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Home › Articles › Grandparent Leisure Time › Rock Around the Block

Rock Around the Block

Get Out and Meet Your Neighbors!

By Tamar Weiss

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Residents of Heidy's neighborhood in St. Louis got together as a result of a few robberies that occurred in the surrounding area. In an effort to curb crime, they established a "block watch," and block parties were one of the positive outcomes. All of the residents would leave their lights on one night in August in solidarity of fighting crime; then they would block off a cul-de-sac and barbecue. Everyone brought a side dish and contributed money for hot dogs. The kids had bike races. There was a general sense of camaraderie, and friendship was fostered where it otherwise may not have been.

"The best thing that has resulted from our community events is neighbors meeting and getting to know neighbors and the increased interest in the community as a whole," says Linda Gardner, head of Cyrandall Valley's Neighborhood Watch. Their events have nurtured a vast interest in the larger community among residents, and a Unity Garden has even been established. All residents were invited to donate their favorite flower, and neighborhood volunteers maintain the garden. Such events not only spark friendship among neighbors, but also keep them involved with each other and community life and issues.

Planning Your Block Party
When planning a block party, it's a good idea to get a committee together – this way not all of the work falls on one person.

Spread the Word
Linda had flyers delivered to each home announcing their neighborhood events. Debra Goldberg, owner of Creations, a party planning and decorating firm, notes that at many block parties, neighbors don't yet know each other. The invitations can be an opportunity to kindle people's interest in each other and the event as a whole.

She suggests sending out invitations that can also be a project to be finished at the party, such as a collage with pictures of the homes. She says these things will "generate unity, and this is the point of the party."

ShindigZ.com


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