Historical February 1995 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
After attending numerous SDCC meetings these past 3 years, I have learned that perhaps the most active block unit is that of 5900 DeGiverville. Its members meet frequently and organize social events that strengthen their cohesion and camaraderie.
It is my great regret that I seem to always be out of town at the time of their annual August barbecue.
A good crowd attends and people rave about the food.
The block unit also has an annual shopping excursion, this past year to the outlet stores at Lake of the Ozarks.
The block unit meets on Friday evenings which demonstrates the social and communal ties that bind this group.
They also have parties such as at Christmas.
This year I was asked to attend and share their good conversation and great food.
I was surprised to learn that this strong block unit did not form until 1991. Its president, Jesse Brown, said that there were concerns about the upkeep of some of the property and about crime that brought the neighbors together.
Then SDCC director Nancy Farmer worked closely with this unit as it got going and says she misses their meetings a great deal. Many blocks come together at times of concern but few build such a comprehensive organization so quickly. Their level of commitment is very evident and they are quite aware of the happenings on their block. Their shared concerns and their activities have helped the block become stronger over the last three years.
They are a model for this and any other neighborhood.
Original photograph caption
5900DeGiverville Christmas Block Party.1994officers of block unit, Joyce Barnard, Aaron Johnson, Carl Barnard,Sr., Addie Doyle, and Jesse Brown. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February 1995.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1995_02.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
