While living in increasingly fractured times, many of us seek refuge, though often in very different ways. For me, a long walk a, either by myself or with friends, is a way of finding peace. Listening to music, visiting a museum, joining friends for exercise classes and/or lunch, are all small pleasures. One might take comfort in helping to build local community through organized structure and events. Volunteer work also can bring people together to find companionship and fun with like-minded people.
Recently I had the opportunity to attend a community event, a birthday party for my six-year-old great niece in Virginia. Many children and parents gathered in a playground and mini park built in the center of a loop of town homes. The bouncy house was a big attraction, but for my three-and-a half-year-old grandson, the draw was the climbing structure and slides in the permanent playground.
This neighborhood, though architecturally very different from west coast urban homes, reminded me of my own block, where houses are built around a cul-de-sac. This structure of housing seems to work well for getting to know your neighbors. I am now the longest-term resident on my block, and it brings delight to see children who grew up on the block return as adults, buy houses, and raise their own children, a new generation.
My two-block long street has traditionally produced a tight knit community. After the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, a group of us met outside, perching in a companionable group on the curb of the sidewalk. It was a warm night and we all shared a bottle of wine. The feeling of togetherness, of not being alone, helped me to process what had been a terrifying experience that late afternoon, where the building I worked in was shaken badly enough to be near collapse.
This is a special street where neighbors watch out for one another. Neighbor friends brought food when my late husband was ill. My neighbors collect packages for me when I am away, and I do the same for them. It is just that kind of place.
Recently, a neighbor friend came across an invitation to apply for funds from the Civic Joy Fund, a non-profit originally founded by a community activist, along with the City’s Mayor, Daniel Lurie. She invited me and another neighbor to join her in planning a block party, a longstanding tradition that had faded with the onset of Covid.
The purpose of the event was to reestablish community ties and to introduce new renters and homeowners to their neighbors. One neighbor provided music with his small band. The Civic Joy funding enabled us to buy provide food rather than relying on potluck. Chairs and tables and a canopy completed the décor.
Unfortunately, the best laid plans did not work out for me, as I became ill the night before the block party and could not attend. But as luck would have it, I was able to be part of a block party celebration the week before in Brooklyn. New York streets can be long, so the sense of intimacy was not as great as in my own neighborhood, but the activities were many.
People put toys to share with neighborhood children out on the street. Fire hydrants were opened and children delighted in splashing through the water on a warm night. My older grandson sang karaoke with his friends. Friends and neighbors gathered on doorsteps to enjoy the party. Down at the end of the block, the party organizer grilled hot dogs and hamburgers for everyone, paid for at his own expense.
It is events like this that bring people together and build community. I recommend making your street a special place by getting together with your neighbors and discover the joys of friendship and support.
