Good neighbors are always appreciated. In 2020, great neighbors helped to get us through, make a difficult year a bit easier.
In life, we get to choose our friends, but our neighbors are a roll of the dice. Another good reason to appreciate them, say thank you when they offer assistance, go above and beyond.
In May of 2020, I was invited to the home of a Park Avenue business owner, along with owners of Tuni, Umi, and Washborn Imports. There may have been a few others, not certain. The group grew a bit afterward and included many other small business owners. The goal of the get together was to discuss Covid 19 and the shutdown which was just ending, the impact to our Local small businesses. Most had been closed for at least two months, many others would not re-open until June or later.
Gary Lambert is the owner of Gary Lambert Salon on Park Avenue, requested the meeting at his LUVly home. (Writing about that later!) Gary was the perfect host but the conversation and tone of the meeting soon became quite serious. Gary was concerned about his neighbors, the other small businesses on Park Avenue. As we gathered and sipped wine, tasty bites brought by the owners of Umi, attendees shared stories and situations, knowledge, and we began discussing the possibilities which might exist to aid businesses during an unprecedented modern time.
At one point in the discussion, hoping to find solutions for everyone in attendance and every variety of small business on The Avenue, I remember specifically suggesting an idea I thought might benefit Gary and his staff. While I do not remember specifics about what he said, conveying a reason why the suggestion would not work, I remember clearly the sentiment behind it: He did not want us to think this was about helping HIM. He was concerned about his friends and neighbors, wanted THEM to be offered ways to deal with the pandemic, increase business, SURVIVE.
This group enlarged for the next get together, held at The Imperial Wine Bar on Morse Boulevard. The conversation that evening was beginning to echo much of what had been discussed at the first. Standing across the space where we were all gathered, opposite Gary, I remember well his passion as he began speaking in a raised voice, saying we must begin acting, not just talking, knowing many of our Local small businesses were in a difficult spot. The conversation turned and there were several action items undertaken that week and following weeks.
The year that was 2020 was challenging, difficult, hard. Gary Lambert made a different in my experience, the experience of so many others, driving home the need to act to aid our neighbors. THANK YOU, Gary, it is my pleasure to name you the first ever My Winter Park Neighbor of the Year! YOU and your efforts on Covid, on other efforts which you volunteer & champion, are so appreciated!
I’d like to encourage my fellow Winter Parkers, Orlandoans to consider those who made a difference in your life in 2020, tell them how and that you appreciate their efforts, kind words, encouragement! Like a great neighbor, lots were there for us when we needed it.
Winter Park, I believe, has many LUVly, old-fashioned qualities and one of those is being neighborly, knowing your neighbors, being there for them. I LUV Winter Park & I am glad each one of you is my neighbor.
Best wishes to all for 2021!