It’s been almost two years since Jim started the Upper Clay Street neighborhood group in 2022. As he walks around his neighborhood, he sees the fruits of his labor of love.
He waves hello to his friend Dana, a woman in her 80s. Dana hosted a gathering of 21 that focused on EV options (6 were on display). Because of the climate club, Dana feels deeply connected to more than 30 neighbors — she’s part of a community.
At a meeting about fire preparation, Jim’s club discussed the various ways to harden homes against wildfire, including replacing flammable mulch with firewise mulch. Jim got a truckload to share with his neighbors. The pile is almost gone.
At another gathering, another neighbor brought surplus fruits and vegetables and shared the bounty with everyone.
Later that night, neighbors used the group email list to let everyone know that a muscular cougar had been spotted on their wildlife camera.
This large cougar was spotted in the neighborhood on a wildlife camera.
There are now multiple neighborhood climate clubs throughout Ashland. Jim compares these clubs to planting a tree. You put the seed in the soil, give it nutrients and water, and over time, it starts to root and grow.
Jim Hartman and the Clay Street neighborhood group at the September meeting about participatory democracy. Jim made soup and everyone contributed to the potluck.
Fire Drill!
In September 2024, a fire started about 2 miles from the Upper Clay Street group, forcing the neighborhood to evacuate. The fire spread to 11 acres, but thanks to low wind and a swift response from firefighters, it was contained within 2 and a half hours of evacuation.
At the next potluck, Jim asked neighbors to talk about their evacuation experience. “We are so grateful it was just a fire drill,” was the prevailing response. And everyone watched out for one another. Jim says, “It’s great to see neighbors looking out for each other when the chips are down.”
Jim’s neighborhood map helps people coordinate during an emergency. Pink houses show vulnerable residents, such as elderly folks with mobility issues and families with young children.