Am I A Good Neighbor?

June 16, 2023

GETTING TO KNOW MY NEIGHBORS

June 2023
Deana Tucker Dothage

Buckhorn Court has been my home for 19 years. We have babies through age 95 who live here. People move out, move in and some lived their last days in homes on this street. My son and one of his closest friends were raised here.

My neighborhood is green! Lots of trees and well-maintained landscaped yards. There is a pond in the backyard on both sides of our street. It’s a joy to wake up and look out the windows, to sit on the deck or front porch.

As my involvement in the Engaged Neighbor increased by delivering programs about being a good neighbor and getting to know your neighbors, it occurred to me that I could be a better neighbor.

Gathering printed materials about Engaged Neighbor events, newsletters, Good Neighbor Week and Engaged Neighbor St. Charles (8/29/2023) to distribute on my street was easy. Putting pen to paper, I composed a letter of introduction that starts with “Let’s get to know each other.” One request in the letter is that each person email me an example of a good neighbor experience they recall while living on our street.

Delivery of the letter was on foot. I watched for people to be outside. Most know who I am and where I live. It was not hard to approach them to explain that my work involved a good neighbor program and that I’d like to live the program with my neighbors. A few letters were left on porches, followed by a FB private message or text to let them know what it was about. For those who were not outside, my courage enabled me to ring the doorbell.

Results:

Two neighbors are celebrating milestone birthdays (90 and 95) in August & September.
We have scheduled a birthday party for them in my front yard on September 6. (cakes, burgers & hot dogs, & sides). Everyone on the street will get a hand delivered invitation.
Conversations to learn more about each other.
Conversations about the value of knowing each other.
Everyone was receptive to accepting my letter and chatting about the neighborhood.
While working from home on the front porch this week, I set out some lawn chairs. Neighbors have stopped to visit and to talk about the September birthday event.
My garage and deck are full of furniture. People became brave enough to ask, WHY? They learned that my house is being updated with fresh paint and new flooring. I’m here to stay!