December 6, 2015
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Islands Converge
December 6, 2015, Marana- There are two parts of this northern suburb of Tucson. The “new” area is close to I-10. The “old” section consists of older ranch-style homes and a few brick dwellings, with large lots, that are spaced apart. The neighbours barely know one another.
A friend of mine moved into the area, about two years ago. Yesterday, I joined her gathering of the neighbours and some of her co-workers. About twenty-five people showed up, so a start was made at bringing the “islands” closer together. The consensus was that a neighbourhood where people are anonymous to one another is a neighbourhood at risk.
Time was, when we knew everyone within a four-block radius of the house. That was in the Boston area of the 1950’s and ’60’s. When we lived in Phoenix, we knew those on either side of the house, and a few people across the street. Here in my current residence, I have a nodding acquaintance with all but one of the neighbours. The man immediately above me is the sole first-name basis, friendly sort.
It is of course, a two-way street, and one that is rather bustling. My friend in Marana simply regards the matter as one that ought to be resolved for the overall safety and well-being of all the area residents. We are a species that depend on interaction with others, lest we lose heart, from isolation and negative self-talk.
The afternoon, and evening, were filled with affirmations for most who attended, and heartfelt discussion afterwards brought a consensus that more such events should be planned. Here are a few scenes of the day, including a few spirited young dancers
The first several guests
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The repast
The hostess
Comments (7)
I think that does sound like a good get together. Seems you had perfect weather for it.
You mentioned I-10, which goes across the bottom of America. I have a section of it about 45 minutes from me, so I googled that if I got on @Crestiview, and just stayed on that road the whole time, it would be about 1322 miles, and 22 hours drive (there's another site that varies just slightly in calculations,but all in all it's a whole days drive if non-stop,(which isn't feasible) nearly the same as for me as to visit my folks in New England.
I've never been that far out west, but someday it could happen.
Sounds like just the kind of neighborhood get together we used to have in my subdivision growing up. Everyone knew everyone else - and if you needed to borrow something you could just ask. And if someone got hurt every mother would do first aid and then drive you home... It wasn't "it takes a village" but in its own way it was that exactly!
@Crystalinne: I have been on I-10, at different times, from Santa Monica to Jacksonville. It is the only road of which I have driven every inch.
@murisopsis: I grew up in just such a neighbourhood, in Massachusetts.
@murisopsis: @RighteousBruin: That also sounds like my childhood neighborhood in CT. Perhaps it was more so the times, rather than the locations that fostered such relationships between neighbors.
@Crystalinne: I also think it had much to do with the times.
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