The New York Times column “Why Americans Are Afraid of Their Neighbors” (written by Jessica Grose and printed May 26, 2026) explored something many people feel but rarely stop to examine: Americans have slowly been taught to distrust strangers, including the people living right next door.   The article traces this fear back to the “stranger danger” campaigns of the 1980s, when highly publicized child abductions and sensationalized media coverage convinced many parents that danger was everywhere. I lived through "stranger danger" and remember those campaigns. The column makes an important point. While those fears were understandable, the messaging often exaggerated the actual risk. The article notes that missing child statistics were frequently misleading and that most harm to children does not come from strangers at all. Over time, however, the cultural lesson stuck: strangers are dangerous, neighbors are unknown, and safety comes from isolation rather than connection ...

  The recent WBUR interview with Vivek Murthy (former Surgeon General) centers on a growing crisis of loneliness and disconnection in modern life, especially as technology, social media, and polarized culture increasingly replace or weaken real human relationships.  Murthy argues that “staying human” requires intentionally protecting empathy, presence, service, and community. He warns that without effort, people may drift into lives mediated more by machines than by meaningful relationships.   You can read the original article here:  WBUR interview with Vivek Murthy . Or continue reading for my take-aways from the interview. Core summary Murthy says loneliness is not just an emotional problem. It is a public health issue linked to anxiety, depression, heart disease, dementia, and shorter lifespan.  He emphasizes that people today often mistake digital interaction for genuine connection, but “likes” and online attention provide only temporary gratification. Real ...

  Show-Me Neighborhood Art Month is officially underway across Missouri, and once again neighbors are using creativity to build connection, spark conversations, and turn ordinary spaces into places of belonging. This statewide project invites residents to create and display neighborhood art in front yards, businesses, parks, and public gathering places throughout the month. The result is not simply an art show. It becomes a reason for neighbors to slow down, walk around, talk to one another, and experience community in a different way. You can learn more about the project, register artwork, explore the statewide map, and vote for your favorite displays through the Show-Me Neighborhood Art Month website . Throughout the month, I will be highlighting different entries from around the state that capture the spirit of neighboring and community. This week’s featured display is titled Love Your Neighbor , created by local artist Janelle Patterson  and displayed at 3260 E. Seneca in ...

I often say that neighboring is not a microwave, it is a crockpot. It does not happen instantly like a microwave. Rather the key ingredient for neighboring is time. "Crockpot neighboring" is a fun way to describe how we can build friendships and help the people around us, one action at a time over a longer period of time. Just like a crockpot, where you put in a few ingredients and let them cook slowly, crockpot neighboring is about making small, kind gestures over time. These little acts can help create strong friendships and a closer community. What is Crockpot Neighboring? Crockpot neighboring is about taking small steps to get to know your neighbors and show you care. It’s like cooking a big meal in a crockpot. You don’t have to rush things or make huge efforts. Instead, you do little things that add up over time to make something great.  Just like how a slow-cooked stew becomes tasty and delicious after hours of simmering, your neighborhood can become a warm and friendly...

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Springfield’s proposed updates to the city’s animal control ordinance have sparked passionate discussion, especially around the growing concern of dogs running loose in neighborhoods. Some residents who spoke at the May 19, 2026, City Council meeting described frightening encounters with aggressive or uncontrolled dogs. Others may worry about overregulation. But beneath the debate lies a deeper question that goes far beyond dogs or ordinances. What does it mean to be a good neighbor? That question has been at the center of my work for years through Missouri Good Neighbor Week and the State of Neighboring in Missouri study. One of the strongest findings from our statewide surveys is that Missourians increasingly define a “good neighbor” not by close friendship, but by everyday behaviors that show consideration and respect. That is exactly where responsible pet ownership belongs. In the 2024 State of Neighboring survey, 71 percent of Missourians said respecting privac...