It was a great turnout as residents from Kortright Hills cooled off for their annual Summer Chill Night this week.
The neighbourhood came together at the Kortright Hills Public School parking lot to share in the summer festivities.
Sponsored by the Kortright Hills Neighbourhood Group, there was something for everyone from free ice cream, a button maker, games, sparkle tattoos, ‘spin the wheel’ and various door prizes.
KHNG Neighbourhood support worker Leone Schadenberg helped organize the event.
She along with her husband Paul busily greeted neighbours and those new to the community as they handed out beverages, offering information for those who wanted to learn more about the community group.
“Having nights like this are so important for the community,” Schadenberg said.
“It’s great to meet people and get them out of their homes so they can meet their neighbours. And for kids, it’s such a great time for them to socialize.”
Schadenberg has been working the neighbourhood group for the last 12 years.
“I was hired and then kind of thrown into it, but I love it and it’s been amazing It has grown so much,” she said.
“Working with neighbours and bringing them together, that’s what it’s all about. On a night like this, it gives people the opportunity to meet each other, to meet with their neighbours.”
The Kortright Hills Neighbourhood Group offers various services, events and programs to community members living in the area.
The group is a member of the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition.
Schadenberg, along with other volunteers, work together to decide on upcoming events and programs which best suit the needs of their community.
“We are always planning new and different activities, but we could always use more volunteers especially anyone who might be sports oriented or just free to help and also share their ideas with the group,” she said.
Formed in 2007, as an offshoot from the Kortright Hills Community Association Inc., the Kortright Hills Neighbourhood Group has been committed to ‘creating a village in the city’ for residents in the neighbourhood.
“It’s about building community,” Schadenberg said.
“I do try to blanket the city too with what we are doing because it does take everyone to help build all of our communities.”
The group offers a variety of activities thought the year including various sports programs including a Kids Zumba Club, “Design a Game with Sratch” where kids can explore the world of animation using ‘Scratch’, and a Life Gears Academy which in the fall, will focus in a number of areas including sports, engineering, crafts, science, nature and the environment.
All are welcome to help plan youth nights, KHNG Clubs and any other events, workshops and socials for the upcoming year.
“And every year we especially look forward to our annual Booonanaza Halloween Party,” Schadenberg says.
“We have face painting, arts, crafts, costumes and various displays. Everyone really looks forward to it every year.”
As everyone cooled off with free ice cream at the Summer Chill Night, kids eagerly lined up to spin the wheel and take part in various activities throughout the evening.
The Guelph Fire Department also made an appearance and kids couldn’t wait to catch a glimpse of the fire truck, up close.
Scott Berwick, a member of the department says that it’s great opportunity for kids.
“It takes any fears away. And it’s fun. They can then recognize us and know that we are here for them when they see us,” Berwick said.
Constable Adam Shutsa from the Guelph Police Service also parked his cruiser at the event.
Offering stickers and a seat in the back, Shutsa was busy with kids approaching him, eager to take a seat inside.
“The community is important to us and we want everyone to know that we are here to help,” Shutsa said.
Kortright Hills Neighbourhood Group is dedicated to building a healthy and vibrant community spirit and are committed to develop ongoing partnerships around and within the community.
It is currently preparing for the next meeting in September.
The group meets each month in the community room located at the side entrance of Kortright Hills Public School to discuss programs, services and events. All are welcome.
“It’s the volunteers that make this happen and that’s such an important part of it,” Schadenberg said.
“It’s great to see everyone come out. Events like this bring people together, they connect. That’s what it’s all about.”
For more information regarding the Kortright Hills Neighbourhood Group, visit http://www.infrastack.com/khng/
