Thanks for helping with Neighborhood Connections picnic

By Joan Jones

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood," the phrase used by the late Mr. Rogers to open his TV show for years, described the day for Neighborhood Connections' fifth annual picnic on Oct. 24. The beautiful day brought out over 300 residents from the neighborhood surrounding Christ Episcopal Church at the corner of Themis and Fountain streets in the oldest neighborhood in Cape Girardeau.

A big thank you to all who helped, including:

* Cpl. Ike Hammond and the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Hammond has been a dedicated connection between law enforcement and the neighborhood, and the relationship is proving to be a key in its revitalization.

* The Southeast Missourian, Mike Young, KZIM and Faune Riggin for helping so much in getting the word out about the block party.

* The Cape Girardeau Fire Department for bringing the firetruck.

* DARE officer A.C. Walker for bringing her DARE car.

* Marion and Bill Green for baking 250 chocolate chip cookies and helping prepare and distribute over 275 hot dogs supplied by Schnucks Supermarket.

* Music provided by disc jockey Barrett Hoover and guitarist Brad Rosenthal.

* Rolling Hills Farm, which provided free pony rides made possible by donations from neighbors.

* Helen Towner for providing face painting for the children.

* Robert and Mary Gentry for filling the air with beautiful bubbles from their bubble machine at the Corner Store.

* Clown Ellen Dillon, who got smiles from everyone she saw.

* Port Cape Restaurant, Broadway Books and Roasting Co., Fred's, Cup 'N' Cork, Bellevue Bed and Breakfast, Burrito-Ville, Celebrations Restaurant and Socials for the food, paper goods and drinks they provided.

* Last but not least, the parishioners of Christ Episcopal Church, who donated their time and energy to help make the party such a success, and all the neighbors who came and enjoyed themselves as much as we did.

Join us next year, and plan on having a great time.

Joan Jones of Cape Girardeau is a member of Christ Episcopal Church and an organizer of Neighborhood Connections.