The weather has made it hard to find good times to go door to door distributing information. None the less, I have gotten out and have spoken to many citizens.

On more than on occasion my 10 year old son has also rode along on his scooter. It has been a fun experience. My son has had opportunity to play with some of the kids in the neighborhoods while he waits for me to knock on doors. Yesterday, I actually got to throw the football a few times with some kids playing in the street. We also frequently crossed paths with a couple out walking, a couple guys running and a woman with her daughters Dakota and Delaney (hope I got the spelling right, Delaney is 1 month old). My son loves babies and touching Delaney's hand and having her attention was one of the highlights for him.

As for the door knocking, it has too been interesting. When I was out getting signatures, I frequently felt like many people just wanted me to leave them alone. That is understandable, but at the same time it is a little frustrating that people weren't more encouraging and interested in what happens with the school board.

However, the door to door campaigning has been a totally different experience... very interesting even. Initially people's faces are a little "stone-like" when they open the door. I think their initial thought is that I am selling something or are a religious representative. Once I introduce myself and they hear what I am doing, most faces actually get bright and warm and they are pleased to take my information.

I want to say thank you! This has truly been extremely encouraging on the difficult and time consuming trail of "door to door" campaigning. I hope to see many more of your faces "make the change" in the coming weeks.

The weather has made it hard to find good times to go door to door distributing information. None the less, I have gotten out and have spoken to many citizens. On more than on occasion my 10 year old son has also rode along on his scooter. It has been a fun experience. My son has had opportunity to play with some of the kids in the neighborhoods while he waits for me to knock on doors. Yesterday, I actually got to throw the football a few times with some kids playing in the street. We also frequently crossed paths with a couple out walking, a couple guys running and a woman with her daughters Dakota and Delaney (hope I got the spelling right, Delaney is 1 month old). My son loves babies and touching Delaney's hand and having her attention was one of the highlights for him. As for the door knocking, it has too been interesting. When I was out getting signatures, I frequently felt like many people just wanted me to leave them alone. That is understandable, but at the same time it is a little frustrating that people weren't more encouraging and interested in what happens with the school board. However, the door to door campaigning has been a totally different experience... very interesting even. Initially people's faces are a little "stone-like" when they open the door. I think their initial thought is that I am selling something or are a religious representative. Once I introduce myself and they hear what I am doing, most faces actually get bright and warm and they are pleased to take my information. I want to say thank you! This has truly been extremely encouraging on the difficult and time consuming trail of "door to door" campaigning. I hope to see many more of your faces "make the change" in the coming weeks.

Hope you'll get out to the West End neighborhoods. Redistricting has created yet another divide in our city, both between the east and west ends, and now within the west end itself.

I'm sure many of us in the Redbank and Brick Hill neighborhoods would enjoy chatting with you.

Hope you'll get out to the West End neighborhoods. Redistricting has created yet another divide in our city, both between the east and west ends, and now within the west end itself. I'm sure many of us in the Redbank and Brick Hill neighborhoods would enjoy chatting with you.

sopo_westend... can you send me your contact info so i can chat with you about logistics and the best way to reach the right people.

I would love to hear all your ideas. Anyone can post on my message board, it does not have to be in response to my posts.

I hope to chat with you soon and get out to your neighborhoods. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

sopo_westend... can you send me your contact info so i can chat with you about logistics and the best way to reach the right people. I would love to hear all your ideas. Anyone can post on my message board, it does not have to be in response to my posts. I hope to chat with you soon and get out to your neighborhoods. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

The divide between the west end and east end of the city were further exasberated by the redistricting and the school board's apparent aloofness in the community. South Portland is a Continuous Improvement Priority School for 2008-2009 for both reading and math for children with disabilities. The school district has failed to make progress for the past four years in the content area of reading and in the area of math for the past five years - but what is being done for these students? I believe that last years vote should have sent a message loud and clear to the board that the citizens of the city are fed up with the usual school politics and do have expectations that the board members act responsibly with the taxpayers monies. The city neeeds to have board members who will in fact listen to the community and who will act on behalf of all students, of all abilities in all areas of the city. Are you a candidate who will represent all?

