Entertaining
June 2013
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Get outside
Bring the feel of camping to the neighborhood complete with campfires (and s’mores, of course!), a few pitched tents and ghost stories told around the glowing embers of your fire.
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Weathering the storm
Working with your neighbors in advance, you can decide where to create an emergency first-aid station.
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Profitable causes
The entire neighborhood had already decided to rally around one of their neighbors who had recently been diagnosed with cancer.
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May 2013
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Building ties that bind
Building happy, productive and safe communities often seems like an afterthought, but perhaps it’s time to organize a bit of community-wide bonding.
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Making friends in your neighborhood
Andrea Bonior, a licensed clinical psychologist has a few tips for getting started on a social circle in your new home.
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Successful board elections
Associa vice president for client relations Debra Warren says that following a few simple steps can make your election run smoothly.
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April 2013
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Your board needs help? Try forming a committee.
By Mindy Baxter Your neighborhood board has great plans for the coming months, but they might...
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Make green-living initiatives stick
Make every day Earth Day though making long-term, green-living changes in your community.
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Start a youth sports league
Bring together your neighborhood this April and organize a youth sports league for your community.
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March 2013
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Common area maintenance
Regardless of who is responsible for the maintenance of common areas, here are some basics to keep in mind.
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Start a community newsletter
Newsletters are an effective way to provide a forum for discussing ideas and concerns.
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March Madness tournament
Gather your neighbors and create your own community 3-on-3 basketball tournament with a charitable cause in mind!
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February 2013
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Old-school Valentine’s Day
This February, throw a classic party that celebrates old-school — literally.
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6 things to expect from your HOA
Getting involved with your neighborhood’s homeowners association can be one of the best ways to give back.
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Heart-healthy fundraisers
Raising funds for a charity that supports heart disease research and education is a worthy cause for your community.
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January 2013
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Green ideas for your community
Communities can benefit from environmentally savvy strategies.
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What to consider when hiring community management
It’s time to hire a community management company.
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Utilizing social media in your community
Communicating through social media can be both an effective and easy way to reach your members.
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December 2012
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Light up the community
Show on-lookers from near and far the beauty of your community by organizing a holiday light display of your neighborhood’s common areas.
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Organize a neighborhood toy drive
With the holiday season around the corner, help a less fortunate child this Christmas by hosting a toy drive in your community.
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Enforcing the decorating rules this holiday season
What happens when those holiday decorations violate homeowner association rules?
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November 2012
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Start a community recycling program
Give back to the environment by organizing a community recycling program.
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A mixed-faith holiday party is possible
Don’t let planning a holiday event leave you paralyzed with fear at offending a guest.
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How do you enforce community rules?
There are several ways that you can ensure the rules are enforced.
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October 2012
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This fall, get outside with your kids
Cooler temperatures and the changing season can provide the perfect opportunity for some fresh fall play ideas.
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Meet the neighbors with a block party
Be proactive and host a block party to meet those who live near you.
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Trick or treat for a cause
Teach your kids the importance of giving back this Halloween season by swapping their candy buckets for collection boxes.
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September 2012
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Start a reading club for Literacy Day
This month, use International Literacy Day — Sept. 8 — as a reason to start a book club in your neighborhood!
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Build community with a cocktail or mocktail crawl
Ditch the TV and those familiar cocktails for an adventurous night out with your neighbors.
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Be a good neighbor on Good Neighbor Day
Good Neighbor Day is a great opportunity to give back to your community and the local charities.
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August 2012
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Safety first this National Night Out
Strengthen community spirit while heightening crime and drug prevention awareness.
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Host a supply party for back-to-school
Celebrate the new school year with a back-to-school party that preps the kids for what’s to come.
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Keeping things neighborly when conflict arises
Resolving conflict takes communications skills that may not come naturally.
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July 2012
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Host a great July 4th potluck
Go potluck this holiday and save yourself time and expense.
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Organize a community fan drive
If the members of your community want to start a fan drive of your own, here are a few tips.
