I’ve lived in Albert Lea in the same house and neighborhood now for about six years. One of the things I’ve enjoyed most has been getting to know some of my neighbors.

I must admit that most of the conversations have been a few minutes here and there while we’ve walked the dogs, mowed the lawn, or done repairs on the house.

A few years ago, we had a garage sale which brought many of our neighbors over. It was great to have a reason to sit and talk to some of them. I truly enjoyed their company and wanted a reason to see them again. So, when the prospect of neighborhood parties was introduced, I was excited to get started!

This spring, Operation Respect Ambassadors realized that one of the ways we can become a more respectful, caring community is if we get to know each other better. Neighborhood parties came to mind, and we decided to try having countywide gatherings. The idea for neighborhood parties isn’t anything new — some neighborhoods have held their own parties for several years and the parties are now a tradition.

Our party was this past Wednesday at Valley Park. The kids played softball, basketball, and other games while the adults had conversation. Several of my neighbors mentioned how parties like this happened years earlier but have since died off. It was really nice to talk with so many different people — and I was surprised to find out several people whom I’ve known for years lived just a few blocks away!

There have been parties now throughout the county and Albert Lea. Many of them have brought in 100 or more people! We are so pleased they have been such a great success!

This is in no small part to the efforts of a group of some 30-plus volunteers who have worked to distribute fliers, attain donations from very generous local businesses, spread the news through media and word-of-mouth and be generally very enthusiastic to meet their neighbors!

The people who helped organize our neighborhood parties come from many different organizations: Operation Respect, Freeborn County Partners in Prevention, Thrive Initiative, AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project, ShineFest, Albert Lea Park and Recreation, Albert Lea Family Y, Albert Lea Police Department and United Way.

We made a great team! I can’t tell you how many phone calls and e-mails were shared while everyone worked together to get all the details ironed out. I look forward to collaborating with everyone in the future!

A few parties are left if you weren’t able to attend one:

Wednesday, July 29: Shorewood Hills from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 30: Lakeview Park from 5 to 7 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 3: Troy Hammer Park from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

We Live United through connecting with our neighbors, recognizing there are so many great people right down the block from us who are kind and interesting and who we may call friends.

Ann Austin of Albert Lea is the executive director of the United Way of Freeborn County.