The divide between the west end and east end of the city were further exasberated by the redistricting and the school board's apparent aloofness in the community. South Portland is a Continuous Improvement Priority School for 2008-2009 for both reading and math for children with disabilities. The school district has failed to make progress for the past four years in the content area of reading and in the area of math for the past five years - but what is being done for these students? I believe that last years vote should have sent a message loud and clear to the board that the citizens of the city are fed up with the usual school politics and do have expectations that the board members act responsibly with the taxpayers monies. The city neeeds to have board members who will in fact listen to the community and who will act on behalf of all students, of all abilities in all areas of the city. Are you a candidate who will represent all?

My intent is to represent everyone who is willing to be a part of the solution by offering their input and participating in civil discussions. Disagreement is good as long as people are in control of themsleves. It will help us to do a better job determining a position that is best for all... east end, west end, middle, rich, poor, middle, disabled, not disabled. If we can't figure out a solution that doesn't hurt people, then we probably aren't working hard enough. That being said, I am not saying that everyone will always be happy with the decisions. What I am saying is that the board must work hard to FULLY listen to all perspectives, to reply to all perspectives and to make sure that we consider ALL, including those who don't have the ability or the opportunity to speak up. I will do my best to give all who can the opportunity to be heard. It is easier today than ever. The Board should put resources into good plan of communication.

For now the citizens have my message boards to be that medium, so speak up. I want to hear your thoughts, your ideas and any historical information that is factual and necessary for me to represent you all well. And like I said earlier, I would love to get over to the west end I just need someone to help me develop a plan because I do not have enough time to blanket it. Your input on the areas to spend my time and even your help hitting the streets would be appreciated. I live in Thornton Heights (what I would call the middle) and am not real familiar with navigation over there (though I do have close friends over there).

My intent is to represent everyone who is willing to be a part of the solution by offering their input and participating in civil discussions. Disagreement is good as long as people are in control of themsleves. It will help us to do a better job determining a position that is best for all... east end, west end, middle, rich, poor, middle, disabled, not disabled. If we can't figure out a solution that doesn't hurt people, then we probably aren't working hard enough. That being said, I am not saying that everyone will always be happy with the decisions. What I am saying is that the board must work hard to FULLY listen to all perspectives, to reply to all perspectives and to make sure that we consider ALL, including those who don't have the ability or the opportunity to speak up. I will do my best to give all who can the opportunity to be heard. It is easier today than ever. The Board should put resources into good plan of communication. For now the citizens have my message boards to be that medium, so speak up. I want to hear your thoughts, your ideas and any historical information that is factual and necessary for me to represent you all well. And like I said earlier, I would love to get over to the west end I just need someone to help me develop a plan because I do not have enough time to blanket it. Your input on the areas to spend my time and even your help hitting the streets would be appreciated. I live in Thornton Heights (what I would call the middle) and am not real familiar with navigation over there (though I do have close friends over there).

I don't understand how your intent is to represent "all", however, your response is that "You don't know how to navigate in our neighborhood"? Yet, it should some how make us feel better that you have "friends over there" - you seem to insinuate that you are in the "middle" so in your eyes we are on the "low" list. It is unfortunate that this is what you are teaching your children. If you represent all, perhaps you should knock on doors in our neighborhood and get to know our families, bring your children to play with our children while you campaign and perhaps it will be the most valuable lesson for your children. You may find that we are a diverse community, that many in this community want the best educational opportunities for our children. To paint with a broad brush, will unfortunately always give you a view of a solitary hue.

I don't understand how your intent is to represent "all", however, your response is that "You don't know how to navigate in our neighborhood"? Yet, it should some how make us feel better that you have "friends over there" - you seem to insinuate that you are in the "middle" so in your eyes we are on the "low" list. It is unfortunate that this is what you are teaching your children. If you represent all, perhaps you should knock on doors in our neighborhood and get to know our families, bring your children to play with our children while you campaign and perhaps it will be the most valuable lesson for your children. You may find that we are a diverse community, that many in this community want the best educational opportunities for our children. To paint with a broad brush, will unfortunately always give you a view of a solitary hue.

