Neighbor News
Block Party of the Year Award Announcements
Winners will have a sign installed on their block and recognized at the May 22, 2018, Village Board meeting
The Human Relations Commission is excited to announce the recipients of the 2017 Block Party of the Year awards. The Commission recognizes the efforts of community members to build relationships with their neighbors and promote quality of life for the whole community. Winners will have a sign installed on their block and recognized at the May 22, 2018, Village Board meeting, which takes place at 8 p.m. at Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street.
In 2017, 68 block parties were organized and 13 were nominated for the Block Party of the Year. Nominated blocks were judged by their creativity, communication, ability to secure safe spaces, celebrate with delicious and diverse food and provide an opportunity for neighbors to get to know one another. The following block parties are recognized for the 2017 Block Party of the Year Awards:
• North Kolmar Avenue (from Madison to Main)
Theme: Kolmar Avenue Rocks! Festivities included a ribbon-cutting opening ceremony, international food potluck, a bounce house and a bonfire for s’mores.
• Morse Avenue, (from LeClaire to Laramie)
Festivities included a “Taste of Morse” dinner, a “freecycling” event where neighbors could share gently used items with each other, a bounce house, karaoke, a pet show and all were encouraged to bring food pantry donations.
• Lowell Avenue (from Birchwood to Howard)
This block party was dedicated to neighbor Nancy Thirkield, who died in May 2017. Her neighbors invited members of Ms. Thirkield’s family to join their celebration. Other special efforts included making special arrangements for another neighbor to visit for the day from the rehabilitation center where she was recovering from a stroke.
• Drake Avenue (From 9400 to 9500 Drake)
Theme: Superheroes of Drake Avenue. Festivities included face painting and mehndi (henna), a bounce house, potluck dinner and a hired DJ. These neighbors also sent around a questionnaire and from that created a list of quotes: “What I appreciate About Drake Avenue,” and a directory of skilled services available among the various residents of the block.
Are you interested in hosting a block party this season? Complete the application found at: www.skokie.org.
