6 Ideas For Connecting with Neighbors
Photo Credit // Steph Paxton - Movies and Knitting at Steven Be. Learn more here!
Do you know your neighbors?
Check out 6 ideas to get to know them or stay connected this winter!
1. Plan a Party
Deliver invitations to your neighbors and plan for party!
Need some inspiration?
Photo Credit // Abby Anfinson
Get outside and build a snowman in every yard with some hot cocoa (we have a recipe for Heartwarming Cocoa here). You could even make it a friendly competition!
Photo Credit // David Pierini
Take a group trip to Powderhorn Park for sledding.
Photo Credit // Flo Razowsky
Plan a progressive dinner!
Every house makes one small appetizer and neighbors travel around the block for a filling and engaging meal. PPNA’s Equipment Library has equipment like tables, chairs and drink warmers to support your event.
2. Share Tools & Chores
Doing chores and maintenance is more fun with friends. Swap chores like painting or yard work with neighbors, get them done faster and have more fun.
Photo Credit // Brianne Bilyeu
Team up with neighbors to tackle household and yard projects. Chances are, between you and your block you have a large collection of tools.
Photo Credit // Mark Warren
Help out with dog walking and enjoy some extra time with a sweet pup.
Photo Credit // Aria Dominguez
Even childcare becomes more simple by staying connected. Talk to your neighbors with kids and you may find that schedules vary, so you can trade off picking up kids at the bus stop, babysitting and more.
3. Stay Active Together
Photo Credit // Christi Williams
Plan a weekly walk in the neighborhood together. If you plan to pick up litter on your block, PPNA can supply trash bags and gloves!
Photo Credit // David Pierini
Check out free exercise classes in the neighborhood from Out in the Backyard here and the pictured Hula Hooping class at Walker Church here.
4. Start or Join Your Apartment
Or Block Club
Photo Credit // Michael Wright
Reach out to Karen Notsch, 3rd Precinct Crime Prevention Specialist (CPS) at karen.notsch@minneapolismn.gov to find out if there is a block or apartment club already established. Block clubs are supported by your CPS and have benefits like mailings to the block leader(s) with crime prevention information, success stories, and upcoming events, Crime statistics and crime alerts. Learn more here.
5. Volunteer in Powderhorn
Photo Credit // Jason Brown
There are so many organizations who need volunteers in the neighborhood, and it's always more fun with a friend! If you're looking for some good volunteer opportunities, email grace@ppna.org and she can help find a place to plug you in!
6. Shop + Eat Local
Photo Credit // Jon Vandervelde
Help keep our community strong by visiting a local spot for lunch or planning a shopping trip at a neighborhood store. It's fun to explore some of the niche businesses around Powderhorn and it's a great way to explore or try something new with a buddy! If you're not sure where to start, there's a great list of local businesses here.