HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
I have lived in my family home since 1951, 68 years
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
I joined the City Park Neighborhood Association when it first formed in the 1980’s. Now that I am mostly retired I have the time to work for positive change in my neighborhood.
WHAT DO YOU LOvE ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
I have always loved my neighborhood. The close proximity of City Park and Bayou St. John excites me and I am so pleased to see the festivals coming to the bayou area. We are within a 10-15 minute car ride to any part of the city and we have wonderful restaurants, grocery stores, and pharmacies within walking distance.
WHAT SUCCESSES HAVE YOU HAD IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
After Katrina our association disbanded and almost two years ago we tried a resurrection. I am very proud of how far we have come in forming an association full of interested and interesting people.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW IN YOUR Neighborhood?
Right now our neighborhood is trying to save our neighborhood school, John Dibert. We are all of the opinion that a school is necessary for the stability of a neighborhood.
ANY WORDS OF ADVICE FOR OTHER NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS AND CHANGE MAKERS?
My only advice for others trying to organize a neighborhood group, is knock on doors, introduce yourself, invite people to a meeting in your home to talk about what is good in your area and what needs to be improved. Listen to everyone’s ideas and work together. When people know that they have been heard and acknowledged, they feel empowered and are willing to put forth any amount of effort to effect positive change.