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Fall Traditions Around the Community
by Judy Buchneot

Friendship Flourishes in the Fall
"Who are the people in your neighborhood" is more than a Sesame Street tune. It is the question explored by homeowners associations and community groups. With today's busy lifestyle, getting to know the neighbors can be challenging. These groups have scheduled intentional encounters to make it easier for neighbors to become friends.

Business and Pleasure Can Mix
Every fall the families of Pioneer Terrace Homeowners Association in Wheaton get together to discuss common interests and reconnect. They combine this annual meeting with a meal to make it more appealing and increase attendance. "The association buys the protein," explains Harry McCullough, the current association president referring to the main dish for the meal. "Then everyone brings things to share." At this year's annual meeting, the group hopes to meet with park district officials to talk about renovations to North Side Park which is adjacent to the subdivision. Residents will be able to voice their concerns and get an update on the park close to their homes. The picnic usually takes place in North Side Park but since the park is under renovation, the picnic will be held on one of the streets in the subdivision.
"If you don't know your neighbors, you tend to feel isolated," says McCullough. "This meeting is a way for everyone to meet. We also try to put together a directory for residents of the area. The picnic in the fall works out the best for everyone." In the past, the neighbors have shared other information like the names of reliable service providers which has been helpful to newcomers.

Subdivision Sales Bring Neighbors Together
For more than five years, Stonehedge Community Homeowners Association in Wheaton has organized a subdivision-wide garage sale in the fall. Anyone can attend the sale but only association members can sell items. Association members who wish to participate contact Desiray Young for their official garage sale kit including a flag, sign and flier. Desiray puts together a detailed map of all the homes participating in the sale and includes a description of unique or unusual items for sale at different locations. These maps are made available to customers so they can find their way around the subdivision to all of the sale locations. Participants are invited to open up their sales a day early on Thursday evening from 7 until 9 p.m. for a preview night open only to Stonehedge residents. Desiray says that there are usually about 30 homes participating in the fall garage sale scheduled this year for September 17 and 18. "It's a fun way to get to know the neighbors," she says.
The association organizes several social gatherings for families throughout the year including a Halloween party, Easter Egg Hunt, an August Ice Cream Smash and visits from Santa. Other activities for getting neighbors together include a spring garage sale in May and a holiday decorating contest for residents. They publish a monthly newsletter to provide residents with news about association and community events. Stonehedge has more than 400 homes and has set up block captains to help neighbors keep connected.

Bring On the Best
Last year Glen Ellyn residents were brainstorming ideas to bring folks to the downtown area. They wanted something to complement the Taste of Glen Ellyn, The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta and the Jazz Festival already in place. The group decided that a BBQ competition would be an ideal addition to the town lineup.
Tom Koprowski, a Glen Ellyn resident who goes by the nickname of "Pig Daddy" has agreed to be the spokesperson for the competition which successfully attracted 18 competitors in its inaugural year. This year, the contest has drawn 20 competitors with more expected in the weeks ahead. The contest's popularity is simple according to Pig Daddy who explains, "Who can resist the primal urge to cook red meat outside with fire?"
This year's Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ cook-off will take place on Saturday, September 18 on the 700 block of Willis Street. Judging takes place from 2 until 4 p.m. One of the goals of the event organizers was to keep the backyard barbecue flavor intact in the competition so they chose this short block north of the Taylor avenue underpass for the event. However, the plans are to continue to simmer this event until it turns into a full course festival for Glen Ellyn.
In addition to barbecue, boasting and billowing smoke, this event will feature the Amy Kelly Band, a local blues and soul group. Celebrity judges this year include Village President Mark Pfefferman, College of DuPage Culinary Arts professor John Reed and Kansas City Barbecue Society certified judge and Jim Beam's National BBQ Pit master, Matt Whiteford. Local shops are providing discounts for competitors' supplies. There is an entry fee of $10 to $15 for competitors but there is no charge to attend the event. For additional information, visit www.bbq.glen-ellyn.com. -Judy Buchenot