JimJoe:
I've seen stories in the paper about folks who gather in somebody's driveway every week. My street has been doing monthly parties for at least a couple of years. Some times just in the street, sometimes in someone's house, sometimes at the neighborhood pool, sometimes at the rec center, and sometimes away from TV altogether! (Our December gathering was for dinner at Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora). We have lots of fun and usually at least 20 of the 28 residents on our cul-de-sac.
I lived on a "closed," private street up north. We got together twice a year, and almost never knew everyone. Here, we've even had a joint party with folks on adjoining streets.
You just cannot beat TV for its social life!
SWR