The Lower Greenville Neighborhood Association has been described as one of the most active neighborhood associations in the city. That activity would not be possible without the scores of volunteers who donate their time and talents to help LGNA thrive.

For example, did you know that each issue of your LGNA newsletter is produced by volunteers? All the articles are written by several volunteers. The professional-looking layout is accomplished by Tim Evans, volunteer extraordinaire. More than 30 volunteers hand-deliver the newsletter to your doorstep six times a year.

Hats off to these folks, particularly some who have been doing the job for years – Glenna Day, Victor Aves, Doug and Calla Havis, Paul and Karen Gautreaux, and Karen Stone.

National Night Out at Tietze Park is probably LGNA’s best-known event. How do all those exhibitors, face painters, and hot dogs gather in one spot every August? You guessed it – volunteers. Planning and coordination for the event begin in March or April. Volunteers also help during NNO with tent and table set-up, manning the LGNA table, conducting surveys, and most of all – clean-up to leave Tietze Park ready for the next day.

Another well-known event is the St. Patrick’s block party on Greenville Avenue. LGNA is not involved in producing this event but is very much involved in lessening the impact of thousands of visitors to our neighborhood. The city mandates that no-parking signs be erected on one side of the streets most impacted by the event. Sign materials are provided to the three neighborhood associations impacted, but it’s up to volunteers to construct the signs, erect them 24 hours before the block party, and remove the signs on the next day.

The St. Patrick’s effort involves many volunteers. Great examples last year were the Ladymon family who showed up in force to help construct the signs. Then Kirk Ladymon erected signs on several streets on Thursday, returning on Sunday after church to remove them. Another example is April McGowan, who recruited a group of friends to erect signs and remove them.

Crime Watch. Block captains help make their neighbors aware of how to get to know each other and how to protect themselves from crime. Activities include completing and distributing a contact list for everyone on the block that wishes to participate, collecting email addresses for the crime watch distribution list, distributing a “Good Neighbor kit” to their block, and identifying any elderly or handicapped residents who might need occasdional assistance. For more information, contact CrimeWatch@LGNA.net .

One Super Volunteer is Diane Evans. Diane served for several years on LGNA’s board (all volunteers, by the way) as secretary, retiring last year to allow time for her other volunteer activities. She continues to act as newsletter distribution coordinator – maintaining the roster of volunteer deliverers and substitutes, distributing the newsletters for the 30 volunteers, and covering two streets herself. She wears many hats to help with NNO, both in planning and the actual event. On the day of the St. Pat’s block party, Diane is a major salesperson for the LGNA T-shirt sales, a major fund-raiser. Thank you, Diane!

These are but a few examples of LGNA’s great volunteers. One thing all these folks have in common is a desire to give back to their neighborhood and help make it better. Thank you!

If you haven’t enjoyed the fellowship and good-feeling that comes from these activities but would like the opportunity to participate with your talents and/or time, contact Director1@LGNA.net.