We Are Neighbors

  BEST IN SHOW: The mural by Donna Huellinghoff and Eileen Wade on the Chamber of Commerce building near 203 E. Main Street in Union, Mo. SPRINGFIELD, MO. -  University of Missouri Extension has announced the 2024 award winners in a new statewide public art exhibit called Show Me Neighborhood Art Week (June 1-June 15).  This art-focused 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. Winners in the 2024 event were announced as part of a live online event on Thursday, June 27. Prizes given are from other Missouri artists. Those selected for recognition included: BEST IN SHOW: The mural by Donna Huellinghoff and Eileen Wade on the Chamber of Commerce building near 203 E. Main Street in Union, Mo. The Harry Weber bronze sculpture and book of Weber prints are the awards given. This award winner also earned nearly 13% of al

On Tuesday, June 25, the Camden County Council of University of Missouri (MU) Extension hosted a neighboring lunch and learn event at The Club at Porto Cima. The event featured David Burton, an author, neighboring expert, and MU Extension community development specialist. He led an interactive workshop, providing participants valuable insights into neighborly interactions and community engagement. "The Engaged Neighbor program is for anyone wanting to improve their neighborhood or community, as well as their personal life and health," said Burton. "It's not just for new homeowners or people new to community life." Burton shared practical strategies and tips for fostering a positive and supportive neighborhood environment during the presentation. Attendees also had the opportunity to create personal greeting cards to give to a neighbor they may not have spoken to before. The event host, Laura Neely, emphasized the significance of becoming an engaged neighbor. &qu

    I have seen it happen a number of times: people assume a Neighborhood Association is the same thing as a Homeowners Association (HOA). But nothing could be further from the truth. An NA and an HOA are different in style, form and function, not to mention how they are established and the laws that make an HOAs possible. Perhaps no one understands that better than Sue Carter, an experienced real estate agent and broker in Republic, Missouri, who has been selling real estate for over 21 years, including homes in and out of local HOAs. I first turned to Carter because my challenge was finding contact information for HOAs in my community. No one kept records of them: not the city, not the police, not the fire department. The one or two I knew about did not seem to be active, and the contact I had would never respond. So, where to start? "I have sold new construction for 12 years, in 25 subdivisions, representing 22 different builders. I worked with developers and attorneys on CCRs

A year after I graduated from college, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers released the song: “I Won’t Back Down.” It became a favorite of mine. Maybe it was the melody. Perhaps it was the guitar. Nah, who am I kidding, it was because I was in the newspaper business in 1989. I love music. I have lots of favorite songs and artists. But for me, Tom Petty’s music transcended generations. His timeless lyrics and catchy melodies resonate with listeners. His songs also offer profound insights into life, love, and the human experience.  I learned some valuable lessons from Tom Petty's melodies during the 1990s. Here are five that came to mind. Lesson 1: Persistence and Resilience In "I Won't Back Down," Petty sings, "You can stand me up at the gates of hell, but I won't back down." This anthem of resilience teaches us to persevere in the face of adversity. It reminds us that challenges may arise, but with determination and courage, we can overcome them. Lesson 2: E

Social media is the elusive lover who never kisses back. It's like sending love letters into the void, hoping for a response but often getting lost in the abyss of likes and retweets. Our relationship status with social media is complicated. Last week, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called on Congress to pass a bill requiring a warning label on social media apps. “The mental health crisis among young people is an emergency — and social media has emerged as an important contributor,” wrote Murthy.  Social media is the virtual playground where many of us gather to display our most dazzling moments, filter our faces to perfection, and engage in the ancient art of stalking our exes. It’s a bizarre world where "likes" are currency, hashtags are the new hieroglyphics, and oversharing is the norm.  Facebook is where your grandma shares minion memes and your uncle debates politics like it’s an Olympic sport. Instagram is, where every meal must be photographed befo

  A city thrives not merely on its infrastructure or economic prowess but on the strength of its social bonds. None of these bonds is as vital or impactful as the connections forged between neighbors.    For this reason alone, a city should support efforts to build neighbor connections: Those connections foster resilience, social cohesion, a sense of belonging and place, increased engagement, safety and collective well-being. Improvement in each of those areas actually takes stress off the city for services!   Let’s take a closer look at what is gained.    Fostering Resilience:  In times of adversity, a community's resilience often determines its capacity to withstand and recover from such challenges. Positive connections among neighbors form the backbone of this resilience.   Fostering Social Cohesion:  Building social cohesion is paramount to fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion in communities where cultures—like those between long-time residents and newcomers —converge.

When a neighbor has a surgery or a family tragedy or a need, what do we often say? We say, "How can I help?"  Asking what you can do to help someone is a nice gesture, but chances are you won’t get an honest answer. Instead of asking, just act!   There are many ways to take the initiative and help someone going through a challenging time. Organizing meals, grocery shopping, and quick visits are all helpful tasks that aren’t too intrusive but mean a lot to the person in need. I was told once that the first gesture should be to deliver paper products like plates and napkins and plastic forks so they do not have to mess with doing a dishes for a while! Another idea, if there is a need, is setting up a Meal Train online so others can help can also bring relieve and support. If you’ve ever been in a crisis, you’ve likely heard these words, “What can I do to help?” I have no doubt that those words are  well-intentioned. People and neighbors reach out wanting to make a perso

  Our community is made up of all types of people. Different backgrounds and different abilities. David Burton did an interview with KSMU public radio on Oct. 5, 2022 advocating for meeting and engaging with our neighbors. A few days later who get this wonderful email. The names have been changed by request of the author. This is what they wrote: "In 2012 we moved from south Springfield to the Willard school district in northern Springfield.  We didn’t have any visible neighbors, but my son JR who is on the autism spectrum was insistent that we meet the neighbors.  So, reluctantly, I made a plan.  On Sunday afternoons that fall we would walk to one or two neighbors and introduce ourselves, just JR and myself.  I wore my Autism Speaks Walk t-shirt trusting that the non-verbal communication would help. "One of the first houses we went to had a lot of items in its yard.  JR commented on their “messy” yard and I pleaded with him not to say anything about the yard when we spoke to

When I reflect on my childhood and youth, many special memories include friends (and neighbors) who enjoyed the experience with me. Things like riding my bike around town, spending time at the local swimming pool, exploring caves and rivers together, fishing local ponds and rivers, playing games at the house and in the yard, hauling hay, or working together on a sports team.  Sometimes, those special memories revolved around service. For example, the family that needed help with cattle, the hunt for a stray dog, or even a good friend who died too early. Time invested with people in those experiences adds up to friendships, some lasting for decades and others fading when not nurtured. The same is true for relationships with neighbors. Positive relationships need attention and take time. Neighboring is more like a crockpot than a microwave. But do not take my word for it. There is a study that backs me up! FRIENDSHIP TAKES TIME In 2018, a University of Kansas professor determ