What I Learned about Neighboring from Fred Rogers: Respect
January 24th, 2024
This blog post is the first in a three-part series by Dr. Mary Manz Simon. Mary met Fred Rogers while writing an article about the famous television personality, and they...
Lessons from Sweet Auburn Avenue
January 14th, 2024
The leader of our tour announced, “We are now turning onto Sweet Auburn Avenue.” The big tour bus drove down the neighborhood street. The air was warm, fresh, and peaceful,...
My Year of Invitation
January 4th, 2024
I like to have fun with New Year’s resolutions. I stay away from the “this is the year I get my life together” goals and instead try to choose small...
The Last, Best Week of the Year
December 21st, 2023
From as far back as my children can remember, our household has looked upon December 26 as the best day of the year. We literally greet each other that morning with some version...
A Neighborly Feast
December 12th, 2023
Finding ways to bring neighbors together and foster a sense of community is more important than ever in a world that can seem fast-paced and disconnected. One impactful way to...
Stay in Your Comfort Zone
November 30th, 2023
“Get out of your comfort zone.” We hear all the time how we need to get out of our comfort zone in order to learn and grow—and sometimes that’s true....
The Harvest Supper
November 16th, 2023
There is something about fall that I find so enchanting. The crispness in the air, the bountiful harvest, bonfires, and walks in leaves. It opens the door to the great...
How COVID Brought Out the Best in My Neighborhood
November 2nd, 2023
A look back on a difficult time in our lives … and how it can bring hope for the future of our neighborhoods. The second week of March 2020 was...
“Good Fences Make Good Neighbors” Misses the Point
October 19th, 2023
“Good fences make good neighbors” is a quote often misused. This line is frequently used to justify building a fence and keeping neighbors at arm’s length. But that was not...
The Loneliness Epidemic – The Solution Is in Your Neighborhood
September 26th, 2023
There is an epidemic of loneliness in the United States, and it is serious. Lack of connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15...
National Good Neighbor Day—How Will You Celebrate?
September 7th, 2023
National Good Neighbor Day is September 28. Do you have the date saved in your calendar? Until a few years ago, I had no idea this holiday even existed. I...
What Loving Your Neighbor is NOT
August 8th, 2023
I get a daily Google Alert by email with links to stories, articles, and videos that use the phrase, “Love Your Neighbor.” Skimming those links shows hundreds, if not thousands,...