Good neighboring: 101 years ago
We're taught early on in life through Christian doctrine and by our parents, teachers, police officers, and other people of authority to respect each other, love thy neighbor, and so on.
It's easy to give a friendly wave to our neighbors as we pass them on the street, or to help our neighbor with a specific task.
We're more than willing to help with fund-raisers to give support to someone experiencing hard times.
Being a good neighbor also should be shown with daily gestures.
We've all had neighbors who have had dogs. It always seems the neighbor who is the most disrespectful of us are the ones who have the large dogs — some the size of a small horse.
These are the dogs that bark at 3 a.m., break their chains, and tear up our yards (or leave a reminder they were there).
Granted, these things do happen, even with the best neighbors. But good neighbors do their best to maintain their animals in a way that is not bothersome to others.
How many times have you seen grass clippings in the street? This is something most of us don't really think about. We mow, grass blows out, and if the street is in our way, the clippings end up by the curb.
Clippings in the street eventually end up going in the storm drain. They can become quite a nuisance for city crews.
When it rains, the clippings can cause water to drain slower from the streets — ultimately causing streets to flood.
A good neighbor sets out her trash the day of the pickup, not two or three days before (unless she has a cart or enclosed container).
How many times have you come home at noon or in the evening and found your neighbor's trash all over your yard?
Another daily gesture of being a good neighbor is to redirect run-off water from the gutters of your home, garage, and out buildings away from your neighbor.
Zoning regulations serve as a buffer for properties. Proper zoning or buffer areas should help to alleviate some of these issues.
Not everyone has a garage and driveway to accommodate one or five vehicles. Being respectful of your neighbor's parking area, especially along the street, always is a good idea.
A good neighbor also won't park where his vehicle is over a sidewalk.
A neighborhood watch is probably one of the best ways to be a good neighbor.
If you see someone suspicious or something out of the ordinary, call someone. Call the owner of the property or proper authorities.
Being alert and observant is the mark of a good neighbor. Many times concerned neighbors have saved lives.
Being a good neighbor takes common sense, common decency, and the treatment of others the way you want to be treated.
Remember the golden rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
— SUSAN BERG
