First annual Flynnfest promotes community

On Sept. 18, the grounds outside of Flynntown were covered in spray paint for obstacle courses and a bike course. By 10 a.m., the events were in full swing.

The event, hosted by Michael Reilly, Jeff Glover and Brother Paul Richards, some of the Faculty Residents for Flynntown, was known as Flynnfest—an idea that has been in the works for about two years.

It was for the people living in Flynntown and all CSB/SJU students were welcome. Despite a small turnout, the event accomplished its goals.

Reilly said the goal of the party was “…just to engage people in the community and try to get them to talk to one another and interact with each other outside of their regular day-to-day schedule.”

From school and working a job, residents may find it difficult to interact with each other if they don’t see them in class or at other events.

Flynnfest was a way to have residents interact, play games and eat food together outside a school or work setting.

On top of getting people to interact with each other, the party also aimed to show older residents that they can enjoy a party while drinking responsibly.

“The goal of res[idental] life is…how to create or help you learn how to host reasonable parties,” Reilly said.

He wanted to show how to throw responsible parties. Some of the residential goals are to help people on both campuses improve themselves while at school and show how to be responsible while having fun.

Reilly plans on repeating the event next year since it accomplished its goal of getting everyone out of their rooms. The event brought the sense of community to Flynntown.

The Flynntown residents embraced the event, and Reilly saw the initative shown by residents as evidence of its success.

“It was really cool how one of the residents from Flynntown…without being asked, he started bringing around bags of popcorn to people,” Reilly said.