Amanda Eckelbarger uses Block Grant funding to bring neighbors closer together in Bristol’s Chelton Glen neighborhood
Amanda Eckelbarger, a recent recipient of Elkhart County Block Grant funding, and her husband, Chris, were among the first new residents to move into Bristol’s expanding Chelton Glen Phase 2 subdivision. Having watched Phase 2 grow over the past year with more than 20 new households, the couple decided it was time to find a way to bring their new neighbors together.
“Chelton Glen Phase 2 has a mix of completed homes, a few under construction, and several with new families still settling in, and although there are so many new faces around, it’s been hard to get to know people because folks are all in different move-in stages,” said Eckelbarger. “Early on with the new residents, some mail delivery issues were somewhat of a silver lining because many of us had to go to the Post Office on a near-daily basis. That gave us a chance to meet a lot of our new neighbors face-to-face and get to know them.”
Encouraged by those interactions, Amanda decided to apply for Elkhart County Block Grant funding with a plan to organize an Oct. 25 neighborhood party—featuring yard games, music, appetizers, and food—for new Chelton Glen Phase 2 residents to meet their Phase 2 neighbors, along with residents of Chelton Glen’s original Phase 1 subdivision.
“Being the social butterflies that we are, Chris and I decided to lean into that role and find a way to bring everyone together,” said Eckelbarger. “We wanted people to meet each other and feel good about knowing their neighbors. Many of our new Phase 2 residents are new to Bristol, with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We have a couple who moved back here from Florida, another who came here from Las Vegas, a Goshen Police detective, a nursing professional from Middlebury, and a family who spent many years in Korea before returning and choosing Bristol—over Michigan—as their new home. There are several other new households in Phase 2, three homes for sale, and three more under construction—making our corner of Chelton Glen active, dynamic, and full of potential.”
Breaking the ice
According to Eckelbarger, the Oct. 25 event—despite some hurdles—was a success. With Bristol hosting trick-or-treating on the same night, there was fun and high spirits throughout the streets of Chelton Glen and inside the Eckelbarger’s home, and new Phase 2 neighbors had a chance to interact and mingle with other new neighbors and existing residents.
“We doubled down on candy and trick-or-treating, and—despite some weather curveballs—it was wonderful to see families enjoying themselves and getting to know one another,” said Eckelbarger. “The yard games and some of the outdoor items didn’t gain much traction with the rainy weather, but we were happy to host, and the event was the ice breaker we were hoping for. It truly helped set the tone for a warm, welcoming environment here and planted the seeds for a more connected neighborhood.”
Since the neighborhood party, Eckelbarger noted, Chelton Glen residents are chattier and waving and engaging with each other.
“Some of the new neighbors were out of town for fall break, and reached out to let us know they can’t wait for the next get-together,” said Eckelbarger. “Even folks whose homes are under construction, and they haven’t fully moved in yet, were excited because they know they’ll be living in a fun, welcoming, caring, and community-minded environment. That’s one of the best parts of living in Elkhart County, and Chris and I are glad to spread that theme and share that welcoming feeling with our new neighbors.”
Play your part, apply today!
If you have an idea to improve your Elkhart County neighborhood, don’t miss out on the funding you need to make it happen! It’s easy to apply for Block Grant funding. A simple application, and you and your neighbors will be on your way to making Elkhart County an even better place to live, work, and play! Apply for Block Grant funding at https://vibrantelkhartcounty.org/block-grants/.
Additional community grant funding is also available in the form of smaller micro-grants, up to $500, through the Little BIG Idea Grant program. To apply for a Little BIG Idea Grant award, please visit https://vibrantelkhartcounty.org/lbig-application/.
Amanda Eckelbarger, a recent recipient of Elkhart County Block Grant funding, and her husband, Chris, were among the first new residents to move into Bristol’s expanding Chelton Glen Phase 2 subdivision. Having watched Phase 2 grow over the past year with more than 20 new households, the couple decided it was time to find a way to bring their new neighbors together. Amanda applied for an Elkhart County Block Grant, and was awarded funding to organize an Oct. 25 neighborhood party—featuring yard games, music, appetizers, and food—for new Chelton Glen Phase 2 residents to meet their Phase 2 neighbors, along with residents of Chelton Glen’s original Phase 1 subdivision.
