Neighborhood News - Engaged Neighbor Newsletter

YOUR

Neighborhood News Printed for Pilot Neighborhoods as Part of Greene County MU Extension’s Engaged Neighbor Project

September 2021 * Vol. 1 Issue 3 Apply for a $250 Neighborhood Grant This Month You should have already received a postcard explaining the mini-grant program available to you as a resident of this community.

Or you may have seen the news coverage of this program on KY3 on June 30, 2021.

Either way, now is a good time to apply. The application and the rules are simple and can be done online.

Each application must have at least two neighbors involved. You will get a notice of approval. Then after your event you must submit receipts and proof that the event was held to receive a $250 check for reimbursement.

The $250 neighbor development grant to be used on a project that will help bring neighbors together.

Past examples have included supplies for a clean up event, funds for a block party or neighborhood picnic, monies to improve a park near the neighborhood, and even a neighborhood July 4th parade.

To get the grant application link sent to you by email contact David Burton at burtond@missouri.edu.

Win Prizes for Neighboring In 2021, Greene County residents are invited to take part in our 1,000 Acts of Neighborliness Challenge for one week -from Sept. 26 to Oct. 2 – as a way to celebrate National Good Neighbor Day on Sept. 28. Neighbors that submit their activities will be eligible for prizes and a top neighboring award will be presented to at least one example in every community of Greene County. See details inside.

See Inside

Recommended books to read ……………………….. page 2 Flier on local National Good Neighbor Day ……….. page 3 Details on National Good Neighbor Day ………….. page 5 Will the Real Neighbors Please Stand Up? …………. page 7 Becoming an Engaged Neighbor class …………….. page 8 Neighbor announcements ………………….……… page 10 Who is My Neighbor chart ………………………….. page 11

Greene County Extension Council | extension.missouri.edu/greene Tel: (417) 881-8909 | Email: burtond@missouri.edu

An equal opportunity/ access/affirmative action/ pro-disabled and veteran employer.

Engaged Neighbor Program made possible by the:

Learn More on Neighboring: Read a Book

Greene County Extension Council

Humans are social creatures: In this simple and obvious fact lies both the problem and the solution to the current crisis of loneliness. In this book, the 19th surgeon general of the United States Dr. Vivek Murthy makes a case for loneliness as a public health concern: a root cause and contributor to many of the epidemics sweeping the world today from alcohol and drug addiction to violence, depression and anxiety. Loneliness, he argues, is affecting not only our This is the book we need now to avoid health, but also how our children a social recession. Vivek Murthy’s message is about the importance of experience school, how we human connection, the hidden impact perform in the workplace, and of loneliness on our health, and the the sense of division and social power of community. polarization in our society.

At the center of our loneliness is our innate desire to connect. We are created to participate in community, to forge lasting bonds with others, to help one another, and to share life experiences. We are, simply, better together.

The lessons in Together have immediate relevance and application. These four key strategies will help us weather this crisis and heal our social world far into the future.

1. Spend time each day with those you love. Devote at least 15 minutes each day to connecting with those you most care about.

2. Focus on each other. Forget about multitasking and give the other person the gift of your full attention.

3. Embrace solitude. The first step toward building stronger connections with others is to build a stronger, healthier you.

4 .Help and be helped. Service is a form of human connection that reminds us of our value and purpose in life. Checking on a neighbor, seeking advice, even just offering a smile to a stranger six feet away, all can make us stronger.

Greg Boehne Chairman Alex Greiwe Vice-chair

Morgan Ash Secretary Lisa Bakerink Treasurer John Russell County Commission Tammy Lowrey Farm Bureau Jordan Miller MFA

Samuel Snider City of Willard Jason Buffington City of Battlefield Joseph Hoffman City of Springfield Vacant 4-H Youth member Members at large Scott Smith Chad Courtney Karen Dowdy Chris Schulze Rick Stenberg Larry Adams Ray Meyer Eric Sutton Allison Anbari Christina Hammers Aaron Jones Stephen Snead Mike Lofaro Tiger Ambassador

Recent books on neighboring recommended by David Burton.

