Neighboring in the City of St. Louis

 


Special guest submission by:
Suzanne Chisum, Ph.D. 
Block Captain - 4100 Block of Potomac - St. Louis, Missouri

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 her work with a local organization that advocates for the people and families of people living 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 embracing it.

Another neighbor's news of expecting a baby girl in September filled the meeting with a collective sense of joy and anticipation. The excitement of welcoming a new life into our community is palpable. It is a beautiful reminder of the circle of life and the continuity of our neighborhood.

However, the departure of another neighbor brought a tinge of sadness to the meeting. His decision to move away marks the end of an era. We have shared countless memories, from block parties to caroling in the cold of December.  He is seen regularly walking his dog on the block.   His presence (as well as his pups) will be deeply missed, but his contributions to our block community will be cherished forever.

These experiences at the block meeting are just a glimpse into the joys of knowing my neighbors. True community is built in the everyday interactions, the shared laughter, and the moments of support. My neighbors are more than just people who live nearby; they are friends, confidants, and a source of constant comfort.

Knowing my neighbors has made me feel connected, supported, and part of something larger than myself. It has taught me the importance of empathy, compassion, and the power of unity. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, having a strong sense of community provides a safety net and a source of strength.

I am grateful for the diverse and vibrant community I am privileged to be a part of. The joys of knowing my neighbors extend far beyond the block meetings and shared experiences. It is a continuous journey of growth, learning, and connection that makes life truly meaningful.

 MORE INFORMATION

Does this article make you interested in taking the Engaged Neighbor pledge? Five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com.

Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Five Cities Named Most Neighborly in Missouri for 2024

Image
  Photo above: From a block party in Ferguson, Missouri. New to Missouri Good Neighbor Week this year was recognition for the most neighborly cities in the state.  This honor was based on points earned by participating in the week, city campaigns and proclamations, residents making nominations for most engaged neighbor and reporting acts of neighboring, and statewide or local prizes won.  "The goal was to further engage cities with Missouri Good Neighbor Week and we had over 12 pass proclamations and at least 12 that had organized city-wide efforts for Missouri Good Neighbor Week," said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension and creator of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. "We ended the week with over 31,000 documented acts of neighboring and five cities worthy of the title 'most neighborly city' in Missouri." In 2024, five cities were named the most neighborly cities in Missouri: Houston, Excelsior Springs, Sikeston,...
Read more

MU Extension Announces Show Me Neighborhood Art Week June 1-15

Image
  To participate in Show Me Neighborhood Art Week, Missourians  must register here online . The registration deadline for Show Me Neighborhood Art Week is May 24. Preexisting and new public art can be registered, but only new art can be considered for prizes. The location for this event is ALL of Missouri -- your front yard, your neighborhood, and your community. The online state map marking locations around Missouri will be interactive. If you have questions, please see the contact emails at the end of this blog. SPRINGFIELD, MO. -  University of Missouri Extension has announced the launch of a new statewide public art exhibit called Show Me Neighborhood Art Week. This outreach program strives to promote creative expression and public art made by residents, regardless of their skill level, as a contribution to the community's sense of place and residents' sense of belonging. The initiative was inspired by LAWN (Lawn Art With Neighbors), a grassroots program launched in S...
Read more

Missouri's Most Engaged Neighbors Honored as Part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week

Image
  During Missouri Good Neighbor Week 2024, over 120 individuals were nominated as Missouri's Most Engaged Neighbor, and 22 were selected for individual recognition. Our Missouri celebration also got national attention from NextDoor, the social media company, whose leadership team worked with us to create a post that went out nationwide on NextDoor on Sept. 27.  You can access it here . At that point, another 50 nominations poured in from across the state. "The nominations were of really high quality this year," said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension and creator of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. "Every nominee should have received a letter letting them know of the nomination and a memento, a Missouri Good Neighbor Week nominee keychain." The top nominees (22 this year) will receive a check for $100 and an official award certificate. In past years, there have been 50 to 60 nominations. But this year, the window for ...
Read more