To SoPo West End: I grew up in Redbank Village and attended Redbank School. It was (and friends tell me it still is) a great place to grow up. My children have friends in Redbank and Olde English and have had a great time playing in the neighborhood. Since I grew up there I do not require directions to reach whichever street we're heading to. However I can see how many people often get lost trying to find their way around. The houses and apartment buildings all look remarkably similar. That being said, I was a bit offended by the perpetuation of the "us vs them" mentality of your last message. I don't believe Mr Fassett was even remotely implying that the Redbank Community is the "low end". I feel we need to reach an understanding: We are all (homeowners and renters alike) trying to do what's best for the children in our schools. I also understand (from experience) how Redbank residents always seem to get the short end of the stick since it is a primarily transient community. Sadly, not enough people show up at the various board meetings to find out what exactly is happening with our schools. During the most recent redistricting meetings there was a large turn-out however Redbank/Olde English/Courtland Court/Brick Hill was severly under-represented. Perhaps you should take this opportunity to extend an invitation to your friends and neighbors to invite Mr Fassett to a neighborhood meeting so perhaps you can determine where he stands on the issues that are important to you. The only way you can be heard is to open a dialogue. He expressed his desire to meet with the neighborhood, I say take him up on it!

Mr Fassett: I have 2 children in SP schools (4th and 9th grade). Do you have any plans to hold a meeting or perhaps join in on one of the PTA or parent forums at Skillin/Memorial/SPHS? I would be interested in hearing what you see as the most urgent items facing our schools and your approach to solving some of the on-going issues (SSFC, G&T programs, etc).

To SoPo West End: I grew up in Redbank Village and attended Redbank School. It was (and friends tell me it still is) a great place to grow up. My children have friends in Redbank and Olde English and have had a great time playing in the neighborhood. Since I grew up there I do not require directions to reach whichever street we're heading to. However I can see how many people often get lost trying to find their way around. The houses and apartment buildings all look remarkably similar. That being said, I was a bit offended by the perpetuation of the "us vs them" mentality of your last message. I don't believe Mr Fassett was even remotely implying that the Redbank Community is the "low end". I feel we need to reach an understanding: We are all (homeowners and renters alike) trying to do what's best for the children in our schools. I also understand (from experience) how Redbank residents always seem to get the short end of the stick since it is a primarily transient community. Sadly, not enough people show up at the various board meetings to find out what exactly is happening with our schools. During the most recent redistricting meetings there was a large turn-out however Redbank/Olde English/Courtland Court/Brick Hill was severly under-represented. Perhaps you should take this opportunity to extend an invitation to your friends and neighbors to invite Mr Fassett to a neighborhood meeting so perhaps you can determine where he stands on the issues that are important to you. The only way you can be heard is to open a dialogue. He expressed his desire to meet with the neighborhood, I say take him up on it! Mr Fassett: I have 2 children in SP schools (4th and 9th grade). Do you have any plans to hold a meeting or perhaps join in on one of the PTA or parent forums at Skillin/Memorial/SPHS? I would be interested in hearing what you see as the most urgent items facing our schools and your approach to solving some of the on-going issues (SSFC, G&T programs, etc).

RESPONSE TO SOPO WESTEND // I am sorry that you have been put off by something I said. I don't understand how you came to your conclusions, but I am sure you have your reasons.

I don't know if you realize this, but there are like 20,000 people in South Portland. There is no way that I can go to every one's door. I have a job, a family and all the responsibilities that come with life... the same as most that live in South Portland. On top of everything else, I have decided to take a shot at doing the best I can on the school board for the people of South Portland. I have already been to some neighborhoods and schools and have three PTA meetings already on the schedule. I plan on going to all parts of South Portland, but still will have to choose a few neighborhoods to knock on doors since I can't knock on all doors. My reference to my friends that live in the West end is that since you seem reluctant to want to help me decide where to start in the west end, I can ask them where they suggest so that I can experience families and children that my kids can play with on the journey. I am simply looking for people to give me ideas so that I can do a good job. I can't fix the pain caused by past division that may have been created. I simply want to help wherever I can. As I have mentioned, I am pretty good at bringing people together and being sensitive to people who may have obstacles to participating. If you would like to give me a chance, I am willing to try.

