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A Norman Rockwell painting. A perfect picture of small-town America. A great place to live with great people.
I have heard Washington described as all these things and more in the short two years since my husband and I moved to town.
And I have heard a litany of diatribes against Chicago Land and Chicago Land people, of whom I happen to be.
Having lived in both places, I know every place has its own pros and cons, as well as classless people who insist on voicing gross generalizations.
While I’ve met many friendly people through my line of work, there is one glaring deficiency my
Washington neighborhood has, and it is something I miss from my days in the suburbs.
Waving.
I live in a very small neighborhood with only a few streets, so when I pass people in my car or walking on the road, I naturally wave.
My congenial efforts are met with stone-cold waving silence.
This just doesn’t fit the picture people are trying to paint of Washington.
So, a few months ago, I decided to start “Operation Wave.” I wave to every single car, runner, biker, walker, and lawn mower I pass on my street.
Often, my enthusiastic waves are met with reluctant head nods or a weak, half wave. But, I really think the neighborhood is making progress.
I don’t know if other neighborhoods in Washington have this waving deficiency, but I challenge you all to start your own “Operation Wave.”
And if you’re really serious about comparing Washington to a Norman Rockwell painting, you might try tacking on a smile while you wave. It won’t hurt, and it can only make Washington an even greater place to live.
Jennifer Freeman is a Washington resident and the editor of the Washington Times-Reporter.
A Norman Rockwell painting. A perfect picture of small-town America. A great place to live with great people.
I have heard Washington described as all these things and more in the short two years since my husband and I moved to town.
And I have heard a litany of diatribes against Chicago Land and Chicago Land people, of whom I happen to be.
Having lived in both places, I know every place has its own pros and cons, as well as classless people who insist on voicing gross generalizations.
While I’ve met many friendly people through my line of work, there is one glaring deficiency my
Washington neighborhood has, and it is something I miss from my days in the suburbs.
Waving.
I live in a very small neighborhood with only a few streets, so when I pass people in my car or walking on the road, I naturally wave.
My congenial efforts are met with stone-cold waving silence.
This just doesn’t fit the picture people are trying to paint of Washington.
So, a few months ago, I decided to start “Operation Wave.” I wave to every single car, runner, biker, walker, and lawn mower I pass on my street.
Often, my enthusiastic waves are met with reluctant head nods or a weak, half wave. But, I really think the neighborhood is making progress.
I don’t know if other neighborhoods in Washington have this waving deficiency, but I challenge you all to start your own “Operation Wave.”
And if you’re really serious about comparing Washington to a Norman Rockwell painting, you might try tacking on a smile while you wave. It won’t hurt, and it can only make Washington an even greater place to live.
Jennifer Freeman is a Washington resident and the editor of the Washington Times-Reporter.
