HVNA

Community Partners United Kicks off its

Sixth Season of Goodwill

By Richard Johnson

Halloween may have been canceled in the Castro, but it was alive and thriving in the Hayes Valley/Western Addition neighborhood. Halloween events held throughout the neighborhood helped to kick off our Sixth Annual Fostering a Safe and Caring Holiday Season 2007. This marks the third year we opened our neighborhood parks and community centers to community members who enjoyed face painting, story telling, free candy, played games, heard music, made s'mores under the stars and- new this year- was the addition of two haunted houses open to the public.

The next scheduled event for the 2007 season is the Giving Voice to the Season Thanksgiving Dinner and Talent Show. We will partner with the Western Addition Beacon Center and hold our event at John Muir Elementary, 380 Webster Street, on Saturday November 17th from noon to 3 pm (see calendar listing). This is the time of year we reach out as a community and partner with faith-based groups for an afternoon of food, conversation and entertainment.

December Event Highlights

December will be filled with a month of community events:

The month starts with the 17th Annual Hayes Valley Merchants Block Party December 7th from 6-9 pm.

The 3rd Annual Giving Voice to the Season Community Sing Along at Patricia's Green in Hayes Valley (Hayes and Octavia) from 6 pm till 8 pm. Come share food, drink and song with neighbors, friends and family.

All merchants on Hayes Street between Laguna and Franklin and side streets of Laguna, Octavia and Gough between Fell and Grove invite the community to come shop, enjoy food, drink, and music.

For the sixth year there will be a SFFD toy drop off for children in need located at Hayes & Octavia and the community is encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to drop in the collection bin.

Fifth Annual Wreath and Card Making event by partner Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks Group. The event will be located at the Hayes Valley South Community Room, 403 Rose St on December 8th from 1 3 pm. Come join community members as we come together for an afternoon of wreath and card making to distribute to community members. Food, drink and supplies will be provided.

Sixth annual food giveaway on December 20th and 21st to community members recommended by their peers for building a safe and caring community. Last year we delivered over 225 food boxes to families making a positive change in their community.

Sixth annual Community Luncheon (location to be determined) on December 22 from 11 am-3 pm. Come join us as we bring our community together for a celebratory lunch, hear speakers and showcase talent in then 'hood. A toy give-away will follow at the Hayes Valley Playground located at Hayes & Buchanan.

The CPU, of which HVNA is a founding partner, is a collaboration of community members, city departments, and non-profits. Our mission is to provide community events, throughout the year, that bring neighbors together to foster a more safe and caring community. All through 2007 we produced or participated in events ranging from:

4th Annual Black History event in February

Lily Street Sidewalk Sale benefit for John Muir PTA in April

John Muir Teacher Appreciation Day in May

5th Grade Promotion Ceremony at John Muir and participated in the Western Addition Peace Wall dedication in June

6th Annual Western Addition National Night Out and 2nd Annual Back to School Day at John Muir (both events were attended by Mayor Newsom) in August.

17th Annual Linden Sidewalk Sale in September

Coordinated a Wells Fargo Volunteer Day at John Muir in October.

Donations, which are tax deductible, are always appreciated and go toward the programs listed above. To make a donation, contact Richard Johnson at safety@hayesvalleysf.org.