BLOCK PARTY: NEIGHBORS COME TOGETHER

Renea Miller and Kachina Bashley located a patch of shade Saturday afternoon and settled in to watch the May Greene Jump Rope team perform.

The two woman were among some 500 people who attended the first Healthy Families 2000 Community Block Party, held at Fort D next to May Greene Elementary School.

As people walked about the park, searching out friends and free hot dogs, Miller said, "I think this is a great idea."

Her five children checked in periodically, between carnival games and watermelon slices.

"It's nice to see parents out here with their children," said Bashley. "And there are a lot of positive role models here for the children."

The weather was hot, but the rain held off throughout the afternoon event.

"I am so happy to see agencies get out of their offices," said Sharland G. Reed, Family Resource Center executive director. The Family Resource Center planned the block party in cooperation with Weed and Seed.

"These agencies are out in the community on a day when people can actually come out and learn about what these agencies do," Reed said. "They have a chance to explain. I think it is wonderful."

A committee of service-agency and business representatives planned the event in two-months time. "I'm very pleased with the committee's efforts," Reed said. "Usually to plan an event of this magnitude takes six months to a year. They have done a wonderful job."

Organizers hope to make the block party an annual event.

People got their blood tested for diabetes and carried home literature about health concerns.

They learned about Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and Caring Communities.

The party started with a parade weaving through the streets of south Cape.

"It was loud and it was fun," said Reed. "It was great to see children and families coming out onto their porches to see what was going on."

Many followed the parade to the park where representatives of some 25 community agencies and service providers were on hand to share information.

Local dance troupes, choirs and the May Greene Jump Rope Team performed.

Debra Hamilton with Cape Girardeau's Weed and Seed said the healthy families theme was carried out throughout the day.

Mothers and fathers pushed strollers and held children by the hand as they made the rounds of booths. Toddlers were anxious to move on to the next event as parents hung back to talk with friends.

"We have Safe Kids and GREAT and DARE," Hamilton said. "But more importantly, we have a lot of family togetherness. Healthy families make healthy communities."

Renea Miller and Kachina Bashley agreed. "It's nice to have everyone together," Bashley said. "It's a real family-oriented event. I like that."