It’s the old way news was spread from neighbor to neighbor. It embodied the age-old tradition of leaning against your backyard fence to catch up on the latest scoop.
It involved a casual neighborly chat about local activity in the neighborhood. Updating each other about the latest on local or family news. It was friendly and with good will. A way to connect and look out for one another.
But sometimes over the fence chat can become a lingering conversation not meant to be so lengthy. A neighbor may have a need to engage a bit longer, but there are ways to keep it short.
“Hello Marge, good to see you, have a good day,” said Edith with a smile and her body turned away toward her Chevrolet.
“Hey Ed, good mornin’, wanna come over for some fresh coffee and donuts?” “I wish, Tom, but Helen has me scheduled to mow the lawn. Another time, my friend.”
Gabby to neighbor, “Have you noticed a Harley in Frenchy’s driveway?” “It’s been there for a day or so, I wonder what she’s up to, keep an eye on it. Update me later,” said Jaylene as she puts on her helmet, mounts her moped preparing for a ride.
Over the driveway to classmate and friend, “Ginnie Mae, I have something to ask you about our math class,” said Freddie. “Send me an email and I’ll text you later.”
“Reverend John, good mornin’, what can I serve you?” said Loretta at Get and Go Coffee Stop. “Just an Expresso to go. The Lord can’t wait.” “I know you can’t wait, the coffee’s on me.”
Remember when neighbors used to converse over the fence. They laughed and shared news about family and friends. They swapped recipes, garden tomatoes and vegetables, along with some light hearted gossip and advice.
It was an old fashioned social network. It was casual and neighborly. It was friendly with light conversation. They knew they could count on each other and available when in need. Good neighbors are good friends.
Is it possible to create that old fashioned way to social connect with our neighbors?
Maybe so. How about getting to know our neighbors, the ones on the other side of the fence?
The neighborhood association is organizing an event, Getting To Know My Neighbor, to do just that.
The neighbors who take down their fence and engage with each other every day for one week would be eligible to receive one thousand dollars each for their success. Notifications will be sent to residents by email to encourage their participation.
“Hey, George, I just checked my email and received notification about a Get To Know You event that will award one thousand dollars each to neighbors who take down their fence and engage for one week. Are you game?” said Audrey with anticipation.
“Well, I’ve been thinking about our neighbors on the other side of the fence. Maybe it’s time to do it and for one thousand dollars, I’m in,” said George. “Let’s do!” said Audrey as she completed the online entry form.
The neighbors received their notifications and some are conversing about their concerns participating in the event.
“I don’t care to know my neighbors. My fence remains up and I’m content with that,” said Emma the elderly recluse.
“Our neighbors, over the fence, are a bit odd. Nothing in common with them. They are not like us,” said Marie to Sam, her better half. “You know, dear, they could say that about us. We are a bit of an odd couple with our own peculiarities.”
“You know our neighbors, over the fence, are quite active. I hear them conversing, laughing and splashing in their pool. They seem to enjoy their time together,” said Tom.
“Yes, they seem to be enjoying their life. Maybe we could try to get to know them,” said Jane as she engages in her romance novel.
“No way do I want to know our neighbors on the other side of the fence. I hear all kinds of noise. A power saw buzzing and the dog howling in the night,” said Coco.
“It’s rumored that there are some unthinkable things going on over there. I wouldn’t know anything about that,” said Loco as he scrolls the list on Flixnet searching for a riveting murder mystery.
“We have new neighbors over the fence. I’ve seen them as they come and go each day,” said Roger.
“Yes, I’ve seen them too. A lovely couple with a young baby boy. They seem friendly and approachable.” said Emily and continued “They could be the neighbors we could get to know.”
“I think so, too, babe. Let’s complete that online entry form. You know, I could easily take down our fence for them. They would benefit and we could too. A thousand dollars each is a great incentive, ” said Roger.
Well the event was successful. Some participants tried, but couldn’t follow through with engaging with their neighbors over the fence.
The awards went to Emily and Roger and to their new neighbors, the young family over the fence next door.
So, it is possible to make a social connection with neighbors over the fence. Anyone can do it. Just try to lower your own fence by being a friend to someone. It’s as simple as that. It’ll be good for you and good for your new friend.
Copyright 2026 Frank Clark