Midtown’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade and Celebration’s theme of “Deep Roots, High Hopes” inspired Woodland Heights neighbors to create a tree with long (Deep) Roots with our High Hopes written on attached leaves.
The tree was set atop Curtis and Natalie Batchelor’s Gambler 500-Mimostly Champagne “the trash-getting limo” along with live music by Murray Hutcherson. Our neighbors The Fools Gladly clown troupe, entertained along the way while our kids passed out candy. Our float won Best Overall!
WHNA’s Annual Ice Cream Social gathered inside the Charlie Norr Community Center this year with temperatures over 100 degrees outside. Those who ventured out of their air-conditioned homes had a great time being together!
The WHNA June neighborhood meeting had a special presentation by John Alarid, executive director of Straight Street sober living homes. Our neighbors have had questions about these group (sober living) homes in our neighborhood and John and his team were happy to explain their licensed program. It was positive and well accepted and much appreciated.
Finally, we could have a Neighborhood Night Out in Lafayette Park after two years on hold! One hundred fifty neighbors and friends came out to enjoy a hot meal from Queen City Soul Kitchen, a very yummy special basil iced tea from Basilico, ice cream and bottled water from Sonic on Historic C-Street. Many businesses in the neighborhood and surrounding area donated prizes, gift certificates and donations. We had a special presentation by the Indian dance troupe and members of CosPlay came in costume! Kids enjoyed free haircuts and face painting. Our event co-sponsor Springfield-Greene County Parks provided multiple yard games to occupy the young’uns. And then, it rained, and yes, we got wet. Thank goodness for a park pavilion.
A group of neighbors volunteered at Reed Academy to fill 700 backpacks with school supplies for students in preparation for the Back to School Bash at Reed. We had volunteers join us from the GSBOR Community Development Committee as well. We knocked it out in less than two hours!