The saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We at Lehigh Valley Press have been fortunate to share countless stories on the successes of residents, who are always quick to point out a community of support that got them where they are today.

This, however, is a story of how that village sustains itself, through the kindness of its residents - the neighbors.

John Williams knows well the power of kindness among his Fullerton, Whitehall Township, neighbors.

Late last month, he collapsed as he was starting to mow his lawn. His neighbor, Mary Jean Potylycki, a nurse at Lehigh Valley Hospital, was chatting with another neighbor when she saw Williams on the ground.

She and other fellow neighbors moved quickly. One called 911. Another, following instructions from the emergency dispatcher, ran for a pillow to place under Williams’ head and an umbrella to provide him some shade. One provided comfort to Williams’ wife while they waited for an ambulance.

Potylycki had already begun CPR and, thankfully, had revived her neighbor before EMTs arrived.

That collaborative effort of community kindness is how a village sustains itself.

Research, as reported in Psychology Today, shows neighborly support is associated with well-being.

According to the study, “Friendships, especially those with neighbors, predicted lower levels of loneliness and worry, feelings of ‘usefulness’ and self-perceived respect within the community. The study suggests that acquaintance and friendship with neighbors are more effective at increasing well-being since they are based on proximity, common interests and lifestyle choice. The friendships and neighborhood relationships are also developed voluntarily.”

So, what makes a good neighbor?

Neighbors are friendly, yet respectful of your privacy. While they keep an active watch on their own homes and property, they also cast their eyes at yours, making sure all is well. They offer a hand - or a hug - when one is needed.

In early May, my husband and I attended a wedding ceremony and reception for dear friends. While we were away from home that afternoon, our doorbell camera notified us someone was in our front yard. It’s not necessarily unusual for this to happen. It sounds even when someone is walking on the sidewalk.

This time, however, was different. The notifications were constant. I checked the camera, which showed our neighbor mowing our lawn.

The next day, my husband went next door to offer thanks and a handshake. The man told him he noticed my husband’s car wasn’t parked in front of the house as often as it had been. He assumed he returned to school, after teaching from home for more than a year, and decided to lend a hand.

On a weekly basis in our neighborhood, one resident moves garbage and recycling containers from the curb for a woman in a brave battle with cancer.

We water each other’s flowers and collect mail during vacations.

And you should see the “party” that takes place on a snow day, as shovels and snowblowers move together from driveway to driveway and sidewalk to sidewalk. It’s a testament to the idea of “many hands make light work.”

Williams knows well the power of this statement. The community effort in his neighborhood has blessed him with more time to spend with them.

He, his wife and their neighbors gathered this past weekend to talk with Press correspondent Bill Leiner Jr. about this incredible incident. The full story on Williams and his neighbors can be read in the Whitehall-Coplay Press’ July 29 edition or online at lvpnews.com.

“I’m thankful,” Williams told him. “But how do you thank someone for saving your life?”

Kelly Lutterschmidt

editor

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press