by Carol Henrichs

Created on: September 21, 2009   Last Updated: September 23, 2009

In many ways, cities and suburbs try to mimic the ambience, romanticism, and even the look of country life. One thing urban dwellers can learn from their country cousins is how to be neighborly.

History shows that inhabitants of tiny settlements relied upon one another for everyday essentials. They worked together to protect each other against outside threats. Whether it be wild animals or unfriendly strangers, country folk learned to work together.

They helped one another raise crops if one of them was sick. They banded together to build schools and churches, shops and businesses. They held social events, like barn dances or church socials.

Those settlements turned into towns. They in turn grew into cities, always growing. Suburbs came into existence. With each change, life's pace quickened. Populations grew in density. Individuals learned to rely on themselves, always striving for whatever they needed or wanted.

The simple life was gone. And with it went that friendly attitude where good neighbors were like good friends. Other priorities took over to the extent that today, people don't even know the name of the family that lives next door.

It doesn't have to be that way. In fact, there are many ways to reinvigorate the friendly spirit in a community.

Start a Homeowners Association

When there is a common cause, it is easy to get neighbors together. I once started a homeowners' association. I lived in a mobile home community were occupants owned their home, but rented the land. Our park was sold to new owners. Soon after the contract was signed, the overzealous landlord began threatening to evict anyone who didn't abide by his new rules.

More and more people were becoming upset as the manager started driving around the neighborhood looking for violations. He followed up with threatening letters. Most were petty issues, such as prohibiting the growing of vegetables, a practice that was prevalent prior to the new takeover.

The new homeowners' association was easy to form. There was a common cause that bound us together. I dropped off letters to my neighbors, inviting them to a meeting where we could voice our concerns. Through a democratic process, we were able to convince the management to allow vegetable gardens, as long as did not become overgrown and unsightly.

Have a Block Party

A neighborhood is more enjoyable when its occupants are friendly to each other. Many people have started annual block parties, just for the purpose of getting to know

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