Longtime neighborliness

John Wojtulewicz would like to re-create the neighborhoods of his youth.

In the 13 years he and his wife, Amy Mickelson, have lived in the South Perry neighborhood, in his quiet way, he’s made great strides toward that goal. That’s why he’s been selected the South Side Voice’s Good Neighbor of the Year.

Neighbor Teresa McCann, who nominated Wojtulewicz, said, “John’s given so much of his time to the neighborhood.”

Through his involvement with the South Perry Business Association and the East Central Neighborhood Council, Wojtulewicz helped procure $500,000 in grant money to improve the neighborhood. The money is allocated for sidewalk repair and improvement, benches and lighting.

Wojtulewicz, known to many neighbors as John W, wanted to make the South Perry area more accessible to pedestrians and the handicapped.

His neighbors appreciate his efforts.

“I think he’s very admirable,” said McCann. She noted that he was instrumental in starting the South Perry Farmers’ Market and involved with the South Perry Street Fair and parade.

“It may be the world’s only uphill parade,” joked Amy Mickelson.

Tom Heslick and his wife, Ursula, are new to the Spokane area. The house they bought next door to Wojtulewicz had been vacant about a year.

“The landscaping was atrocious,” said Heslick. “John helped us determine what were weeds and what were plants.

“He offered us cuttings from his own yard.

“I feel very lucky I ended up next door to John.”

Neighbor Lisa Rinaldi said Wojtulewicz is a wealth of information about gardening and the use of native plants in landscaping. His flower and vegetable gardens are well known in the area.

“He’s the perfect example of who everyone would hope to have as a neighbor,” she said.

Several residents commented about Wojtulewicz’s quiet demeanor.

Belinda LaBounty said, “John has brought a calmness to the neighborhood. He’s a great listener and someone you can count on.”

McCann, in her nominating letter, agreed: “John has a wonderful, quiet, effective way of getting people together to create a better place to live and visit.”

Wojtulewicz keeps people informed about what’s going on in the area. He and his wife often go door to door handing out community bulletins and announcements of neighborhood meetings.

“It’s a small enough neighborhood that one person can make a difference,” he said.

While others may sit and complain about what happens around them, this good neighbor quietly goes out and works to make his neighborhood a better place.