Maxwell Park Neighborhood News

by Sarah Hipolito

Maxwell Park Society Page

Remember when an event wasn't considered important unless it was on the Society Page of the newspaper? Well, you can kiss those days goodbye. Every social event we have in Maxwell Park is of vital importance to knitting the warm fabric of good neighborly relations.

December Celebration

A holiday potluck, coordinated by Shirley Burton, co-chair of the Diversity Neighborhood Action Team (NAT), will take the place of our regular December meeting on Thursday, December 13 (not the second Wednesday, like regular meetings) at our newest neighborhood school, Melrose Leadership Academy, located at the former site of Elizabeth Sherman School on Brann (between 55^th Ave and Morcom). Shirley can be reached at 536-8682.

Bring your neighbor, and use the first letter of your last name so see what type of food you can contribute: A through E " appetizers; F through J " main dish (meat, pasta, or rice); K through O " dessert; P through T " side dish or salad; U through Z " drinks or dessert. We look forward to seeing you, and enjoying your delicious food. Psst! I heard there might be dancing.

Summer Event

Over 400 neighbors enjoyed Maxwell Park's party-in-the-park this year. We ate well on barbecue prepared and sold by Youth Uprising. We enjoyed listening to live entertainment, including local musicians. The kids' activities were exciting for the youngsters, especially horse riding and horse petting. There were various arts and crafts for the children, and the adults had a wonderful time of getting reacquainted with their neighbors. We are all looking forward to the picnic next year.

Partnering with Youth

Krista Gulbransen announced that members of the Community Building Neighborhood Action Team and Neighborhood Council have joined forces with Youth Uprising and city officials to plan a citywide event focused on connecting youth and community members. We're looking for planners, so if you are good at planning, interested in youth activities, believe in youth empowerment, or just have a few hours to spend contributing your special talents to this group, please consider joining this NAT. Contact Krista at krista_gulbransen\@yahoo.com.

Criminal Justice Oversight

Susan Skolnick is the past chair of the Crime Prevention NAT. Her services to the neighborhood have evolved into tracking criminal trials pertaining to our neighborhood. Some time ago, there were several incidents of neighbors being accosted when they were in their front yards. Susan tracked these incidents and tells us the defendant pled guilty. His sentence will be pronounced in December.

The trial of the people who are accused of attacking our friend Michael Foster (while he was working at the Allendale Recreation Center) is probably going to start Wednesday
November 14. Susan will check with the prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Jason Chin, that morning to be sure it starts. She'll be there. Contact Susan at sskolnick\@sbcglobal.net.

Sarah Hipolito can be reached at shipolito\@sbcglobal.net.