Why is it important to restore a derelict one-room school building, no longer in use? A recent article in a student publication gave a worthwhile answer: “They are part of our heritage. They are a symbol of a community. A place where people came together, where the next generation was educated, a place where adults and children formed strong bonds with their neighbors.” That quote captures exactly why these simple structures still matter. One-room schools were more than places of learning. They were the heart of rural communities. For decades, these buildings hosted spelling bees, Christmas programs, pie socials, and school board meetings. They were places where farm kids received their first glimpse of the wider world, and where neighbors gathered in times of joy and sorrow. Today, many of these buildings sit vacant and crumbling—weathered by time, forgotten by progress. And yet, they hold an irreplaceable piece of Missouri’s story. Restoring a one-room schoolhouse is not just abo...

  It all started with a folding table and a dream. I decided to host a potluck in our garage—because nothing says “community” like a plastic table next to a weed whacker and a half-deflated beach ball.  But in our small suburban town, where the biggest excitement last week was the garbage truck backing into a mailbox, this potluck had the potential to become the social event of the season. First, I printed some invitations (read: scribbled notes on sticky pads) and walked door-to-door like a middle-aged Paul Revere shouting, “Bring a dish and a chair!” People were intrigued. A few asked if this was one of those pyramid food schemes. Others wanted to know if there would be Jell-O salad. (Of course. What kind of operation do you think I'm running?) The day arrived. I swept the garage, shoved the lawn mower behind an old quilt, and strung up some Christmas lights I forgot to take down in 2019. Our suburban garage was transformed into a cozy, slightly flammable banquet hall. Neigh...

In today’s world, it might feel like people are more divided than ever. Turn on the news or scroll through social media, and it seems like everyone is arguing—especially about politics. But there’s a surprising and simple way to bring people together: get to know your neighbors. When neighbors build trust and relationships with each other, amazing things can happen. Political differences seem smaller. People feel less lonely. Communities become safer, happier places. Let’s explore how this works—and why it matters. The Power of a Friendly “Hello” Getting to know your neighbors often starts with something small: a wave, a smile, or a quick “hello” on the sidewalk. These simple actions might not seem like much, but they open the door to friendship. In the book "The Art of Neighboring," authors Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon say, “When we learn the names of the people who live around us and begin to build relationships, we create a stronger, healthier community.”  In other words, ne...

  KSMU story (2025) One-room schools live on in Ozarks culture

  If you’ve ever felt a lift from a spontaneous chat at the mailbox or the sight of a child’s chalk art stretching across the sidewalk, you’ve experienced more than a pleasant moment—you’ve tasted hope.  A new six-study project from University of Missouri psychologists Megan Edwards and Laura King followed 2,300 adults and discovered that hope alone —more than happiness, gratitude, or excitement—predicted whether people felt their lives were meaningful. Why does that matter for the block where you live? Because meaning isn’t a private treasure we hoard; it’s social capital that spills over every time neighbors greet each other, share garden tools, or plan a potluck. The MU team notes that people who sense meaning enjoy better relationships, stronger physical health, and even higher incomes. In other words, a hopeful resident is likely to be a better friend, volunteer, and community problem-solver. Turning research into sidewalk practice The researchers outline four...

Best of Show   – One of 13 submissions from the Main Street of Marble Hill, Mo A video of the live announcement  of these winners and discussion about Show Me Neighborhood Art Week can be viewed on YouTube. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- University of Missouri Extension is proud to announce the regional and statewide winners of the 2025 Show Me Neighborhood Art Week , a creative community outreach program that celebrates public art as a tool to build stronger neighborhoods and deepen residents’ sense of belonging. Now in its second year, the weeklong initiative encourages Missourians of all ages and skill levels to create art that reflects pride in their neighborhood and contributes to a shared sense of place.  In 2025, 68 sites from across every MU Extension region participated, and 434 public votes were cast to help us recognize outstanding entries. Fourteen votes from people out of state who were visiting displays.  The number of registered sites and Missourians vot...

A new opportunity is now available at Greene County senior centers and public libraries for older adults who want to reflect on their lives, preserve their personal stories, and connect with others through shared memories. University of Missouri Extension Community Development Specialist David Burton is offering a unique class centered around his newly published booklet, A History of Me . This guided journal is designed to help individuals recall and write down meaningful experiences from childhood through later life. Participants will explore themes such as family, school, relationships, work, beliefs, and personal achievements. “This class isn’t just about writing your life story,” said Burton. “It’s about sparking conversation, building community, and passing down wisdom and legacy to future generations. Handwritten stories are a priceless gift.” Each session includes prompts and group discussion that encourage storytelling and connection among participants. The booklet can al...

I often get asked about my favorite books or articles on neighboring. The first book I read on this subject (in 2019) was "The Art of Neighboring" by Dave Runyon and Jay Pathak.  I have marked my favorites in bold.  I have also written reviews on many of these books and have linked the title to those reviews when available.  You will also find some fictional listings (marked) that teach good lessons about neighbors . - David Burton LITERATURE REVIEW AND NEIGHBORING RESOURCES Aaron Smith, “Neighbors Online,” Pew Research Center, June 9, 2010. Abide Ohama. Neighbor Improvement effort in Ohama, Nebraska. https://www.abideomaha.org/programs Alexander, M. “The new Jim Crow.” The New Press. 2010.   Allen, Jennie. Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World . WaterBook. 2023. Andrews, Andy. The Noticer . Thomas Nelson. 2009. (Fiction) Angulo, R., &; Crowell, D. (2018). Kindness & salt: Recipes for the care and feeding of your friends and neig...