One Square Mile

07/23/2020

On sale now:

Stories of over 50 individuals from Jewett City to inspire and give a closer look into people and families in our community. A must read by a local author.

04/29/2020

During the quarantine, consider reading The World in One Square Mile — the book that will make you see the people in your neighborhood in a whole new light. One chapter is titled, “The World Waiting at Home” and features Lesson #10 of the book: “The Stories of Those Closest to You Contain the Biggest Surprises.” Appropriate during this time! In one year, Adam Bowles interviewed 120 neighbors and visitors whose lives intersected his own in the one square mile of his Eastern Connecticut hometown. The “radical” idea of taking interest in others drew national attention and became the subject of an equity and social justice initiative. Only three dozen hardcover books remain in stock. Cost: $20 each, which is nearly $15 off the publisher’s price. Text 860-861-4246 or email [email protected] to place your order.

12/20/2018

In time for the holidays, the book, “The World in One Square Mile,” is available for sale at the Jewett City branch of Eastern Savings Bank.

After one year and 120 interviews with neighbors and visitors in the borough, emerges the untold stories of faith, family and friendship that makes this New England town shine.

Now, in what is part memoir, part call-to-action, Adam Bowles shares ten community-building lessons he uncovered as he ventured out his front door to do something radical — take an interest in others.

The spontaneous, on-the-street interviews tell a greater story about the world we live in and the need to break down walls among our neighbors through vulnerable, courageous conversations. As division grows across the nation, it’s time we listen again to the stories of our neighbors, and celebrate the threads of life that unite us all.

The book is also available here:

After thirty years of living in the one square mile of Jewett City, a pastor/journalist decided to fight negative perceptions of his hometown by spending a year interviewing 120 neighbors and visitors whose lives intersect his own. In the process, Adam Bowles discovered a beautiful diversity and the...

12/11/2018

11/10/2018

When you meet people, remember it’s in the middle of their story. If people snap at you, you don’t have to snap back. If they ignore you, don’t take offense. If they don’t smile, maybe their burdens are so heavy they feel like they can barely lift their heads. You might not ever see the person again, but if you refuse to react in judgment and refuse to cave into the world’s cynicism, you might be the one person whose smile, kind words or simple acknowledgement makes a difference in that person getting to the next chapter of their lives. Today, I had the privilege to share this message at the 32nd annual meeting of the Connecticut Council of the International Association of Insurance Professionals. Their prayer during the opening ceremonies featured some of the following lines: “O God...make us to act as Thy messengers for peace and contentment, for harmony and understanding. Grant that we may see more clearly the point of view of other men and women...Keep us free from pettiness and unwise discrimination...Teach us, O Lord, to know and to realize that by Thy grace we can live in perfect peace with one another.” After my presentation, one of the members of the association shared her own personal story with me that included the inspirational giving of her friend. Learn more here: https://powerful-purpose.com/giving-back/

04/24/2018

Have a few opportunities this summer to do this.

In case you were wondering.

04/09/2018

Thank you Three Rivers Community College bookstore for putting the books on display. If you stop by and buy a copy, you’ll see the last chapter is about my wife’s journey from Honduras to the one square mile of the community in which we live. For those of you who have followed along with our story, I want you to know that the proceeds from the book sales will help us visit her mom for the first time in more than 30 years. I plan to chronicle that journey as well. Thanks! http://www.theworldinonesquaremile.com

03/15/2018

Dave Geer, a local legend, died March 1. A friend of mine recently sent me an article I wrote years ago about his life. I remember well the interview. I know he is missed by his loved ones and in town.

THIS holiday season, some 5,000 people will visit the Geer Tree Farm in Griswold. Many of them will be at least vaguely aware that they have arrived at the home of a legendary, world-champion lumberjack.

02/06/2018

Thank you Stu Bryer for having me on today to chat about the book.

Listen to Monday 02-05-2018 Stu Bryer Show by wich1310

02/02/2018

Thank you Pamela Kinder, vice president of business development at United Community and Family Services, for the tour of the construction site of the new health center in Griswold. UCFS was the first to sponsor the One Square Mile project. The building will feature lots of natural light and a beautiful view of Ashland Pond. Pamela said UCFS continues to be inspired by the people it cares for — people who are more than just another case number or patient, but individuals with real stories. At some point when the new center, along with its community garden and meeting space, opens in the summer I’ll present that same concept as described in the book — The World in One Square Mile. Stay tuned!