Gem Of A Neighbor Take A Few Moments To Tell Us How Someone In Your Neighborhood Makes A Positive Difference
It’s time again to give those good neighbors their just due.
You know, the person who waters the lawn, feeds the cat and picks up the mail when you’re out of town. The person who makes life a little better by sharing a warm smile and a friendly word - and maybe even a plate of chocolate-chip cookies or vine-ripened tomatoes.
The Spokesman-Review and Little Caesar’s Pizza are sponsoring the sixth annual Good Neighbor of the Year contest. We want you to write in and tell us, in 250 words or less, why your neighbor is tops.
Keep in mind that a good neighbor isn’t someone who just supplies financial gifts or helps only a certain neighbor, but instead is someone who gives his or her own time and energy to make the neighborhood a better place for all.
Remember when writing to include specific examples of instances when your good neighbor came to the rescue or made a difference just by being there.
Got a neighbor who you entered before, but they didn’t win? Enter him or her again. Include some of the great things they’ve done lately, and give them another shot. Those karma points can add up.
Not only does the Good Neighbor contest winner receive deserved recognition and a beautiful plaque, the whole block receives a catered party on us.
Winners will be announced and profiled in the Voice on Aug. 3. All entries must be postmarked by July 18.
Got writer’s block? Take a look at these letters nominating last year’s winners:
Kelly Williams
South Side
“My nominee for 1994’s ‘Good Neighbor of the Year’ is Kelly Williams.
“Kelly has been our next-door neighbor for three years and one of my closest friends for 20. Just two weeks after arriving in Spokane, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and even though she was very sick that first year she never complained or asked, ‘Why me?’ Instead, she turned to helping other women also struggling with cancer.
“She didn’t know anyone except us when she moved in but now everyone in the neighborhood knows Kelly and her dog, Pee Wee. She’s always helping with little things like putting garbage cans away, giving people rides and picking up groceries. When she finds wood she always shares with the ladies across the street, delivering it without fanfare or expecting anything in return.
“This month, though, Kelly has surpassed even her own generosity of spirit. My mother became ill and we found it necessary to move. Knowing I was swamped, she pitched in and helped clean our house so that we can sell it. She scrubbed the refrigerator, scoured the oven, washed the walls and windows. No matter how unpleasant the task, she did it cheerfully.
“That’s the way it’s always been with Kelly. She smiles at everyone, she listens to everyone needing an ear. And, even though she has a chronic muscular disease and has survived breast cancer, she thinks of other people and how she can help them. Her caring and compassion extends far beyond our little street. She is a true neighbor to friends throughout Spokane and we all love her dearly.”
-Submitted by Darlene Brice
Amy Prohaska
Valley
“Amy (Prohaska) personifies ‘Good Neighbor.’ Despite the busy life of a single mom and part-time student, she helps everyone!
“I first met Amy a few days after we moved into the neighborhood in 1990. She came by and gave us a block map with all of our neighbor’s names and numbers. Since then, I have seen that this was not a one-time thing. Amy is the first to welcome new neighbors and she keeps our map current. Amy organizes an annual block picnic. She coordinates the schedules of 10 busy families and sets everything up. She also serves as a host for a foreign exchange student.
“Amy also helps her neighbors on a one-on-one basis. She always watches my house when we are away. She even agreed to give my cat medicine twice a day for a week! We are welcomed home by fresh-baked cookies! She came to my rescue by pushing my car out of the snow despite being late to work herself. She is also very good to all the children in the neighborhood. Kids stop by her house for Popsicles or cookies all the time!
“Amy simply makes our neighborhood a great place to live!”
-Submitted by Margaret Rianalli
Brenda Hawkins
North Side
“Brenda Hawkins fits the ‘Good Neighbor’ M.O. There is nothing she wouldn’t do to help. She’s always been there for me, as well as the other neighbors.
“With six kids of her own and numerous kids in the neighborhood she is ‘the nurse.’ She doctors splinters, mosquito bites, cuts, scrapes, colds, toothaches, headaches and diaper rashes with a lot of love and Band-Aids. And yes, she treats every kid equally, whether they are hers or her neighbors.
“In the summertime you might find her baking treats for dessert day at the park, or for grandpa and others at the nursing home. At Christmas time you can find her gathering foods, clothing and toys for the needy. She finds great joy in doing this.
“Brenda is funny and witty and a lot of fun to be around. In fact, her house is where you find most of the kids hanging out doing fun projects. The park leaders know they can always go to Brenda’s to use the phone or for an ice pack. And she always has that can of cream of mushroom soup that I need in a pinch.
“She truly is a blessing in disguise, a ‘Good Neighbor.”’
-Submitted by Bonnie DeMasi
, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: NOMINATE YOUR NEIGHBOR Tell us who you think should be 1995’s Good Neighbor of the Year. Write a letter of no more than 250 words describing the individual or couple who makes a difference in your part of town and send it to: Good Neighbor Contest, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615. Be sure to share specific instances when this person or couple has displayed devotion to helping the folks in your neighborhood. The deadline for entries is July 18.