Good Neighbors
Good Neighbor Guide
When the KVIS first started we would hear a lot about the sort of angel/devil relationships existing between neighbors here. Some people would share how kind and thoughtful their neighbors were while others would tell of situations that ranged from regular nuisance to downright horrible situations in which to live. So we created what we call the Good Neighbor Guide; this brochure addresses neighborhood situations that are good and not so good. The printable brochure encourages everyone living in Kenmore to adhere to some common courtesies that help make living in close proximity to each other a source of respectful peace instead of anxiety and nastiness. The brochure also gives everyone living here the ability to nominate their neighbor to receive a Good Neighbor Award from the KVIS at a special annual presentation. Please feel free to print out as many of these Guides as you need; copies are also available at KVIS meetings and events.
When the KVIS first started we would hear a lot about the sort of angel/devil relationships existing between neighbors here. Some people would share how kind and thoughtful their neighbors were while others would tell of situations that ranged from regular nuisance to downright horrible situations in which to live. So we created what we call the Good Neighbor Guide; this brochure addresses neighborhood situations that are good and not so good. The printable brochure encourages everyone living in Kenmore to adhere to some common courtesies that help make living in close proximity to each other a source of respectful peace instead of anxiety and nastiness. The brochure also gives everyone living here the ability to nominate their neighbor to receive a Good Neighbor Award from the KVIS at a special annual presentation. Please feel free to print out as many of these Guides as you need; copies are also available at KVIS meetings and events.
Good Neighbor Awards
The Good Neighbor Awards have been presented to many people at various locations throughout the Village from Mang Park to the Kenmore Housing Apartment building to the Community Center. These are heartwarming occasions where the very best ways of being neighborly are clearly and beautifully shown many times over. Each person nominated has demonstrated what it means to be a caring neighbor, making their block better while helping to improve Kenmore; we applaud them and thank them for their efforts. Many thanks as well to those who take a moment of their time to complete the form to nominate their neighbors to receive the award.
The Good Neighbor Awards have been presented to many people at various locations throughout the Village from Mang Park to the Kenmore Housing Apartment building to the Community Center. These are heartwarming occasions where the very best ways of being neighborly are clearly and beautifully shown many times over. Each person nominated has demonstrated what it means to be a caring neighbor, making their block better while helping to improve Kenmore; we applaud them and thank them for their efforts. Many thanks as well to those who take a moment of their time to complete the form to nominate their neighbors to receive the award.
“If you don't know the guy on the other side of the world, love him anyway because he's just like you. He has the same dreams, the same hopes and fears. It's one world, pal. We're all neighbors.” -Frank Sinatra
Good Neighbor Award Recipients 2018
Mike Ham
Kathleen Johnson
Jeff Rutowski
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Donna Kavanaugh
Tony Williams
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Anne Marie Lesnewski and her "Little Ladies" Girl Scout Troop
Jim Trautman
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The Most Good Neighbor Nominations Ever Received for One Person
Several years ago, the KVIS received a large package of Good Neighbor Award nominations, all nominating the same person, Kenmore resident John Tripoli. Mr. Tripoli, then 85, had shown kindness and benevolent consideration to his neighbors at the Kenmore Village Apartments for many years. The KVIS decided that a special celebration was merited for this wonderful nomination and in the spring of that year more than 100 residents and well-wishers attended the Good Neighbor Celebration honoring John. It was very clear at the party that his neighbors hold John in warm and high regard and truly cherish him. Mr. Tripoli has been active in helping humanity for a good part of his life, serving in the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps where he was attached to a Marines unit that fought under Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the New Guinea campaign.
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“There is no one in Kenmore who does more for his neighbors than John. He is always available to run errands, volunteer when necessary, assist with carrying packages, welcoming new tenants, etc. & more. He is more than qualified for this award!”
“John is one of the most considerate people I know –he is always cheerful and willing to help everyone. Everyone here just has such a good regard for him.” “Our finest, caring neighbor.” “John is everyone’s friend and helper to everyone. His friendly and humorous manner makes everyone smile. He checks on those who are housebound, make sure they are ok and if they anything. You can always count on John to help set up for activities and so much more. John is a great friend and neighbor.” “John keeps people in a good mood by telling jokes. A very good charitable person.” “John is a wonder person. He is always friendly. Hi is very helpful to the people in the building. He goes to the drug store for all the people who cant get there for their prescriptions or milk or etc. Helps anyone bring groceries in the building plus many other things. He is a real gentleman.” |
Previous Good Neighbor Award winners
Nicole Aiello, Dick and Linda Ball, Keith Boicourt, Mike Castrogiavanni, Nanci DeMeo, Tim Dyrek, Chris Grampp, Kim and Mike Fields, Gary and Mary Johnson, Steve Kendall, Barbara Kocinski, Gary and Sally Latchut, Theresa Lizauckas, Colleen Lokken, Salvatore Matteliano, Lisa Phillips, John Rauk, Robert Reeves, Rachel Roberts, John Salatino, John Smith, Kevin and Cristy Stocker, Frank Terrose, John Tripoli, Jennifer and James Tronolone
Kind words about our Good Neighbors!
