Photos Needed to Tell Northwest Story

Originally published November 12, 2009 in The Tribune
By Jill McCartney, President/CEO of The Northwest Chamber
Growing up in this community in the 1970’s and ‘80’s, Northwest Oklahoma City was booming. Businesses flourished and most of the opinion makers, the media and the corporate leaders lived and worked in the Northwest area. As a result, positive news coverage for the area came easy, and the area enjoyed the ride in the city’s spotlight.
Like so many young people, I sought greener pastures and moved away to seek my fortune. Returning some twenty years later, the Oklahoma City area was very different. Now there were many communities and parts of town that were thriving and doing a good job of promoting their interests. No longer was Northwest the only game in town – in fact it seemed like while everyone else was doing a good job at self promotion, our Northwest Area had gone to sleep.
It is time to change that. We have a terrific story to tell and we need to work together to share it. This is a beautiful community with great opportunities and interesting stories to tell. Parts have grown older, but having mature, leafy trees in yards and parks is a beautiful thing on the flat prairie.
With Lake Overholser, Hefner, and the Martin Nature Center in our area, no other part of the city boasts the diverse and abundant recreational opportunities ordinary people can experience here.
Strong, committed and inspiring churches have always been a hallmark of this area – they are a big part of what gives our people the spirit and devotion that makes our community special.
This is a place where children growing up really do have opportunities to explore their options and become whatever they want to be – from fantastic youth-league sports programs to award-winning orchestra, band and drama, to individual challenge activities in science, math, or even karate.
The schools in this area provide a wide variety of options for different learning styles, helping students discover their talents and educate their minds while supporting their development as working members of our society.
While I can write descriptions of our area all day, what I really need is pictures. Photos can tell our special story in ways that words cannot. The Northwest Chamber is holding a Community Photo Contest and encouraging people of all ages to submit their works, up to ten per photographer, in showing the faces and places that make Northwest a great place to live.
We’re looking for digital images of our area that can be used in upcoming publications promoting our area – showing our pride both to people who know us and those who are looking to move to the area and are checking us out. All photos selected will give a photographer’s credit, so it can be a great opportunity to get published. And the top three overall winners will be given a cash prize! Photos are due November 30, 2009 – for more information, call the Chamber office at 789-1256 or visit www.thenorthwestchamber.com.
In working on various materials for the celebration of the Bethany Centennial, I’ve been digging through boxes and filing cabinets in our office researching the history of the Chamber. While I’m pleased to have located material for a written account, I have not had much luck in locating photos much older than the 1980’s. For a 70-year-old organization, that is disappointing.
I spied a precious picture of Bethany from the ‘50’s showing a bustling downtown Bethany with cars and a line up of children at the Bethany Schools auction last spring. Alas, I was outbid, and someone else took home the artifact. Antique or classic photos will also be appreciated.

Business is Bubbling in Northwest Metro

Originally Published November 5, 2009 in The Tribune
By Jill McCartney, President/CEO of The Northwest Chamber

