Boyle McCauley News

Since 1979 • April-May 2024 • Circulation 5000

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Pop-Ups and Potlucks

Abundant Community in Boyle Street

Spring has sprung. The weather is getting warmer, and we look forward to all of the activities that come with it – cycling, jogging, gardening, playing in the park, pick-up games of soccer and basketball – and that’s just a start. Recreation is an important part of health and well-being, and also for developing relationships with those in your neighbourhood.

For me, I love the summer because it gives us the ability to connect with our neighbours in the best of ways: the outdoor potluck. Picnics, barbeques, and potlucks are part of the time-honoured tradition of coming together over a meal. This summer, the Boyle Street Abundant Community wants to help you make those connections. How? Well, the first is by starting to host a monthly potluck for community members on the patio at Boyle Street Community League. The first one is coming up on Friday, May 6 at 6 p.m. Bring a side to share, something to put on the barbeque, and a beverage. Then, sit together over a meal and enjoy the conversation that comes forth.

The second way to do this is to plan a block party, floor party, garden party, or picnic in the park. If you’ve never organized one before, it’s easier than you’d think, and I’d be happy to help you in planning it, and will even show up on the day of, if possible, to help things run smoothly.

This summer, there will also be a number of pop-up coffee socials happening. They’ll be grassroots, and you’ll need to bring your own lawn chair, but what a fun opportunity to get to know your neighbours! If you can think of a location that would be ideal for a coffee time, be sure to let me know and we’ll see if we can’t make it happen.

Creating a great neighbourhood sometimes means taking advantage of opportunities already available to us, and sometimes means creating the opportunities for ourselves. Whether you want to join us for a potluck or organize something yourself, get involved in your neighbourhood this summer, and you’ll be amazed at the people you meet.

Maria Castle is the Neighbourhood Connector for the Abundant Communities Initiative. She can be reached at boylestreettalk@gmail.com or by calling (780) 919-1955.

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