New Welcome Signs & Historic Markers Installed

Good afternoon, NECKO -

If you're out for a stroll this week, make sure to walk over to the corners of West 8th/Perry and West 8th/Belmont. The last stage of the years-long beautification project in this area was completed last week.




Five neighborhood welcome signs and history markers were installed on the brick pillars and the stone monument in this area. Take a look in person or see photos below.




This beautification project started with a City of Columbus Urban Infrastructure Revitalization Fund grant from 2001 - which in cooperation with Ohio State - resulted in the closure of the dangerous intersection at West 8th & Perry, the installation of accessible ramps throughout the neighborhood, the replacement and upgrade of two blocks of sidewalk from Michigan to Perry, and the pedestrian-oriented welcome and history signage along the border with the OSU medical center. Combined with the new island on King Avenue and the planned pedestrian signage at West 8th/Michigan for 2009, the whole neighborhood has been redefined. Special thanks to all neighbors involved, to Creative Living, and to the professional help, patience and perseverance of City of Columbus staffers Drew Bobay and Susan DeLay and OSU Landscape Architect Steve Volkmann!

Have a great New Year's Week -

William

PS Be sure to check out the neighborhood website at www.necko.org!

Lighting Contest Winners Announced!

Hello, NECKO neighborhood - We're excited to announce the winners for our 4th annual holiday lighting contest. We had a great time looking at lights on Tuesday night.

If you get a chance to stroll through the neighborhood, you should definitely check out the great displays.

Here are the two winners:

The "Martha Stewart" Award (most festive)

450 King Avenue

The "Clark Griswold" Award (most lights)

303-305 West 8th Avenue

First Place winners will each receive $25 in gift certificates and our 4 honorable mentions will receive $5 in gift certificates. Certificates will be delivered this weekend.

Thanks again to everyone who did a great job making the neighborhood look great this holiday season!

- William

PS Don't forget to check out our website at www.necko.org. Enjoy!

Reminder: 4th Annual Holiday Lighting Contest Tomorrow Night!

It's almost time... anyone who'd like to gather for cookies, hot cocoa, and a walk around the neighborhood to look at all the holiday lights, be sure to meet at 421 W 8th Avenue at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday).

Don't forget to turn your lights on to be eligible to win! This year we have gift certificates for each winner!

So... Let's make our neighborhood shine this holiday season! Here are all the details about our fourth annual Holiday Lighting Contest complete with prizes for the most festively decorated house and the house with the most holiday lights.

The details:

• All residents of NECKO are eligible.
  
• Houses will be judged on the evening of December 23 - lights must be on by 6 p.m. to be eligible.
• Categories:
  
• Most Lights – The "Clark Griswold" Award
• Most Festive – The "Martha Stewart" Award
• Prizes: Gift Certificates to Great Area Restaurants! (for each category)
  
• Other Info: Winners will be announced via our email list and website on December 24, 2008
• Questions? Email info@necko.org.

Thanks to our holiday planning team for putting this together!

Happy Holidays!

William

PS Don't forget to check out the NECKO website at www.necko.org

Neighborhood Garden Update

Good evening, NECKO neighborhood -

Here's an update on the NECKO Neighborhood Garden from April Calkovsky:

Plans are still moving forward with the proposal for the NECKO Neighborhood Community Garden. We have now joined the University Area Community Garden Collective. This Collective, sponsored by the University Area Enrichment Association, is a collaboration created specifically to provide resources for the community gardens in the 3 square miles around the University. Currently there are 16 gardens involved in the Collective. Resources that will be accessible include: potable water, tools, labor, and inclusion in grant requests that contribute to funding for the gardens.

Additionally, because we have just learned of the planned removal of the Spirit of Women park located on 10th Avenue to make room for a parking garage, we will work toward saving the benches, plaques, and the fountain from the park for inclusion in spaces around the NECKO Neighborhood. These items could make beautiful additions to the green space along 8th and Medical Center Drive, and the proposed garden. It will also help us preserve the memories of these brave women and their families.

If you're interested in helping out with the garden, please feel free to email April at aprilcalkovsky@gmail.com

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Don't forget to check out our website at www.necko.org!

4th Annual NECKO Holiday Lighting Contest!

Happy Holidays, NECKO!

Let's make our neighborhood shine this holiday season! We proudly announce our fourth annual Holiday Lighting Contest complete with prizes for the most festively decorated house and the house with the most holiday lights.

The details:

• All residents of NECKO are eligible.
• Houses will be judged on the evening of December 23 - lights must be on by 5 p.m. to be eligible.
  
• Categories:
  
• Most Lights – The "Clark Griswold" Award
• Most Festive – The "Martha Stewart" Award
• Prizes: Gift Certificates to Great Area Restaurants! (for each category)
  
• Other Info: Winners will be announced via our email list and website on December 24, 2008
• Questions? Email info@necko.org

Thanks to our holiday planning team for putting this together! If you'd like to join us for the judging on the 23rd, just drop an email.

Happy Holidays!

William

PS Don't forget to check out the NECKO website at www.necko.org

No Neighborhood Meeting Tonight

Good morning, NECKO -

The neighborhood meeting scheduled for tonight has been canceled.  Another meeting will be announced soon regarding important issues such as the neighborhood garden.  Also, there will be an updated on the lighting contest later this week.

Have a good Tuesday!

William