The first time I discovered Del Ray, I was meeting a date at Los Amigos (where Rosemarino d’Italia is now). Driving up Mount Vernon Ave. from Old Town, I was struck by how much it reminded me of Bedford Falls in It’s a Wonderful Life—a main street with real community spirit.

Five years later, in 1994, that date—Jack Schutzius—and I bought a house in Del Ray, long before it became the bustling destination it is today. We slowly got to know our neighbors, including Amy Smucker, who had just moved in across the alley. Our friendship bloomed over backyard chats, barbecues, and the Del Ray Chili Cook-Off, which we co-hosted for 10 years, often with then-sheriff Dana Lawhorne as MC.

Amy and I have shared holidays, graduations and protests. She even helped hold a “second wedding” for me and Jack in the alley—a vow renewal for our 10th anniversary officiated by a friend dressed as Elvis. We’ve always made a point to include residents from the Bellefonte Home, and we still remember Peter Matthews proudly accepting their Chili Cook-Off trophy.

Our friendship extended to our pets. When Amy adopted Rocky, I worried about how our shy, semi-feral cat Sawyer would react. Instead, they became best friends, lounging together on porches and in backyards. When Sawyer passed at age 11, Amy cried with me. Rocky still searches for him. Our new cat, Sabrina, isn’t as welcoming—but Rocky remains part of the family.

When it came time to replace our fence, we added a special gate to connect our yards—mostly for Rocky, but also for impromptu wine nights. We've welcomed new neighbors with pizza parties and cheese pairings. Amy keeps our alley beautiful and helped sustain the Christmas cookie swap—now in its 30th year.

Del Ray is where main street still thrives, but it doesn’t happen by chance. It takes effort. I urge neighbors to support events like the Halloween Parade and Art on the Avenue—not just by attending, but by volunteering.

Neighborhood magic isn’t in perfect lawns or party planning. It’s in opening your heart—and your gate—to those around you. That’s how communities last.