The Old Neighborhood Reunion

I grew up in the north end of the city.  There were very distinct neighborhoods with little Cape Cod style or ranch houses all neatly aligned along tidy little streets.  Each house had a single car in the driveway, a mom inside whipping out meal after meal for the family, and a manicured lawn with a dog sleeping on it.
Born during the baby boom years meant that growing up, you were one of about a zillion kids in the neighborhood.  If you came out of the house, and your friends down the street were not around, chances are your friends up the street were.  You always had something to do, and were never alone.

Our neighborhood abutted a huge city park with 400 plus acres of golf course, ponds, woods, trails, and playgrounds.  We had basketball courts, baseball fields, a hand-ball court, a zoo, and many other kid-friendly amenities at our disposal.  We grew up in the city, but with the park, we felt as though we were in the country.  The park was our common backyard, and whether or not you took advantage of it's treasures, it was there as a buffer from living in an industrial city.

The friends that I made growing up in that neighborhood have been friends for life.  We were ushers or bridesmaids in each others weddings, are godparents to each others children, and some of us still see each other on a regular basis.  Many of us that live further apart still call, text, or "Facebook" all of the time to keep up with each others lives.  Even if you were not an immediate friend back then, because you grew up in the neighborhood, you are a friend now. 

A couple of years ago, a few of us got together and decided that it was high time to start a neighborhood reunion.  The first year consisted of mostly our immediate-aged friends.  We met at the golf course clubhouse bar.  We shared some food and drink, and had a great time reminiscing.  We caught up with stories of our kids and laughed about the memories that we shared growing up.

Last year, the party grew.   Two of my best friends organized the event and we had nearly 100 people show up.  All generations from the neighborhood came.  People came from out of state.  People that still live there walked up the street to catch up with old friends.

And this year, it will be no different.  The hall is booked, the mailings, emails, Facebook notifications, and word of mouth is going out.  This year it is my turn to organize the proceedings, and I say the more the merrier.  If you know the neighborhood, have friend there that you want to see and want to take part, email me, Facebook me, comment below, or send a smoke signal and I will get you the details.  It is coming up soon so don't delay.