Seven Valleys Health Coalition is putting on a story slam, where people can come tell stories relating to the theme “Firsts.”
People can tell a story about five minutes long, about the first time they did something or experienced something, said Project and Development Coordinator Hannah Gibbons-Arthur.
“Personal stories really bring people closer,” Gibbons-Arthur said. “Whether they’re funny or sentimental, they expose us on this raw human level and it’s nice to just see community members in a different light than you may have seen before.”
It is pay-what-you-can, but the suggested donation is $10. The money will go toward expanding the agency’s food rescue program, said Anna Wells, assistant director of Seven Valleys Health Coalition.
“A big gap that is a little bit unseen in Cortland County is access to affordable and healthy foods,” Wells said. “We work with local producers, farms, restaurants and grocery stores, and accept food that is otherwise going to be thrown out but is still edible, and distribute it to all the shelters and food pantries in the county.”
Cortland County has more than 46,300 residents – nearly 13% are food insecure, reports the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, or 6,000 people. That’s 30% higher than the rest of the state, Hunger Solution New York reports. Nearly one child in seven in Cortland County is food insecure.
The institute’s data also show 4% of the county’s population lack access to healthy food, which is twice the rate as the rest of the state, but less than the national average of 6%.
“It’s amazing the kind of stuff they do,” said Paul Kozlowski, owner of the Ake Gallery. “They’re amazing for the community.”
At the event, Homer Hops will sell beer and wine, and snacks will be available by donation.
“It’s a really great way to spend an evening,” Gibbons-Arthur said. “We thought it would be fun to do it on Valentine’s Day, as a date or to do on your own or with your family.”
“Going to dinner and getting candy and roses is boring,” Kozlowski said. “A story slam, in a basement art gallery, with no windows? Sounds super fun. Couples need to get out more. It’ll extend their relationships.”
