It’s a Family Affair

By Claire Nelson

Distributing the BHCA newsletter throughout the Heights requires a dedicated team of 20, plus substitutes, to hand-deliver to each home. Belmont Heights has been divided into 20 routes to ensure coverage throughout the neighborhood.

 Julie, Tim, Lila and Ava

Julie Malicki-Noggle has been a part of the Belmont Heights newsletter distribution team since 2019, starting as an alternate, someone who fills in when a regular delivery person is unavailable. In 2022, she picked up a permanent route near her neighborhood. Julie and her delightful family, husband Tim, and daughters Ava and Lila, can be seen delivering newsletters to their neighbors each quarter. They see it as a fun, active way to be involved, meet neighbors, and enjoy the holiday decorations and various gardens throughout the seasons. Julie mentioned that an added benefit is inspiring her daughters to see the value of giving back and connecting with their neighbors. As it only takes two hours, four times a year, it’s a fun and easy way to be of service.

As a small business owner and someone who’s invested in her community, Julie highlights the many benefits of volunteering to deliver the newsletter four times each year including the gratitude expressed by the residents receiving this hand-delivered newsletter. It’s a personal touch that’s much too rare in today’s world. And it’s a fun way to get their step count in! Ava and Lila create little games such as who can get one side of the block delivered the fastest.

When asked about a favorite memory, Julie chuckled and responded that it goes back to the first time she delivered. She had the map, outlined with the boundaries of her route, and set off. Only later did she learn she needed to deliver to the entire route, not just the boundary streets. It’s a funny memory she still gets a great laugh out of.

Delivering this newsletter has been a great opportunity for the Noggle family to connect with their neighbors. If you live in their route – Termino & Newport and Vista & 3rd – please say hello and extend your thanks as they deliver future newsletters. They’d love to meet you.