When Fran’s mother got a new job, the family moved. Their new

house was in a dome on the planet Mars. Fran was a little worried

about the ride on the spaceship. She was even more worried

about making friends there.

On their first day in their new house, Mom went off to work.

She was the head of the team that made oxygen from plants.

Dad did not start his job at the food factory for a few days.

He stayed home and got the house ready. Fran helped him.

“Let’s go for a walk,” said Dad. “We have been working hard.

We need a break. Taking a walk will help us learn about our new

neighborhood. Maybe we will meet some people.”

They walked down the street to the corner. There were trees

and plants everywhere. They made oxygen for the Mars colony.

Overhead was a giant dome that protected everything.

On the corner, there was a parking lot for little flying cars and

a bulletin board. A note on the board said there was going to be

a block party that night.

“What is a block party?” asked Fran.

“It is a party for the people in a neighborhood. A street like ours

is called a block. Sometimes people call it a street party. When I

was growing up, we called it a block party.” Dad kind of smiled.

“Why are you smiling?” asked Fran.

“I was thinking about the block parties we had when I was

growing up,” said Dad. “They were a lot of fun. I never thought

there would be block parties on Mars.”

“They still are fun,” said a voice from behind them. “And we

love block parties on Mars. They remind us of home. I’m Nick

Martinez, one of your neighbors. I saw you walking down the

street and decided to say hello. Are you going to come to the

block party? It will be a great way to meet everyone.”

Fran and her father introduced themselves. They talked to

Mr. Martinez about the neighborhood and the block party.

“We are lucky,” said Mr. Martinez. “The Mars Colony Council

lets us use the parking lot for the party. All of us do a little for

the party. Some people cook, others bring tables and chairs.

Some people make decorations. There was a sign-up list here

in the park. You put your name beside what you want to do.”

“Where is the sign-up list?” asked Dad. “We would like to help.”

Fran nodded her head and smiled. She liked the idea of a block

party. Maybe she could meet some kids her own age.

“The list is not up any more,” said Mr. Martinez. “The party is

tonight, so all the jobs have been given. There is one way you

can help, however.”

“Just tell us what it is,” said Fran. “We like to work.”

“That is great,” said Mr. Martinez. “One of the most important

jobs is cleaning up after the party. We want to keep the park

clean. We do some of the cleaning up tonight after the party and

the rest of it in the morning. You can help us out either time.”

“How about both times?” said Fran. “I bet we will get to meet

lots of people that way. And we will be doing something for our

new neighborhood.”