Thank you, South Park!

Last evening I had the pleasure of attending a fantastic neighborhood party in South Park, thanks to an invite from our friend Maureen (a contributing blogger on MostMetro).  I met a lot of great people, and I could tell right away that this was a tight-knit community.  Conversations about each others rehab experiences could be heard all around - a subject that seems to be the common denominator that unites this diverse and eclectic group of urban enthusiasts.  And a remarkable thing I noticed was the fact that the owners of the two development groups who are busy rehabbing dozens of historic homes (Theresa Gasper of Full Circle Development, LLC. & Michael DiFlora of The Home Group LLC with their respective spouses Dave & Holly) were right there with everybody else, and they too were very much a part of this community.  If one didn't know any better, it would have been easy to assume that these two couples were simply fellow neighbors who lived next door.

This is exactly what it means to live in a vibrant urban community.  People invest in the neighborhood not to simply flip a quick buck but because they are passionate about the neighborhood.  Neighbors don't just know each other - they look out for one another and form tight friendships.  People are tolerant of each other's differences, and diversity is considered an asset.  And neighborhood parties are not rare but common.  In fact, last night's party was the second of three scheduled for this summer!

Thanks to everybody I met last night - especially Kathy (who hosted the first half of the party at her house) and Kevin & Amanda - who hosted the second half at theirs).  It was great meeting all of you and I look forward to the next time...

Comments

[Kevin Moran]

What kind things to say. Cheers, Bill! It was great to have you as a guest. We'll be waiting on word of your's and Shannon's new family addition.

[Kathy Bossong]

Wow, what a nice thank you. I had a great time hosting!! We have a great community here in South Park.

[Kevin Moran]

I also want to add: we're not only very fortunate here in South Park to have the Gaspers and the DiFloras investing in our community--as you point out Bill--they take time from their busy schedule to hang with us as the neighbors kick back and enjoy life with one of our summer porch, patio and deck parties. It was so great to see so many South Park'ers.

[Theresa Gasper]

Bill - you quickly discovered what it didn't long for Michael, Holly, Dave & I to figure out - it's the people of South Park that make it so incredible. For us, it's not about taking time out of our busy schedules - we truly cannot wait to hang out with the neighbors. They are what it is all about.

As anyone rehabbing older homes know, they quickly become money pits with one unexpected surprise after another. When that part of the 'job' gets me down, I just have to run into a neighbor and my spirits are instantly buoyed.

Thanks for the kind (and true)words on the neighborhood. Let us know (as I'm sure you will) when the new addition arrives. In the meantime, we'll be working on finding the perfect new spot for you here in South Park!

[Kate Ervin]

Man, I knew I should have gone...was too busy recovering from jet lag from my overseas vacation.
Someday I'll participate in my new neighborhood, I swear!

[Kevin Moran]

Chop, chop, Kate. We still have two more South Park PPDs for the summer.