My neighborhood got re-districted from the school my children loved. I spoke frequently at every meeting and never once asked the board to not move my neighborhood. I didn't even offer a common sense reason why they should leave my neighborhood alone. My concern was for the whole city, not just my child and neighborhood. I will try to find copies of what I said so that people can get a look at my approach.

The best way I can help out is to use my experience and skills the best I can to provide data, get input and make an opportunity for citizens to be heard and represented on every issue that is important to them.

There is no way I can prove to you that I will do what I say I intend to do. As far as I know, I have worked as hard as any candidate to make myself available to all SoPo citizens. All my free time has been spent knocking on doors, answering emails and writing messages and responses to the messages of others. If you cannot get behind my stated intent, you should vote for someone else that you can. There are three other candidates, please get informed. Two are incumbents, maybe you can research the value of their contribution to date.

As I have mentioned several times that I cannot do this alone and do not intend to. I would rather not get voted in and go about the other things I am passionate about where I can attempt to make a difference. If you want to help out, I am still waiting for more people to pitch in. Give me your ideas and I will respond as best I can. If you want me to come to your neighborhood so you can get a better feel for me, please organize something. Otherwise, when I am in the West end, I may hit your street and I may not. I hope you can understand the difficulty. I am giving as much time as I can to ALL SoPo citizens (if you don't believe me call and ask my wife how "family dinners" have gone the last few weeks).

RESPONSE TO SOPO WESTEND // I am sorry that you have been put off by something I said. I don't understand how you came to your conclusions, but I am sure you have your reasons. I don't know if you realize this, but there are like 20,000 people in South Portland. There is no way that I can go to every one's door. I have a job, a family and all the responsibilities that come with life... the same as most that live in South Portland. On top of everything else, I have decided to take a shot at doing the best I can on the school board for the people of South Portland. I have already been to some neighborhoods and schools and have three PTA meetings already on the schedule. I plan on going to all parts of South Portland, but still will have to choose a few neighborhoods to knock on doors since I can't knock on all doors. My reference to my friends that live in the West end is that since you seem reluctant to want to help me decide where to start in the west end, I can ask them where they suggest so that I can experience families and children that my kids can play with on the journey. I am simply looking for people to give me ideas so that I can do a good job. I can't fix the pain caused by past division that may have been created. I simply want to help wherever I can. As I have mentioned, I am pretty good at bringing people together and being sensitive to people who may have obstacles to participating. If you would like to give me a chance, I am willing to try. My neighborhood got re-districted from the school my children loved. I spoke frequently at every meeting and never once asked the board to not move my neighborhood. I didn't even offer a common sense reason why they should leave my neighborhood alone. My concern was for the whole city, not just my child and neighborhood. I will try to find copies of what I said so that people can get a look at my approach. The best way I can help out is to use my experience and skills the best I can to provide data, get input and make an opportunity for citizens to be heard and represented on every issue that is important to them. There is no way I can prove to you that I will do what I say I intend to do. As far as I know, I have worked as hard as any candidate to make myself available to all SoPo citizens. All my free time has been spent knocking on doors, answering emails and writing messages and responses to the messages of others. If you cannot get behind my stated intent, you should vote for someone else that you can. There are three other candidates, please get informed. Two are incumbents, maybe you can research the value of their contribution to date. As I have mentioned several times that I cannot do this alone and do not intend to. I would rather not get voted in and go about the other things I am passionate about where I can attempt to make a difference. If you want to help out, I am still waiting for more people to pitch in. Give me your ideas and I will respond as best I can. If you want me to come to your neighborhood so you can get a better feel for me, please organize something. Otherwise, when I am in the West end, I may hit your street and I may not. I hope you can understand the difficulty. I am giving as much time as I can to ALL SoPo citizens (if you don't believe me call and ask my wife how "family dinners" have gone the last few weeks).

