Meet Your Neighbor: David Van der Vieren

Interviewed by Christy Cerrone

We like to feature interviews with our Southern Gables neighbors, to help us all get to know and appreciate each other. If you know a neighbor you’d like to have featured, contact Christy, information below.

Christy: How long have you lived in Southern Gables?  David: Going on 6 years.

C: What are a few things that you like the most about the Southern Gables community?
D: People – So many of our neighbors are welcoming, kind, and generous. We have loved getting to grow friendships and relationships within our community. Then there’s the location — it’s perfect for us. We love living near the mountains and the Bear Creek Trail, and still being close to locally-owned shops and restaurants. And the spirit of community — there is a culture in our neighborhood (among the businesses, shops, churches, and neighbors) to think about each other and how we can all work together. From the food bank at Westwoods Church to the community garden to the PTA at Green Gables Elementary school, so many people are working to make the neighborhood and world a better place.

C: Do you have a favorite memory with your Southern Gables neighbors?
D: One of my favorite memories was during the Sustainable Southern Gables Christmas Tree Fundraiser in 2018. During this event, a group of neighbors got a permit to drive up to Forest Service property deep in the mountains to cut down Christmas trees to raise money for the Community Garden. It was such a memorable experience getting to know one another and work together to bring about a positive change.

C: What is the most neighborly experience you’ve had or seen in our neighborhood?
D: The Community Garden — The amount of organization and volunteer effort needed to get the community garden put in was tremendous. The Community Garden has continued to bring our community together year over year.

C: What are your hobbies?
D: Hiking with the family, swimming, and traveling to western Colorado.

C: What is your favorite quote or saying?
D: I still need to find one.

C: Is there anything else you want us to know about you?
D: I am passionate about Sustainability and how to lower our impacts on our environment while growing community.

C: And finally, who would you nominate to be featured in a future neighbor profile on the SGNA website? In response to this question, David made a really fine recommendation. You might see it in a future article, and you’ll really appreciate what thoughtful and generous neighbors we have!

Contact [email protected] to nominate a candidate for the “Meet Your Neighbor” series.