I have always enjoyed creating a sense of community. Right now I am planning a block party for my block. There is really nothing to it, and I wish more people would try and have one. I make a flyer asking our neighbors to join us in the middle of the street on a Sunday afternoon from 5 to 10 p.m. on a summer evening. My husband writes the city to request permission to block the street for the party and to have the blockades dropped off at our house. He also requests the fire department to come at 5 p.m. and bring the fire truck if possible. This gets all the young families out for a tour at 5 p.m. and gets the party started.
We have helped with a block party on and off over the last 15 years. I do this because I want a cohesive neighborhood of people looking out for one another. I remember when I was growing up and knew my neighbors and I think if we don’t make an effort we can lose that. I like the idea of younger kids raking lawns and doing favors for the older people in the neighborhood, and I think they will be more likely to do this if we all know each other a little better.
In the flyer, I ask everyone to bring a dish to share and byob. We have a simple sidewalk chalk contest and a bike-decorating contest. I ask a couple of teens on the block to run the contests and we award a few dollar store prizes. We also ask if they want to put a lawn game on their lawn that everyone can play. We used to always do this on a Friday or Saturday but now I think more people might be able to come on a Sunday. I also ask for any volunteer musicians to play.
A smart cook once said, “It is not what is on the table that counts, but who is in the chairs.” And yes, everyone has to bring his or her own chairs.
(Aspiring to be a) Joy Spreader
