“When geese fly in a “V” formation the flap of each bird’s wings create uplift for the bird immediately following. Traveling as a flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on it’s own.

When a goose falls out of formation it quickly feels the drag and resistance of going it alone. Geese honk to encourage those up front to keep up the speed. And finally, when one goose is sick or wounded two others fall out of formation and follow that bird until the crisis is resolved.”
The author of these tidbits of bird truths is unknown, yet it seems significant to note a basic interpretative footnote.

“People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.”
Once again humans can learn from animals and nature.

Pioneers in the Highline communities have known that for years. North Hill Community Club’s 1934 meeting minutes reveal residents addressed common issues such as road construction, water supply, transportation, schools and social opportunities.

They worked issues as a team with a common denominator of vested interest that was exhilarated by diverse opinions. How? They talked things over and listened to each other –- “listening” being the key word.

 Years ago, Des Moines ladies from the Improvement Club championed for downtown wooden-plank sidewalks so they could walk to church and shopping without wading in mud. Washing clothes in those days was likely the lady of the house scrubbing by hand on a rough washboard and hanging laundry on an outside clothesline to dry.

That laboring procedure alone may have given considerable incentive for sidewalks that keep mud on the ground and not on their skirts.

 Today’s generations are indebted to pioneers for thoughtful planning of streets, schools, churches, parks, and supporting infrastructure. Sometimes I wish those who lived here before us could see Des Moines now with an active marina.

One thing now and future residents will never have to see, thanks to good people who stood up and said “No,” is a huge conveyer system and barges that would have hauled and shipped dirt through Des Moines beautiful, historic Beach Park hillsides and tidelands to build the third runway.

 Picture the nature walking and bicycling trail at the back of Beach Park that could likely not exist, or be sadly less wonderful, all because that’s where the proposed third runway conveyor would have been. Thankfully, “the voice of the people” stopped bad politics in time.

A lesson can be learned through that history maker, keep our eyes open, be ready and willing to be a part of helping to make our community a home where we will always want to live.

 Human fragility is a desired target unsavory characters use to conquer, confuse and divide good people. Bad influences everywhere breed distrust, unrest, and pit groups against groups and friends against friends-- even in churches.

A line is all too often drawn to divide the troops, thus weaken them, and sadly benefit the evil divider.
A common thread of local residents is, “I moved here because I love this community.” You know how it is when one is smitten with love, when protective actions and adrenaline pumps at the thought of any harm to the object of one’s affection. Protecting “ours” runs as a high priority.

Do you suppose birds flying in formation ducks, geese, etc. are influenced by the dynamics of strength in goose-formation, “All for one and one for all?” This group of love-struck-birds and ruffled feathers are clearly destined to reach common goals.

 So what does it take to keep a community together like “Birds of a Feather?” It helps to become a part with dedicated people of insurmountable alliance of goodwill and togetherness who support their community. And, always watch nature’s birds flying in formation to a mutual destination. Teamwork works.

An unknown goose-fan once said; “We are fortunate there are more geese in life than turkeys.”

Ah, but whose counting so long as we’re flying in formation headed in the right direction. We can learn from the birds. 

Today’s Thought:  He who has all the answers hasn’t heard all the questions.