As I look back on this past year I am so pleased that I took the opportunity to become involved with Eliot Neighborhood Association. The new neighbors I met, new businesses, civic leaders, local businesses all in our ever-changing neighborhood. Thirty years living in this neighborhood I always felt change meant being left behind sometimes. You know that feeling that your taxes would force you out, or your new neighbors would be unruly to you- that word they call gentrification. So untrue I found. I realized, you only get left behind or are blind to change if you don’t become part of what is going on. Eliot Neighborhood Association is a good start to becoming involved in your neighborhood, not only does it keep you informed and up to date with what is going on in our neighborhood but allows you to become part of the change.

We are quick to blame politicians when things go wrong, but how do we show them what is right- we work together in our neighborhoods through these associations that have city support and structure and learn to channel our concerns to the right sources to be resourceful, productive, and meaningful.

I remember my first experience in the association was helping with the neighborhood cleanup – who would of thought that it was going to be so much fun. The volunteers from Solv, Reverend Nat’s Cider, Eliot Neighborhood Association volunteers, New Season’s crew, and great food. The spirit of the task overcame the damp weather and we prevailed getting the dumpsters full and the neighborhood clean.

Then on I went to the street painting where my grandchildren never wanted to leave. I felt the same as it brought me back to my childhood days of coloring where I was not suppose to color. But that day I could paint anywhere and my orange painted shoes proved that. Thank you Jeri Bee and crew for the hard work on that intersection painting project. I so look forward to the next painting.

The whole truth is that just as I had to become part of the change and so can you by becoming involved with the Eliot Neighborhood Association. Elections for board members were held at the October 17th meeting. There are still some openings. Board officers will be elected at the November 21st meeting.

Meetings are held each month on the 3rd Monday from 6:30 to 8:30pm at St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church located at 120 NE Knott St across from Matt Dishman Community Center. All neighbors are invited to attend.

So if you are looking for a community involvement project or just want to meet new neighbors, stop in and say hello! Maybe it’s your day to join….

By Patricia Montgomery