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Promotion is key to a successful event
Don’t go it alone. Use these tips from a sympathetic event planner to make your community event a hit.
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June 2012
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Planning makes travel with friends a dream
A vacation with friends is great with the right mix of friends, planning and attitude.
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I scream, you scream for neighborly fun and ice cream!
This summer, turn off the TV and head outdoors.
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Want to run a 5K? Train with friends.
Running a 5K is a fun and attainable fitness goal.
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May 2012
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Mother’s Day brunch for the entire bunch!
Gathering the neighbors for a Mother’s Day brunch is something everyone can enjoy!
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Honor local teachers on National Teacher Day
For May 8, National Teacher Day, the whole community should honor its teachers.
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Celebrate Memorial Day
Here’s few ways to incorporate remembrance into your Memorial Day plans.
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April 2012
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Baby showers for a cause
A community baby shower can help stock the shelves at your local pregnancy center.
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Taming unruly neighbors
Troublesome neighbors can take all the joy out of community living. These tips will help you bring peace to your street.
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Community recycling
Earth Day is a great opportunity to jumpstart your neighborhood’s recycling habits.
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March 2012
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Spring Break safety tips
Discuss your travel plans with your neighbors, and stagger your trips.
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Plan the perfect St. Patrick’s Day parade
Cities all across the world commemorate the Celtic celebration with festive parades.
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Celebrate Seuss!
Every year, clever parents worldwide celebrate the anniversary of his birth.
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February 2012
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Get crafty in cold weather
Stock a craft box so that the next time Jack Frost hits hard, the kids can exercise their art skills for hours.
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Group Valentine’s Day ideas
From organizing a group scavenger hunt to making a night of it with dance lessons and festive cocktails.
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Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the kids
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the kids and help the little cupids create clever notes and nifty containers to store them in.
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January 2012
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Create a modern time capsule this New Year
Creating a time capsule gives the community a chance to think about how they’d like to be remembered.
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Post-holiday toy donations
Post-holidays, make room for all the new toys in your home by donating the old.
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Your 2012 fitness plan: with neighbors!
Why not turn your 2012 fitness plan into a chance to connect with neighbors?
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December 2011
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Have a philanthropic holiday
Holiday giving can be as social as it is generous, and it’s a simple way to connect with neighbors.
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Throw a perfect holiday party
Keep events casual and have the courtesy to invite every person in your building or on your block.
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Get ready for a snowman showdown
Whether it’s a contest for the best celebrity look-a-like snowman or the most mini-snowmen built in an hour.
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November 2011
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Bring the playground inside
When bad weather forces your kids to play indoors, there are plenty of activities that will create great memories.
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Hosting houseguests with ease
Whether you’re expecting the in-laws or your kids, here’s how to ensure their stay is just right.
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Bring your neighbors together this holiday
Start an annual Thanksgiving tradition of doing some good after your gathering.
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October 2011
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Teach fire safety in your community
It takes just one person to ignite interest in community fire safety.
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Create an urban pumpkin patch
Your neighborhood can harvest lasting memories with a localized version of a pumpkin patch.
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Sweet Halloween traditions
Looking for a spook-tacular twist on Halloween traditions? Here are some fresh ideas sure to scare up plenty of tricks and treats!
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September 2011
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Fall activities for the whole neighborhood
From hayrides to haunted houses, here are a few ideas for enjoying the bounty of fall with your neighbors.
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Gifts for Grandparents Day
Help your children make this tradition special for their grandparents with lots of fun activities!
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Getting to know your neighbors
Knowing your neighbors is beneficial, whether you live in a small town, a mid-sized community, or a big city like New York.
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August 2011
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Volunteer with neighbors
Ready to tackle the weeds growing around your neighborhood playground? Now is the time do something!
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Throw a party without going broke
In these budget-conscious times, there are many ways to host a great party without spending tons of money.
