Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Eleanor Coleman on November 11, 2010 at 8:49pm

Has anyone stepped forward yet? and... are you okay with the Luminary Event being offered to the other half of the SouthWest? I have asked the SW Common Council Communications Team to consider your request. It's a wonderful way to "communicate" and we're always looking for multi-media approaches for strengthening communication and building relationships. This event has good communication and healthy message written all over it! Connecting it to the SWCC would open up the pool of "helpers" as we could announce it at the various sector-related meetings and build sustainability into it. I'm guessing you can give us a blueprint of how to proceed and we can take it from there. Let me know what you think.

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Permalink Reply by Jodi Maurer on November 11, 2010 at 8:52pm

I'm with Eleanor, and would love to expand this event. This summer, I started a block club on our street (Virginia Ave) and I would love to have our neighborhood do this as well (I just don't want to hurt anyone's feelings by copying the idea). If you're ok with others in the area participating, I'll definitely help out in planning it.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Sweetland on November 11, 2010 at 10:16pm

Jodi, I don't think there's any problem with "copying" the idea. I am sure Dan would agree that the concept spreading throughout the City was an original intent. It is just slowly growing, and the more people that participate, the better! And Eleanor, Dan can provide advice on how to make samples available, and involving merchants. Best wishes!

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Permalink Reply by Eleanor Coleman on November 12, 2010 at 12:10pm

Dan,

How about posting the steps needed to execute the Luminary Event (materials, costs, deadlines, contacts, etc.)? That way, everyone can see what's needed and step up where they can. I think the combination of virtual and face-to-face meetings combined with being aware of all of the steps will better solidify the framework for this event.

Let me know what you think?

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Permalink Reply by Margy Meath on November 12, 2010 at 7:42pm

Dan and others-
I do not have the time to take on the management/leadership of this event but am willing to help out. I like the idea of expanding it beyond the 19th ward and hope that others support this idea as well.
The Marlborough Road Neighbors block club has had very active participation in this event over the past several years. Sheri Tehan first introduced the idea to the group and each year we have had more people participate with luminaries. We also host outdoor bond fires and serve lots of delicious food- it's a great way to bring people together in the cold of the winter.
I know that one aspect of this event has been a small money raiser for the 19WCA - while I applaud the efforts of those who made luminary kits and helped to sell them i do wonder whether the time spent doing that might be put into other initiatives (i.e. is the $$ raised worth the effort OR would the time yield better/different outcomes by putting the energy elsewhere?) Here on Marlborough, we had a neighbor donate the luminary supplies and delivered a set to anyone who wanted them - we also included an invitation to the 'gathering'. So, while we didn't raise any money for the 19WCA we did develop stronger relationships on our street - and, last year, had visitors from several other streets join us.
On a related note, I am involved with a group that is working to have as many MLK celebrations as possible include a group reading of Waddie Welcome and the Beloved Community

To read more about this event go here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Waddie-Welcome-MLK-Day-Reading/144572...

To learn more about the book, go here:
http://www.waddiewelcome.com/

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Permalink Reply by Eleanor Coleman on November 19, 2010 at 10:01pm

I've been going through my files to see what might be beneficial for Location19 and came across a flyer we used on Weldon Street for the Luminary Event (attached).

Attachments:

• Luminary_Event.doc, 44 KB

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Permalink Reply by Georgia NeSmith on November 21, 2010 at 2:59pm

I have some leftover luminary kits. Somebody please come & get them!

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Permalink Reply by Eleanor Coleman on November 22, 2010 at 4:29pm

I can get them. What's a good day/time?

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Permalink Reply by Eleanor Coleman on November 23, 2010 at 10:00pm

FYI - I just bought 10 battery-operated tea lights at the dollar store (2 for $1). Okay, it's cheating but I don't care!

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Permalink Reply by Mark Sweetland on November 23, 2010 at 10:37pm

It's cheating if you put them in your windows! Have to be streetside :)

I do urge you and everyone to join the Marlborough Road Neighbors, even if only for 20 minutes, as I attended their event last year and it was SUPER! Such a great group of people. This event really is an opportunity to get out and meet and greet, while celebrating our diverse neighborhoods.

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Permalink Reply by Eleanor Coleman on November 23, 2010 at 10:40pm

I was going to put them in the white bags - streetside. I'm not THAT bad!

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Permalink Reply by Jodi Maurer on November 29, 2010 at 8:31pm

Just wanted to post a quick update on where I'm at on my end with organizing this with Virginia and Post Ave residents. I contacted the school today to see if we could possibly use their playing fields as a gathering point for Virginia Ave and Post Ave residents. I also wanted to see how to get the school's involvement. The parent liason was thrilled about the possibility of helping out, but is concerned about the time since it will come up pretty quickly. I hope to have more details soon from the school, and then I plan on distributing flyers to the houses on Virginia and Post. I'm really excited about this so I hope it doesn't flop! I'll keep you posted on my progress.

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