Jun 3, 2008 By James Pletcher 3 min read

It might be a problem in other places, but not on Gilmore Street. People are so closeted today they know little about those living only a few feet away. We read about it and hear it all the time: Neighbors just aren’t neighborly anymore. I don’t claim to know why, but I can guess. People are so wrapped up in their own lives, working, trying to raise a family, caring for their needs, that it leaves little time to socialize. Things move much more quickly today than it did in the days of our parents or grandparents. When people do socialize, it’s usually with family or long-time friends.

We know the people who live closest to us. Some we knew before we moved to town. Others we met when we arrived but have not socialized with them.

So, as I drive up the street where I live, I see well-cared-for homes with neat lawns, landscaping, cars in the driveway or parked on the street. Every so often I see a human being. A nameless face.

However, that changed last Saturday.

A pair of enterprising young women on our street circulated flyers about a month ago inviting us to a neighborhood party. I suppose you could call it a block party, only, in this case, it included everyone living on both sides of our city byway, which includes about three blocks. We were asked to bring some food or make a donation to help defray the cost.

My lovely wife thought it was a good idea. Frankly, I don’t do well around strangers and like to avoid those situations as much as possible. My wife is, without doubt, a people person to the “nth” degree.

“We should go,’ she told me. I knew she was right, so I only balked a little. My protestations were symbolic but not very forceful.

I had forgotten all about it until she reminded me the night before and asked what I thought we should take in the way of food. The flyer noted hamburgers and hot dogs would be available and suggested those attending bring a dish of something or a dessert. I said a dessert (among my favorite parts of a meal) but my wife thought something of greater substance was in order. She settled on kielbasa with green peppers and onions.

The site of the gathering was the home of one of the organizers. The weather was perfect, a nice, sunny day with a clear blue sky.

It was time well spent. We learned a lot about our neighborhood. There are more kids on our street than I thought. And their parents are of a generation different than ours but facing many of the same issues. We also learned more about the neighborhood, what it was like decades ago (there was a forest where our house sits) and even about our own, comfortable little home.

One thing for sure: we have some pretty good cooks living on our street. The buffet would have overshadowed even the best that local restaurants offer. Our neighbors obviously put in a lot of time preparing it.

And with that in mind, if they want to hold another such event, I’ll happily (and hungrily) attend.

Thanks to Diana and Erin.

Have a good day.

James Pletcher Jr. is Herald-Standard business editor. He can be reached at 724-439-7571 or by e-mail at jpletcher@heraldstandard.com.