Last Update: 09/02/03
Oakridge District Block Parties
by Sherri Rutherford Franks, Special Events Coordinator
What Oakridge district do I live in?
It is said the 7 is the perfect number. If you attended any of our 7 block parties you might agree with that statement. What more could you ask for: neighbors meeting neighbors, lots of good food and great weather. The final four block parties were just as good as the first three parties.
District 5's block party led by Tony and Tillie Battaglia was June 3rd on Laurel Oaks Court. Even before the set up committee arrived, chairs and tables were already set up. This was a group organized and ready to enjoy themselves. One neighbor even used this as an excuse to purchase a new grill which Mike Dollar used to grill hotdogs. This is one district where a large number of neighbors already know each other so there was lots of chatter and laughter.
Phil Hanas and his District 6's planning committee organized a block party with something for everyone. There are a number of children in this district so the planning committee got a bounce house, ping pong table, basketball goal and other games for all the neighborhood children. There were many door prized donated including dinner to The Branding Iron at Firewheel Golf Course. One neighbor (Mark Edwards) was even seen sweeping the entire length of Richland Drive before the block party. Now that's pride in your neighborhood.
If new District 4 directors, Joan and Dan Nichols block party was any indication of their district's neighborhood involvement, we will all have district envy. This was another party where neighbors seemed to already know each other although I found out that is not the case. Many said it was great to put a name with a face. We met some old timers. One family had lived at two different homes over their 24 years as an Oakridge resident. Doesn't that speak well of a neighborhood when you purchase your next home in the same neighborhood?! p.s. This district enjoyed themselves so much they want a fall block party!
Robbe Lang, new District 3 director, met many of her neighbors at their block party on June 24th. Robbe and her husband just moved to the neighborhood last fall. Mary Reed and Diana Edwards played a big part in pulling the District 3 party together. Mary has had her finger on the pulse of this district for several years. As I looked at name tags I noticed several names of people active in other Oakridge clubs.
The block parties were well attended and received in all districts. Mike and Martha Dollar attended each event. That is dedication from our new President and Membership Director. Block party pictures will soon be on the website.
The fall event is in the planning stage. Please plan to attend. You will never know the neighbor you didn't know that you didn't know if you don't attend ONA meetings and events.