There are 1,600 homes in the magical community called Silvermine, which is made up of a portion of the three towns of New Canaan, Norwalk and Wilton. In the 18th century, 12 or 13 mills thrived along this steep fall of the Silvermine River. My own home is on one of those mill sites with its waterfall still intact. The neighborhood has long been home to an art colony, and much of the area has been designated as the Silvermine Center Historic District, with the Silvermine Tavern at its core. ■ But that’s not what is really special about Silvermine. It’s the people. ■ Two organizations are active in the preservation and quality of life in this tiny neighborhood: the Norwalk Association of Silvermine Homeowners (NASH), which “watchdogs” the preservation of the community, and the Silvermine Community Association (SCA), on whose board I serve, which enhances the lives of its residents. ■ I am delighted by the work done by these neighborhood volunteers, who in 2013, succeeded in averting the plans of a big box store intent on putting too big a footprint on the neighborhood; awarded scholarships to Silvermine students; donated gifts to 15 neighbors in need; organized numerous events for adults and kids alike, including the famous Santa at the Tavern, where for the past 60 years, Santa has delivered gifts for the children on an antique fire truck and distributed them around a bonfire in the parking lot of the Silvermine Tavern .■ As we embark on 2014, I hope we will all spend a little more time volunteering in our neighborhoods. I know I intend to. It’s not the end result that is so satisfying, but the enjoyment of getting it done. ■ Happy New Year!