Oklahoma is a remarkable place. In the face of a major recession, new businesses are opening and thriving, and reinvestment is reinvigorating other aspects of our area.
In Warr Acres, the shopping center at 38th and MacArthur is buzzing. With a grand opening this Saturday, Snap Fitness 24/7 is bringing a new style of work-out to our community. Streamlined and modern, the facility owned by Isaac and Candy Williams and managed by Kerry Graham seeks to provide a fitness answer for people that want to get it done, any time of the day or night, with little fuss or muss. It is an interesting concept that will be a solution for many people who want a little consulting and a system they can handle on their own, but with equipment much more sophisticated than at home.
Soon to join them in the center, already home to “A Spot for Tea” and “Cocina de Mino” will be a Mediterranean Market, a sub sandwich shop, and a cellular phone store. It is wonderful that during this time of economic uncertainty so many people are choosing to step up and pursue their dreams.
About a year ago the Papa Murphy’s Take ‘n’Bake Pizza opened at NW 30th and Rockwell. From the beginning, business has boomed setting multiple national sales records. Last Saturday owner Dennis Blackwood prepared for their biggest day ever – anticipating the sale of over 500 pizzas on a combo Halloween/Holiday/Football Party extravaganza. Business has been so great, he will open another location in Yukon early in 2010.
At Windsor Hills, west-siders will once again have the opportunity to go to the movies without driving 10+ miles. B&B Theatres, out of Liberty Missouri is refurbishing the old Windsor 10 Theatre at NW 23rd & Meridian. Soon it will boast 4 stadium-style and 6 traditional screens showing first-run features in a family-friendly atmosphere. Construction is moving along, and next week they’ll conduct a hiring fair to fill 15 – 20 part time and a few full time positions, getting everything in place for a hopeful opening in time for the holiday season’s biggest movie openings. Strategic Planning Director Dennis McIntire said the theatre will also be equipped to project other formats of media, making it an ideal place for business seminars, training sessions, school and church presentations, and other special events.
Local activists Kim Lowe and Don Hummer are enthusiastic about the project, as they’ve been working on bringing a coalition of neighborhood associations and commercial interests together in forming the Windsor Area Neighborhood Development, a collaboration determined to preserve property values in the area by making the area along 23rd from I-44 to MacArthur safe, clean and prosperous. It is now looking like funding from Oklahoma City may come available for targeted revitalization funds in 2010, with many thanks to Councilman Larry McAtee.
A few miles south, the Friends of 10th Street have formed an alliance that has been working together over the last five years, facing enormous hurdles in rehabilitating a long-neglected section of our city. Through smart organizing and commitment they’ve independently raised more than $50,000 to attack their problems, a noble start. A meeting with the city last week revealed that vacant and dilapidated apartments built in the 60’s and 70’s will likely remain because asbestos makes them too expensive to demolish. A ray of light is coming in the form of Vanguard Properties, a company that is buying, rehabbing, and locally managing some of these structures. Providing incentives for more of these ventures is likely the best course.

Mayor Cornett declares “Northwest Chamber Day”

The following proclamation was presented to the Northwest Chamber at their 70th Birthday celebration October 22, 2009 at the Chesapeake Boathouse.
“THE CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITY PROCLAMATION
Whereas, in 1939, business leaders in Bethany formed the Bethany Commercial Club; and
Whereas, in the ensuing decades, the economies of Bethany, Warr Acres and Northwest Oklahoma City became inseparable, resulting in the Chamber’s decision to become the Northwest chamber in 2003; and
Whereas, 70 years since its founding, the Northwest Chamber is stronger and more active than ever, serving as a focal point and respected voice of leadership on community and business issues, and offering services to members through informational and networking luncheons and special events, ribbon cuttings and other community celebrations, the consumer guide and directory, scholarships, and regular e-mail and newsletter updates, among other activities; and
Whereas, under the leadership of Chairman Jane Haskin and her board of directors, and the President and CEO, Jill McCartney, the Northwest Chamber now celebrates its 70th birthday.
Now, Therefore, I, Mick Cornett, Mayor of The City of Oklahoma City, do hereby proclaim October 22, 2009 as ‘Northwest Chamber Day’ in Oklahoma City. Given under my hand and the Seal of The City of Oklahoma City this 22nd day of October, 2009.
Attest: Mayor Mick Cornett
Frances Kersey, City Clerk”

Thank you to David Holt for making this presentation.

