What Is Talk of the Neighborhood?
Talk of the Neighborhood is a new program at the Recreation Park Community Center at 1015 N Congress Street in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The name Talk of the Neighborhood is a play on the title of the popular NPR radio show Talk of the Nation, chosen because the format will similarly cover different topics each evening. The leaders of the programs are people with significant scholarship, experience or expertise in their topic. Leaders are volunteers within our neighborhood as well as experts from the wider community. The programs are on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:15 PM, beginning Monday, September 21, 2009 . There is a $5 charge to attend. Couples pay $6.00 and children are free. The complete schedule will be posted on the first of each month on this web site's Schedule page located by clicking on the sidebar.
Ceramics by Dave Austin
Artisan Night - December 9
(click on
Schedule in the side bar for a full listing of art and crafts and more pictures)
What Topics Will Talk of the Neighborhood Cover?
In early June of 2009 surveys were distributed door to door to houses between the borders of Hewitt and Huron and Washtenaw and Michigan Avenue. Additionally, surveys were available at the Community Center and sent electronically to neighborhood associations. The surveys returned by July 15, 2009 represented Normal park, Woods Road Neighborhood, College Heights, Depot Town, Prospect Park, The Historic South Side, Midtown and Valley Drive in Ypsilanti Township. Initially the programming will reflect the results of those surveys. We will continue to gather ideas and investigate possible topics with input from the neighbors.
The following is a list of the most popular programs based on the survey results. At least one third of all of the respondents said they would be interested in attending these programs.
Showcase a Non Profit Organization
Share an Interesting Research Project or Area of Interest
Music Night
Gallery Night
Artisans Night
Cooking Demonstrations
Local Farming
Pets: Healthy Lifestyles, First Aid, Training
Eco-Friendly Living
Michigan Gardens/Rain Gardens/Native Planting
Government Officials Present State of the Community
Do It Yourself Projects
Game Night
Personal Development/Meditation
Book Club
Other topics not listed also received a lot of interest. In fact, every topic listed had at least a 4% interest rate. Many of the topics will be covered. In addition to the topics included in the survey, respondents were given the opportunity to share their own ideas. Volunteers offered their expertise and willingness to lead thirty topics not included in the survey. The topics were fascinating. Many of those will also be included.
Many of the topics fall into seasons. For example although there are many garden related activities, certain activities will be held off until the spring when we are looking forward to planning and planting. Other garden activities like canning are relevant in the fall. The fall is the season for getting back to school, looking at colleges, making winter travel plans. Winter brings holiday shopping, craft projects, books, and other winter activities. Scheduling will be season appropriate. Click Schedule on the sidebar of this page to see the schedule for this month and next month. Monthly schedules will be posted on the first day of the preceding month.
Who Can Attend?
The programs are open to everyone. You need not be a resident of Ypsilanti. Children under the age of sixteen are welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Be sure you check the schedule to make sure the topic is appropriate. Share the schedule with friends and invite them to attend.
Why Is There a $5 Charge To Attend? (or how can I spend $3 instead)
The presenters and hosts of the programs offered by Talk of the Neighborhood are volunteers. However, some of the programs require that we spend money on materials: a variety of cheeses for a cheese tasting or supplies for jewelry making. If we charge according to the needs of each program we would create a schedule where some programs are $1.00 to cover coffee and cookies and others $25 to cover materials. In addition to covering material costs, there are many additional costs: copying, supplies, refreshments, publicity, etc. In order to create a schedule that does not encourage attendance for a topic based on affordability, we would like you to have the ability to drop in and know what time the program will begin, what day it will be open and how much money you need to bring.
We will be offering a Ten Program Pass for $30, a 40% discount! You can purchase this pass at the entrance table before each program. Also, if you volunteer to assist with the set-up, reception and clean-up, you will not be charged for that night. See more information on volunteering by clicking on Volunteer Opportunities on the sidebar.
