My name is Melissa, aka Magic Icelandic Crab. I’m looking for residents of Wilmington, NC, and Jenkintown, PA, to come together for a one-of-a-kind zine.
Zine Title: Driftyland: Sister Cities
Topic Description: I’m adjusting my zine and seeking to partner with librarians, independent writers, artists, historians, local businesses (especially bookstores), and community groups in Jenkintown, PA (and surrounding areas) and Wilmington, NC (and surrounding areas) to create a self-funded community zine.
Project Description: As more community conversations move online, a published community zine gives libraries and residents an opportunity to create a shared, tangible record of local life. A zine produced in partnership with local writers, artists, students, historians, and small businesses provides a route into publishing while bringing different generations, experiences, and perspectives into one collaborative project.
The sister-city focus extends that collaboration beyond a single community. This zine offers a practical framework for residents of the two cities to explore and document their relationship through shared themes, personal stories, artwork, and local history. Creating and exchanging a zine encourages discussion and discovery, giving participants opportunities to build relationships, identify common experiences, and learn about what makes each community distinctive. The finished publication will serve as both a record of the collaboration and a starting point for continued cultural exchange.
Why Wilmington, NC?
I used to live in Wilmington (North Carolina, not Delaware), and continue to be wow-ed by the community. The number of creative people living in Wilmington is incredible, and it’s my #1 place to recommend to people who have never heard of it.
Why Jenkintown, PA?
I live here! I used to work in Jenkintown about 15 years ago when I first graduated from Temple. Now, I’ve lived here with my husband and son for about two years. I am still exploring and discovering what it has to offer! My family is also originally from Philly and Elkins Park, so I am invested in the rich history of the county.
What is a sister city?
Sister Cities International works to pair international cities to encourage partnership and collaboration between two different places. These are international pairings. As you can see, Jenkintown and Wilmington are both in the US! I do plan on exploring the international sister cities, but here’s the thing – Jenkintown apparently does not have a sister city! A part of this first zine will be submitted to Jenkintown to get an official sister city pairing.
Wilmington, NC, is a sister city to Bridgetown, Barbados, San Pedro, Belize, and Dandong, China.
How can I get involved?
Please do not submit if you’re not local to Jenkintown, PA, or Wilmington, NC!
For my first issue, I am currently seeking:
- Recommendations for books from big readers (make sure to include your Goodreads tag!)
- Recipe ideas, food waste, and nutrition tips
- International cities you would love for Jenkintown, PA, to be a sister city to! Also note if you would like to be a part of a group to present the idea to the Borough Council in Jenkintown
- Gardening and outdoor tips for both zones (USDA Hardiness Zone 7b for Jenkintown and Zone 8b for Wilmington)
- Favorite day trips from Jenkintown or Wilmington
- Anecdotes from people who are still using a physical address book, writing in a journal, sending thank-you notes, etc.
- Lesser-known resources, events, and programming from your local library or bookstore
- The best parks, beaches, trails, etc. in both places
- Local businesses who would like to work together for organic advertising
- An artist or graphic designer who can help create a flyer to support this project
I’m also open to ideas! Please email submissions to magicicelandiccrab (at) gmail (dot) com. Submissions on behalf of political groups will not be accepted.
Want to help in another way? Consider hanging up a flyer to help get submissions in!