Zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Topped with crumbled feta cheese, a splash of oil, and a pinch of spices. The entire creation is wrapped in foil to form a neat parcel.
“Raimo, would you mind turning on the grill?” calls out Pirjo Mieskonen.
It only takes a moment, and the aroma of freshly grilled delicacies begins to waft through the yard.
The couple is one of the most active residents at Havukoski Setlementtiasunnot. Active residents are invaluable to the buildings. With the help of neighbors, several joint clubs have been established for the residents, excursions have been organized, and the courtyard has been transformed into a pleasant summer oasis.
Every spring and autumn, a work bee day is held at the Havukoski building, where the yard area is prepared for the upcoming season. In addition to planting flowers and herbs, residents have also built wooden flower boxes themselves.
But today, we are grilling. The aroma attracts hungry neighbors one by one.
Organizing communal cooking sessions has been made effortless at Setlementtitalot: residents have access to both a communal kitchen and a gas grill. The common areas offer space for larger groups to gather – and it costs nothing.
“You could even host a party here,” Pirjo muses.
Cook with Confidence
What about the famous neighborly harmony? Isn’t grilling in an apartment building one of those things that makes residents grumpy? Not at Havukoski, at least.
Although grilling on balconies is not permitted, it is even encouraged in the building’s yard. Markku Merivirta, the housing coordinator for Setlementtiasunnot, encourages residents to boldly organize communal cooking sessions.
“In many buildings, for example, resident committees organize communal barbecues, or at least residents can propose such activities. Resident committees have an annual activity budget, and this money can also be used to organize communal meals and leisure activities.”
The Mieskonens are pleased with the building’s community spirit and peacefulness. The facilities for organizing events and cooking sessions are in good order, so they want to encourage residents to use them even more. The grill has also been brought out from storage to the yard for the summer, making it easy to use.
Once the food is eaten and the dishes are washed, it’s time to relax. Until next time!
How to Organize a Successful Grilling Session
- Feel free to use the building’s common areas. They can be used for gatherings with small or large groups, or even for hosting parties.
- Check the rules. Many Setlementtitalot buildings have a shared, free grill available. Cooking hot food on balconies is not allowed, but it is even recommended in the building’s yard. Using your own grilling equipment is also permitted.
- Remember safety! Only grill with appropriate equipment. When using gas, exercise caution and follow the instructions on the gas cylinders. Open fires are not permitted in yard areas. Safety is the user’s responsibility.
- Observe quiet hours. During quiet hours, special care and consideration for neighbors must be observed when cooking.
- Cooking together is enjoyable. What if you invited your neighbors too?
- Cleanliness is half the battle. After using the communal grill, it must be cleaned and returned to its designated place.
