We created a flyer, with translations into Hmong and Somali by neighbors, and handed them out a month ago. We signed up online for the city to put us on the route for the first responders. We set up some lawn chairs and a couple of tables, so there would be a place for snacks and beverages. Everyone brought something to share and stuff for the kid to do.

It's really easy and takes very little time. A lot of blocks here in St. Paul do these, so we thought we'd do it this year. We'll probably do it again next year and see if we can coax more people out of their houses to join in.

building bridges and opening positive lines of communication between the community and the public service agencies that serve them. Good on you for taking a proactive step and doing all the work it takes to get that going.

People like you and efforts like yours will yield far more productive and positive results than the people (on all sides) who just choose to scream and make demands and criticize and call names with no desire for a two way dialogue.

There were several being held in blocks in the neighborhood. I really think it's a great idea for any community to promote.