Ward 2 block party means to strengthen community ties

Anyone who believes the residents of Cape Girardeau's Ward 2 have given up on efforts to bring their community together would be mistaken. A community block party scheduled for noon Saturday signals that hope.

Churches and community leaders have continued to host events and encourage neighbor-to-neighbor outreach since last summer, when the ward saw four men shot within eight weeks.

Violence remains an issue in the ward, with police responding as recently as Wednesday to a call about a man shot on Ellis Street.

The acts of violence have rattled the community. But rather than give up, residents have tried to rally together. At a community block party last summer, the public gathered to communicate their concerns and, more important, optimism.

Ward 2 Councilwoman Shelly Moore said at Monday night's city council meeting the block party to be held Saturday will have a similar theme of community empowerment.

It's hosted by the Overcomers Church of God and will be near the church in the 600 block of South Ellis Street. Free food, games, prizes, dunk tanks, bounce houses and music will be included. The event begins at noon and ends at 5 p.m.

It's open to anyone who "wants to eat and have a good time," Moore said.

Children younger than 10 attending the event require adult supervision.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

624 S. Ellis St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.