Kristin Mentz's essay that won her and her Kendall Ridge neighbors an ice cream party for winning the Edy's Ice Cream Slow Churned Neighborhood Salute:

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 friend and playmates were born! 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.

Through a child's eye, they see many folks ready to play! Our neighbors are friendly and helpful. They take those few minutes to stop and say hello or let the children pet their dogs. While playing catch or drawing with chalk in our driveway, either as a group or one-on-one, we share stories of our days, future events, laugh at silly antics, and swap house or family advice.

Over the last six years, I recall many milestones and it's our neighbors that were truly front-line and there for us. Our children's birth events, a fallen tree during hurricane Isabelle, my husband's broken wrist and surgery, family members' deaths, blizzard-high snowfalls, terminated jobs, emergency house fixes, party celebrations, or last-minute baby-sitting. The list goes on and on when someone lent a hand, an ear, or a tool, brought us food and hugs, or just kept us company. I am amazed that it is my neighbors -- my good friends that really now know me -- who are the first I call on for help or to share exciting news! What better way to say thank you than over a scoop of ice cream?!

Our community is not only made up of neighbors, it's become a caring, close-knit family. A local, loving family that supports each other in good times and in bad times. Our children are learning this valuable lesson through us, "to love your neighbor as yourself." This is why our "family" of neighbors at Young Buck Circle/Saddle Drive deserve this Edy's ice cream party -- to celebrate all the wonderful times together and to toast many more to come!

— Kristin M. Mentz, Kendall Ridge resident

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