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Polite Noise Control
Handling noise—be it music, construction, or a yappy puppy—politely is the answer if you want to stay on good terms with your neighbors.
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July 2011
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Go out for community safety
Why not expand National Night Out™ this year and start some new traditions in your neighborhood?
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Host a community exercise class
Bonding over bicep curls? Getting zany during zumba? It’s possible!
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Host a community yard sale
Get the whole neighborhood together for a yard sale to off-load old and unused household items.
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June 2011
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Welcome new neighbors with a basket of goodies
Give your neighborhood’s newbies a warm welcome with a gift basket filled with local treats.
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Learn a new language? Oui!
Summer is a perfect time to get with neighbors to learn a new language or polish up what you learned way back when.
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Host a concert series
Put together an intimate performance in a personable setting like your neighborhood.
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May 2011
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Organize a community spa day
A community spa day can be just what your neighbors need to kick back after a hot summer day’s work.
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Join a farm co-op with your neighbors
A neighborhood farm co-op could save you money, and allow you to have guaranteed fresh and local produce.
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Start a community date night
Families in communities are devising well-thought-out plans so they can enjoy a deserved night out.
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April 2011
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Host a How-To Class
Initiate a how-to class in your neighborhood and teach your friends and neighbors for a fun way to learn together.
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Create a Neighborhood Social Media Group
Spread news and information in your community through a social media group.
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Establish a Neighborhood Recreation League
Tips on having fun, being safe, and following the rules.
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March 2011
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How to become a community leader
Tips on public speaking and making a difference in your area
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The Dos and Don’ts of Being a Good Neighbor
Peeking through the blinds is more offensive than you know
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Start a running group
Train together and create a lasting bond with your friends and neighbors
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February 2011
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Preserve Your Community History
For years to come, your neighbors can enjoy the deep history your neighborhood may have.
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Valentine’s Day Gifts for Everyone
Send simple heart-felt delights to your neighbors
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Throw a March Madness Watch Party!
Create an arena atmosphere in your own home
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January 2011
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Sewing parties are trendy again
Friends are meeting at sewing studios for classes, drinks & DIY time.
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Plan a Group Trip
Want to ride the rapids? Take the neighbors and enjoy a discount.
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Create a Breakfast Club With Your Neighbors
Start your day with great food and good friends
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December 2010
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Care For A Sick Neighbor
Suggestions for preparing a get-well gift basket filled with healthy foods, games, and other necessities for a sick friend or neighbor.
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Organize a holiday light display in your neighborhood
Unite with your neighbors to create a light display that will be the talk of the town!
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Protect your home during the holidays
Tips from crime prevention experts.
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November 2010
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How to Host a Neighborhood Cook-Off
Challenge your friends to a fun contest to discover who is the top chef!
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Organize a Toy Drive or Food Drive
Collect food and toys for a great cause and meet friends too.
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Affordable gift ideas
Surprise the neighbors with homemade peanut brittle and other great gifts. Plus: An easy craft for the kids!
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October 2010
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Holiday party ideas for your neighborhood
From cookie swaps to cocktails, try these seasonal ideas
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Recycling and other easy ‘green living’ tips
Start small and do your part, from recycling to turning down the thermostat, to save big!
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The return of preserving food
Making your own jam, pickles, and other preserves. This old technique is gaining popularity with foodies again.
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September 2010
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Start a fantasy football league with your neighbors
20 years and a 358-page media guide later, one league has forged friendships of a lifetime
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5 Ways to Explore Your Neighborhood
Whether it’s a walking group, lunch bunch, or mommy-and-me playdate, experience the neighborhood together.
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Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
Protect your home and create a crime-prevention group
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August 2010
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10 Birthday Party Themes
Treat your guests to cognac tastings, driving-range diversions, and pampering parties.
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What Kind of Neighbor Are You?
Are you a ‘Thoughtful Giver’ or ‘Potluck Person’?
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Is your Neighbor the Perfect Workout Partner?
Exercising together boosts workouts and friendships.
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