History and Highlights
History of Citrus Heights Good Neighbor Week
In the early 1970s, Becky Mattson of Lakeside, Montana came up with the idea of a national holiday recognizing the importance of good neighbors. In 1978, Her dream was made reality when United States President Jimmy Carter issued Proclamation 4601:
"As our Nation struggles to build friendship among the peoples of this world, we are mindful that the noblest human concern is concern for others. Understanding, love, and respect build cohesive families and communities. The same bonds cement our Nation, and the nations of the world. For most of us, this sense of community is nurtured and expressed in our neighborhoods where we give each other an opportunity to share and feel part of a larger family. In recognition of the importance of fostering compassion and respect in ourselves for our neighbors, the Congress has requested the proclamation of September 24, 1978, as National Good Neighbor Day. Now, Therefore, I, Jimmy Carter, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 24, 1978, as National Good Neighbor Day.
I call upon the people of the United States and interested groups and organizations to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities."
In 2003, National Good Neighbor Day was moved to September 28 and found its way back into the spotlight for neighborhoods across America. The champions for a Good Neighbor Holiday have changed over the years, but the goal has always been the same- to celebrate neighboring and let it be a catalyst for being engaged neighbors year round. When the Good Neighbor Day concept made it's way to Southern Missouri it brought about a new collaboration and engaging expansion. Recognizing, the link between community wellbeing and individual health David Burton of the University of Missouri Extension and Jennifer Prophete of the Hopeful Neighborhood Project, collaborated Missouri Good Neighbor Week into existence to enourage neighborly engagement and improve quality of life in neighborhoods across the State.
In May of 2023, by way of a Neighborhood Improvement Grant, Citrus Heights resident and R.E.A.C.H. President Natalee Price attended the Missouri Good Neighbor Week forum held by David Burton and Jennifer Prophete at the Neighborhood USA Conference in El Paso Texas. She was encouraged to bring the concept back to Citrus Heights and request that it become an annual holiday promoted by R.E.A.C.H.; July 2023, the R.E.A.C.H. Board Members voted unanimously in support. With the assistance of the City of Citrus Heights Community Engagement Department, in september 2023, Citrus Heights Good Neighbor Week was formally recognized by the City of Citrus Heights Government by way of proclamation from the Citrus Heights City Council.
R.E.A.C.H. encouraged neighbors to celebrate the first annual Citrus Heights Good Neighbor Week with acts of neighboring; in response 764 acts of neighboring were registered. Citrus Heights residents were also encouraged to recognize those neighbors who go above and beyond all year long. There were eighteen nominations, and although all were worthy, ultimately 91 year old Lotte Reed was chosen as the 2023 Good Neighbor of the Year.
To give more opportunities for neighboring during Good Neighbor Week, R.E.AC.H. is promoting a citywide yard sale on Good Neighbor Saturday (the saturday falling between September 28 and October 4th each year) along with a Fun Friday Celebration (the Friday falling between September 28th and October 4th). You can learn more about both of these events and how to participate on our Happenings page.
Highlights
- 1978: National Good Neighbor Day recognized, United States President Jimmy Carter issues Proclamation 4601
- 2003: National Good Neighbor Day moved to September 28th, motivating a movement to make the world better, one neighborhood at a time.
- 2022: September 28th – October 4th is Missouri Good Neighbor Week signed into law, encouraging citizens of Missouri to “participate in events and activities to establish connections with their neighbors”
- May 2023: Missouri Good Neighbor Week recognized as Project of the Year by Neighborhood USA (NUSA), R.E.A.C.H. Board Member Natalee Price in attendance brings the project to Citrus Heights.
- July 2023: R.E.A.C.H. Board votes unanimously to promote a Citrus Heights Good Neighbor Week, R.E.A.C.H. designs a Good Neighbor Recognition program and data registry for acts of neighboring
- September 2023: The City Council of the City of Citrus Heights issues a proclamation recognizing September 28 - October 4, 2023 as Citrus Heights Good Neighbor Week, In response the citizens of Citrus Heights completed 764 acts of neighboring and long time resident Lotte Reed was recognized as the 2023 Good Neighbor of the Year.