Community Starts Closer to Home

What I love about Martinez is that it has maintained its “old town” appeal. There’s the quaint downtown, Waterfront Park as one of our favorite gathering places, and, most importantly, the connections within the community.

Some of my favorite moments are the sincere “hellos” and “good mornings” while walking around town, chatting with someone at a local café, or catching up with familiar faces at one of our festivals.

Often, when we think of “community,” we think about gathering at the heart of the city. But in reality, community begins much closer to home—with the connections we make within our own neighborhoods.

A friend of ours recently invited my husband and me to his block party. Even though we live about a half mile away from his neighborhood, we were more than happy to join in.

When we arrived, the street had been closed to through traffic. Behind the barrier were several long tables and benches set up beneath canopies. Across from the tables was the “stage”—a large rug spread across a driveway with enough instruments set up to create a full band.

Beyond the stage were cornhole sets, a pickleball net, a basketball hoop, and disc golf.

The food came from everyone attending. I brought a mixture of nacho cheese and pico de gallo, and the rest of the tables quickly filled with appetizers, barbecued meats, salads, sides, desserts, and drinks.

People from around the neighborhood gathered over a very generous meal. Conversations moved from personal updates and children to sports and music. The music jam provided the entertainment, with some guests bringing their own instruments and joining in.

As I sat there with my husband, enjoying the gathering, I said, “We need more of this in Martinez.”

Block parties in different neighborhoods where people can simply enjoy each other’s company and, for a few hours, forget about the stressful events happening in the world.

It doesn’t have to be elaborate. A few tables, something to eat, music, games, and neighbors willing to spend an afternoon together can be enough. You may discover that the person you wave to while walking the dog plays guitar, makes a great potato salad, or has lived on your street for 30 years and has stories you’ve never heard.

Martinez already has a strong sense of community. We see it at the Farmers Market, our festivals, the waterfront, and throughout downtown. But maybe there’s an opportunity to bring some of that same spirit a little closer to home.

Community doesn’t always need a festival or a gathering at the center of town. Sometimes it just needs a few folding tables in the middle of the street.