Community Minded Again

Ye gods, where to even start today? 20 minutes to a Cleaner Calgary good to see Mayor Nenshi taking part. I have to admit I forgot it was today, terrible short term memory, until I read about it in my Metro this morning after my free shower on the way home from Safeway. (Thanks #YYC lol) but, it does seem to me a variant of it would be the perfect thing for around here, maybe this weekend.

On the same note, also in my Metro was a piece on coping with working 9 to 5 in the summertime. Included in the suggestions was bringing home baked goodies like cookies or muffins to work to share with co-workers and lift spirits - also a perfect suggestion for getting in touch with and getting to know your neighbours. It's one I've used several times, not to mention being a #RAOK!

Then I found a piece elsewhere on how to create a healthier community (Yes I am aware I have a bee in my bonnet, but it's nothing to the bee about distracted drivers - that comes later lol) Hey I have to live somewhere, so why not do whatever I can to make that somewhere the best place it can be no matter where it is, right? So, creating a healthier community. The article had 12 suggestions.
1. Volunteer
2. Encourage healthy eating - if your neighbourhood lacks affordable healthy food look into creating a community kitchen or garden (I wish!)
3. Make job searches easier - compile a list of online local job resources and distribute copies anywhere that offers free Internet access.
4. Reach out to your neighbours - have a block party, pot luck BBQ or kids play dates.
5. Support your local library - organize a donation or fundraising drive.
6. Look into neighbourhood watch, block watch or block parent programs.
7. Work to identify and remove or fix hazards.
8. Organize a littler pick up.
9. Start an exercise group.
10. Raise funds to upgrade a playground.
11. Give blood.
12. Welcome new neighbours.

Which brings me to a question - anyone have any suggestions for questions to ask people to get an idea of how they feel about their neighbourhood? A neighbourhood survey of sorts - what people like/don't like, know/don't know about services, amenities, etc, use/don't use, want more or less of, want rid of or would like to see. You get the idea. Any and all suggestions welcome.