WHO TO CALL: Community Editor Entertainment Editor Andrew McCredie Layne Christensen 985-2131 (147) 985-2131 (118) WHAT IF I told you that with a little organizing you could do something to get to know your neighbors, create a tight-knit community, decrease the chance of your home being robbed, and create a safe haven for your kids? By Anne Crook Contributing Writer What if also I told you that it wouldn’t even cost any money? Interested? Organize a block party. While a block party may sound like some- thing out of the 1950s or 60s — or belongs in a Leave it to Beaver re- run — it’s perfect for the 1990s. , We've had a block party in our neighborhood for the past three years now, and there hasn't been one break- ‘in or one “For Sale” sign since. | know ail my neighbors. My kids think it’s normal.to wave to three or four people as we drive down the street, ; . OK, you say, a block party sounds great, but now what? Well let's take it step by step. First and foremost, don’t try to do it alone. Find yourself an ally. It’s much easier to plan some- thing like this with someone else. You can bounce ideas off of each other. . The Invitation The invitation is extremely impor- tant. It sets the tone of the party. Make -it sound like fun for all — kids and . adults. Ask for. volunteers. Solicit your neighbors to bring things for the party.. Who has a badminton or vol- : . leyball net? Also, use the invitation to ‘find out what: your neighbors might like to do at a block party. Does any-- one play croquet?. Who would like to . organize games for the small kids? _» Tell them there will be'a small fee of $5 or so for each family to cover incidentals and little prizes for the kids. Make it a potluck barbecue. Ask them to bring outdoor tables and chairs. Invite everyone. Tell them to bring the whole farnily — the more the merrier. Put an R.S.V.P. so you can have a chat with them when they call and know approximately how many people are coming. Distribute your invitation to. the entire neighborhood. If you have kids, they will love helping you. If some of your neighbors are at home, it will give you an opportunity to introduce yourself and talk about the party. Back up the invitation with a reminder and deliver it a week before the big-day. When your neighbors start phoning in, gently coax them into volunteering for something. if faey have kids, maybe they'd like to organize a few games? Water balloon toss, treasure hunt, races, or perhaps a bicycle parade? One year one of the organizers made a beautiful panita and filled it with goodies. The kids had a great time smacking that thing around. : Phone up your municipality and ask for. permission to close off the street. (They'll even supply the street barricades.) Hopefully the demo- graphics of your street will allow you to do it as well. It really helps to cre- ate a street party atmosphere. If not, perhaps a large backyard or two would do the trick. Then pray to the sun god. Party Day If the skies are clear the morning of your party, you are truly blessed — your prayers were answered. Every year the skies have been ominously cloudy and every year, the guys set up a big blue tarp around the telephone poles to cover a large part of the cul-de-sac - just in case. But every year, it clears up and ends up being a beautiful day. It’s a good idea Wednesday, June 14, 1995 — North Shore News - 15 ~~ STORIES” NEWS photo Cindy Goodman YOUNGSTERS (LIKE sack-racer Kiera Beckersmith) and oldsters alike can have a great time at a neighborhood block party. Not only does it make for a fun-filled day but {t builds neighbor rela- tionships that make your communtiy a better, and safer, piace to liva. With a little pianning (see check fist below) and volunteer delegation, any neighborhood cai throw a block party. Check list to set up a few tables in advance so guests have somewhere to put their salads and condiments. Tell the kids which bathrooms they can use. Set up . the volleyball or badminton net or; whatever else you have decided to do.’ When it’s time to start cooking, | like to watch ail the guys wheel their barbecues down the street. It looks like a strange parade. Set up ail the salads and deserts as a smorgasbord so everyone will feel free to try a bit of this and a bit of that. Without fail, i am truly astounded at the really good food. I'd estimate that 60 to 70 people come to our block party every year. Offshoots and Benefits There are many benefits to having a block party. You will stop and talk to your neighbors; whether it's in the front yard or in the grocery store. THIS WEEK’S PICKS: famipira(new) 6. Richie Rich 7. A Low Down Dirty Shame 8. Speechless "Shawshank Redemption 10. The Professional Invitation Reminder Votunteers Food Quite a few of us have started making our own wine. It’s a perfect excuse to have your neighbor over to sample the latest batch. You can also share the two for one specials at the video store on Tuesdays. The summertime is the obvious time to have such a party but, believe it or not, we have a winter party as well. Shelley, my friend down the street, has a block party in her drive- way in the middle of December, and serves hot mulled wine, hot chocolate and hot dogs for the. kids (notice MPAA RATING CRITICS' AVERAGE RENT 2 neteases selection of VIDEO GAMES! _ New release Super Nintendo & Sega Genesis arriving . EVERY WEEK! Kid's activities & games Adult activities & games Extra tables & chairs Bar-B-Ques RSVP O | LJ Cj everything is hot). It’s pretty hard to rob a house in a neighborhood where everyone knows and watches out for each other. A few years ago an alert neighbor spotted kids jumping backyard fences and called the police. The would-be thiev- es were immediately apprehended. But the best benefit of all is the wonderful sense of belonging and sense of community that we all share. It’s comforting to know that if I'm ever in trouble I have several people I could call for help. ‘ Port None Some E, FOR 2 DAYS ow § - GREAT SELECTION! GREAT PRICES! Come in and see - the difference at Tom's!