Rich had an uncle that lived on 21st Avenue and he started visiting here in the mid-1950's. He had always thought the neighborhood was really nice, so when he and his young family went house hunting, they made the smart decision to raise their two children here. (Rich stated that the current neighborhood reminds him of the way it was in his childhood.) Their children attended St. Paul's Catholic School and St. Pete High, and the five grandchildren now enjoy all of the amenities added by the Champignys to their home on 14th Ave. I got the invitation to tour the beautifully landscaped back yard and pool/spa area. On this day, two grandkids and daughter Vanessa were taking part in a weekend cook out and swim. Rich commented on the recent work he is doing to the privacy area adjacent to the gorgeous self-cleaning pool. Over the last few years, the Champignys spruced up the exterior of their home with a fresh paint job, manicured lawn, and white PVC fencing. The newly retired resident, Rich, can be seen trimming the trees, mowing the lawn, and taking care of the large traveler palm and its new offshoots standing in front of their home. When I asked the family what they liked about living here, the answers included: having the next generation of young families moving in yet keeping a number of residents that have been here even longer than the Champignys; being close to Crescent Lake; going to the St. Paul's festival every year; the "neighborly" neighbors; and, it's "just home."

Congratulations, we are glad you live here!

If you would like to nominate a neighbor or even yourself for Home of the Month, please contact us at: Amy Rettig jjrettig@tampabay.rr.com  or Beth Lindenberg at ehlind@verizon.net