Sunday, September 23, Councilmember Gerrie Schipske will be hosting the first ever 5th District Good Neighbor Festival and Picnic. Schipske describes the event on her blog as a way “to bring together neighborhood organizations in the 5th Council District and to honor youths, adults and organizations who have been exceptionally good neighbors this past year.”
Typically, these awards are given out at Council meetings. Schipske’s idea is innovative since it creates an opportunity for neighbors to meet each other in an informal setting and enjoy good food and fellowship.
The festival is being held in front of the El Dorado Senior Center at 2800 Studebaker in Long Beach, and will run from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Some of the activities include pet adoption, live music, good food, and information tables about local services and organizations.
The event is also doubling as a fundraiser for a series of Long Beach non-profits including the Police Foundation, Fire Foundation, Friends of the Library and Long Beach Cares. Schipske has already raised over $3000 for these organizations.
As for a former City Council staffer who has had to sit through numerous award presentations at Council meetings, this sounds way more fun….