by Shannon Chicoine

Created on: July 07, 2010

                It’s been said that the World Wide Web made the world smaller and brought us all closer together.  It may however have had something to do with the disappearance of the neighborhood bar-b-que.  Gone are the days of knowing your neighbors names, how old their children are, and borrowing a cup of sugar.  Somehow we all find Facebook applications more interesting than neighbor Jim’s golf game.  So here’s to putting the neighborly back in the neighborhood and finding fun ways to bring your hood back to life.

            In this day and age we are all concerned about safety and the dangers that come in a very modern world.  Well one of the best ways to keep your home safe is to have neighbors who know when something is out of the ordinary.  Neighborhood watch programs are easy to start and are a deterrent for theft.  Start by simply setting a time for a Watch Party, make signs, go door to door, and get people involved.  Most likely you’re not the only one who has thought of the idea so it should be easy to get the majority of your neighborhood there.  After the initial meeting, it gives you a good excuse to have neighborhood cook outs and block parties on National Night Out. 

            Another way to get acquainted is to organize a block yard sale.  Once again you need to take the lead, set a date for the sale, and get your neighbors signed up.  Take a large ad out in your local paper and post signs.  Make sure you ask if there are any large items that should be listed to attract buyers.  If there is a cul-de-sac in your neighborhood, this may be the perfect place to hold your event.  The kids can even get involved by having a cookie & lemonade stand. 

            There’s no better way to make friends than to have a party.  Print out post card size invitations for a block party and make sure everyone on your block gets one.  Have plenty of snacks and drinks for your guests, such as chips, dip, cupcakes for the kids, fresh vegetables and fruit, and plenty of ice cold beverages.  It may seem a little awkward at first, having a party with people you barely know, but there are plenty of ice breakers you can try.  Games like Charades and Pictionary are great to open people up and get them laughing.  Another game that never fails and is perfect for the kids on the block is a good old fashioned scavenger hunt.  A new twist to the ages old game is to have a photo scavenger hunt where things on the list are hunted but are lugged around the block till all the items are found.  Instead each team will have either a cell phone capable of taking photos or a digital camera.  Once all items have been found and photographed, the first team back wins.  Make sure to have a small treat for every child who participated and consider having ribbons for the winners. 

            There are many simple ways to get to know your neighbors again and make your home a more pleasant place to live.  Tight knit neighborhoods are safer and usually taken better care of.  Nobody wants their buddy’s yard to look better than theirs.  So reach out and go borrow a cup of sugar today.

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