overland Park junior, also has a potluck once a month. Bruce said potluck day was like Christmas
because the monthly dinner also marks the arrival of food ordered in bulk through a cooperative run out of her living room. Twelve households in Lawrence place bulk food orders once a month through Bruce. This is more economical than buying smaller quantities at the store. Everybody from students to people living on farms are involved in the project.
a food-buying co-op from stories about the old Community Mercantile, commonly known as The Merc. The Merc sold vegetables grown in a nearby garden and was involved in the community, which Bruce said was how she wanted her co-op to be. Making excess goods available for trade or purchase is the next step for Bruce's co-op, which would be another way for the
community to interact
A step beyond attending a potluck or buying food from a co-op is living in a housing cooperative.
The University of Kansas Student Housing Association helps facilitate housing co-ops. There are two University housing co-ops in Lawrence: the Sunflower House, 1406 Tennessee St., and
1614. at 1614 Kentucky St.
Shannon Keefe, Chicago senior in nutrition, lives with nine others at the 1614 co-op, also known as the Olive House. Residents of 1614 pay a flat rate based on the size of their room. All rent, utilities and amenities are included in the price. Residents of 1614 sign up for weekly cleanings of the kitchen and two bathrooms and are assigned a job.
Keefe's job is to take notes at each of the house's bi-monthly meetings. During the meetings, they have "ongoings," where they report what is going on in their lives. They also have "complaints and praises" where residents address any issues they may have with the house.
"But the rule is that for every complaint, you have to give a praise." Keefe said.
Because she lives in a house with nine others, there is always something going on or somebody to talk to. By taking an interest in
what her roommates
are doing and getting to know their friends, Keefe said she was able to get to know a variety of people.
In the fall, a new co-op will open its doors. The Ad Astra house (1033 Kentucky St.) is a cooperative housing project taken on by environmentally and socially aware students. The house will serve as a center for appropriate technologies and a resource for sustainable living. This means the house will be environmentally conscious and try not to consume more than it produces.
Ad Astra's goals are to serve as a resource center for sustainability, to provide community outreach opportunities and to function as a habitat that does not needlessly consume. As its name implies, Ad Astra — Latin for "to the stars" — has far reaching goals. These goals could produce a more environmentally aware population, which could have an effect on the community.
The house itself was recycled - saved from demolition by the University in 2004. All of its fixtures, furniture, and carpet are recycled. The paint is a milk-based biodegradable substance, and the insulation is recycled newspaper coated with borax.
Lawrence is filled with opportunities for its denizens to interact with each other. Anything from eating at a potluck to living in a housing cooperative is a great way to become more in touch with the community surrounding the University. By getting involved in community activities you can learn a lot about yourself and the others living around you.
While I was sitting in mediation, I realized how important it was to take time to myself and reflect on the day. Afterward, I ate a great meal in the company of interesting people. The experience was rewarding, educational and made me feel more connected to the community. I intend on making it a habit of going to more events like this. And next time I won't be late.
Edited by Kendall Dix
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