There are many great things about snow but the absolute best is the neighborliness it brings out.

I love our street when it snows. First of all, you can count on the fact that someone will host a chili dinner the night of any significant snow fall. This tradition was started years ago by the family across the street who have older kids and who, sadly, are moving at the end of the month.

I got a call from Bob Saturday morning letting me know that the open house they had planned for that day was postponed but that he had plenty of chili makings. I offered our house and a batch of my own and started spreading the word.

By then end of a day of shoveling, sledding and fort making — we had 25 people for dinner, four batches of chili, corn bread, salad, pumpkin pie, chicken nuggets and plenty of chips.

After the blizzard of 2003, that same neighbor suggested we all go in on a snow blower. He did the research, decided how much each interested neighbor should contribute (depending on how much sidewalk and driveway they had), purchased the blower and houses it under his porch.

This was the first time in four years that the blower had been used. It took more than half of Saturday to get it running, but once it was — the neighborhood dads got to work. My husband — the snow blower mechanic –  took the first swing to clear everyone out. Mr. Steve down the street got his hands on the blower Sunday and cleared everyone’s paths, drives and even half the street. We’re not sure where we are going to keep the blower once Bob and his family move, but we’re hoping the new family will become part of the snow blower club.

Then there are the kids. Though they usually get along — it is so great to see all ages building forts and having fun together. When they tire of playing in the neighborhood, we parents take turns running them down to the sledding hill a little ways away. Mr. Steve took Saturday’s shift, I went yesterday and Ms. Teresa took them today.

We are a neighborhood that has always been friendly, but as our kids get older and more busy — there is less time for front yard lounging and cookouts. A snow storm, however, is always a sure bet that we will get a chance to spend time together.

Neighborhood kids ages 2 to 13 gather around the dinner table.