Surveys, Studies and Strategies: Everybody’s got a Plan

Originally published October 22, 2009 in The Tribune
By Jill McCartney, President/CEO, The Northwest Chamber
Over the last few weeks life has been dominated by planning. Our chamber is putting together a five-year strategic plan, which involves many levels of information gathering from our members, meetings among our leaders and establishing priorities to guide us through the coming years.
A few weeks ago Paul Hurst, Superintendent of Putnam City Schools, and Jim Benson, School Board Member from Deer Creek spoke to our Chamber members about their School Bond Proposals. Each proposal included many projects that had been carefully examined before its inclusion in the plan.
Following the presentation, our chamber board voted to endorse both initiatives, and the Deer Creek bond proposal won election with 83 percent of the vote on October 13. Putnam City voters will head to the polls on November 10, and the Chamber urges everyone to take a few moments and cast a “yes” vote. Whether you currently have students in the schools or not, investing in our local schools makes them stronger, which makes our area more attractive to prospective residents and business owners, and helps to maintain our property values. None of us can afford the kind of torpedo effect a “no” vote could have on our community – please remind your friends and neighbors to make an effort and vote “Yes” November 10.
For several months Oklahoma City Planners have been working on the long range comprehensive plan for the Northwest Sector of Oklahoma City. Having sought public input on many occasions, the plan is now in final form and ready to be presented to the City Planning Commission on November 12 and the Oklahoma City Council on November 24. This plan outlines everything from future zoning, transportation, and infrastructure, to public land use for parks, schools, public safety and medical needs, water and utilities, and population density.
Likewise, transportation planners are advancing their long range state and regional plans for public comment and review. ODOT’s plan guides transportation policies for the next 25 years by setting policy for highways, airports, rural transit, waterways, rail, pedestrians and bicyclists. It will address goals related to safety and security, accessibility and mobility, transportation system maintenance, freight/shipping options, and transportation and the economy. All Oklahoma residents are invited to provide ideas and comments on long-range state transportation priorities, as well as projects in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program for the next four federal fiscal years. These public meetings will be held in the Oklahoma City area on November 9 from 5 – 7 PM at the Gold Dome Building at 23rd and Classmen, on November 10 from 4 -6 PM at the Riverside Community Center at 420 SW 10th, and on November 12 from 4 – 6 PM at the Langston OKC Campus at 4205 N. Lincoln Blvd. For more information on this plan, go to www.oklongrangeplan.com
The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) has also created a new initiative, Encompass 2035 of Central Oklahoma, designed to develop a regional transportation plan for this area. They began in May by posting an online survey which garnered responses from 1,890 people. The responses gave planners insight into public wants and needs, travel habits, employment travel, interest in alternative transportation modes and the most acceptable means of financing future transportation improvements. I am now serving on a Citizens Advisory Committee which works to provide feedback to ACOG on our organization’s viewpoint. ACOG is working to identify affordable major transportation investments that provide the best transportation solutions for the regional goals, while addressing a list of federal planning factors all metropolitan transportation plans must address.
With so many groups requesting feedback on their programs, it is amazing that so few people take the time to share their opinion. If you sometimes wonder why things turn out the way they do, it may not be because of lack of planning. It may be because the people that use the services didn’t bother to reply when asked for their opinion. And that diminishes both the plan, and the outcome.

Bethany First Nazarene Church celebrates Centennial

Originally Published October 15, 2009 in The Tribune
By Jill McCartney, President/CEO of The Northwest Chamber

