Support community

Recently the North Downtown Residents Association, one of the earliest and most successful neighborhood associations in Charlottesville, held its annual meeting and picnic in McGuffey Park. The weather was mellow, the food was ample and tasty and the sociability was warm and friendly. The attendance, however, was negligible.

I believe that neighborhood associations nurture the grass roots of democracy in our community. If neighbors don’t know each other, speak to each other and celebrate together, they are not likely to cooperate in governing themselves.

True democrats support their neighborhood associations and do not allow them to die from neglect.

Catherine G. Peaslee
Charlottesville