#EngagedNeighbor

As community leaders & advocates, we encourage friends to learn the names of all their neighbors; to build relationships with their neighbors through common interests and shared experiences; and to sustain compassionate and caring practices of neighborly love. https://www.facebook.com/BecominganEngagedNeighbor

Class details & enrollment at http://extension.missouri.edu

In Greene County: National Good Neighbor Day to be Celebrated With Week-Long Challenge National Good Neighbor Day is September 28 and University of Missouri Extension and other local sponsors are encouraging residents to find ways to celebrate good neighboring Sept. 26 to Oct. 2 as part of the 1,000 Acts of Neighboring Challenge.

Thanks to the sponsors of our neighboring challenge, there are also prizes and money to win for the best acts of neighboring in Greene County during the week-long celebration.

Details about the challenge and how to participate can be found at: https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/greene/neighboring-project, at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NationalGoodNeighborDay or by emailing Burton at burtond@missouri.edu.

Residents are encouraged to use the week as an opportunity to meet neighbors they do not already know. Deliver snacks or a handwritten note to a neighbor. Plan and organize a neighborhood block party or workday. Host a simple event like donuts on the driveway or goodies in the garage. Perhaps use chalk to write inspiring quotes on the sidewalks.

Various articles about neighboring – like “Acts of Neighboring Are Easier Than Many People Imagine” – and details about MU Extension’s Engaged Neighbor program can be found online at https://extension.missouri.edu.

In 1978, U.S. President Jimmy Carter announced the creation of a national day aimed at raising public awareness that good neighbors help achieve human understanding and build strong, thriving communities. This year’s 1,000 Acts of Neighboring Challenge is the largest effort yet and it is gaining nationwide attention.

Greene County MU Extension 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. | (417) 881-8909 http://extension.missouri.edu

Visit our website: https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/greene/neighboring-project

Will the Real Neighbors Please Stand-Up? The planning is almost over. It is nearly David Burton time for residents to begin hosting parties and County Engagement Specialist doing good deeds for their neighbors as part burtond@missouri.edu of National Good Neighbor Day on Sept. 28.

Direct Tel: 874-2954 By the time you read this article, some Started: 2001 neighbors will be setting up a canopy in the Responsibilities: Leadership development, yard, firing up the grill, and hosting block neighboring, heritage tourism, media relations, and works parties for their nearest neighbors. with council to fund and administer local programs.

With all the rush of summer and a new school year underway, this is a good time of year to ask (with a tip of the hat to the old television game show, To Tell The Truth), will the real neighbors please stand up?

A real neighbor understands the importance of helping out when needed, sharing a cup of sugar when asked, and happily lending a strong back or a listening ear.

A real neighbor is the one with a fire pit in their backyard and a willingness to share the experience with the people that live closest to them.

A real neighbor is willing to share a conversation or a tear over a freshly brewed cup of coffee (or hot chocolate). A real neighbor finds joy investing in those around them and takes the time to learn and use the names of those that live near them.

A real neighbor is giving and performs good deeds without being prompted. Real neighbors know a smile and a wave, and knowing names can go a long way toward building a relationship.

We are reminded that to have A real neighbor keeps a tidy home and lawn. They mow on a regular basis and maintain their yard. They good neighbors, you first have remove clutter from the yard at the end of the day. to become a good neighbor A real neighbor knows the importance of being a yourself. If you want a quiet neighbor. They don’t mow their lawn at seven in friendlier neighborhood or the morning, don’t honk their horn every time they pull into the driveway, keep their music down past 9 p.m. -- community, you begin by being the change you want to see. you get the gist.

Real neighbors understand the importance of being welcoming while also respecting an individual’s privacy and personal space.

Neighboring is an opportunity to be thankful for those living nearest us, a chance to be a blessing or generous, and an opportunity also to receive.

Being a kind and engaged neighbor can bring out the best in all of us. The good that resides in humankind bubbles up when neighbors form mutual relationships of help and support and kindness and understanding.

A real neighbor lives out the advice to “love your neighbor” every day.

A real neighbor could make National Good Neighbor Day a time of fun and excitement, but they also know that being an engaged neighbor requires attention for more than just one week or one special day a year.

This year more than others, we need to be reminded that good neighbors help to create good neighborhoods and vibrant communities. We are reminded that to have good neighbors, you first have to become a good neighbor yourself. If you want a friendlier neighborhood or community, you begin by being the change you want to see.

We need real neighbors and what they can do for us. Here is hoping your family experiences a real neighbor relationship during National Good Neighbor Week and discovers love, kindness and friendship right next door.

