<strong>by Lee Scott</strong>

The community I live in reminds me of one of those old-fashioned neighborhoods that I lived in when I was a child. We would be playing in a neighbor’s yard and the mother would say, “You kids stay here, your mother had to go pick up your father.”

Or a neighbor would call and ask, “Do you have a cup of sugar? I am in the middle of baking.” Everyone helped each other out. This kind of camaraderie happened all the time. It was like the neighborhoods where Grandma lived next door and the Aunts and Uncles down the street.

Now instead of picking up the phone to connect, or running over to Grandmas, it is the Community Net. Neighbors asking neighbors for rides to the airport, or to pick up a car at the Jiffy Lube.

It seems like there is always someone in need, and many others willing to help. A neighbor only has to ask and people respond.

A recent incident is an example of this kind of community mind. I was in the process of moving winter clothes and found a plastic container in the back of the closet.

When I opened it, I discovered thirty years of old VHS tapes from our old camcorders. I was so excited but remembered I had not owned a VHS tape player for years.

When I looked at some of the labels on the tapes, I found they were marked with dance recitals, plays, graduations and a host of other captured memories.

There was also an old Beta tape with “Mr. Mom” and “Beaches” recorded on it. I am sure this was recorded before the warning: “Copyrighted. Punishable by 10 years in jail and a $25,000 fine.” (I threw the tape away.)

When I told my girlfriend Chris about my find, she suggested I put a request out on our “Net.” So, I did.

“Wanted – VHS player to borrow.” Within minutes, I had five e-mails telling me I could borrow theirs. EUREKA!

Then I got a call from a man named Russ who had recently moved to the neighborhood. He said he had one that not only played; but you could record to a DVD. He explained that about 10 years ago he bought it so he could transfer years of old films onto some DVDS which he then gave to his wife for their anniversary.

Now this guy gets good marks from me right away. So, I drove over to his house and picked up the player.

As I sat there sobbing, watching the old movies, I was reminded of how lucky I was to have lived in so many great places with such good neighbors.

So, welcome to the neighborhood, Russ. You fit right in.

<i>Lee Scott, a writer and recent retiree, shares her everyday observations about life after career. A former commercial banker responsible for helping her clients to reach their business objectives, Scott now translates those analytical skills to her writings. She lives on St. Helena Island and enjoys boating, traveling and reading.</i>