Host a block party to meet neighbours

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This article was published 09/06/2016 (3450 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I grew up in a small town where close friends could come in the door of my house and holler “hello” and even sit down for a minute if they needed a rest or a drink of water. My friends’ moms were like secondary mothers and we could talk to them about things. I moved to Winnipeg from the country 12 years ago and have my own house in a safe neighborhood, but I have never experienced anything like that community of caring souls again. I would like to move back to the country with my husband, but our work keeps us here. What do you suggest to this country girl?

— Longing for a Community, South Winnipeg

Dear Longing: With spring in the air, it’s a good time for block parties. Sometimes you can get them started off the first year with a well-advertised yard sale for those who want to participate, ending with a barbecue for everybody on somebody’s front lawn — yours. Backyards are too private. Many people will come out of curiosity.

First, poster everybody’s mailboxes with the date and time, and ask for a response to your email and/or phone. Tell them you’re going to come around with balloons the night before and ask if anyone wants to help with putting up signs. For the block-sale barbecue, ask the odd numbered houses to bring salads, the even numbers can bring desserts and everybody brings their own meat and/or veggies to grill.

If that works out even halfway the first time, have another one in the fall, and all the people who heard about the first one and were too shy to come, will show. I’ve done this, and it really works. Some people on one street I lived on started putting lawn chairs in the front instead of the back so they could chat with each other as they went by on walks to the store.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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