Wow! Who Knew? Summit scheduled for October 8 invites area residents to discover what’s happening in their local communities

The Wow! Who Knew? Summit invites area residents to discover fascinating people, inspiring projects, interesting activities, and unexpected opportunities to get involved right here in their own backyard.

This free community open house will take place Thursday, October 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Works, located at 274 Main Street in Lansing.

Sponsored by Connected For Good, the summit brings together individuals, organizations, and community groups from across Allamakee County and the surrounding region to share what they’re passionate about and to invite others to join in.

Whether local residents are looking for a new hobby, hoping to meet people with shared interests, searching for meaningful involvements, or simply curious about what’s happening around them, the summit promises something worth discovering. Building off of the “Wow! Who Knew?” radio show and podcast, hosted by Allamakee County Economic Development Executive Director Val Reinke, the summit is an opportunity to meet some of the people behind the many stories Reinke features on her program. Reinke will also be there in person to hear ideas for Allamakee County.

“We live in a county and area full of so many great stories about who lives here, what they love and activities and events they’ve created to bring their passions to life,” says Reinke. “We’re excited to bring some of these people and events to the community for some up close and personal interactions.”

Visitors can expect diverse activities, enjoy conversations with local creators and organizers, and learn about activities and initiatives they may never have known existed. From arts, recreation, and lifelong learning to youth programs, conservation, and community improvement, the event celebrates the ways people are making life in the local region more interesting, connected, and fulfilling.

There are no formal presentations or commitments required - just stop in, look around, ask questions, and see what sparks curiosity. Light refreshments will be offered as well from an area restaurant.

The summit also introduces residents to Connected For Good, a community initiative designed to connect people with opportunities that align with their interests, talents, and passions. Through a simple interest inventory, participants can discover ways to engage with four important areas of community well-being: Young People Flourishing, Parents and Adults Succeeding, Communities Prospering, and Environments Thriving. Whether someone has some resources or a skill to share, an idea to explore, or simply a desire to meet new people, Connected For Good helps turn individual interests into meaningful connections that benefit both residents and the broader community.

“We’re looking forward to the opportunity to share more about what Connected For Good is striving to create in our region - connected, thriving residents who can easily connect with what sparks their joy,” says John Stanley, founder of Connected for Good.

Everyone is welcome, and there’s no need to stay for all four hours - whether they stop by during a lunch break, while out running errands, coming with a friend, inviting a neighbor, or making time to explore something completely outside their usual routine. Attendees might discover a new passion, meet a future collaborator, find a place where they belong, or learn about an opportunity that changes how they experience life in Allamakee County.

The Wow! Who Knew? Summit is free and open to the public, with no advance registration required. To learn more about Connected For Good and discover ways to get involved, visit www.connectedforgood.org.