good neighbor….

Here are some practical ideas on how to be a good Island neighbor

• Smile, wave, and say hello. Cultivate a friendly community atmosphere.

• Look for opportunities to do good.

• Don’t hold grudges.

• Encourage others.

• Say nice things about your neighbors. Don’t promote negativity on social media.

• Check on elderly neighbors.

• Have things to downsize from your home? Offer them to friends or family, or donate items to a good cause. Thrift stores are a good option.

• Support local farmers. Get vegetables from a produce stand or a nearby farmers market.

• Take groceries, a gift card, or a meal to someone in need.

• Get the door for someone with their hands full.

• Spread the word about garage sales and local businesses.

• Volunteer at a charity or non profit working in your community.

• Plant flowers in your yard. They brighten days and feed the bees.

• Keep your home exterior and yard tidy, and pick up trash when you see it.

• Be considerate about when you make a lot of noise.

• Make conversation with people you see regularly.

• Ask people questions. This develops relationships and can be the touch of kindness someone needs in their day.

• Did you get great service somewhere? Offer a tip, leave a positive review online, or speak to a manager or owner about what a great job an employee did.

• Pay someone a sincere compliment.

• Make it a point to welcome the new person at work or in the neighborhood.

• Celebrate someone else's good news.

• Start an informal community watch group in your neighborhood to keep things safe.

• Be concerned about neighborhood safety.

• Offer to help an elderly or disabled neighbor with tasks or shopping.

• Thank a teacher, pastor, coach, fire fighter, coworker, volunteer, etc. for the impact they make to the community.

• Host a potluck to get to know neighbors better.

• See someone who is being treated unfairly? Stand up for them.

• Make it a point to include a shy or unpopular person in conversation and events.

• Shop locally before heading off island or ordering online. Visit locally owned restaurants.

• Share your resources or knowledge with someone who could use a hand on a project.

• Drive safely! If someone flashes their high beams or emergency lights they may be warning you about a deer on the road.

• Don’t litter and don’t burn garbage.

• Invite someone you don't know very well over for coffee.

• Treat strangers and foreigners with kindness and respect, whether that's a refugee or someone who just moved from the next town.

• Did you attend a community theater production or event? Offer sincere compliments or encouragement to those involved.

• Share info about nearby job openings for those in need of employment.

• Place an ad in free stuff.

• Use your social media to share truth and encouragement.

• If a friend or neighbor loaned you something return it within a reasonable time frame, in good condition, with a thank you.