In looking at the building blocks of the community, churches have been one of the most important and vital elements in creating stable and positive civilization since the start of our nation, and certainly here in Oklahoma. Of the many dedicated and strong churches in our area, it is a pleasure to recognize Bethany First Church of the Nazarene as they celebrate their 100th birthday on October 14, and with a celebration on October 24 and 25.
Many of the church’s leaders were instrumental in the founding of Bethany, and establishing our Chamber. From the beginning, the church has been a magnet for this area, attracting families to live and work in this area. While the towering arches of its sanctuary are an Oklahoma landmark on Route 66, the contributions of its people are even more significant, both to this community’s history, and to the people that call this area home today.
A call to service helps the church members focus on reaching out, whether it is to a current Mission project supporting Swaziland in Africa, or a variety of Missions “Beyond our Walls” within our local community. They’ve been active in bringing proven service projects into our area, such as Angel Food Ministries, which helps families stretch their food dollar by incorporating mass national buying power into an operation that skips the profit and the middle man and delivers the food directly to the consumer. They’ve also worked with Habitat for Humanity, building homes and focusing on a goal of a at least one Habitat Home in this area each year.
Reaching Our City, or R.O.C., is a mission that provides a wide variety of resources and services to the people living in the apartment homes clustered on NW 10th and NW 16th Street in our area. Medical, spiritual, physical, and psychological needs are all being met by the programming of R.O.C., and Bethany First Church of the Nazarene was an instrumental partner in getting it established. The Bethany Community Foundation is another organization they founded and support that provides support and resources, as well as leadership, for those in need in this area.
The grand sanctuary in downtown Bethany has long stood as point of gathering for this community – from school graduations to musical performances, from Sunday worship to momentous life passages like baptisms, weddings and funerals. It is fitting that this will be the location for their beautiful new mosaic art piece, commissioned by the church and created by Bethany artist Sunni Mercer, a National Endowment for the Arts Regional Fellow and member of the church.
People will come together between 2 and 4:30 pm on Saturday, October 24 to admire the new work and to greet friends and family who are traveling from around the country to be here for this occasion. A team of church members have been planning for several years to put together a celebration that will truly embrace the mission of the church and the Spirit.
The Centennial Worship Service at 10 am on Sunday, October 25 will be a once-in-a-century service featuring special music, government officials, former members, and a special jubilee offering dedicated to the new Mission of establishing a church in Swaziland.
Our community is truly blessed by the people of First Bethany Church of the Nazarene, as we are with many others that also serve our area so well. Strong churches make strong people, and strong people make strong communities, and that is the providence of Bethany.
For more information on any of these activities, call 789-2050 or visit www.bethanynaz.org.

Chamber to Celebrate 70 years of service to Community

Originally Published October 6, 2009 in The Tribune
By Jill McCartney, President/CEO The Northwest Chamber
You’ve been reading about the beginnings of Bethany as it prepares for a centennial celebration over the last few months. What you may not know is that 70 years ago the business leaders of this area joined together to focus attention on community needs. Young Fred Floyd, a professor at Bethany Peniel College wrote a weekly column for the Bethany Tribune titled “Things we need in Bethany.”
Among the needs he noted was the need for an organization of business and professional people to promote the business and general interests of Bethany, a “Business Club”. The idea caught hold among community leaders, who gathered in Floyd’s living room to make a plan. Some of those present were Postmaster N.W. Sanford, School Superintendent A Leroy Taylor, Bethany Peniel College President Dr. Braken, local attorney Ed Theus, and Realtor Paul Hoag. After much debate and discussion, the group established goals for the organization, and selected a name for the group, and on October 30, 1939 sixty-five men signed the charter forming the Bethany Commercial Club, the organization which today is known as the Northwest Chamber.
Although known by several names over the years, the mission has always been, and remains focused on building strong businesses and a prosperous community in this area. Though many things have changed – people have come and gone, businesses have closed their doors and new ones have opened, the things that make this community special have remained constant, like the friendly smile of a shop owner and the warm handshake of a new neighbor.
It is fitting that this October, 2009, we celebrate our rich heritage of faithful presidents and council members, volunteers and citizens that have been a part of our history and live on today, inspiring the values and vision of the Northwest Chamber.
In recognition of this proud heritage, and with a glance at the future, chamber members will gather at the Chesapeake Boathouse from 5 – 7 p.m. on October 22 to reflect on this proud history. Community leaders, past board members, graduates of Leadership Bethany and Leadership Northwest and the business leaders of today and tomorrow are invited to congregate and toast to the beautiful and inspiring history of this organization and our Northwest community.
Along the banks of the Oklahoma River, guests will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation and its plans toward creating a rowing and racing facility unlike any in the world. Boathouse Director Mike Knopp will illustrate not only the plans along the Oklahoma River, but also how our own Route 66 Boathouse along Lake Overholser ties into their plan of embracing the whole community with casual outdoor recreation in addition to elite athletic training.
Over the next several months we’ll be evaluating the achievements and developing new goals for the chamber, and creating a new list of “Things We Need” in our Northwest community. I’d bet water sports and world class athletes would never have crossed the mind of Fred Floyd in 1939. But I think he would be proud of the way it supports wholesome values, healthy living, respect for nature, and teamwork.