If you live in Greene County, we are going to celebrate Sept. 26 to Oct. 2. Report your activities at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NationalGoodNeighborDay to win a prize or award as part of the 1,000 Acts of Neighboring Challenge

Neighborhood Mini-Grant Already Being Awarded

Halloween is a Very Good Neighboring Opportunity

A story on KY3 provided the grant program being offered by Greene County MU Extension for neighborhoods. The story did not say these grants were only for pilot neighborhoods so we get lots of calls!

The extension council agreed to expand the number of grants given as long as the application came from a Greene County neighborhood, involved at least two neighbors, and was payment for actual expenses.

Here are the applications approved to date: Millstone Crossing, Springfield Neighborhood party and networking event.

Mission Hills Cul-de-sacs picnic with food trucks.

Thousand Oaks, Springfield Neighborhood block party.

Woodfield Park, Springfield Ice cream social for neighborhood.

Saint Andrews, Springfield Meet your neighbor party.

Stoney Creek Estates, Republic Prizes for "I Love America" kids parade.

Town & Country Estates, Springfield During week of Sept. 28 — Neighborhood event with a shred truck set up.

Vintage Hills, Springfield Halloween event: chili cookoff in clubhouse and neighborhood stations passing out candy to the kids as part of a haunted trail!

Delaware Neighborhood, Springfield Ice cream social with prizes.

No holiday brings the neighbors and their children outside like Halloween. In fact, it will bring many of them to your front door!

I recently interviewed Chris McKinney of Columbia, Mo. He worked to get residents of his neighborhood motivated to set up driveway treat stations. In just one year it turned their neighborhood in to “the place to go” for Halloween.

Here are some other ideas on ways to get your neighborhood engaged at Halloween.

See the engaged neighbor page on extension website for a link to the grant application.

1. Roast marshmallows and make S’mores with a fire pit on the front driveway. Fun and pretty 2. Create a Trick-or-Treater warm-up station.

Think warm drinks with this one.

3. Decorate spooky cookies. Kids basically decorate their own treat!

4. Grill up burgers and hotdogs for adults that are out with their kids and set up some harvestthemed yard games for the kids that stop.

5. Paint pumpkins. Let the kids have a heyday.

6. Halloween Movie Night. Project on your garage door or a screen and provide chairs or drinks for people who stop and watch.

7. Serve some chili to those stopping by your house. Or maybe just a good soup.

8. Decorate your car trunk and set on the driveway or near the sidewalk to hand out candy and interact with your neighbors.

Pilot neighborhoods can get $250 grants for this type of project. But every neighborhood needs sparkplug. Spread the word among your neighbors and encourage them to up their game this year!

Learning Neighboring Examples on Facebook Page

Follow our “Becoming An Engaged Neighbor” page on Facebook for regular examples of neighboring across the Midwest. Learn from the examples of others. See the impact neighboring can make on your quality of life. Also be the first to learn about local neighboring classes and events and grants offered by MU Extension

Receive Neighboring Overview Packet

Complete a short questionnaire to receive our popular 100-plus page informational packet about the neighboring program (including a literature review) sent to you by email as a PDF.

10 questions on this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EngagedNeighborOverview or at https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/greene/neighboring-project

Use this to record and remember the names of the people living in the 8 closest front doors to your front door.

Pen Pal Program

Contact: Christine Thompson Director of Community Engagement SeniorAge Chris.Thompson @SeniorAgemo.org (417) 868-9530

Signs Available for Neighborhoods Engaged Neighbor signage will be coming to your neighborhood! As one of eight neighborhoods in a pilot project for neighboring in Greene County, your neighborhood is eligible for these attractive yard sign at the neighborhood entrances. This is a statewide program and signs are available from Greene County MU Extension. To be eligible for a sign a neighborhood must be a pilot project neighborhood with a resident enrolled in one of the MU Extension neighboring classes offered.

Take the Survey Online, Get a Directory* https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PilotNeighborhoods

Find direct link to survey under the “engaged neighbor” tap at https://extension.missouri.edu/greene

Neighborhoods in this Pilot Project (#of homes and #of surveys completed for directory) •Stoney Creek Estates (Republic) •McAl Neighborhood (Springfield) •The Meadows (Willard/Springfield) •Rankin Acres (Republic)

| | | |

Legacy Trails Subdivision (Springfield) Village of Brookline (Republic) Serenity Valley (Ash Grove) Vintage Hills (Springfield)

* Your information will only be included in the directory for your neighborhood and will not be used for other purposes.