PRESIDENT’S CORNER
2013-September
by Kyle Jensen, MHA President
When we first moved into the neighborhood, we wanted to get to know our neighbors. Locating a time to introduce ourselves was up to chance because we were busy getting settled in and making that connection was important but not necessarily a priority. Knowing your neighbors, however, provides a safer, more connected community, one where people looking out for each other. You might just make some really strong, longlasting friendships.
Use the Front Porch or Yard
We’re all very busy and getting to know people in your neighborhood does in fact take time. What I like to do is to turn the everyday activities into ones that may lead to introductions.
There was a time when facebook, video games, and the internet were not available. Talking, helping, and supporting one’s local community were sources of entertainment.
If you ask an older member of the community what their favorite memory is, they likely will say something similar to spending time with a gathering of friends, family, and neighbors. Instead of hanging out in the backyard, why not spend more time in the front yard? Whether it’s reading a book or magazine, enjoying a glass of wine, or trimming the hedge; being outdoors naturally leads to conversations with those passing by, coming home from work, or leaving for the evening. We live in a unique neighborhood that was designed for interaction with those around. Large porches in front for tolerable summer nights where you can sit and watch the neighborhood children (and your own) play. I think we need to take back our front porches and start rebuilding these social bonds that are so very important.
If you don’t have a front porch, spend time in your yard or a common area such as Newby Park or the Triangle.
Shake One Hand a Week
When we moved into the neighborhood last year, we were determined to get to know the very diverse area to which we had moved. So we set ourselves the task of shaking at least one new hand per week. We made it a priority to get more involved with the association; take on a task that we felt would benefit our area. This gave us an opportunity to introduce ourselves to new people and have a conversation. Take part in a committee, become the new historian, be part of our alley clean up day; this is a chance for you to be involved in making a difference. These are all wonderful ways to let the neighborhood know who you are.
It was becoming involved with the association that introduced me to a great neighbor who has ridden his bike across America. If I had simply waited for people to come to me, I never would’ve met this intelligent, energetic man. Now we spend time listening to music, making sure we keep riding, helping each other out when we need it—he is part of what makes this neighborhood great!
I highly recommend taking just 15 minutes a week to shake one new hand.
What to Do If You Don’t Have the Time or Energy
For many of us, time is so valuable that just thinking about doing any of the above suggestions is overwhelming. Getting to know someone doesn’t need to be in the form of a formal get together or introduction, small gestures often go a long way to becoming more connected. We once wrote a note attached to a Ziploc bag filled with cookies and left it on a neighbor’s porch. We mentioned that we live behind them and that we were there if they needed anything. It was simple and brief and in return, I found a really great friend. You don’t need to do much. Just a wave and a smile can make a big impact.
I would like to meet you. Stay Connected:
• Our Chat Room www.facebook.com/groups/mhneighbors
• On the back of your newsletter (drop us an email)
• Our webpage www.mistletoeheights.org/contact
• Our next members meeting (November 19th @ 7:00)
Join us as we make an effort to clean up our neighborhood and improve the quality of life for all those that live here.