Northwest Women Honored for Making a Difference

Originally published October 1, 2009 in The Tribune
By Jill McCartney, President/CEO of The Northwest Chamber

One of the best things about working with the chamber is the opportunity to meet people dedicated to serving the community and helping others reach their goals. Each year many women across our state are nominated for making a difference in their sphere of influence and of them, 50 are selected for their significant achievements. This year the Northwest Chamber was delighted to nominate three women who were selected for their distinguished service to our community. They will be recognized tonight at a special dinner in their honor.
Congratulations to Caroline Gist, director of the Putnam City Schools Foundation, and past chairman of the Northwest Chamber. As director of the PC Schools Foundation, Gist has increased annual contributions by 480 percent. In both 2006 and 2008, the Foundation won an outstanding program award from the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. She earned accreditation as a Certified Fund Raising Executive from in 2008. Gist serves on the board of the Leadership OKC alumni association, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Northwest Chamber. One of her passions is in helping other people reach their potential through mentoring them.
The Chamber is also pleased to congratulate Priscilla Cude, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of First Bethany Bank & Trust. With 17 years of service at First Bethany Bank & Trust, Cude is a graduate of OU, the Connecticut Graduate School of Community Banking, The Graduate School of Banking at Colorado, and Leadership Northwest. She is a distinguished past president of the Bethany Kiwanis Club, a Junior Achievement Classroom Volunteer, and officer of the Putnam City Schools Foundation.
Shelley Cadamy, the Business and Entrepreneurial Services Coordinator at Francis Tuttle Technology Center, is also recognized for the assistance she provides start-up and existing small businesses in developing and implementing winning strategies. She has also been at the leading edge of the social media trend and has been working to inform hundreds of local business people in ways they can utilize the technology to help their business grow. Cadamy is past president of the Edmond Historical Society, and has served on the boards of the Northwest Chamber, Fine Arts Institute of Edmond, and Shakespeare in the Park.

On Tuesday, November 10, 2009 voters in the Putnam City school district will consider an $80.6 million bond proposal to maintain sound schools, sustain high-quality academic environments and enhance learning opportunities for district students. Approval of the bond initiative will allow Putnam City Schools to undertake more than 100 projects over the next five years.
This Friday Putnam City School Superintendent Paul Hurst will explain the proposal to members of the Northwest Chamber at Falcone’s Family Restaurant, 6400 NW 39th Expressway, from 8 – 9 AM. The meeting is open to the public and guests are welcome to attend.

The Importance of Building Your Brand

Originally published September 17, 2009 in The Tribune
By Jill McCartney, President/CEO of The Northwest Chamber

Branding has been one of the biggest buzzwords in recent years. It’s evolved over time from the process of marking cattle to designate ownership to a name, mark, or design that represents a business. But today, a brand means much more. Yes, the mark is significant – but what it stands for – in both the seller and the potential buyer’s minds – is where the power of the brand exists.

While it has a commercial application, each person, organization, and community has a brand too. You can state your own brand and advertise it, but for a brand to resonate, it must be authentic to what others know about you. Without that credibility, it means nothing.

As businesses set out their marketing plans, they can go in many directions. National chains have this information pre-packaged and recruit and train their staff to reflect those values. Similarly, franchise owners choose to invest and open a local establishment with a brand that appeals to them.

