Yes, I borrowed this from the Cheers theme song, but allow me to explain. When I moved to Phoenix forty years from a small town of 1,400 people, I was lost. Every house was walled in; there was no such thing as neighborhood camaraderie. I floundered with lack of human contact. In time, of course, it got better; I made friends and got involved in the school biz. About fifteen years ago, I was divorced, and my social interaction with others shrunk dramatically. I still was in the school biz and still had lunch with friends, but my nightlife was nothing more than mindless TV shows, reading, and leftovers from the refrigerator.

Eight years ago, I took chance and wandered into my ‘hood dive bar for dinner…alone. My life was forever changed. My readers well know I play trivia there every Tuesday night, and I was there October 24 when the Diamondbacks advanced to the World Series! I was not only overwhelmed with euphoria, but the joyous celebration which erupted. Young people were hugging older ones, high fives and fist bumps were everywhere. A small town atmosphere wafted about, even though we’re all different–physicians, attorneys, small business owners, nurses, college profs, custodians, teachers, and marketing directors. A community with a love for trivia. A community who supports each other. And a community who sincerely appreciates our wonderful bar and grill, its staff, and its owners.

Our soaring population and social media influence make us sometimes forget about the power of community spirit, which works together to make things better, to celebrate the good times, and to comfort in difficult times. I delighted I took a chance 8 years ago and wandered into The Playa for a burger on a sweltering July night. May you find a special place “where everyone knows your name.”