Dennis

Some of things that we have done in the neighborhood have been from very simple street BBQ’s to actually having a block party just so each of us can truly embrace each of our neighbors and get to know them better. It is more than just waving as each other drive by but it is actually getting involved from the heart and reaching out to see what your own neighbors needs may be. One item that has just taken off has been that our next door neighbors husband passed away 14 months ago and each neighbor has taken turns doing the shoveling and yard cleanup. It has come to the point that each neighbor not only will shovel the widows walk but will shovel numerous houses. It seems that the first man that is up after a snow storm just goes out and does it. No one leaves a note saying I did your walks we all just do it. It has been really a fantastic at times you come home and your walks are already done, but my neighbors can say the same thing. I know that this is just a small example but what it really comes down to is getting involved and making that first contact, no one pushes religion but if that door is opened I’ll be the first to engage and try to explain that that is how Christ has chosen me to work in my life and in others, by being a servant.

Nita

We had a neighborhood ice cream social this past Sunday. We live on a street that is not a cul-de-sac, but has no outlet. There are about 45 homes. We made fliers and I walked around the neighborhood with my dog, distributing one to each home. We invited everyone to bring their dogs.

Everyone considered the ice cream social a success! Only a couple of people brought their dogs, and they were well received. Several people did need or want the sugar-free or lactose-free options and seemed to really appreciate having them available. Several neighbors said we should make it an annual event, and some said we could have it at their yard some year. One man came, who is quite disabled, who no one in the neighborhood had ever met before; even people who have lived here for years and take walks around the neighborhood often. He seemed to enjoy himself and everyone enjoyed visiting with him. Altogether we estimated about 40 people attended.