What we’re doing
Recently, several residents of Blooming Grove got to talking about the lack of a crucial third space in the area, where neighbors can meet, relax, learn, and simply talk to each other. Couple that with the wealth of creative talent around here, with few places to share their skills and passions, and, well, the idea for The Grove was born.
We want this space to be of, by, and for all the residents in and around Blooming Grove, from the youngest to the oldest, from the most dedicated artist to the most casual crafter.
We’re raising funds for a space through community-driven fundraising events, strengthening community as we go. We’d love your help. Together, we can build a space we can all be proud of, enjoy, and get inspired by.
Who We Are
The Grove’s board comes from a wide array of personal and professional backgrounds, united by a passion for strengthening community through the arts.
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Founder and PresidentMegan is an editor and writer with a passion for creating community. She relocated from the Rockies to the Poconos with her husband and two kids and has fallen in love with the area. As a public historian, she knows the power of place in our lives and is excited to create a hub where residents old and new can connect and create. Megan enjoys sharing culture with her kids and curling up with a good book.
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Hailing from the deep in the Poconos, Squatchy is The Grove’s mascot, dedicated to spreading our mission of growing community through creativity. He doesn’t talk much, but he’s a regular at all our events and is always up for a photo.
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Problem Solver
Stephen is a tech enthusiast with a passion for solving novel problems and a keen attention to detail. He hopes to help foster the Grove and promote excellence in all our endeavors.
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Parent Educator
Dawn writes about family, connection, and resilience. Her work on adoption has been featured in Rebecca Walker's anthology One Big Happy Family (Riverhead 2010), and she was thanked on This American Life for her insights into open adoption. As an educator and speaker, she explores topics like emotional literacy and mental health, creating spaces where stories can be shared and understood.
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Treasurer
As a social worker in higher education and mother of four, I am passionate about helping others and believe in the importance of bringing people together through creative means. Having lived in this area for most of my life, I am deeply invested in the health of our community. I have effectively led successful committees focused on enhancing our local community and am excited to contribute to our community arts center, making a positive impact. In my spare time, I enjoy trying new foods, music and concertgoing, and exploring the outdoors with my family.
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Connor is a nonprofit leader and community builder who established a community center in Queens, New York, creating a space where children, families, and neighbors could come together, access resources, and build meaningful connections. His work is rooted in a belief in the power of community and the importance of creating welcoming spaces where people can connect and thrive. Connor is excited to bring his experience and passion for community building to The Grove and contribute to its vision of bringing people together.
FAQs
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Right now The Grove is, well, everywhere! We’re fundraising for our physical location, which will be in Lords Valley. In the meantime, we’re holding events throughout the area, collaborating with local businesses and organizations to grow the Grove community as we work. If you have a location in mind, or if you’d like to hold a Grove event, get in touch!
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The Grove provides opportunities for creativity and connection for all members of the community. We’re committed to serving residents of all ages, life experiences, beliefs, cultures…everyone is welcome at The Grove.
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As a community endeavor, The Grove grows with participation from everyone. From monthly donations to volunteer time, from feedback and ideas to event hosting, from corporate sponsorship to a shoutout on social media, any contribution is welcome and appreciated!
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The Grove is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and Donations are tax deductible. For information on making donations to charitable organizations, see here: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-contributions