The Art of Being a Good Neighbor (And How I Got It Wrong)
Thoughts on Connection, Being a Better Neighbor, and What’s Happening at the Neighborhood Farm & Around Serenbe & Chatt Hills (March 21–30)
I used to think that simply living in a place meant I was part of it. That just by existing in a neighborhood, I was somehow connected to it.
But when I lived in Inman Park, I realized—too late—that I wasn’t actually in the community. I was just there.
Sure, I went to the occasional neighborhood event, but I didn’t really know my neighbors beyond a polite wave. And when life happened—the good, the bad, and the mundane—I didn’t have a built-in circle to turn to. My “community” was a 25-minute car ride away, filled with people exactly like me: single or newly married, double-income, no-kids, tech professionals (blah, blah).
At the time, I didn’t think much of it. But looking back, I see how much I missed.
Then we moved to Serenbe.
And I was not prepared for what community could actually be.
Here, I’ve seen people rally around each other in ways I’ve never experienced before. It’s not just small talk at the mailbox—it’s showing up. It’s meal trains for new parents and families in need. It’s people donating time and energy to plan events—not because they have to, but because they want to. It’s welcoming strangers into your home for dinner, organizing volunteer gardening days, playing music at the farmer market and lifting each other up in ways big and small.
I know, without a doubt, that if something major happened in my life, there are people here who would drop everything to help me. And the relationships I’ve built? They’re unlike anything I expected. I have close friends older than my parents—people I deeply admire and look up to. I have friends from wildly different backgrounds, careers, and life experiences. It’s incredible.
Serenbe and Chatt Hills is full of creators—artists, chefs, musicians, writers—but what makes it truly special is that people didn’t just move here to create. They moved here to be together.
And that’s what I want to talk about today: how to be a great community member.
Because this doesn’t just exist here. This kind of magic can be created anywhere—but it takes intention.
In today’s email:
🤝 Wait… Am I a good Neighbor? I wasn’t…
🥕 Fresh from the Farm – CSA sign-ups are open!
📅 For the Locals – Events this week + “In Case You Missed It”
🤝 What I’ve Learned About Being a Good Neighbor
1. Show Up (Even When It’s Easier Not To)
Presence matters. Whether it’s attending a local event, checking in on a friend, or donating to a cause, small actions build deep connections. And showing up doesn’t always mean being there physically—it can be offering resources, lending a hand, or sending a simple “thinking of you” text.
2. Give Generously (Without Keeping Score)
Time, energy, a meal, a listening ear—it all counts. And the wild thing? The more you give, the better you feel, and the more you get back. Adam Grant, in Give and Take, highlights that givers tend to be the most successful over time—not just because generosity feels good, but because it creates a ripple effect. I’ve felt this firsthand. It’s a beautiful cycle.
3. Welcome People In
A simple "Come join us!" can change everything. Find your way to bring people together. It doesn’t need to be a big extravagant party — A walk, a casual porch hang, a book swap, or a low-key gathering—whatever feels natural to you. Greg and I rarely plan big parties in advance (maybe one day, but with kids, that’s just not happening. Too stressful). Instead, we thrive on ad-hoc, last-minute, come-as-you-are get-togethers. Figure out your thing. Because communities don’t just happen—they’re built by people who make the effort.
4. Be Part of the Solution
It’s easy to complain. It’s harder (but way more rewarding) to help. Instead of asking, Why doesn’t someone fix this? ask, What can I do? Communities with high "collective efficacy"—where people take ownership of shared spaces—are proven to be safer and happier.
And speaking of taking action, I have to shout out David Sedaris (one of my idols), who made picking up trash cool. If you haven’t heard about his trash obsession, this article is worth a read. Honestly, I’d love to be that person strolling around with a garbage bag—note to self: start carrying trash bags when on a walk.
That actually sounds pretty idyllic—writing, sharing stories about incredible locals, and picking up litter on long walks. I love this new rhythm of life I’m settling into.
