Success Stories
Debi McDaniel
Guest contributor Debi McDaniel describes herself as "a former Old Town Neighborhood Association board member who likes to remain active." We're glad she does. This story about an entire neighborhood's "active plan" may inspire-or challenge-others.
The lovely Old Town Neighborhood is perhaps best located by its landmarks: Start at Leon High School, head east on Tennessee Street, turn left at Magnolia until the Tallahassee Memorial intersection, turn left (west) onto Miccosukee, and go past Kate Sullivan Elementary, Cobb Middle School, and Trinity Catholic School till you come back to Leon High.
Putting feet where the heart is. This older neighborhood of some 350 homes not only enjoys the proximity of four schools, but of local businesses, services, and Tallahassee's downtown. Our motto is "In the Heart of It All," which is one reason the Old Town Neighborhood Association (OTNA) has begun the program "Putting Our Best Foot Forward." When you don't have to drive-walk!
This new program is in the tradition of many activities and public service efforts that earned Old Town the 2002 Neighborhood of the Year designation by the Council of Neighborhood Associations. To keep our residents aware and involved, we work in concert with the Tallahassee Police Department, student clean-up groups, and a network of "Street Captains." We also have email message boards, annual block parties, quarterly TGIF gatherings, monthly board meetings, and the list goes on.
Spreading the news and pedometers. The idea of getting out and walking and getting into shape is our next community project. We are updating our quarterly newsletter, "The Old Town Messenger," to include a health column and nutrition guidelines from a resident who is a dietitian. Capital Health Plan is supporting us, too. The winter issue carried a guest article about Stepping Toward Health, as well as an offer of free CHP pedometers through the OTNA.
Our association's newly elected president, Cheryl Davis, has noted how useful the pedometers are:
- for the variety of ages we have in our neighborhood
- to reward and inspire the energetic residents and students who volunteer for clean-up and beautification
- to encourage Old Town Walking Groups (for fun or even friendly competition)
- to include in our new Welcome Kits, reinforcing how lucky Old Town is to have local businesses in its (walkable!) midst.
- Kick-off, step-out party. Our big kick-off for the Putting Our Best Foot Forward campaign will be at our spring TGIF party. This quarterly event is hosted by different neighbors in Old Town to unwind, communicate, and share our great love of our neighborhood and surroundings. We will challenge all of our joggers, dog walkers, and those just out for a stroll to participate and become a part of our team. Spring is just around the corner, and this is a great time of year to prepare for the shorts and sandals existence we have here in Florida.