Group throws block party to mark Neighborhood Nights

Encouraging neighbors to come together and get to know each other is one of the reasons Mayor Jay Knudtson designated October as Cape Girardeau's Neighborhood Nights month.

Neighborhood Nights has been going on for two years and the Neighborhood Connections group is offering incentives to keep it growing, including a visit from the police or fire departments on a first-come, first-served basis.

Individuals may also pick up packets containing ideas, flyers, a Who's Who in Our Neighborhood and RSVP forms, coupons, Neighborhood Watch ideas and an application. Packets are available at city hall.

Neighborhood Connections works to engage neighbors in creating a safe and healthy community. The group's third annual Block Party, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, will be on Fountain Street, between May Greene Garden and Christ Episcopal Church. Although the block party is held in the daytime, it celebrates the proclamation set forth by Mayor Knudtson on Oct. 1, declaring October as Neighborhood Nights month.

"The first year we had 13 that registered; last year only seven registered. We had a rainy October. This year we have five so far. We want to encourage people who are often so busy running to take the time out to get to know each other," said Heather Brooks, assistant to the city manager.

The Neighborhood Connections group considers itself a means of access to and through the community and the city's decision makers. Their approach is to work together to make constructive complaints to departments and agencies within the city that are equipped to deal with specific issues.

City officials and police are frequently present and available to listen to neighbors at the group's monthly meetings held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the third Thursday monthly at Christ Episcopal Church Hall at Fountain and Themis streets.

Joan Jones, Neighborhood Connections public relations chairwoman, said she was pleased to find out that Cape Girardeau police and fire department representatives will again be there, and that "Bob Camp and the Fountain Street Rockers have returned after playing at our barbecue last year."

The "neighborhood," 18 blocks of it, stretches roughly from Spanish Street on the east to Sprigg Street on the west and from Independence Street on the south to North Street on the north. Jones said, "Even if you're not in the neighborhood, everyone is invited. We'd love to have people come out and learn about our group and, if they have questions, we might even be able to help them in forming their own group."

Neighborhood Connections, the oldest residential neighborhood group in Cape Girardeau, has a Neighborhood Watch in effect. Neighborhood Watches are concerned with eliminating nuisances and reporting suspicious and dangerous activity. Twenty-four street signs in and around the neighborhood are posted to warn possible offenders that they're in a Neighborhood Watch community.

The Neighborhood Connections group continues to expand with a Christ Episcopal Church food pantry, 38 North Fountain St., for people residing in the neighborhood. Another new food program offers a free community breakfast at the church each third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Neighborhood Connections members and friends can volunteer to serve or donate by calling Jones at 651-4567 or the Rev. Bob Towner at 335-2997.

Aside from face painting and Hickory Pits barbecue at the block party, Jones said, "Local restaurants have promised a surprise. Come and join us."

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133