Johnsburg residents treated to ice cream party

One Johnsburg neighborhood was treated to an ice cream block party Saturday, thanks to a resident who won an essay contest.

Nicole Sherman submitted an essay to the Edy’s Slow Churned Neighborhood Salute essay contest, and her neighborhood was treated to enough ice cream to serve 100 people and scoops, tablecloths, nametags, disposable camera and napkins for the tastey event.

Here's her essay an a snapshot from the party:

"I am a full time working mother of five kids, and I love where we live; it’s the only place I would ever want to raise my kids. Our neighborhood is nestled in a small community that still has old fashioned values. We have a wide variety of ages in the families that reside here, some are young couples just starting a family, a huge family that home schools all their kids, others are couples with teenagers, and also retirees with grand children. We don’t have much money, but we all have big hearts, and our neighbors show it on a regular basis.

When our youngest was born last year, I was amazed at how many of our neighbors sent over care packages to our home, hand crocheted blankets, and even homemade rice pudding. When our dog got lost, they helped us search for her. They have been there to lend a helping hand anytime we have needed one. Whenever I have found I am missing an ingredient like an egg for a cake, I know I can always call one of my neighbors. Likewise, they know they can call on me for anything they need.

Many of the people living here have been losing their jobs; some even have lost their cars or homes. It’s heartbreaking to see how our neighbors and friends are struggling through these tough times. Lately there has been no reason to celebrate anything with how dark and uncertain the future seems. I would love to give back to my neighborhood for all the help and happiness that they bring into my life by being here. A party would be a wonderful way to return some of the joy they have brought to my family, and to be able to have a neighborhood ice cream party would be incredible. There’s nothing better than a little ice cream to brighten any day.

Sincerely,

Nicole Sherman"