Won’t you be my neighbor?
8/3/2022Mr. Rogers had it right. With the social isolation many experienced in the last two years, the benefits of community have never seemed so crucial. Through driveway gatherings, street parties and more, these central Iowa residents have fostered opportunities for connection in their neighborhoods. ♦
LEANN AND JOE CULVER
Food trucks
With the many shutdowns brought on by the pandemic, Leann Culver wanted a way to connect with others and enjoy good food with all restaurants closed. She decided to start hosting food trucks at her house each week.
“We had such an amazing turnout at that first food truck that some neighbors messaged me and thanked me,” she says. “That sparked the idea to go ahead and cold message other food trucks on Facebook.”
Restaurants are open now, but Culver and her crew are now on year three and still going strong.
“I love bringing people together, and this brings everyone joy — and that’s what makes me happy,” she said. “It’s truly been a wonderful experience all the way around, and I don’t see us stopping anytime soon.
“At the end of the day, we are human, and that human connection of saying ‘hi,’ chatting and catching up or maybe meeting someone new is important.”
Source: Johnston Living July 2022; by Ashley Rullestad
COLTEN FORS AND BEN NEREM
Independence Day
In Elkhart, Ben Nerem and Colten Fors strive to welcome newcomers to the small town.
Every year, they provide a neighborhood get-together for July 4. Nerem and Fors both smoke meat for the group. The party starts a few days ahead of time so new people can meet each other.
“We invite neighbors for an ice breaker, starting the day before,” Nerem explains. “We have a group who goes golfing. It’s great to have people meet each other.”
In addition to the Independence Day parties, the group gets together on other holidays or to watch sporting events together.
Nerem believes small town friendships are important.
“I’ll go on a walk and not get far. I keep stopping and having a conversation with everyone,” he says. “With wonderful neighbors, they are more like family and not a neighborhood. Other than family, you spend the most time at home. Neighbors help escape the stress of work and make everything better.”
Source: North Polk Living July 2022; by Jackie Wilson
KELLY AND KYLE PAPE
The 3rd Place
For those who don’t live in a neighborhood known for its get-togethers, there is a special place in Adel known as a gathering spot to make connections. Owned by Kelly and Kyle Pape, the 3rd Place offers coffee and community.
Located on the Square, the nonprofit is run mostly by volunteers. People can drop in to visit with friends — and maybe meet new ones.
“It’s called the ‘3rd Place’ because it is meant to be the third place you want to be,” says Anna Trout, a dedicated volunteer and patron. “You have your home as No. 1 and your work as No. 2, and this is the third place where you can belong and connect within the community. And, everyone ‘knows your name,’ kind of like on the old TV show, ‘Cheers.’ It is a safe space to talk and listen and make enduring friendships.”
The 3rd Place is open 8:30-11 a.m. on Tuesday through Saturday mornings. For more information, visit www.3rdplaceadel.com.
Source: Adel Living July 2022; by Marsha Fisher
GLENN AND GREG PETERSON
Street party
The city’s self-proclaimed “oldest neighborhood street party” started on West Des Moines’ Giles Street in 1972.
At the first party, a young Greg Peterson and his siblings participated in games such as an egg toss, cake walk and water balloon fights.
Today, 50 years later, the party continues with a yearly street parade. A variety of street party T-shirts, coffee mugs and Christmas cards keep the celebrations going all year long. The party is centered on the Petersons’ house.
“We’ve tried to move it, but people want it here,” says Greg’s father, Glenn.
Neighbor Doug Suschill sums up living on Giles Street, saying, “I’ve lived here 20 years on the street. I thought about moving. I stay here because of friendship, safety and trust. Anyone on the block has a key to my house. The neighbors aren’t fake; people are caring. It’s important in today’s society to have that trust.” ♦
Source: Jordan Creek Living July 2022; by Jackie Wilson
