As we dig out of the snow (yay snow!), I wanted to call your attention to an annual tradition in Jamaica Plain.

Over the past couple of years, over 250 neighbors have come out in the cold blistery nights of February for the State of Our Neighborhood Forum.

Happening this year at the Kennedy Elementary School in Hyde Square, just off Centre St on Bolster St., the evening starts at 6pm with a panel of our elected representatives who are answering questions posed by community groups on the topics of youth, urban agriculture, transit, seniors, affordable housing, and local business.

At 7:30pm, break-out groups on each of these topics are a space to learn more and meet neighbors with similar interests. There is always room to form spontaneous groups on any topic of interest (there are neighbors planning to come to talk about bikes, school assignments, immigration and other issues).

From discussions begun at the State of Our Neighborhood forum, new projects have started like the Boston Bean, the Egleston Farmers Market, the JP Resiliency Measures Project, JP Yard-Sharing, and more. Existing efforts have been strengthened by new volunteers met through the forum, and new friendships have been made.

There are snacks, coffee and local musicians from 5:45 until we start. Hope to see you this Tuesday night at the 3rd annual State of Our Neighborhood forum. And bring a neighbor!