Locally owned mom and pop operations have to figure all this out for themselves. While you may start a restaurant because you love to cook or start a computer business because you see a need in the marketplace it is essential to define your brand. It may seem like an inconsequential thing, but everybody has a brand – if you do not declare your own, others observe and assign one to you, and it may or may not be one that you like.

One statement of a brand is a logo. Whether it is the golden arches, a swoosh sign, or a large B with pink ice cream, a logo creates an easy way for people to recognize you and your product. A meaningful brand is symbolic and says a lot about the person or the company. Creating a distinctive mark is a vital element of branding, but it is only the visible symbol of what the business, organization or person represents.

Over the last several months our chamber has been working on developing a new logo, one that is easily identifiable, memorable, timeless, and has meaning. The brand of this chamber has existed for years. Built over time, it is a reputation among our members, who say they choose to be a part of this chamber because it is a place where they can connect, with other businesses, with the community, and with government leaders. People are the element that makes this chamber special. We provide a structure for them to truly get to know one another and build relationships and trust that are vital to long term business success.

Sometimes you hear the term re-branding, but in this instance we are simply creating a mark that more accurately reflects who and why we are. It does not change our identity, but it does visually capture the authenticity, the credibility, and the connection we share in this organization, and will make it easier for all of us to communicate that vision to others. In the coming months and years we will continue working and providing new tools that enhance your business’ visibility and create new opportunities for strengthening our community. I think you’ll find our new logo reaffirms our commitment to being a friendly and professional organization here to help you and to make our community more prosperous.
What does your brand say about you? Whether it is your business, your church, your school or you, you have a brand that others see and assess each day. You have an opportunity to take control of that image and create a brand that tells others what you want them to know.

Annual Auction features TASTE OF NORTHWEST and Saluting 25 years for Creative Photo Video

Originally Published September 10, 2009 in The Tribune
By Jill McCartney, President/CEO of The Northwest Chamber
For many years the Chamber has held an annual auction as its principal fundraiser to support its programs, including a scholarship program, a leadership development program, and community services. This year, we’re also taking this opportunity to shine the spotlight on Northwest Area Restaurants. At our “Taste of Northwest Auction and Food Fest” on September 17 more than 20 restaurants and caterers will share their delicious fare with hungry guests at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
Participating restaurants include Johnnie’s Catering, Rib Crib, Interurban, Kolache Kitchen, Mama Roja, Jason’s Deli, Chef Jeff’s Suppers to Go, Applebees, Oma’s Pantry, Ingrid’s Kitchen, Cocina de Mino, Chick-fil-A, Buffalo Wild Wings, 1 Smart Cookie, Filters Deli, and Marble Slab Creamery. Guests will also have the chance to sip smoothies from Jamba Juice, cherry limeades from Sonic, and Coit’s Root Beer, as well as sampling wines.
As the event is a fundraising auction, guests will also have an opportunity to bid on a wide variety of creative and unique auction packages including a “Rock Star Experience for 2” that includes dinner, a limo ride to Norman, and tickets to the U2 Concert October 18. Other items include beautiful Arista Jewelry from Samuel Gordon Jewelers, jackets from Koslow’s, a 22” HDTV, tickets to many of our favorite local museums, dinner and a night out at local hotels, a weekend at a cabin in Broken Bow, OU-Texas Football Tickets, Footballs signed by Coach Bob Stoops and Coach Mike Gundy, and much more.
Tickets are $50 for reserve seating and $25 for General Admission and may be purchased online at www.thenorthwestchamber.com or by calling 789-1256. It is a fun and great way to support the local community.
It takes a lot for a business to succeed. Not only do you have to have a strong product, sound financing, effective marketing, and sometimes a good location, you’ve also got to be persistent. When an entrepreneur sees a new idea and finds a way to harness it for the long term, the formula can mean success.
Creative Photo Video is celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year, and the long-term success of their business can be attributed to all of those factors. Creative Photo Video first opened its doors in 1984 when Rick and Wreatha Joiner decided to make some extra money by offering a new service – transferring old home movies to video and videotaping weddings. The business thrived and Rick eventually quit his electronics job so he and Wreatha could work transferring and filming full time.
Twenty-five years later, they’ve come a long way – from small time productions with a VHS video camera, to filming for the Reba McIntyre fashion line, capturing the opening night for the Thunder, and having one of the weddings they filmed featured on The Oprah Show.

