15th annual contest seeks best neighbor

As the world becomes more wired, critics warn, people are pulling the plug on old-fashioned neighborliness. Television is replacing bowling leagues, they say, private decks are replacing front porches, and chatting is done online instead of over the back fence.

But in every neighborhood, there’s at least one person for whom networking means not Wi-Fi but saying hi.

There’s that one person who clears the snow not only from his or her driveway, but from driveways all up and down the street. There’s someone who feeds your cat or gets your mail or gives you a ride when your car won’t start.

There’s that one person for whom property lines aren’t a separation but a connection.

For the 15th year, The Spokesman-Review wants to honor those special neighbors.

Last year, on the North Side, Jim Egeland was that neighbor, helping “birds, beasts, and children,” Sam and Judy Palpant said in their nomination letter. Thanks to Egeland, the area’s wood ducks are more comfortable in custom-built homes, the deer get fresh hay, and the neighborhood’s dogs can count on a biscuit handout.

Adults have also been the beneficiaries of Egeland’s generosity. During the 1996 Ice Storm, Egeland bought a generator and hooked up an extension cord to three families, the Palpants wrote. When the Palpants’ toddler granddaughter got stuck in her bedroom by a fallen bulletin board that had wedged her door shut, it was Egeland to the rescue. He slipped a piece of metal under the door and pried the board loose, the Palpants said.

Egeland will also routinely clear snow from neighbors’ driveways.

“When you see ‘em late at night trying to open it up because there’s a foot of snow, and I have the snow blower out, why not help?” Egeland told The Spokesman-Review last year. And that’s the difference between Egeland and many other people. While they others may say, “Why help?” he says, “Why not help?”

If you have a neighbor like Egeland, send us a letter or e-mail of up to 250 words. Be specific. We want examples of how those good neighbors have helped others or made the whole street happier.

Letters must be mailed or e-mailed to us by Aug. 11 (see the information box for details). Previous Good Neighbor contest winners will help choose this year’s winners.

Each winner will receive an engraved plaque and will be the guest of honor at a catered block party, paid for by The Spokesman-Review. The winning neighbors will also be featured in a Voice cover story.