After having lived in our small town for over twenty years, there had been many changes in ownership, and new houses had been built. I hardly knew anyone anymore. So, I organized a Neighborhood Watch in 2005 for 36 houses around me. I knocked on every door, explained what I am trying to do, and each and everyone cooperated. We met monthly with perhaps one-third of the houses represented, rotating who would host the meetings that were always attended by a sheriff deputy who made a presentation.
I wrote and distributed a list with everyones name, street and email address, and how long they have been living in our neighborhood. One of our achievements was to erect Neighborhood Watch signs for which almost everyone chipped in. We filed a petition with our County District Supervisor to have a dirt road paved. I always distributed minutes of every meeting by email. But after about a year, attendance declined because there were usually not many news items to discuss. Neighbors were also too busy to come just for social purposes. So, after 1 1/2 years, the monthly meetings discontinued.
Nevertheless, for almost twenty years I have kept everyone in touch with each other with irregular emails of neighborhood news and property changes. This inspired one neighbor, for example, to organize annual street clean-up parties. On my daily walks with my dogs, I always chat with neighbors. I am glad I did because I am no longer feel like a stranger in my neighborhood, but by knowing everyone I am feeling so much more comfortable where I am living. I do not try to be everyone's friend, but I am glad I can at least greet all neighbors by name.
