Fall 2020
Usually, in this Fall newsletter, we would reflect on Party in the Park and look forward to the
Taste of Tenney, but this is not a usual Fall. When I took on the role of TLNA President, in times B.C. (Before COVID-19), I was hopeful for our neighborhood association to sponsor more social events that might broaden engagement of neighbors who perhaps had not previously connected with — or felt connected with — TLNA. Of course, in-per- son events are not feasible in the COVIDverse. However, even in COVID-times, our neighbors are
finding ways to connect.
You’ll find many examples of neighbors connecting through- out this quarter’s newsletter and several opportunities for con nection funded by the TLNA. A TLNA grant funded the recent Black Books Matter neighbor- hood virtual book club. The BBM was an effort to get books by Black authors into the hands of TLNA neighbors and get us talking about how our neighborhood lives out / experiences Black Lives Mattering — and planning for the necessary work and actions that are still needed.
In addition to BBM and in this newsletter, you can read about the mural in Reynold’s Park, painted by young artists Cameron and Ariana Merline, inspired by the idea of togetherhood, and funded by a TLNA grant. The TLNA also facilitated the dis- tribution of amazing yard signs by Lilada Gee (lilada.org). Stroll down E. Johnson to see neigh- bors’ Community Fridge and Pantry in action. And from our separate spaces, we can all cele- brate together new traffic calming measures announced by the City — a long-standing effort of the
hard work of Bob Klebba, TLNA Transportation and Safety Chair, and the entire TLNA. Neighbors have connected in many other ways — large and small. How have you enjoyed connecting with neighbors? Connect with us at www.tenneylapham.org and share
your experiences.
We hope this newsletter will also be a connection for all of us neighbors. This newsletter
is hand-delivered by volunteers (or, currently, is mailed) to every single address in the neighbor- hood. If you aren’t a member of TLNA — or if your membership has lapsed — please consider join- ing/renewing your membership with TLNA. Student/senior membership is $5. Individual member- ship is $10. Household/business membership is $20. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to www.tenneylapham.org
- Select “Membership” from the
top navigation bar. - Choose “Join” or “Renew.”
- Complete the forms!
Funds from TLNA member- ship support neighborhood events open to all, neighborhood projects through small grants, and the printing and distribution of the newsletter. Without our typical face-to-face events, membership numbers are low. In these difficult times, we rely on our community more than ever. Please join us as we physically distance but still
come together as neighbors.
Summer 2020
When the last newsletter was about to go out it was starting to become clear that our lives were about to change pretty dramatically. First, we cancelled the March TLNA meeting and then K-12 school was cut short and UW students were sent home and now, as I’m writing this, it’s been two months since I’ve been in another friend’s house, had anyone in my home, eaten at a restaurant, gone to the gym, or had my hair cut by anyone other than my 7-year-old, etc. It has no doubt been difficult and the struggles that this pandemic has brought upon us and our community can feel overwhelming and scary at times.
Perhaps the best we all can do is spread kindness and express generosity. The Lapham-Marquette Parent Teacher Group (PTG) has been working with school social workers to provide resources to families through an Acute Needs Fund. (Shout out to the Cork and Bottle family for donating $1,000 to the fund!!)
Walking the streets and sidewalks of our neighborhood, it is evident that people are taking physical distancing seriously and being considerate and safe on shared walkways and in shared spaces. The TLNA council has adapted as well. We have already held two meetings virtually on Zoom! The TLNA took the progressive move of working with the city to shut down streets to car traffic to create more space for pedestrians and bikes on both Mifflin and Sherman.
This collaboration inspired additional street closures throughout the city. The resiliency, kindness, creativity, and generosity in our neighborhood is a source of hope and comfort during these uncertain times. Our united strength will carry us through as we begin to move, slowly and safely, beyond the initial phases of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s still exciting things happening! For example, we have an Assembly seat opening up in our district. The assembly seat for the 76th district, which has been held by Chris Taylor since 2012, is opening up and will be decided upon in the November, 2020 elections. While this campaign season is going to be different than the usual, I hope you will spend time researching the candidates and make plans to vote during or before the August 11 primary.
