Have you read Malcolm Gladwell? One of his books, The Tipping Point is about …well, a lot of things, but one of the themes is “epidemics” and how they spread. Here at Tuscarora, we’re in the business of promoting canoe trip epidemics, right? So this is why it became part of my job to read this book. I liked it so much I’ve read all of his books so far. I like the way he writes, sort of causally researchy…brings up lots of interesting topics. So, we’re still figuring out how to share the North Woods with everyone we can—introducing new people, setting up the seasoned people –talking about trips and campsites, recommending canoes, listening to stories.
At one point in the book, he talks about CONNECTERS. Connecters are people with a gift for bringing folks together. They seem to know people across borders of society—and make friends easily, and then connect them all. They are like the network hub. Most of us know somebody like that—particularly likable, or somehow gifted with a combination of curiosity and energy and general appeal.
Last week, we got an email from our Nashville friend, Jerry Vandiver. I thought…aha! Here’s a connecter in the flesh, and we are really lucky to be in his web. Jerry uses his music and love of the North Woods to bring lots of folks together. Definitely his network spans the country.
This summer….he’ll be back to do one of his Dining Hall Concerts, and we’re pretty excited about that—we’re even going to set a date soon! We plan to combine it with our Unnofficial Tuscarora Triathlon….which is all good for me, because it might even mean that I schedule it ahead of time…so …..people might even be able to PLAN on these events, if you can imagine.
Anyhow, I’m recommending that you connect with Jerry, however you can. Part of his charm is that he’ll remember you, and make you feel special. You can catch him at Canoecopia in March, or at Tuscarora in July!
