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HI. I’M DEANA TUCKER. I’M 5 YEARS OLD AND I AM GOING TO BE YOUR FRIEND.

Almost 60 years ago, my mom and I went to Forest Laundromat in St. Charles, MO. The owner, Edna Smith, greeted and welcomed us. We were new to the community and new customers.  I loved Edna on site. I returned her greeting, “Hi, I’m Deana and I’m 5 years old. I’m going to be your friend.” We did become friends.  Her husband Henry and her son Mark become lifelong friends of the family. My mom and I were at their funerals and Mark recently was present during my mom’s Celebration of Life.  Until Henry and Edna’s deaths, my childhood photos were on their refrigerator alongside family photos. Mark and my brother Mark were close friends until my brother’s death.  My mom worked part time in the laundromat. We boated with them and enjoyed many river sandbar picnics. As a new teen driver I often visited Edna and Henry for advice. They were mentors and bonus parents. 💗 They lived and worked 8 blocks away from us until we moved a few miles away. This family taught me about neighboring, friendshi

PUZZLED

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  Puzzled to Pieces My neighbor, "RT," has delivered meals and desserts to my house many times during the past few years as my mother's health declined and before and after her Celebration of Life in April 2024. She joined family and friends at the service and continues looking for ways to reach out. She has taken me out for dinner and listens patiently.  One day, she invited me indoors to show her puzzle collection. She was hoping to find more of a particular variety. FINALLY, something I could do for her! I went online, searched, and ordered a "FEW" puzzle. They've been delivered, and I'd like to join her during the winter months to work on a few with her.  A friend and I put this one together BEFORE I gave it to RT. It has been a long time since I've pieced a puzzle together. It was very relaxing and led to conversations and storytelling. I'm looking forward to spending time with my neighbor. Puzzling slows you down and allows you to relax and

Mister Rogers serenades the Boston University Class of 1992

This video popped up in my Facebook feed. Mr. Roger sings his famous song to the Boston University Class of 1992.  It is a fabulous neighboring message.   https://fb.watch/sJi6i1WKbr/

PLEASE HELP ME FIND MY DOG LEADS TO A FRIENDSHIP OF YOUNG & OLD

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  Hannah This week, a visiting guest offered to bring my Beagle Hannah from the backyard kennel into the house for the night. When the guest opened the gate, Hannah took advantage of the opportunity for an evening run.  While looking for Hannah, I noticed a young neighbor in the front yard of his parents' house. I walked across and down the street to ask him to watch for Hannah and let me know if he saw her. He kindly agreed and offered to look for her.  Two hours later, Hannah arrived at the front door and was welcomed inside with a treat. Later that evening, the doorbell rang. On the front porch was the neighbor, who introduced himself. He asked if Hannah had returned because if not, he was going to walk through the neighborhood to find her. I thanked him and showed him that Hannah was home.  His family moved into our neighborhood in the fall of 2023. I had met him once and spoken with his parents a few times, but I didn't know them well. I stepped outside, and "R"

NEIGHBORING IN THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS, Submitted by Suzanne Chisum, Ph.D.

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4100 Potomac Block Meeting April 2024 (Photo by Bob Nelson) Knowing my neighbors has brought me immense joy and enriched my life in countless ways. This week's block meeting highlighted the diverse and vibrant community we have, with the arrival of a new family from Vietnam, the exciting news of a baby girl on the way, and the bittersweet departure of a beloved neighbor. This was in addition to the organization of a neighborhood yard sale and Cinco de Mayo Party. One of our neighbors shared the work she does with a local organization that advocates for the people and families of people who live in long-term care facilities. The new family from Vietnam brings a touch of international flavor to our block. Their warm smiles and eagerness to connect have created a welcoming atmosphere. Soon we hope to share stories about our different cultures and traditions and foster a sense of understanding and appreciation. Their presence reminds me of the beauty of diversity and the importance of

Nominations for Most Engaged Neighbor Now Accepted All Year

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  Nominations for Most Engaged Neighbor Now Accepted All Year Nominations for Missouri's Most Engaged Neighbors are being accepted. The top nominees will be recognized during Missouri Good Neighbor Week.  Learn more here:   https://missourigoodneighborweek.com/ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8NFPSN6 2024 Missouri Good Neighbor Week - Engaged Neighbor Nomination In honor of Missouri Good Neighbor Week, we want to acknowledge neighbors who go above and beyond to be engaged. To find the best engaged neighbors among us, we need nominations for the Missouri Engaged Neighbor Awards!   All nominees will receive a small gift as a token of appreciation for their commitment to making their neighborhoods a great place to live. Winners of a Missouri Engaged Neighbor Award will be selected in participating counties and at a statewide level. Individual counties and cities may also have locally sponsored prizes. Statewide winners will receive a special prize.   Individuals can nominate a person

SHARING FISH WITH NEIGHBORS WHO LOVE TO FISH BUT ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO FISH

 Submitted by Shirley Logan, Cole Camp, MO My husband loves to fish.  He shares them with those who also love fish but are unable to get out and get some, mostly the elderly.  We had a 98 year old neighbor who lived alone and she also loved fish.  Now fish is kind of a mess to cook and clean up after, especially for one person.  So when I would fix fish for my family I would fix fish for her first.  When I continued to finish preparing our meal my husband would take the hot meal including sides to her.  She loved it! ! After she passed we decided to find someone else to share our meal with.  Again, we knew a elderly lady that lived alone and also loved fish.  We had known her for many years.  The first time we shared our fish meal with her she was so happy.  We continued this until she passed away.  At her funeral all of her children and some other family members thanked us repeatedly for doing that.  She loved it and it made her as happy as it made us.