2014 Good Neighbor Award Reception
You know, it has been said you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your neighbors. If you are lucky, you have good neighbors. So what is a good neighbor? By definition a neighbor is someone who lives close by you, but in our rural community, "close" is a relative term.
But what IS agood neighbor? Though good neighbors may live close, they respect your space and privacy. You’ll find among our nominees, that a good neighbor is friendly and considerate. Good neighbors reach out and connect.
Even more than that, a good neighbor’s actions support community. A good neighbor looks out for others. Good neighbors help each other. Being a good neighbor is every bit -- even more important, as having a good neighbor. Our nominees understand that and have asked themselves, "Am I a good neighbor?"
On behalf of Friends of the Library, I’d like to introduce the 2014 Good Neighbor nominees:
Cheimi, Mark & Felicia Norton are being recognized by Randee & Travis Olive. Being new to St. John, the Nortons reached out with friendship, time and fresh produce!
Jerry & Janice Mattocks are appreciated as being kind and generous neighbors to Gayle Byer.
Pat Truesdale has many good neighbors in her life. Lynda McAllister and Cassie Blakeslee keep an eye on Pat’s comings and goings, sharing in life’s ups and downs, and their mutual love of cats. Reggie and Sheila Fisher have taken on the role of Pat’s adopted kids, looking out for her every need. Michelle Koelsch and daughters have helped out by running errands, providing taxi service and shoveling snow. Pat considers Barbara Watson her “angel unawares,” thoughtful by nature. Everyone is Barbara’s neighbor!
Jill Stimatze and Adam Sayler were “caught” working together to rescue a pair of sheep dogs who were separated from their flock during a thunderstorm. (story) Anna Minnis is admired for her volunteer work in our community such as sharing her piano playing ability with the nursing home residents.
Ardis Witt’s nominee just happens to be her roommate! She is proud of all the hard work and how dedicated to keeping Hudson clean and attractive Pete is. His willingness to serve on Hudson’s city council and as Hudson’s mayor for many years was a big part of how he accomplished this.
Connie Hathaway considers herself blessed with a variety of good neighbors. Donna & Ron Clark share of their time and resources, giving rides to doctor appointments, work and the grocery store going as far as to buy groceries. Juanita Alpers is an especially good friend, active in both church and community activities.
And Ms. Sally Bauer was nominated by both Connie Hathaway and Ardis Witt. She is considered Hudson’s “Angel of Mercy,” sharing her nursing skills (and/or a Wheatland hot meal)helping anyone in need. Most county citizens consider her the most caring person they know.
So, we thank those of you that recognized the characteristics of a Good Neighbor and nominated all these generous spirits. All in all, we live our lives separately but here in the St. John/Hudson community we are truly blessed to live in a community of good folk that understand what being a “Good Neighbor” really means.To all our nominees, we say thank you.