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If you’ve spent a Sunday morning at the Virginia Highland Farmers Market, or if you were lucky enough to get candy from a walking toilet during the Candy Crawl, you’ve met Ann Cain. Ann is the kind of neighbor who doesn't just live in a community; she powers it.
Born in Martinsville, Indiana, and a graduate of Western Kentucky, Ann’s journey took her through the golf world and various Atlanta hubs (from Alpharetta to Buckhead) before she finally landed where she always felt most at home: Virginia Highland.
"I always went out in Virginia Highland back then," Ann recalls. "It’s like a suburb within the city. You have your own restaurants, bars, and businesses. You get to know people, and you can walk everywhere. You have almost everything."
In May 2016, Ann made it official by buying a 100-year-old home in the neighborhood. While work travel initially kept her on the road, retirement opened the door to a new mission: jumping in.
Ann’s journey into neighborhood leadership started small and grew fast. It began as a Street Captain for the Virginia Highland Security Patrol (VHSP). That led to joining the Atkins Park Garden Club and eventually to her current role as Secretary for the Patrol.
"When you realize you're going to retire, you're like, 'This is what I've always wanted to do—get out and meet people.' So I just thought, I’m going to jump in and jump into everything."
Perhaps Ann’s most beloved "jump" was into the role of the Farmers Market crossing guard. Despite the heat, the rain, and some hilarious bureaucratic hurdles regarding "official" training, Ann became a Sunday fixture.
"I told Katie [at the District], 'I don’t know if I’m going to make it at an info booth... I’m not too sure about just sitting here.' Then they said they needed a crossing guard. I’d never been one, but I thought, 'I could try that!'"
Her commitment was legendary. Rain or shine, Ann's 7:00 AM alarm went off every Sunday. On the final market day of the season, she performed a legendary "sweep" by buying something from every single vendor to show support. She bought everything from dog treats and bacon (given to neighbors) to a now-favorite $45 handmade coffee mug.
When Ann isn't volunteering, her life is a whirlwind of "110% effort" projects. Living in a century-old house means the work is never done.
For Ann, the magic of Virginia Highland hasn't faded over the decades. It’s about that "Cheers" bar feeling where everyone knows your name (and maybe your dog’s name, too).
"You can walk outside and you don’t even know you’re in the big city. We still have that walkable, livable feel. The soul is still there. What you put into it is what you get out of it."
Next time you see Ann walking toward Moe’s & Joe’s or Atkins Park, likely toting some fresh flowers or a DIY project, be sure to say hello. Virginia Highland is a brighter place because of neighbors like her.