RESPONSE TO FORMER REDBANK RESIDENT // Thank you for your careful consideration of my message. You are truly an asset to the journey toward getting SoPo on track.

I am quickly filling my calendar with night meetings in preparation to determine the most important issues in our schools. I have reached out to PTA's, teachers groups, student groups, and the other local boards that represent the interests of SoPo schools. As you can see, I have also attempted to use this website to get the word out that I want to come and hear what people have to say. So, if you know of any other local group meetings that wouldn't mind having me, I would be honored to try and make it work. I already have like 6 meetings scheduled between now and election day. I have a class at USM on Tuesday evenings, Soccer from 5-6 on Thursday and will be out of town the 12th through the 15th (back in time to attend a meeting that night).

Please feel free to find some meetings for me to put myself out there or organize a meeting at a playground, in your yard or at a coffee house. I am willing to consider anything.

Also, if you want me to answer ANY specific questions on ANYTHING, please post and I will share my thoughts.

RESPONSE TO FORMER REDBANK RESIDENT // Thank you for your careful consideration of my message. You are truly an asset to the journey toward getting SoPo on track. I am quickly filling my calendar with night meetings in preparation to determine the most important issues in our schools. I have reached out to PTA's, teachers groups, student groups, and the other local boards that represent the interests of SoPo schools. As you can see, I have also attempted to use this website to get the word out that I want to come and hear what people have to say. So, if you know of any other local group meetings that wouldn't mind having me, I would be honored to try and make it work. I already have like 6 meetings scheduled between now and election day. I have a class at USM on Tuesday evenings, Soccer from 5-6 on Thursday and will be out of town the 12th through the 15th (back in time to attend a meeting that night). Please feel free to find some meetings for me to put myself out there or organize a meeting at a playground, in your yard or at a coffee house. I am willing to consider anything. Also, if you want me to answer ANY specific questions on ANYTHING, please post and I will share my thoughts.

You should certainly visit Redbank Apartments as you note that we could organize a meeting at the playground - there is no playground for our children as the City of South Portland has in fact removed same.

You should certainly visit Redbank Apartments as you note that we could organize a meeting at the playground - there is no playground for our children as the City of South Portland has in fact removed same.

So the playground at the Redbank gym was removed? I was there in the Spring and it was still there. Though I will say I hesitated to let my kids use it because there was broken glass in many places. I would love to know where the remaining playgrounds are in the city and what the philosophy is for building and maintaining them.

My suggestion to you is to get involved. I am happy to represent everyone the best I can, but success will only happen if you all are willing to give some time to pitch in and help.

What ideas do you have to gather people from the West End so that we can get their voices heard?

So the playground at the Redbank gym was removed? I was there in the Spring and it was still there. Though I will say I hesitated to let my kids use it because there was broken glass in many places. I would love to know where the remaining playgrounds are in the city and what the philosophy is for building and maintaining them. My suggestion to you is to get involved. I am happy to represent everyone the best I can, but success will only happen if you all are willing to give some time to pitch in and help. What ideas do you have to gather people from the West End so that we can get their voices heard?

For a little information on the work I did during the re-districting process to encourage the board to do a better job of listening and bring all together to produce a responsible solution, please read the document attached to the following link:

http://www.kfassett.com/downloads/files/skillin_redistricting.pdf

For a little information on the work I did during the re-districting process to encourage the board to do a better job of listening and bring all together to produce a responsible solution, please read the document attached to the following link: [url]http://www.kfassett.com/downloads/files/skillin_redistricting.pdf[/url]

Not to veer off-topic, but I am the one who originally posted under the name "sopo_westend" and I do not want to be confused with this other person who is posting under the names of "SoPo West End Concerns" or "SoPo West End." He or she certainly has the right to speak his or her mind, but it would have been nice if he or she had chosen a screen name that wasn't nearly identical to mine... not only to reduce confusion, but also because it's a simple matter of courtesy and common "internet etiquette."

Thanks.

