Last night started as one of those nights here in the neighborhood that makes you proud to live here. The Dickens Carolers sounded sweet, and neighbors were gathering from all over to hear, and also gather for some sweets at another neighbor's house. What I love about these events is that once you have been here for just a short while, you seem to know almost everyone you pass in some capacity. It's a real neighborhood, as opposed to one thrown together with a homeowners association which forces you to participate in things. These people gather because they like each other, and they all have at least one thing in common; they love Seminole Heights and the history behind it. One of our greatest assets in that department (and many others) was Steve Gluckman. He was the first person I started talking with before I even moved here, he was very welcoming and by the time I met him in person at my first preservation meeting, I felt as though I already knew him. It's hard to say what our neighborhood would have been without him, but fortunately, due to his hard work, we do know what our neighborhood will be in the future because of him. I guess I am grateful I was able to chat with him for one last time last night. Still, it ended all too soon. I am still a bit in shock over Steve's passing, and it will be hard to pass his house without knocking when I am out delivering bread to neighbors for Christmas. But we are all fortunate to have known this man, and we will continue to reap the benefits of his work. Rest in peace, Steve....
