One of the many benefits of being in a city with 40,000 college kids and 25,000 public school students is that every fall is a chance for a fresh start to a new year.
Our 18 registered neighborhoods in the Neighborhood Advisory Council are busy throughout the year, but the fall season is an exceptional time to reconnect. Here are five simple ways to get to know your neighbors and give back to your community:
Signature fall events
Whether it is the Rountree Halloween Parade, youth sports at Grant Beach Park or Thriller on C-Street adjacent to Midtown, check out what fall events and activities make your neighborhood unique and fun.
General membership meetings
A great way to deepen your roots in the neighborhood is to regularly attend the monthly or bi-monthly meetings. Learn about the good things happening in your neighborhood and what issues your neighbors are banding together to address.
Explore
The pleasant weather of the fall is the perfect time to be more active. Find time to take walks or hop on your bike and discover corners of your neighborhood you haven’t visited in a while. You’ll be reminded of the history and character of the area that originally drew you to your home.
See something, say something
In addition to getting some good exercise and saying hi to fellow neighbors, keep an eye out. Everyone has a role in keeping our neighborhoods safer and eliminating blight from nuisance properties. If you see illegal acts, call 9-1-1 for emergencies or your Neighborhood Watch Captain with any questions. If there are code violations for chronic nuisance properties, call the Citizen Resource Center at 864-1010 or a representative of your Neighborhood Team.
Vote!
Mark your calendars and plan to venture out to your neighborhood polling place on November 6. Casting your ballot is an important responsibility of American citizenship and we want to make sure the voices of our neighborhoods are heard.
Finally, as you are out at some of your neighborhood events this fall please take a moment to thank your neighbors who graciously donate their time and expertise to the betterment of our community. Enhancing the quality of life in Springfield is not the job of the police or City Council or community non-profits or any one group.
It is by everyone doing their part – however big or small – that we will have a great 2018-19 year!