Neighbourhood Block Party

To put it simply it was an amazing event. About 27 people arrived on Saturday evening to enjoy our Neighbourhood Block Party. It began at 5:00 PM and the last folks to leave carried their lawn chairs home at about 9:00 PM.

It all happened in our driveway and at the front of our garage. It began about two months ago with some simple planning and then more intense planning as we came into August and the September. A simple flyer was prepared and hand delivered to each door – both sides of the street along our block. My wife took care of all of this.

The costs were small. We paid for the meat and buns. They contributed a loonie per person and either a salad or a dessert. There was just enough food with a little left over. There was enough money as well to cover the meat costs as well.

The goal we had was simple - to welcome everyone to and from our street. There were some older community people that have lived here more than 35 years and then the newer folks that arrived in the last few months. We shared names and stories about the street – and lots of laughter. We shared old stories and new ones too. It is amazing to hear where each of the folks had lived over these years.

This is the 4th time we have held this street celebration on our block.

Along with the happiness and the stories shared, there was some sadness shared too. A neighbour just across the street attended last year – this year his widow was unable to come. Another couple that live to the south end of the street were not in attendance either. Last week he had a massive heart attack and was rushed to the hospital in Toronto. The mixture of happiness and heart break shared over food is what a neighbourhood block party is all about.

I think this one has helped me to realize the importance of “NOW”. Next week and next month may be too late to touch base with each other. None of us know how long we have to connect with someone else – specially our neighbours.

We have come to realize that our neighbours are happy people – and I hope they have found us to be the same. There was no preaching – or any heavy religious stuff. We just enjoyed each other’s company.

I have noticed something since we began this 4 years ago… people toot their horns and wave when they pull out of their driveways and drive past our house. They wave at each other when they see each other. We have grown toward each other. We help each other and we care for each other. This may be growing into the happiest street in Peterborough – where more people care for one another than anywhere else.

As we were about ready to each go our separate ways… – one neighbour had mentioned that he was to have surgery this week. With a small nudge by the Spirit, I told him I would be praying for him. There was a genuine, “Thanks.” from the two of them.

The simple lesson that is rising to the top of this effort… “Caring Counts”, to all of our neighbours. It matters to me as well.

Neighbour Murray…