Ted Swan

 

Ted Swan of 516 Ogden St. will be the first to tell you that he lives on a very friendly block of activity-loving and people-loving neighbors. They nominated Ted for this award because of his tremendous warm and welcoming nature that has brought people together in new and bigger ways.

 

While waiting to pick up his daughter at kindergarten, he introduced himself to another waiting parent. They were pleasantly surprised to learn that they only live two blocks apart. They exchanged contact information, and he invited the family to the next Ogden St. event, introducing them around to neighbors. Now that family is part of the “Ogden family.”

Ted is a natural…starting conversations with strangers, welcoming new people to neighborhood parties, adding to the sense of community…all while helping organize multiple events. These Ogden neighbors host events for young and old, bridging generations. This year, Ted and neighbors hosted a February multi-cultural block party that included a Mardi Gras celebration with tossing treats, toys, and trinkets from a balcony to excited neighborhood children waiting below, with delighted parents and neighbors enjoying the fun too.

 

Valentine’s Day was also celebrated at the February block party with decorated houses along with an exchange of Valentine cards and candy.

At the block party, they also celebrated Chinese New Year, authentically sharing “the red envelope” tradition with dollar bills inside to wish friends a healthy and prosperous new year, all with houses decorated in a Chinese theme.

 

 

 

 

Here’s the invitation to the February block party. Have you ever heard of the “Lunagrastine Fest”?

When you figure the name out, if you’re like me, you’ll laugh out loud at the fun creativity of this group.

 

 

 

 

 

Ted and his community spirit were also a big part of the Easter Egg hunt for neighborhood kids over the last few years.
 

                         

 

During the pandemic, Ted and neighbors were still active, keeping connections going with a summer 2021 block party with air castle and other activities that attracted all generations. Deep appreciation to Ted for his warm, inclusive, engaging spirit that has such a positive effect on his neighbors and beyond.