It's National Good Neighbor Day - Recognizing the importance of good neighbors

Besides National Drink Beer Day, and National Ask a Stupid Question Day, Sept. 28 is also National Good Neighbor Day!

Today is the perfect day to do something nice for a neighbor in honor of the annual event. Whether you live in a condo, an apartment or out on the farm, good neighbors are truly a blessing, especially if you've ever had a not-so-nice neighbor! Good, trustworthy neighbors can keep an eye on the house and bring in the mail when you are gone; they watch the kids in case of an emergency or take you to work when the car doesn’t start. And great neighbors always seem to have just the right tool or that one ingredient you need to finish those homemade cookies. Good neighbors watch out for one another and can make the neighborhood a much better and safer place to live.

History of National Good Neighbor Day

Becky Mattson is recognized as the creator of this “holiday” back in the 70s when she realized the importance of good neighbors. United States President Jimmy Carter issued Proclamation 4601 back in 1978:

“As our Nation struggles to build friendship among the peoples of this world, we are mindful that the noblest human concern is concern for others. Understanding, love, and respect build cohesive families and communities. The same bonds cement our Nation, and the nations of the world. For most of us, this sense of community is nurtured and expressed in our neighborhoods where we give each other an opportunity to share and feel part of a larger family…I call upon the people of the United States and interested groups and organizations to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

The annual event was previously recognized on the fourth Sunday in September but in 2003, Senator Max Baucus sponsored a United States Resolution making September 28 National Good Neighbor Day.

How to Celebrate National Good Neighbor Day

• In honor of National Good Neighbor Day, why not surprise your neighbor with some homemade baked goods or fresh flowers? Just don’t pick them from your neighbor’s yard!

• If you have an elderly or ill neighbor, why not offer to mow their yard or run a few errands for them?

• If your neighbor is unemployed, why not pick up a grocery gift card and help ease their burden? If the weather is good, why not put together a neighborhood block party for a fun get-together with all the neighbors?

• Begin a neighborhood kid swap. You watch their kids one weekend and they watch yours the next.

• If you haven’t met your neighbor, today is the perfect time to introduce yourself.

Happy National Good Neighbor Day!