Last night my family and I went to the annual meeting and potluck social for the Menominee South Neighborhood Association (MSNA) at Bella Vista. It wasn't a huge crowd - maybe 20 total - but it was a good group of people who were proud of the work that was done. Menominee South is actually my neighborhood association. This year we hosted Habitat's Rock the Block in the Spring. Top three highlights from that:
A total of 36 homes in the neighborhood served
A whopping 177 projects completed
Over 820 volunteer hours logged
We also coordinated with three other neighborhood associations to host a summer concert in Menominee Park featuring Janet Planet. There were over 200 people in attendance. I even met some neighbors new to Oshkosh who have since become friends...like proper, actual, "let's hang out and have our kids play together" friends. That's not an effortless thing to accomplish as an adult, and it wouldn't have happened at all if it weren't for this neighborhood association event.
The work of Oshkosh Healthy Neighbors (gohni.org) is making a big difference in our city. It's important for neighbors to come together, get to know one another, and accomplish things big and small. The work of neighborhood associations is a great stepping stone for private-public partnerships. Think of the great parks that have popped up from these groups - Steven's Park, Sea Sand & Sailorland, etc. Ideas from the neighbors for the neighborhood get focused in a group, presented to the City, and then they partner to bring an idea to life. There are over 20 neighborhood associations in Oshkosh to date. Do you live in one? Check out the map, get involved, and see what resources they have to offer you and your neighbors.
Comentários