Paul and Cathy Wegner: The Kindhearted Couple Strengthening a Columbia Cul-de-Sac
For their everyday acts of connection and care, Paul and Cathy have been named two of Missouri’s Top 20 Most Engaged Neighbors of 2025, part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week, a statewide initiative led by University of Missouri Extension and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project. The award recognizes Missourians whose simple but powerful actions strengthen the social fabric of the places they call home.
A Natural Fit From the Start
For Paul and Cathy, neighboring wasn’t a strategy — it was instinctive.
“One of the reasons we chose this house was that the neighborhood seemed friendly,” they said. “Children were playing in the cul-de-sac and people were walking on the sidewalks. We came from a very active neighborhood where people looked out for each other, and we wanted that again.”
Moving to Missouri to be near their children and grandchildren, they discovered that the neighborhood kids right outside their door were just as much a part of their daily lives. As the couple explains, “It is nice to have people looking out for us when we are away, and it seemed only right that we should look after them and their houses also.”
Building a Caring, Connected Block
Even as busy retirees, Paul and Cathy always make time for small gestures — and those add up. Their motto is simple: be friendly, be present, and look out for one another.
“It doesn’t take too much time to say hi and ask how someone is doing,” they shared. “Little things like helping shovel a sidewalk, mowing a lawn, or blowing off a walkway make a difference.”
Their intentional kindness has changed the feel of the entire neighborhood. People greet each other more. Children feel safe playing outside. Neighbors watch out for one another.
"We never wanted to be a neighbor that just drives their cars into the garage and shuts the door and that is it, but we also don’t always have a lot of time," said Paul. "A friendly neighborhood helps us feel wanted and needed and it lets us know that people care. It is often said that 'it takes a village to raise a child,' our village is our neighborhood where people care and love each other."
These are the everyday building blocks of social connection — the quiet acts that create a sense of belonging.
The Joy of Small Acts That Matter
When asked what simple things help build connection, the Wegners offer a long and thoughtful list:
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A wave and a smile.
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Watching a neighbor’s home when they’re away.
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Sharing extra seeds, vegetables, or flowers.
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Asking if someone needs anything from the store.
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Picking up trash blowing around.
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Delivering misdelivered mail or safeguarding packages from "porch pirates."
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Noticing when something is broken and offering help.
“It does not have to be a long conversation,” they said, “but even a ‘Hi!’ and ‘How are you doing?’ is a good place to start.”
Their approach is consistent, gentle, and deeply human — exactly the kind of neighboring that builds trust over time.
Advice for Those Who Want to Start Neighboring
Their message is simple and encouraging:
“It may take some time to build a relationship, but small things can help start that process. Just start by giving a smile and chatting with your neighbors. Keep your eyes open for ways you can help," said Paul.
They also emphasize empathy: “Just think about what you would want others to do for you — and do that for them.”
Loved by Neighbors of All Ages
Their nominator captured their impact beautifully: “Paul and Cathy go above and beyond to watch out for neighbors and our children. They keep our neighborhood clean and safe. They are super friendly with everyone, and all the children love spending time with them. We are so lucky to have them!”
The community reflects the character of its residents — and thanks to Paul and Cathy, this Columbia cul-de-sac radiates kindness, accountability, and welcome.
Through simple daily acts — a smile, a wave, a shared seed packet, a helping hand — Paul and Cathy Wegner have nurtured a neighborhood where people feel valued and connected.
Their neighborhood is thriving because they care.
Written by David L. Burton
MORE INFORMATION
Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or burtond@missouri.edu. You can also visit his website at https://engagedneighbor.com.
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