Kristin Mentz believes it is important to live in a place where her children grow up knowing their neighbors. And she's found that place, in the Kendall Ridge neighborhood of Long Reach.

"It's so different than other communities," she said. "We have to work at it and we all have to have that mindset. We all feel it is important for our children to grow up in that kind of community that they feel secure."

Dorothea Sample, one of the original homeowners on the street, said she feels like the closeness of the neighborhood goes deeper than just a sense of community.

"Within our own neighborhood here, it always seems like whomever the new family is that moves in, we all welcome them with a sort of open arms sort of feeling. We welcome them into our neighborhood," she said. "It's like one big family, more or less. We welcome them into our family."

Mentz and her neighbors, about 15 houses in all, recently celebrated their closeness as a community with an ice cream party -- sponsored by the Edy's Ice Cream Slow Churned Neighborhood Salute contest.

Mentz's 350-word essay was chosen from thousands of entries as one of the grand-prize winners of the contest. Nationwide, 1,500 neighborhoods were chosen to be recipients of ice cream parties.

The parties will feed about 100 people, Mentz said. First, the company sent what she called a "party in a box," which included the ice cream cups, spoons, napkins and other things necessary for the party. The week of the party -- Sept. 13, for the Kendall Ridge neighbors -- Edy's sent 12 half-gallon cartons of ice cream, as well as several boxes of ice cream pops.

"We had ice cream in all our neighbors' freezers," Mentz said with a laugh.

The neighbors had their ice cream party instead of their annual Oktoberfest party.

"We usually have a block party around this time of year," Mentz said. "We had our block party this year using our Edy's party."

Sample said parties are nothing new for the neighbors.

"We get together about once a month," she said. "Some of the people who have moved away, we extend invitations to come back to get-togethers. We still keep those ties in one way or another."

Close-knit community

Mentz's winning essay focused on the ties that bind this band of neighbors.

"Four years ago there was something in the water and 'pop,' three neighborhood families had babies each three months apart. Not only did this help tie our bonds, good friends and playmates were born," she wrote. "The saga continues as two more were born over the last two years and one is due this coming fall. What fun we have celebrating these births uniting our neighbors; people who have become an extension of each of our families."

It's a phenomenon that also has been noticed by Dorothea Sample, who has a son the same age as Mentz's daughter. In fact, Sample and her husband, Curt, are godparents to Mentz's son, Trevor.

"It's fun having all the little kids playing together," Dorothea Sample said. "We all get along. ...Some of the families have young children like we do, some have older children. There's such a diversification in terms of families."

Mentz, who has lived in Kendall Ridge for about seven years, is the one who updates the neighborhood phone directory. She also carpools to nursery school with Sample, ensuring they are in constant contact.

"It just depends on where people are in their lives," she said. "We've got one neighbor with a daughter who just started medical school, another with four grandchildren who live in the area. There are some who just had their first child. There are just such a wide range of unique values and experiences to contribute to everyone else."

Mentz said there are five to seven families who make up the focal group that keep the activity going in the neighborhood. It's not as easy as it sounds, she said. Although most of the closeness is organic, stemming from taking the time to talk to their neighbors when they are out in the yard, there are also activities to be planned and dinners to be organized. And there's the outreach that comes from neighbors helping one another through milestones, whether it's the birth of a new baby, an illness in the family or a weather-related situation, such as a snowstorm or hurricane.

"They have all found a special place in our lives," she said. "I can't imagine this place being anything else, it's just such a good community for our family."

And Sample's favorite part about her neighborhood?

"I would have to say it is close neighbors, definitely their friendships. Sometimes you talk to other people and they really hardly know their neighbors. Other people come and see our community and want to live here. We are truly lucky."

This is an edited version of a previously published story.

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user comments (4)

user cathy says...

As a licensed child daycare provider for 28 years I'd like to comment on the photo of the father tossing his infant son in the air. Shaken baby syndrome is not only caused by a fit of anger but also in the playful manner exhibited in the photo. Any expert would agree that the snapping of a child's small neck can cause a serious injury. Many a child and parent have delighted in this seemingly playful activity. But this is not child's play! Please protect our children and avoid this activity.

Posted 9:30 AM, 09.26.08

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user aoifer says...

I have been lucky enough to be at one of these neighbourhood parties and they are great fun. Kristin and Rob are a very welcoming family and they do so much to ensure their kids are brought up in a safe and loving environment. Can't wait to visit again! Aoife Riordan - Ireland

Posted 10:33 AM, 09.26.08

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user krmomma says...

I've lived in Kendall Ridge for several years and have to say it's the friendliest place I've lived in. Although we are located only miles from two huge urban centers we are fortunate to have a leafy enclave here, with happy faces, dog-walking stroller-pushing neighbors, and wonderful schools. I have to say I am surprised that 'Cathy' above found it necessary to comment on a playful action between a loving father and son. This is a feel-good and heartfelt article about how wonderful life can be, something we could all use reminding of in these times. There is a time and place for everything and this was hardly the time or the place for such a remark.

Posted 10:34 AM, 09.26.08

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user cathy says...

I am not saying that the father or any other parent are not loving while playing with their child in such a manner. We've all done it. Children love it! I am just warning of the possible danger of tossing a small child in the air. Life is wonderful until an accident occurs.

Posted 11:18 AM, 09.26.08

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