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“My neighbor Steve has been a huge help to me and my daughter's ever since I moved into my house 2 1/2 years ago. In the fall he has helped with occasionally raking my leaves. This past summer while we were painting my windows using my old shaky wood ladder he immediately went to his garage to lend me his new metal ladder. In the past he has also lent me outdoor tools and offered other assistance if we need it. He is a young father of 2 active boys and he works full time. He manages to maintain his house and is often outside helping others. This past winter with all the snow our area has received I have not been able to keep up with all the shoveling. Steve has snow blown not only my walkway each time but also my drive area. He is a great neighbor and I feel lucky that I live next door to him. If anyone deserves A good neighbor award it is him. “
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“Mike and Kim are the best neighbors anyone could ever imagine. They are kind, generous, thoughtful, and helpful. The kindness of our neighbors lasts all year long. On Halloween, Kim makes up special baskets for my kids, with little toys, books, and treats. Every time Mike snow blows his own sidewalk, he always does ours, too. In the summertime, they open their pool to us, even when they aren't home. They leave special pool toys for our children, cut up fruit for them, and help them pick fresh vegetables from their garden. Kim gives us homemade soup, zucchini bread, and jam. Mike always checks up on us when my husband is out of town, and they take excellent care of our house when we are on vacation. Just living next door to them makes me happy. I am so, so lucky to have them as my neighbors!”
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“Keith and his wife Molly and their kids have been the nicest neighbors since the day I moved in. They are very, very helpful and friendly and easy going. Keith cut my grass several times before I got my own lawn mower and even after has helped me with little fix-it projects and more. Their kids are adorable and love my cats...They absolutely make living here the best!”
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“Starting with some summer clean-up of weeds from the front lawn and continuing with snow removal from our front sidewalk, the Jim & Jennifer have consistently taken good care of us. We certainly appreciate their efforts and are very thankful to have such good neighbors (and they recently moved to this house!!!). We are the lucky ones!!!”
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“Rachel has gone above and beyond to make my family feel welcome in the village since before we even moved in! To begin with, she brought over homemade muffins while we were getting the house ready, which definitely set the tone of hospitality and compassion for our neighborhood. Moreover, she has consistently included me in all she does. For example, she plans, organizes, prepares, and cleans up our annual block party every year! I recently became a stay at home Mom and she brought over a list of community mommy & me groups for my toddler and I without me even asking! Rachel always says "hi" and always has a smile on her face. We are lucky to have such an involved and kind person in our village! She deserves to know that she is appreciated and recognized for her dedication.“
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“We couldn’t ask for a better or more kind neighbor. My husband & I are in our 80s, my husbands health is poor. John has been cutting our lawn & snow blowing our driveway for a few years now and is always checking on us. In September my husband had a stroke and was in the hospital for three months. While I was at the hospital every day with my husband, John would come over and take care of our dog. Well, my husband is home now but in a wheelchair, and I recently fell and broke three ribs. John come over several times every day to help me; he gets my husband washed & dressed, gives him his insulin, makes sure we take our medicine, and does our laundry and some light house work for us as well. When he goes to the store he always asks if we need anything. I can go on & on about what a wonderful person John is to us, but I’m sure you get the picture. We have two children, our son died ten years ago so we only have our daughter now who comes over every day to help out -but she has a family of her own too. My husband, my daughter, and I have repeatedly said “I don't know what we would do without John!” There is no way to repay a man like that. He deserves the Good Neighbor Award!”
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“I am nominating not just one but three neighbors. Groomed lawns, driveways and sidewalks shoveled to the pavement, well kept homes with decorations for every holiday; these three bring back memories of the quintessential good times. My first reaction to them was ‘are they the Mrs. Cravitz’s of the neighborhood?’ Boy was I wrong; these three possess no ill intent. Their actions over the years have proven that they strive to keep their homes neat, help others, and keep the neighborhood safe. These particular people are not only there in a crisis like some folks would be, but are there all year long. These neighbors, help an elderly widow with her driveway, take her shopping and to the hairdresser every week; collect mail when neighbors are on vacation and generally keep an eye on all the homes in the neighborhood. On various occasions over the years, I have had to call upon these them and they have responded without hesitation. One New Years Eve day I had an emergency situation with my shed roof; Barb came to help and then convinced her boyfriend to help. Without their aid I never would have gotten the roof on the shed just before a major snowfall –I would have had a shed full of snow for the whole winter. On another occasion, I was out of town and had a sump pump backup malfunction; Nanci, while walking her dog, recognized it and then, after calling the Village, Theresa was able to get a hold of me in Montana. Nanci painted the peak of my garage because she knew I was afraid of heights. Theresa among many things, has stored my garage items while a new driveway was poured. The village of Kenmore was founded on the same principals these three live by every day.”