In January 2022, after months of pandemic lockdown, I was looking for a way to reconnect with my neighbors. I had the idea of hosting a free pancake breakfast in front of my house. I put up flyers around the neighborhood that read, “My wife says I’m getting weird. She says I need to make friends. So I’m making pancakes.” I wasn’t sure if anyone would come, but on the following Saturday morning, I set up a table on the sidewalk, turned on my electric griddle and started cooking.
Right away, the neighbors from two doors down showed up, excited. All told, more than 75 people came to enjoy pancakes—plain, blueberry or chocolate chip—and conversation. They brought their kids and dogs, which made it fun for my kids. People stayed to chat, reconnecting with some neighbors and meeting others for the first time.
It was so much fun that we’ve hosted more pancake parties in our neighborhood. My hope is that the idea spreads around the country. People need each other, and pancakes are a great way to bring us together.
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