Thank you to everyone who came out tonight!
-Mark gave everyone more info on the Christmas party that we're collaborating on with the Elks Lodge. The Elks have received a grant to provide gifts for children whose families may have been struggling to afford them this year. This Breakfast with Santa party will take place on Dec 5, 9am, at the Elks Lodge on West Road. All are welcome to join, and if any members of our community want to volunteer to help, please let us know!
-I've signed our Association up to participate in the city's current Litter League competition. This round's grand prize is a Jags game in the city's box at the stadium. There are 5 spots left- let me know if you're interested in signing up. If you've already signed up and need supplies, let me know, I have a bunch of gloves and garbage bags provided by the city. The official pick up date will be on Sunday Oct. 4, and we will meet again at Wurn Park at 5pm to drop off the bags for the city to pick up, and take a group photo. If you aren't able to pick up on that day, but want to take part, you can still do so. Trashed on Tuesdays and Adopt-a-Park pickups can also count. Just send me your before/after photos of the areas you clean up, including photos of the full bags, so I can submit them. Send to sanssoucineighborhood a t gmail.com
More info:
https://www.jacksonville.gov/mayor/initiatives/keep-jax-cute/jax-litter-league
-We are going to sign SSNA up to adopt Wurn and Drew parks. The requirement is 6 cleanups per year. I will update everyone with more specifics soon. For info on the program:
https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/jaxparks/news/adopt-a-park-program
-Our Sans Souci Neighborhood Watch liason, John Paffe, had a lot of good info on crime statistics (Sans Souci's crime level is down), and ways to be vigilant in protecting property and looking out for neighbors. He also spoke about resources he's created to help get a better idea of what areas he can communicate to JSO that needs their focus. More info here:
https://www.sanssoucicommunitywatch.org/
-I reminded everyone that we now have a website, which includes a forum where any neighbor can read or join discussions:
https://sanssoucineighborhood.org/community/
-I also reminded everyone of the city's free tree program. We just got our second free tree, a chaste tree. There are many to pick from, of all sizes! Sans Souci's tree canopy is sorely lacking compared to a lot of Jacksonville. Here's the info from the city:
Do you like trees? Do you like FREE trees planted for you in front of your house? If you answered yes, the 630-CITY FREE tree planting program sounds like it could be for you.
All you have to do is call 630-CITY(2489) and request to participate. An urban forestry staff member takes you through the easy process of how to request a tree and how you are helping make Jacksonville a better place.
-We will be producing new SSNA yard signs soon. Let me or Karen know if you are interested in one!
-Our next meeting will be on Thursday, October 8, 7pm, at the Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221. We hope to see you then!