The end of the year brings an abundance of opportunities for neighbors to enjoy each other’s company. Whether it is cleaning our alleys, singing Christmas carols, dining at others’ homes, decorating a Christmas tree, or just gathering for a good old-fashioned holiday party, HMP knows how to make a neighborhood a true community. Here is a recap of the November/December gatherings and events.
Fall Alley Clean-Up
In an effort to keep our neighborhood clean, neighbors participated in the alley clean-up led and orchestrated by the self-proclaimed Titan of Trash, Dick Luchtman. As he has done for many years, Dick made sure that the neighbors had everything that is needed from bags, gloves, shovels, and rakes to volunteers, donuts, and hot coffee. Dick’s many years and countless hours towards the alley clea- up are invaluable and greatly appreciated.
Annual Christmas Caroling
In 2013, longtime resident Cassie Mehlman Rhys organized neighborhood Christmas caroling in the hopes of making it an annual event. This year, the neighborhood carolers picked up where they left off. Again, carolers took to the streets to bring holiday cheer to neighbors. This is a wonderful way to usher in the holiday season.
Annual Progressive Dinner
Another favorite annual event is the HMP Progressive Dinner. All dues-paying members were invited to enjoy appetizers at the home of Jeff and Leah Crane, dinner at the home of David Conrad and Jay Van Santen, and dessert at the home of Jeff and Stacey Patrick. Any neighbor still standing was invited to the after party at the home of Marty and Anne Marie Dezelan.
Annual Tree Decorating
Early in 2014, long-time resident Ora Triplett suggested that the neighborhood have a Christmas tree that everyone participates in decorating. Ora went to the neighbors and collected money for decorations and in November, a new HMP tradition was born. Residents young and old gathered at the house of Jeff and Leah Crane to decorate the large pine tree located in their yard. This was a perfect beginning to the holiday season and brought joy to everyone that saw it. Anyone interested in donating to the HMP Christmas tree decoration fund can contact any Board Member or Ora Triplett to make a donation.
Annual Holiday Party
The Board and the neighborhood would like to offer a special thank you to Doug Day for hosting the popular Holiday Party. Once again, neighborhood children received a much anticipated visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Attendees at the party were also surprised by neighborhood carolers who stopped by to offer additional holiday cheer.
Pocket Park
Work continues behind the scenes for the pocket park. The Pocket Park committee continues the planning of the next phases of the park. Look for continued progress once the weather begins to warm. As a reminder, the Pocket Park committee will accept the assistance of any neighbor who want to be a part of the development of the park. Please contact any committee member to volunteer. Committee members include Cassie Mehlman Rhys, Sharon Gamble, Karla Johnson, John Carmer, and Katie Wertz.
Home Tour
The Home Tour Committee has locked in 8 houses for the 2015 tour. This year the home tour will be more concentrated to allow ticket holders to enjoy all the homes. The theme for the event is Historic is the New Green: Restoring the Urban Community. Planning continues and the Home Tour Committee still needs your help. If you are interested in assisting, please contact Kara Haughey at karahaughey@yahoo.com or (317) 730-3812. Any amount of assistance is appreciated and welcomed.