Helping Hands

Even with a judging panel including all of last year’s finalists, choosing winners in the sixth-annual Good Neighbor of the Year contest was tough.

For three hours, panel members pored over stacks of letters submitted by appreciative folks pitching their neighbors as tops. Panelists picked their favorites in each geographical area, and then came the hard part.

They pleaded the cases of their favorites, debated over who’s neighbor was truly the Good Neighbor. After much soul-searching and a little show-of-hands democracy, three neighbors got the nod.

Panelists say the biggest factor in their decision was sustained commitment for a long period, and not just to someone next door, but to everyone.

It should be no surprise, then, that this year’s winners are helping hands par excellence. Winners include a superactive Samaritan who finds time to help both pets and people, an all-around handyman who is constantly behind a snowblower or lawn mower, and a nature lover who looks out for his neighborhood and a nearby park.

Winners will receive an engraved plaque for themselves and a catered party for their entire block, sponsored by The Spokesman-Review and Little Caesar’s Pizza.

, DataTimes MEMO: The In Life headline: Top-notch folks Good Neighbors of the Year offer their kind deeds to all

The North Side Voice headline: Beyond the call