Henry and Ann Schenkel moved to Eastcore for retirement, hoping the community would add something essential to the richness of their life. Having lived a happy life and fulfilling most people’s expectations, they looked to the next chapter in life and wanted more. 

“Until then we had followed a specific path and I asked myself, ‘are there any other options?’” Ann said.

Henry was inspired and challenged by books about justice, and ministry, and the invitation of living where you can seek both.

After living in what they call a “perfect bubble,” many close friends and relatives struggled to understand their move. People asked “Are you sure you want to do this?” 

“And we said yes,” Ann said.

The Schenkels first encountered 3Sixty through folks at their church, Pillar. Later, they had conversations with Brian Wolthuis and Jon Meyers (3Sixty founder and staff, respectively). Now, they say that being on the Neighborhood Advocacy Team gives them focus.

“We are trying to do both, be a good neighbor on our own time and also be involved with 3Sixty. It’s difficult to get to know people so 3Sixty events make that easier. It’s been gradual.” Ann said.

A front porch was nonnegotiable when they were looking to buy a home. It’s their primary tool to connect with neighbors. The Schenkels make a point to regularly be out front and say hi to passersby. 

They also enjoyed hosting monthly ice cream socials in their front yard; a joint venture with their next-door neighbor before the pandemic.

The Schenkels especially love the diversity of people in Eastcore. When they considered what was missing from their life in their previous neighborhood, they realized how much they wanted to share life with people who have had different experiences and backgrounds than their selves.

“The experience of living on 16th St. has taught us how much we do not know about others, but want to keep learning,” Ann said.

They also love the walkability of Eastcore. “We walk north, south, east, and west and the streets back and forth in between!”

For the Schenkels, being on the NAT is mutually beneficial. The NAT serves to keep them up-to-date on what’s going on in the community and what challenges and opportunities surround. The NAT is also a resource, somewhere they can turn for help if any neighbor has need.

The Schenkels recognize that people are becoming increasingly isolated. It’s a different feel than when they were new parents with young kids running around their neighborhoods.

“Everyone talks about how they need privacy … but do we really?” Ann wonders. So the Schenkels hope to bridge their intentional life with community organizing in 3sixty, knowing that people don’t have to be so alone.

When Covid first shut down most activities, the Schenkels hosted a socially distanced block party with a fellow NAT member and neighbor. They said the block party had more attendees than their front lawn ice cream socials, which they attribute to the more neutral location (a parking lot in front of a convenience store.)

Will post-pandemic life finally make people more eager for community connections? “We will find out,” says Henry.