The happiest people I know are people who don’t even think about being happy. They just think about

“The happiest people I know are people who don’t even think about being happy. They just think about being good neighbors, good people. And then happiness sort of sneaks in the back window while they are busy doing good.” - Harold S. Kushner

There are times I find myself talking to people outside Darien about our community, and I end my comments by saying that Darien really is “a nice place to live.” That phrase comes out of my mouth very naturally, because in my heart, I truly believe that I live in a community that has enriched my life and the lives of my family and friends. When I am asked why I believe this, I start listing all the reasons why we live in such a great community and one of the aspects that I always highlight are Darien’s residents, people who genuinely care for their community and know the value of being good neighbors.

This last weekend, I had an opportunity to witness this firsthand, courtesy of the Pinehurst Homeowners Association, and their President Mr. Lou Mallers. This group planned and carried out an old fashion block party, where neighbors gathered to enjoy good food and drink along with great conversation and an appreciation for one another. Cathy and I were warmly welcomed by numerous individuals who shared their feelings regarding their subdivision as well the city. They complimented the city on its choice for a new waste hauler (LRS), our snow removal program and for the city’s rapid response to last summer’s tornado. While it was wonderful to hear these comments, it was even more wonderful to see how residents/neighbors came together to create an afternoon and evening that was a pleasure for all.

While we enjoyed our time in Pinehurst last Saturday, I know that we have other neighborhoods that have sponsored similar events, where people get together to enjoy one another’s company; these get-togethers are synonymous with our community. May we always remember, great neighbors make for great neighborhoods, great neighborhoods make for a great city, and a great city really is “a nice place to live.”