City of Worthington: City Council: Neighborhood News

June is "Hi Neighbor" Month in Worthington!

The Community Relations Commission invites all Worthington residents to meet, greet, and visit with their neighbors during the ninth annual “Hi Neighbor” event. "Hi Neighbor" has been expanded from one day to the entire month of June! "Hi Neighbor" encourages residents to come outside and talk with their neighbors, reconnect with those they haven’t seen in a while and begin establishing relationships that build strong neighborhoods.

This year, the CRC is challenging all Worthington residents to commit 5 random acts of "Hi Neighbor" by greeting and welcoming your neighbors, helping them get to know others in your neighborhood or giving them assistance or support in times of need. The CRC is also encouraging residents to plan block parties for their neighborhood at anytime during "Hi Neighbor" Month or throughout the year. The Commission has developed a block party packet which includes information on block party ideas, sample invitations, and City permit information. Block party packets are available for pick up at the Worthington Municipal Building, 6550 N. High Street. You may also download the Block Party materials by clicking on the links below. For more information about "Hi Neighbor" please call the City of Worthington at (614) 436-3100.

Block Party Ideas

Sample Invitations

Block Party Permit

History of "Hi Neighbor"

Do you know your neighbors? Have you taken any time recently to stop and chat with those that live near you? Many of us might answer no to both of these questions. Our busy lives and the construction of modern homes with the focus on backyard patios rather than front porches, have led to isolation among neighbors. Worthington has taken steps to change this through our annual “Hi Neighbor” night, traditionally held the last 4^th Sunday in June. Sponsored by the Community Relations Commission, “Hi Neighbor” began in 2001 and received international attention through media outlines throughout the United States, Canada and Britain.

The idea for this event grew from conversations that former Council Member and current CRC Chairman Courtney Chapman had with several Worthington residents. The September 11^th tragedy has made many of us long for more connections with family, friends, and neighbors. Worthington City Council is supportive of this initiative to build neighborly relationships throughout the City, and asked the Community Relations Commission to organize this event. “Hi Neighbor” nights in Worthington are meant to be informal opportunities for neighbors to get to know each other. Participants could bring along family photos of new grandchildren or recent vacations. These evenings could be perfect opportunities to plan a summer Block Party. The possibilities are endless. Those interested in participating are asked to turn on their porch lights for these evenings. Call the City of Worthington at 436-3100 for more information.

2010 Neighborhood Grants

The purpose of the Neighborhood Grant program, sponsored by the City of Worthington and the Community Relations Commission, is to provide financial incentives and create opportunities for neighbors and neighborhood organizations to work together and make improvements in their neighborhoods and/or develop programs that promote neighborhood cohesiveness. Making connections with your neighbors is essential to creating strong communities and can promote safety, unity and friendships. Grants of up to $500 are awarded for projects that demonstrate a public benefit and promote neighborhood identity; increase neighborhood safety; implement neighborhood beautification efforts; or build a sense of community in neighborhoods.
Follow this link for more information

Join the Neighborhood Network

Neighbors helping neighbors is just one of ideas behind the Neighborhood Network in Worthington. The more people know each other, the more they can look out for each other and build relationships that can benefit an entire community. The Neighborhood Network community building and information sharing program, initiated by the City of Worthington, is expanding to develop more 2-way communication between the City and Worthington residents and promote strong neighborhoods within Worthington.

The City is asking residents to join the Neighborhood Network to help the flow of information between the City and the neighborhoods. Network volunteers will receive information from the City through e-mail or regular mail and pass it along to their neighbors through e-mail, a neighborhood newsletter, flyers or word of mouth. They will also be a contact for their neighbors to get information to the City about happenings in their neighborhood. Personal connections make strong neighborhoods, whether it’s through an organized civic association or more casual neighborhood networking. The City of Worthington and its partners believe that making connections with people in your neighborhood can build strong and safe neighborhoods and promote a vibrant community.

Click here to join the Neighborhood Network. Please include your name, address and phone number. You may also call Anne Brown at (614) 854-7173