“All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors–in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.” —Mr. Rogers
Hi neighbor!
Issaquah Highlands strives to be a place where neighbors greet one another with genuine smiles, annual block parties bring people together, and a helping hand is always just a few steps away. It’s a community where one of your neighbors hosts art workshops for children at Blakely Hall and another organizes a neighborhood watch program to ensure safety for all.
This is the essence of being a “good neighbor,” and it’s people like you that make our community a place we are proud to call home. As we celebrate National Good Neighbor Day this year on Sept. 28, let it serve as a reminder to treat those around you with compassion and respect.
Fred Rogers, affectionately known as Mr. Rogers, stood as a champion for community building and kindness. He may have been a television personality for children, but his timeless lessons impacted people of all ages and backgrounds.
Here are three lessons from Mr. Rogers that we can use in our daily lives:
1. Treat everyone with respect.
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood when we treat everyone around us with respect. Mr. Rogers emphasized that people may have different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs and appearances, but those differences should be respected and celebrated.
Issaquah Highlands attracts a diversity of incomes, household make-ups, lifestyles, activities, ethnicities and backgrounds. Our community spirit is dependent upon mutual respect.
“Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person.” —Mr. Rogers
This is shown by listening with your full attention, holding the door open for someone, or recognizing your neighbor’s achievements such as welcoming a new child into the family. These simple acts can foster positive relationships, promote inclusivity, enhance communication and strengthen cultural understanding.
2. Conflict is a natural part of community.
Our community is not free from conflict or disagreement. We see this when a neighbor’s car is blocking others in an alleyway, teenagers wreak havoc, community rules are discussed, or a post goes awry on the unofficial Facebook page.
Communities like ours evolve over time, and change can bring about conflict as we adapt to new circumstances or ideas. It’s crucial that we acknowledge and embrace differences in opinion and beliefs without judgement or prejudice.
“In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.” —Mr. Rogers
He reminded us that both sides can work together to address conflicts in a way that promotes a sense of belonging for all. We can navigate conflicts by encouraging open communication, using empathy, and finding common ground.
3. Love your neighbor and love yourself.
Mr. Rogers would say it’s tough to love someone who has done something mean to you, especially if that someone is yourself. He always emphasized the importance of treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you extend to your neighbors.
Small acts of kindness can make a big difference, even to yourself. Dedicate some time to focus on self-care by prioritizing sleep, treating yourself to a Crumbl cookie, or practicing gratitude.
“Feeling good about yourselves is essential in our being able to love others.” —Mr. Rogers
You can show love for your neighbors by simply offering a smile, sharing excess produce from your garden, or inviting them to the next community event like Treats & Tails or Village Market. These small acts help create a sense of community in Issaquah Highlands.
Thank you to neighbors across Issaquah Highlands for submitting photos of their doorsteps and doing their best to exemplify Mr. Rogers’ kindness.
“Ana Inman has helped a lot of people in this community. She has done so selflessly and with her whole heart. It didn’t matter if it was kids needing help with schoolwork. Or a family needing help with food and groceries. She always made herself available to everyone in need. She never asked for anything in return. She is an absolutely amazing person who definitely deserves to be recognized!”
—Kristina Hard, Ashland Park
“We have a lovely new neighbor who secretly paints and places beautiful rocks all around the neighborhood. One day shortly after they moved in, surprise rocks started popping up all over the place. It is so fun to walk around and spot a mermaid, a bear, a sunset, and a ladybug. The children light up every time they find one.
They even hosted a table at our block party to help the kids paint their own. Although, I’m pretty sure none of the kids put two and two together that they were painting with the secret rock painter. We are so lucky to have new friends in the neighborhood adding magic to our street.”
—Lauren Olson, Dahlia Park
“As residents of Issaquah Highlands for 19 years, the special neighbors are what make us love it here! Our Dahlia Park neighbors have begun to feel like family as we have shared so much life together through the years: first days of school, community parties, snow days, holiday celebrations, and impromptu park gatherings.
Additionally, 15 years ago I was a new mom who showed up at Blakey Hall with my daughter, Clara, for Highlands Playgroup. The group met several days a week (for years) while we helped the little ones share toys, sing songs, and most importantly, support one another during that stage of life.
Many of the parents I met then continue to be cherished friends. Even better, as children entered school, friends from that group were in their classes and activities. Now, with my oldest in high school, many of those Highlands Playgroup kids are still important people in her life as well. To me, having that community of awesome people to share life with is such a gift!”
—Erin Michael, Dahlia Park
“We lived in Daphne Park for about 5 years before moving to Magnolia Park, and we were fortunate to get to know Nicole Miller and her family. I never understood what it meant to be a neighbor until I lived next door to Nicole.
She and her family are friendly, and we looked forward to seeing them regularly. They looked out for our kids when playing outside and at the park, taught us many things about how to care for our property, and delivered countless baked goodies to share (she is an incredible baker)!
On snowy and icy days, Nicole could be found shoveling and de-icing her neighbor’s sidewalks and driveways. She truly cares for the health and well-being of her community. She stands up and takes action toward improving the safety of everyone in Issaquah. She gives her time freely and generously to organizations in our neighborhood and is the biggest cheerleader for new businesses in the area. She continues to inspire me with her good deeds. We are beyond lucky to have Nicole in our community.”
—Mary Harris, Magnolia Park
“I’m so thankful for our neighbors! When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, so many neighbors offered support! They cooked yummy meals, sent beautiful gifts and notes of encouragement. Some helped in the pea patch, others offered to walk our dog. Many have shared their personal stories.
I’m lucky to live in a community that has supported my family! Next time you’re out for a walk or getting the mail, stop and say hi to your neighbors…you never know what they might be going through.”
—Kate Bartle, Sunset Walk
“We could share so many stories of how our neighbors have made a difference on our lives. And that’s the point. There are too many stories to tell, it’s hard to pick just one!
We have been incredibly blessed to have made so many friends while living here. We have neighbors who have become like family to us, who have become our village in raising our kids here, who have jumped in to help carry a heavy couch up our stairs, who show up at sporting events in the rain to cheer our kids on, who bring a meal over when they hear we are sick or grieving, who pray with us and cry with us in our hard times, and who just come sit and share a drink and laugh with us on our front porch.
We have also been incredibly blessed to be able to help our neighbors fix plumbing issues, pick up kids after school, jump start a car when the battery died, paint bedrooms and kitchens, volunteer at schools, and even help with the heartbreaking task of packing them up to move when jobs called them to other states.
We have shared so many of life’s joys in this neighborhood with neighbors who we have treasured as family. We are certainly blessed beyond measure to be living here.”
—Jessica Russi, Dahlia Park
