Community Partners United
Kicks Off Its Seventh Season of Goodwill
By Richard Johnson

Halloween events held throughout the neighborhood helped to kick off our Seventh Annual “Fostering a Safe and Caring Holiday Season.” This marks the fourth 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 hosted two haunted houses open to the public.

The next scheduled event for the 2008 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 22nd from 1 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 will be filled with a month of community events. Please see the calendar on the back of The Voice for details.

• The month starts with the 19th Annual Hayes Valley Merchants Block Party on December 5th from 6–9 pm.
  

• Sixth Annual Wreath and Card Making event with partner Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks Group. The event will be located at the Hayes Valley South Community Room 403 Rose on December 6th from 1–3 pm. 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.
  

• Seventh annual food giveaway on December 18th and 19th 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.
  

• Seventh annual Community Luncheon (location to be determined) on December 20th from 11 am–3 pm. Come join us as we bring our community together for a celebratory lunch, hear speakers and showcase talent in the ‘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. Donations, which are tax deductible, are always appreciated. To make a donation, contact Richard Johnson at safety@hayesvalleysf.org.