Happy Holidays to all our families, friends and neighbors. The temperatures are dropping and our first snow and wintry mix of the year has arrived.
2023 was a good year in North Avondale to meet new neighbors and friends. Our Welcome Committee welcomed 55 new families in 2023 as the Welcome team, chaired by Jolene Struebbe, knocks on new neighbor’s doors with a personal hello. In September, NANA sponsored the first North Avondale Porchfest, hosted by Matt and Heather Ruehl, Marion Ave. Over 100 friends and families enjoyed an evening of music, food, and fun things for the kids. This event was followed in early December by the biannual Luminary event which brought people together to view the beautiful holiday lights, share hot chocolate and s’mores, and enjoy carriage rides. We ended the year with the Holiday Party at the Belvedere where members and guests shared good conversation, delicious food, a sparkling holiday punch, and a visit from Santa Claus. I trust our North Avondale neighbors will roll into the New Year with resolutions to get acquainted with more neighbors, make new friends and join in to help improve the future of our neighborhood.
The North Avondale Neighborhood Association recently sent a donor mailing via USPS mail as well as several digital mailings. I am delighted to report that we received an outpouring of donations plus luminary orders with additional donations towards the general fund and beautification. This fundraising and membership drive in the last few months of the year more than doubled donations plus membership dues as compared to the same time period of 2022. This will go a long way towards supporting our efforts to the families and youth of North Avondale.
In January and February, NANA is sponsoring the SKY program for teens and kids from our neighborhood, Avondale and Paddock Hills. This program teaches breathing techniques, yoga, and meditation to help our youth navigate their day-to-day lives. This is a great opportunity for our families to interact with Paddock Hills and Avondale participants. For more information about this new initiative to support the mental health and well being of our community’s youth, visit this updated story about the workshop.
There are so many ways to get involved in our neighborhood. This year we plan to continue our work on the update and revision of the North Avondale Master Plan and potentially develop ways to work with each of our neighborhood schools. Please consider giving back and volunteering a few hours each month. NANA asks that each of you add us to your yearly gift giving by visiting the NANA website and making a donation. Your support makes our neighborhood a better place to live and raise our families.