One way of building good neighbors, according to the Los Altos-Los Altos Hills Year of the Good Neighbor Committee, is through block parties. The following are the committee's tips for organizing one:
Define your geographic area where 15-25 families live and invite every family to a planning meeting.
Schedule a single planning meeting one month in advance of the party date. Decide on format of the party.
The party should preferably be on the same day each year. Discuss the goals of the block party, such as getting to know each other in case of emergencies or disasters, and to enhance a sense of community spirit.
Give everyone a role to play. Accept volunteers (or appoint some, if necessary) for committee chairs: setup, tables, cooks, children's games, food arrangers, table decoration, cleanup. Also appoint a treasurer, historian, scrapbook maker and photographer.
Find a location for the party, preferably a home with a large lawn and a place to have barbecue grills or tables placed.
If streets are used, check with the Los Altos Police Department or Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office regarding their regulations.
Tips for organizing your own block party event are available by visiting our Web site at www.losaltosonline.com/ygn or calling Ralph Vetterlein, chairman, Year of the Good Neighbor at 941-8185 or e-mail: RalphVet@aol.com.