Not to veer off-topic, but I am the one who originally posted under the name "sopo_westend" and I do not want to be confused with this other person who is posting under the names of "SoPo West End Concerns" or "SoPo West End." He or she certainly has the right to speak his or her mind, but it would have been nice if he or she had chosen a screen name that wasn't nearly identical to mine... not only to reduce confusion, but also because it's a simple matter of courtesy and common "internet etiquette." Thanks.

Thanks for clearing that up, I thought your original post was setting me up for the spanking that I got from the next one ;-)

I would love to see people use their real names, but I realize some are uncomfortable doing that. My reasoning is that it is too easy to sit behind a computer and say whatever you want. But if you attach your name to it, you are putting your own reputation on the line and have a chance at being taken a little more seriously.

Thanks for clearing that up, I thought your original post was setting me up for the spanking that I got from the next one ;-) I would love to see people use their real names, but I realize some are uncomfortable doing that. My reasoning is that it is too easy to sit behind a computer and say whatever you want. But if you attach your name to it, you are putting your own reputation on the line and have a chance at being taken a little more seriously.

Regarding the Redbank playground: my understanding is that it was removed because it was in a state of disrepair and was not particularly safe. I could be wrong, though.

There is a brand new playground at Brick Hill, and children from Redbank (and the other nearby neighborhoods) are welcome to use it. Additionally, the park at Brick Hill is gorgeous and is a wonderful place for children and people of all ages. Just go up Brick Hill Ave until you get to the top of the hill, and there it is between the Cottages and the Castle... you can't miss it. It's a perfect place to let your kids run around, go for a stroll, or sit under a tree and read. It really is a hidden gem in this part of town. I wish more kids would play there instead of in the parking lots and in the middle of the streets!

Regarding the Redbank playground: my understanding is that it was removed because it was in a state of disrepair and was not particularly safe. I could be wrong, though. There is a brand new playground at Brick Hill, and children from Redbank (and the other nearby neighborhoods) are welcome to use it. Additionally, the park at Brick Hill is gorgeous and is a wonderful place for children and people of all ages. Just go up Brick Hill Ave until you get to the top of the hill, and there it is between the Cottages and the Castle... you can't miss it. It's a perfect place to let your kids run around, go for a stroll, or sit under a tree and read. It really is a hidden gem in this part of town. I wish more kids would play there instead of in the parking lots and in the middle of the streets!

Just to clarify what I wrote about the Redbank playground: I asked the city manager about it and he said that the city did indeed remove it due to it being unsafe, and the city does recognize the need for play areas in that part of the city. The new playground at Brick Hill is one piece of the puzzle, and eventually the city would like to have something in Redbank as well.

I would also add, strictly as a personal observation, that there is a playground at Cortland Court (although it may only be for Cortland Court residents), and not far from there on the other side of the street is a basketball court which APPEARS to be open to the public, by virtue of the fact that it's entirely open and not fenced in.

Just to clarify what I wrote about the Redbank playground: I asked the city manager about it and he said that the city did indeed remove it due to it being unsafe, and the city does recognize the need for play areas in that part of the city. The new playground at Brick Hill is one piece of the puzzle, and eventually the city would like to have something in Redbank as well. I would also add, strictly as a personal observation, that there is a playground at Cortland Court (although it may only be for Cortland Court residents), and not far from there on the other side of the street is a basketball court which APPEARS to be open to the public, by virtue of the fact that it's entirely open and not fenced in.

Adrian, do you know if there is a city directory of playgrounds maintained by SoPo? Thanks for all the info.

Adrian, do you know if there is a city directory of playgrounds maintained by SoPo? Thanks for all the info.

Good question. I took a peek at the Parks & Rec section of the city's web site but didn't see anything specific to playgrounds.

Good question. I took a peek at the Parks & Rec section of the city's web site but didn't see anything specific to playgrounds.