5. Celebrate the Good
It’s easy to focus on what’s wrong. But what if we put just as much energy into what’s right? The volunteers, the helpers, the small acts of kindness—they all deserve to be noticed.
“Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” -- Mr. Rogers
And this is already happening in so many ways here. One of my favorites? The Porchfest Artist of the Year award. Not only was a talented local artist recognized, but another local artist created the award itself. This is the good stuff. The kind of thing that makes a community thrive. Inspiring stuff, Anne Michaud!
What’s Next?
I’ll be honest—living here has challenged me. Seeing so many people give has made me realize I want to (and need to) give more. And I know I could do better.
So, tell me—what makes a great neighbor and community member? What have I missed? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
And hopefully, this has sparked something in you—a moment to reflect on how you show up and what you contribute to your own community.
Because at the end of the day, a great community makes you a better version of yourself.
So, here’s my challenge to all of us (myself included): Don’t just live somewhere. Be in it.
🥕 Fresh from the Farm: Serenbe’s CSA is Open for Sign-Ups!
One of the things I love most about Serenbe is our neighborhood farm—and honestly, I’m always surprised more people don’t take advantage of it.
Picture this: It’s a Tuesday afternoon. You drive to the farm, chat with the farmer, and hand-select produce that was picked just that morning—grown in soil enriched by your own compost. And maybe you (or your kids) learn something new about cooking with an ingredient you’ve never tried before.
You engage with the hands that grew your food—maybe even helped care for it through volunteering. You take your harvest home, swap anything your family won’t eat, or gift extras to a neighbor. If you’re out of town, you make someone’s week by gifting them your CSA share.
It’s simple. It’s beautiful. And for me, being at the farm is magical.
I haven’t had a chance to meet our new farm director yet (looking forward to it!), but CSA shares are now open for purchase.
Pick-up: Tuesdays, 4:30-7:00 PM, starting April 4
Pro Tip: If a full CSA feels like too much, split it with a neighbor or friend. The first year, I wasted way too much food, but for the past three years, I’ve shared a CSA, and it’s been the perfect balance. (I’m looking for a new buddy since Janice moved—if you want to split with me, let me know!)
Expanding Local Farm Connections
While I love Serenbe Farms, I also know there are so many other amazing farms in the surrounding area. I’m working on learning all the local farms where we can buy fresh, seasonal food, and I’d love your help.
If you know of a great local farm I should feature, comment below or check the directory to make sure I don’t miss them.
There are so many, but it takes some digging to find and highlight them all.
More Ways to Get Involved at Serenbe Farms
For the Little Farmers – Spring Kids Gardening Program. A 10-week hands-on farm camp for kids ages 3-8, where they’ll learn gardening skills and tend their own growing space. Sign up for the full season or drop in.
Get Your Hands Dirty – Volunteer at the farm every Wednesday. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tour the Farm – Saturdays, 3:00 - 4:00 PM. Take a guided walk through the fields and learn about organic farming, composting, pest control, and the importance of eating locally grown food.
Serenbe Farms Plant Sale – April 26, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Stock up on plants for your home garden.
