Yardsharing website and idea leads to a thriving front yard community garden

I forget how I ran across Hyperlocavore.com but I did and the idea of creating a community type garden in one's own front yard appealed to me.

I mentioned it to a neighbor I had met at Green Drinks and when she said "yes" my wife and a neighbor friend from church got interested and she brought her daughter.  The next door neighbor on one side, an accomplished flower gardener, provided some tomatoes and the on the other side our neighbor came over to dig and established a square foot garden for her and her two young nephews.

The non-gardeners among us got some help from Drew Willem of Time Dollar Community Connections which is supported in part by the Green Spaces Alliance, (who are also supporters of the Jefferson Community Garden behind the Jefferson UMC.)

We've had more people in our yard and stopping by than we ever dreamed possible.  The nephews are showing my wife flowers and their cats are dropping by.  Neighbors and passersby stop by to chat.  It is great.

We even have some eggplants and peppers on the plants, and the chard and lettuce is fine for munching.  Our compost must have had some tomato seeds in it because we got lots of volunteers where we had planted carrots, or maybe they were tomato seeds after all.

So, it has been a lot of fun so far and has been an easy way to build up community.  Stop by and see it sometime.  Better yet, make plans for your own yardsharing community garden.

It took us just three weeks from running across the idea to getting things in the ground and growing.

YUCK! Ultra-Lounge planned next to the taco place, by the senior housing, next to family apartment house across from Tip-Top!

Thank goodness councilman Justin Rodriguez and representative Trey Martinez Fisher, along with the various neighborhood associations are fighting the plans for Club Pulse to occupy the former car parts store on Fredericksburg Road.

According to wikipedia an ultra lounge is : a self-designation for nightclubs, used particularly in the early 2000's. Some clubs have a semi-private room with a large mattress on the floor for patrons to lounge on and socialize.

These try to be exclusive clubs, they might fit in downtown, at the Quarry or Park North, but next to a senior housing complex across the street from Tip Top Cafe and the Bingo Hall?

Here is a video of a self-glossed ultra-lounge in San Francisco.

Monticello Park and Jefferson Neighborhoods National Night Out (Texas version) October 6, 2009 at Monticello Park

This year the "National Night Out" formerly known as the "National Night Out Against Crime" has a Texas version in recognition that the August date the rest of the country meets on is just too hot for us.

Another big change is that the neighborhoods around Jefferson High School are combining to put together the event at Monticello Park under and around our domed gazebo.

There will be face painting and a bounce for kids. Come to strengthen our community, learn about crime prevention and to meet your neighbors.

A representative from the city will be there to talk about the two cart system for waste collection. In our neighborhoods the collection will take place from the alley where possible.

Please bring a side dish to share. The main dish will be provided.

Volunteers are needed to help set up and tear down. Call Bianca 210 385-6188 for more information.

Jefferson Unitied Methodist refurbishes Basketball and 4 Square play area and opens it to the neighborhood

Jefferson United Methodist Church has reached out to the Jefferson area with a gift of play space for adults and children. With the help of some donors they have refurbished the playing area that was once a center of neighborhood and church basketball competition and opened it again to the public.

The court directly across from TJHS has four baskets and a "4 Square" play area. To help make it work for everyone they have laid out the following ground rules:

1. The court is to be used for basketball and "4 Square" only.
2. Basketball games are to be played to a maximum of 15 points (1 basket= 1 [point).
3. The winning team may play until it loses.
4. The church and its ministries have first priority over use of the courts.
5. All four baskets are for everyone's use: men, women, girls and boys.
6. No fighting is allowed.
7. Treat others with respect.
8. Pick up trash and keep the area clean.
9. No alcohol or drugs are allowed.
10. No skateboards, bikes, roller blades or skates are allowed.
11. No vehicles of any kind are allowed
12. No parking is allowed.

If these rules are followed we can enjoy a harmonious addition to our neighborhood. So take a walk around our beautiful neighborhoods, our beautiful high school and take a look at our new play area.

2009 On and Off Fred Artist Studio Tour February 14 & 15

After joining in Walk Around Jefferson 3, stick around the area for the 2009 On and Off Fredricksburg Artist Studio Tour.

The website, onandofffred.org, has all the information you need to visit the interesting studios.

Many people begin their studio tour with a visit to the Bihl Haus Arts located on the grounds of the Primrose Apartments on Fredricksburg Road north of Quentin Drive. For more information on this years studio tour email kellen-kee@swbell.net or call (210) 383-9723.