Maxwell Park Newsby Pat Patterson | |
Pat Patterson presents award to Rodney Wise for graduating from Howard Universary. He’s surrounded by his parents Gary and Samantha Wise, and friend Jalila Moore. Photo by James Moore.
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Lots going on around Maxwell Park as summer, I mean real summer, finally took hold. Enough already, of fog and cool weather. We finally had some days and evenings that were perfect for community celebrations. At this time of year, folks are ready to roll out the grills, bring out coolers, and come together.
National Neighbors' Night Out—Our network widens
National Neighbors' Night Out was a huge success as many groups on various streets pulled together to show solidarity in keeping crime out of our area. For this annual national event, neighbors and friends hosted block parties, small gatherings, and even took walks around to visit others—a progressive Neighborhood Watch walk. More than 100 groups registered in Oakland for events, and City Councilmember Jean Quan, and other reps from Oakland Fire Department (OFD) and Oakland Police Department (OPD) visited residents. Although the event was held the first Tuesday in August, a work night, neighbors still came out and socialized, building their networks of community until way after sunset.
Allendale Neighbors' Network Celebrates Big 30th Anniversary'
We celebrated a milestone of our 30th year as a formal neighborhood watch group as we held this year's annual block party. Neighbors from High to Monticello gathered and acknowledged this achievement and long-time work of our block captains and residents. Many have been involved since 1979, when the group officially registered with the City of Oakland. Awards were presented to neighbors for their quick reporting of suspicious activity to OPD, foiling robbery attempts. A special award went to Rodney Mahira Wise (and parents Gary and Samantha Wise) for his graduation from Howard University and landing a job. Awards were also presented to long-time supporters OFD, and also OPD. Four live bands performed, merchant gifts were donated, and dance lessons provided, along with great historical displays for neighbors and guests. City Councilmember Quan and Supervisor Nate Miley, a regular, joined in the celebration.
More Celebrating—Fourth Annual Day in the Park. We Need Your Support!
Maxwell Park Community Building/Diversity NAT is preparing for our Fourth Annual "Day in the Park," Saturday, September 12, from 12 to 5 p.m. Volunteers who share their skills, enthusiasm, and community spirit help organize this event.'It takes about $1,200 to host the event, done strictly by fundraising in the community. The NAT still needs your help—$1, $5, $10, $20. Every donation helps get closer to their goal!'
'There will'lots of fun activities for kids of all ages! Cooks from the Corners Cafe at Youth Uprising will prepare barbecue for lunch, available for a modest charge. All proceeds from the lunch go to Youth Uprising. We'll have live entertainment on the music stage from great local performing artists and'lots of good'information about your community.'There will also be'an exciting raffle with lots of great prizes. It's also a chance to see the mosaic mural created by the Maxwell Park community. For further information, contact Helen da Silva, hds2288\@aol.com or Krista Gulbransen, krista_gulbransen\@yahoo.com.'