On April 27, 2025, I wrote and published the article: Finding Home from Afar: How One Woman Built a New Life and Community in Springfield . The story described the journey of Keren from Oregon to Missouri and her investment in a neighborhood. At least that is the main story. But under the surface, the story is also a demonstrate of the ripple effect. The ripple effect is the idea that one small action or event can set off a chain reaction of consequences, spreading far beyond its original source. It shows that nothing happens in isolation—every choice, whether positive or negative, can influence people, communities, and systems in unexpected ways across areas like economics, education, health, relationships, and neighborhoods. The dropping stone Keren was living far away from Missouri—outside Portland, Oregon—with no family nearby and feeling disconnected. She stumbled across the newsletter by David Burton (the “The Engaged Neighbor”) through her online reading. According to th...

  In the heart of St. Louis, one man’s determination to see potential instead of problems is transforming an entire neighborhood. Michael J. von Gebel , President of the Vandeventer Community Development Corporation (CDC) , has spent the past several years leading by example — mowing vacant lots after a devastating tornado, organizing residents, and helping secure millions in reinvestment for his community. For his leadership, vision, and deep sense of neighborliness, Michael has been named one of Missouri’s Top 20 Most Engaged Neighbors of 2025 , part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week , a statewide celebration led by University of Missouri Extension and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project . The honor recognizes Missourians whose everyday acts of care and civic action create belonging and pride where they live. Seeing Promise Where Others Saw Problems Michael’s passion for community renewal began when he and his wife purchased a home on Page Boulevard in 2021. “I was raised to take care...

In Lees Summit, Missouri, neighbors in one over-55 community have come to rely on a man whose hands are rarely idle and whose heart is always open. His name is Harold “Stoney” Jackson , and through simple acts of service — planting trees, cleaning fountains, and helping tend to yards and gardens — he has turned his retirement years into a season of purpose and connection. Harold was recently named one of Missouri’s Top 20 Most Engaged Neighbors of 2025 , an honor that celebrates Missourians whose everyday actions strengthen community bonds and inspire belonging. The award is part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week , led by University of Missouri Extension and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project , recognizing those who make their neighborhoods thrive through care and kindness. Planting Roots After Retirement For Harold, community involvement blossomed naturally after retirement. “We live in an over-55 community with 176 homes,” he explained. “After retiring, I had the time to become active in...

  In the heart of Manchester, Missouri, David Bennett is redefining what it means to be a neighbor. Whether he’s sitting on his front porch greeting passersby, strumming his guitar for a community concert, or helping organize a repair project for a struggling homeowner, David’s life is a symphony of generosity, connection, and care. In 2025, he was named one of Missouri’s Top 20 Most Engaged Neighbors , an honor celebrating Missourians who strengthen the social fabric of their communities. The award is part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week , led by University of Missouri Extension and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project , and highlights those who make their corner of the world a little kinder and more connected. Living Out Love for His Neighbors When asked what inspired him to begin connecting with his neighbors, David’s answer is simple but profound: “I have always believed that we should love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Acts of generosity create a healthy, safe, and hospitab...

In the quiet town of Marshall, Missouri, there’s a man whose steady kindness ripples through his community like a warm breeze. His name is Charlie Guthrie , and for as long as anyone can remember, he’s been the kind of neighbor who simply shows up — shovel in hand, smile on his face, and service in his heart. Charlie has been named one of Missouri’s Top 20 Most Engaged Neighbors of 2025 , a recognition that honors everyday Missourians who strengthen community bonds and inspire others through their acts of kindness. The award is part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week , an initiative of University of Missouri Extension and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project , celebrated annually from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4 . A Life of Quiet Service For Charlie, being a good neighbor isn’t a program — it’s a way of life. “I’ve always been a helper to neighbors or anyone who needed help,” he said. “It’s just the right thing to do, and I am blessed to be able to do what I do.” Those who know Charlie say his generos...

PHOTO: Liberal School Staff accepted the SOCKTOBER Donations to be used for Liberal Elementary and High School Students as needed. The Liberal FBLA also had a donation drive within the high school   to help students. Elaine Davis stands at the far right. During Missouri Good Neighbor Week, the small communities of Lamar, Liberal, and Golden City showed just how powerful small acts of kindness can be. Through a partnership between Lamar Community Betterment and Barton County 4-H , residents of all ages came together to collect hundreds of pairs of socks and underwear for local students—turning what began as a simple idea into a heartfelt community movement. A Perfect Fit for Missouri Good Neighbor Week The “SOCKTOBER” drive coincided perfectly with both Missouri Good Neighbor Week and National 4-H Week , two statewide efforts that celebrate civic pride, connection, and community involvement. Collection baskets were placed in local businesses across Barton County, and 4-H memb...

When Missouri celebrates Good Neighbor Week, it’s not just individuals who take part—it’s institutions rooted in community life. Across the state, 54 County MU Extension Councils played a pivotal role in sparking local acts of kindness, connection, and service that rippled far beyond their initial reach. These councils, the local backbone of University of Missouri Extension, mobilized volunteers, organized community drives, and reminded Missourians that neighboring is more than a word—it’s a movement. Their coordinated efforts brought together thousands of people, proving that when education and engagement meet, the result is a stronger, more connected Missouri.' County Councils reported a little over 19,000 acts of neighboring during the week. This year, 42,000 acts of reported statewide for Missouri Good Neighbor Week. Extension at Work on Campuses On the MU campus in Columbia, university-based teams set the tone for statewide involvement. Team #1 partnered with the Food Bank ...

Culture is like a big ship—it doesn’t turn quickly. You can’t just yank the wheel and expect an instant change of course. It takes time, teamwork, and a clear destination. The same is true for our American culture and the way we think about neighboring. For several decades now we’ve been taught—quietly but consistently—that being a  good neighbor  means minding your own business. A good neighbor, we were told, keeps their yard tidy, pays their taxes, and doesn’t bother anyone. That definition fit well with the rise of privacy fences, garage door openers, and a lifestyle designed for independence. We learned to wave politely and then retreat indoors. But as we’ve drifted along with that cultural current, something important has been lost. We have fewer conversations across the fence, fewer shared meals, and fewer friendships close to home. Loneliness, disconnection, and division have taken root in the quiet spaces where community once grew. Changing that idea of what it means t...

From small towns to big cities, thousands of Americans turned ordinary kindness into a nationwide wave of community connection during National Good Neighbor Day 2025. A total of 61,279 people were directly impacted by events and acts of kindness reported from across the United States, according to data compiled from 122 local celebrations. The reports came from libraries, city governments, neighborhood associations, faith groups, and individual neighbors who turned the last weekend of September into a living demonstration of goodwill. The growth this year happened thanks to 20 national partners. As one participant reported: “We hosted a front-yard table for anyone who wanted to stop by,” one participant shared. “It started with just a few neighbors, but by the end of the evening, nearly the whole block had gathered.” Nationwide Participation, Local Impact This year’s reports came from at least 15 states, including Missouri, Massachusetts, Michigan, Florida, Oregon, Washington, Tex...