📅 For the Locals
EVENTS THIS WEEK: Friday, March 21 - Sunday, March 30
6 Part Series Meditation Workshop | Thursdays, 3.20 – 4.17 | “Born to Flourish” at Serenbe
Pose and Compose: Figure Drawing | Thursdays,3.20 – 4.17 | at CENTER
2-Day Shamanic Journey & Tea Ceremony | 3.21 – 3.22 | at SoulBarn
Soberish x Birdhouse Ooso Tasting | 3.21 4-6pm | at Birdhouse Coffee Room
The Wash | 3.21 – 3.23 | A World Premiere Play at The Inn Pavilion
Wheel throwing workshop | 3.22-3.23 | at Minro
BBQ Pop-Up | 3.22, 11:30 – 6:30 | Brisket & pulled pork by the pound & sandwiches | Embers & Oak at Palmetto Liquor Store
California Wine Dinner | 3.22 | at The Farmhouse
Jazz Night | 3.22 | Live music at Austin’s
Weekend Wheel Throwing Workshop | 3.22 - 3.23 | at Minro
Chris Artabasy Studio “World In My Eyes” | 3.23 2-6pm | Solo Art Show at Sardis
Yoga Amongst Rescue Horses | 3.23 | at Zorro’s Crossing
Judgments & Forgiveness Online Workshop | 3.24| with Morgan Boszilkov
Tuesday Night Softball | 3.25 | at Serenbe Athletic Fields
Weekly Chatt Hills AI meetup | 3.26 | at Jeff Smith’s home
Kids Craft Corner Story Time & Art | 3.26-4.30 | at Angela’s Home
Open Mic Night | 3.276-8pm | at Halsa
Complimentary Tasting + Meet & Greet | 3.27 1-4pm | Powah at Allchemy
Floating Cocoon Sound Bath + Yoga Nidra | 3.27 | at Serenbe Yoga
Feral Cat Workshop | 3.29, 10 AM | Learn to trap and care for feral cats at the Serenbe Vet Office Courtyard.
Serenbe Trail Volunteer Day | 3.29
Bloom & Tune | 3.29 7pm | Live Music with Cody Lee Rose & Grateful to Be
Biophilic Leadership Summit | 3.30-4.1 | 7th annual conference at Serenbe
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
Wood Shop Co-Working Space in Palmetto – Calling all woodworking enthusiasts! A fully equipped workshop with power and hand tools is looking for co-op members. Contact Peter Clemens at 213-200-0024 for more info.
The Ultimate Summer Camp: A Country Life! | 8.4 – 8.8 (Day Camp) or August 4-9 (with Overnight) | For kids ages 9-12! Think archery, fishing, woodworking, farm animals, campfire sing-alongs & more. Hosted on Hearn Road by the Weidmann-Smith Family & Marika Van Brocklin. Email Julia Weidmann for more details.
Summer Improv Camp for Kids | Art Farm’s Improv Camp with Dad’s Garage returns this summer! Kids (ages 7-12) will learn improv skills, play games, and build confidence—ending with a special performance. 6.9-13 & 6.16-20.
The Bloom Room is Closing – After 9 months in Serenbe, The Bloom Room is refocusing on weddings & events. Flower subscriptions will continue, and a final sale is coming soon. Last day: 3.31.
New Episode of Serenbe Stories – Marilyn Specht shares how a week-long visit turned into a life-changing move to Serenbe. Listen to A Sustainable Way of Life with Marilyn Specht here.
Riverlands Park is Here! | Chatt Hills’ new 260-acre park is officially open! Join the grand opening on April 1 to celebrate.
Tulips Available for Delivery! 🌷 | Chatt Hills Food Shop is offering tulip delivery this week! DM on Instagram them for front door delivery or check their stories for availability
Spela Daffodils in Full Bloom! | Don’t miss the breathtaking daffodil display on the hill leading to Spela—now at peak bloom!
Stay in the Loop – I’m working on an event calendar & business directory (launching in May!), but for now, find everything happening in Serenbe & Chatt Hills on this Google Sheet. Missing something? Add it directly or email me the details!
Want to Be Featured in Life at Play? – This newsletter is all about celebrating the incredible people, businesses, and experiences in Serenbe & Chatt Hills. Whether you're launching something new, hosting an event, or have a great story to share, let’s get the word out! Reply via email hello@lifeatplay.co or drop a comment to be featured.
💬 I Want to Hear from You
Each week, I’ll ask a question—and if you respond (please do!), I’ll share some of your answers in the next issue.
This week’s question: What’s your favorite fun fact about Serenbe/Chatt Hills area to share with new visitors?
Hit reply or drop a comment—I’d love to hear!
—Gina xx
P.S. If this resonated with you, share it with a friend who might love it too.
Totally agree with everything, but especially with #2 Give Generously
This is absolutely delicious. I love your writing. xx