As technology has changed, CPV has broadened its services. include the transferring of old home movies, slide shows, photos, and videotapes to DVD. Other services include videotape repair, video projector rentals, and DVD to DVD duplications.

They’ve built their business largely through word-of-mouth referrals, utilizing chamber connections, networking groups and television ads during the holiday season, as people are looking for meaningful and creative presents for their loved ones.

CPV is dedicated to providing professional, quality, and personal service to all its customers. Located in an office building at 5845 NW 72nd Place in Warr Acres near the intersection of MacArthur and NW Expressway, Rick, Wreatha, and the entire CPV are proud to preserve special memories for families to relive year after year for generations to come. The Chamber is pleased to recognize them for this special occasion.

Good Neighbors create GREAT Neighborhoods

Originally Published August 27, 2009 in The Tribune
By Jill McCartney, President/CEO The Northwest Chamber

It’s sad to say, garage door openers are partially responsible for the down fall of neighborhoods. Growing up around here in the ‘70’s, not many people had garage door openers. If you parked in the garage, you still had to get out to open or close the door, which gave you a little time to say hello to your neighbors. These days, I have neighbors that hit the button as they approach their house, pull in and close the door. You’re lucky if you see them every few months. Fortunately, one of my neighbors and I have stuff in our garage, so we greet one another several times a week, and frequently stop to visit.
Good neighbors and strong neighborhoods are an important building block of a community. Home and business neighbors work together to create a common bond that helps to keep crime lower, property values higher, and make bonds of shared interests that grow into the relationships we call community. We’ve seen examples of success in this regard in areas like the Plaza District off NW 16th and Automobile Alley downtown, as well as Mesta Park in midtown. Neighbors in these areas formed coalitions that spurred neighborhood cleanups, respectful redevelopment, and new enthusiasm that holds festivals and fosters a great quality of life.
There are neighborhoods closer to our area that are working on those same kind of goals now. It’s not a simple task, but the Friends of 10th Street is working to change the face of the neighborhood from Meridian west to County Line Road. With partners like the Reaching our City missions and OSU-OKC, they are making strides to build business support, create positive alternatives for area youth, and to clean up areas from dilapidation and graffiti.
The neighborhoods along NW 23rd street are similarly working together as part of the Windsor Area Neighborhood District to promote safe streets, better lighting and sidewalks, and a higher sense of community that comes from working toward common goals.
On September 15 neighborhoods across the country will participate in the 26th Annual National Night Out. A unique crime prevention through awareness event, it is sponsored locally by Neighborhood Alliance with goals of heightening awareness of crime prevention, generating support for and participation in local anticrime programs, strengthening neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
If your neighborhood is interested in organizing an event, you can register it with the Neighborhood Alliance at 528-6322 for a variety of assistance. Last year 64 neighborhoods participated in 60 events across Oklahoma City. Some ideas that have worked were neighborhood cookouts, with people bringing their grills out front into their driveways, kids’ hula hoop competitions, to more elaborate activities where local police, fire, and city officials are invited to meet the neighbors. The simplest idea involves passing out a flyer that encourages everyone in the neighborhood to turn on porch lights from 5 PM to Midnight.
If your neighborhood doesn’t have an association, but you might be interested in starting one, the Neighborhood Alliance can also help you get organized. They provide training on everything from writing up by-laws, to learning about Code Enforcement and applying for grants.
Do you know your neighbors? Even if your neighborhood doesn’t hold a big event, take some time in the next few weeks to at least meet your neighbors and exchange contact information. And don’t just drive by and into the garage.