I feel like the discussion may have gotten a bit off track here - and I'm only going to add to that - but I believe Mr. Fassett suggested meeting at 'a playground' not necesarily the Red Bank playground. It appears that Mr.'sopo west end' (is that your rap name?)is trying to make Mr. Fassett look like he is out of touch with the 'west end' (I have never, before now, heard this part of the city refered to like that before - all I can think of is Biggie Smalls, and Tu Pac... sorry, I digress) Where was I...I have lived in South Portland all my life and in the quaint neighborhood of Red Bank Village for the past 5 years and just realized last week that the playground had been removed - when my 4 year old son slyly manipulated the direction of our walk to bring us to the playground. I had been avoiding it over the past year because of the broken glass and foul words graffitied on it.

Thank you Adrian for the heads up about the play area in Brick Hill I will be sure to check it out.

I feel like the discussion may have gotten a bit off track here - and I'm only going to add to that - but I believe Mr. Fassett suggested meeting at 'a playground' not necesarily the Red Bank playground. It appears that Mr.'sopo west end' (is that your rap name?)is trying to make Mr. Fassett look like he is out of touch with the 'west end' (I have never, before now, heard this part of the city refered to like that before - all I can think of is Biggie Smalls, and Tu Pac... sorry, I digress) Where was I...I have lived in South Portland all my life and in the quaint neighborhood of Red Bank Village for the past 5 years and just realized last week that the playground had been removed - when my 4 year old son slyly manipulated the direction of our walk to bring us to the playground. I had been avoiding it over the past year because of the broken glass and foul words graffitied on it. Thank you Adrian for the heads up about the play area in Brick Hill I will be sure to check it out.

Yesterday I visited Red Bank with my 4yr old, my 7 yr old and my neighbors 4 yr old (they rode their bikes as I walked door to door). I must say that it was not a good day to be going door to door. I gave out many fliers, but most were through slots in doors.

The kids were able to say "hi" to a few kids, but for the most part kids were nowhere to be found except a cool "halloween birthday party" that we went by. My kids were like kids outside a store looking through the window at something they really wanted. I am sure they were disappointed when I didn't even let them go over and say "hello". I am sure they didn't understand why. At our house we have kind of an "open door policy" and kids we don't even know will end up there once in a while. I didn't bother trying to explain that I didn't want to intrude so I had to pretend that the party wasn't even there. They didn't ask the typical "why not daddy", so I just kept walking.

Also, I think my trip was sabotaged because some workers were out canvassing for the "big boys" before I was able to make it out. We had soccer first thing in the morning and then had an "applefest" party at a friends house in Portland. There were friends, neighbors and friends of friends everywhere... hoards of kids eating exotic candy apples too. It was great. I think school involvement would increase if people took the time to have more of these type of gatherings in their neighborhoods.

I also went to the Kaler school neighborhood the other day and found very few people home either. It is extremely difficult navigating neighborhoods with multi-family homes when the kids aren't outside playing.

So far I haven't gotten to hit the High School area, or the Northeast ends. I will be there in the coming weeks.

Yesterday I visited Red Bank with my 4yr old, my 7 yr old and my neighbors 4 yr old (they rode their bikes as I walked door to door). I must say that it was not a good day to be going door to door. I gave out many fliers, but most were through slots in doors. The kids were able to say "hi" to a few kids, but for the most part kids were nowhere to be found except a cool "halloween birthday party" that we went by. My kids were like kids outside a store looking through the window at something they really wanted. I am sure they were disappointed when I didn't even let them go over and say "hello". I am sure they didn't understand why. At our house we have kind of an "open door policy" and kids we don't even know will end up there once in a while. I didn't bother trying to explain that I didn't want to intrude so I had to pretend that the party wasn't even there. They didn't ask the typical "why not daddy", so I just kept walking. Also, I think my trip was sabotaged because some workers were out canvassing for the "big boys" before I was able to make it out. We had soccer first thing in the morning and then had an "applefest" party at a friends house in Portland. There were friends, neighbors and friends of friends everywhere... hoards of kids eating exotic candy apples too. It was great. I think school involvement would increase if people took the time to have more of these type of gatherings in their neighborhoods. I also went to the Kaler school neighborhood the other day and found very few people home either. It is extremely difficult navigating neighborhoods with multi-family homes when the kids aren't outside playing. So far I haven't gotten to hit the High School area, or the Northeast ends. I will be there in the coming weeks.