[CV Block Leaders] Meeting minutes and misc.

[Jeni Spevak]

Hello Block Leaders!
 
At our last block leader meeting we had only 6 block leaders. I know some of
you could not make the meeting, and that is fine. We will have one more
meeting in July before my Americorps year ends on August 8th. 
 
If anyone has any hours to report please get them to me as soon as you can.
Feel free to email them to me.
 
Meeting Notes:
-Due to fun and free things at the BMA and other museums, I will never again
have a block leader meeting on the first Thursday of the month! I will also
pass that info along to whoever is in my position next year. We'll stick to
Wednesdays or do them later in the month.
-Block leaders are connecting with neighbors and getting to know them
better. It's slower going on some blocks than others, but overall people are
getting to know their neighbors and this has been very positive. Block
leaders introduced themselves and shared about the experiences on their
blocks.
-There were more specific questions for Wes in regards to safety and
sanitation issues. 
 
Some ideas for upcoming events:
Since the clean sweep was rained out, let's have another clean up. June
10th, 9am - 12pm. Rain date, June 17th. Let's do it on each block
individually, or consecutive blocks with block leaders can work together on
this. This is an opportunity to get your neighbors out of the house and work
with them on a project. I will talk to Wes about our guys picking up the
bags and I will talk to the city about getting a dumpster in a central
location. How does that sound? I will create a flyer and deliver some to
each block leader at the end of May. If you choose to participate, pass the
flyers out to your neighbors and hold your clean-up day! If you can not
participate, talk to neighbors about spear-heading it or just drop it all
together. It's up to you.
 
The CVCBD has a number of engravers for household goods. Why not throw a
porch furniture engraving party?? It will permanently inscribe your address,
phone number or ID number (whatever you choose) onto your property just in
time for the prime swiping season!
 
On Lou's block, they have what they call a "Porch Sit". Flyers go around
telling everyone to come hang out on their porches in the evening one night,
and people just hang out and talk to each other and maybe share food or
drinks. Think about organizing this simple and no-stress event for your
block!
 
National Night Out is coming up on August 1st. A great time to connect with
your neighbors over a block barbeque or social gathering. Everyone get
outside and turn on your porch lights to promote safety and neighborhood
unity!
 
I've asked the city about the legality of painting house numbers on the
alley outside of each home. Of course every neighbor would do their own
house, but this could be a great alternative for those houses who do not
have fences in the back. It's a fantastic safety feature to have your house
number visible from the back.
 
And in terms of organizing another "recognition" event, I think I'm going to
scrap it. I've only gotten a few responses and folks don't seem overly
enthusiastic. I understand that noone wants fanfare. I would like to
organize a small social event later in the year for block leaders to come
together to connect with each other in a fun and relaxed setting. Hopefully
more of you will come to something low-key and social. More on that in the
upcoming months.
 
----------------------------------------
 
That's about it for now. I'll be out of the office tomorrow and Friday, I'll
be in the office all next week, and then I am out of town for a family
vacation from May 20th through 29th. If you have any questions, concerns or
needs do not hesitate to get in touch with me or leave me an email or voice
mail. If you have a question while I'm away call 410-235-4411 and speak to
someone at the front desk or email me at jeni_spevak at yahoo.com
 
A note on block leadering- this is supposed to be fun. I know some of you
have big plans for your blocks, but if others of you are feeling stressed
about this, maybe start this year with a simple porch sit or block party to
get neigbors talking to neighbors. There will be someone in my position in
September who will work with you on your ongoing efforts. I would love to
see every block do a little something this spring and/or summer. As the
coordinator, I can't initiate your activities, but I am right here waiting
for opportunities to help you organize your block. Use me as a resource.
 
Thanks! 
 
Jeni Spevak
Block Leader Coordinator
Charles Village Community Benefits District
2301 N Charles St - Baltimore, MD 21218
410-235-4411 x16
 
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