Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Award Winners
In 2017, members of the Community Outreach Commission decided to start a program to recognize great neighbors in our city. Residents nominate their favorite neighbor and the Commission votes on the submissions. We are happy to partner with the Commission and donate prizes to the winners which include gift cards to Crystal merchants.
2018 Winners (and their nomination):
Tim Grundei
Tim was nominated by two different neighbors: Kay Christenson and Jason and Cori Roton.
Kay said that Tim has a big heart; and is kind, funny and generous. He came to her rescue last summer when she had an accident in her garage, and he mowed her lawn for two weeks when she was gone last summer.
She said he keeps an eye on homes when people are away, pushed many neighbors out of the snow during the Jan. 22 blizzard, and bakes warm brownies and shares them. She says, “If he ever moves, I might have to follow him!”
Jason and Cori, who also nominated Tim, said he is always willing to help, whether it’s removing snow, loaning tools, or just having a friendly conversation. They said, “He basically makes you feel like you are the most important person in the moment and is willing to be there for whatever you need.”
Jim Jopp
Jim was nominated by his neighbor, Lisa Senden, who said he is their block captain and is always there to help out. He mows many of the neighbor’s lawns, shovels driveways, dog sits and even drives some neighbors to work.
Lisa said Jim is always looking out for others and is the first person to call if there is an issue in the neighborhood. “We can always count on Jim,” she added.
Jerry Sultvedt
Jerry was nominated by his neighbor, Mary Roening, who said he mowed her lawn when she was on vacation and her lawn service couldn’t do it. And then he continued to do it all summer.
“I hear he does this for other people, too,” she added.
Jerry also heads St. James Lutheran Church’s annual Lutefisk dinner – a huge undertaking – and is instrumental in the church’s upkeep.
Recently, when the church’s members from Africa wanted to have an African Food Festival, he offered to help them with planning and purchasing.
“I am sure Jerry does many things that I am not aware of,” Mary added. “Plus he is just a nice guy.”
Naomi Davidson (could not attend the presentation)
Naomi was nominated by her neighbor Brad Snyder, who said she is one of the most active members of our community. Naomi visits and helps neighbors, whether offering plants from her garden, assisting disabled residents or clearing driveways for elderly citizens.
She coordinated the Step It Up Dynamos Team last year. And with her leadership, the team was number one as a group.
Brad says, “We were only in our house a few days before she invited us to join "Step To It," and to attend party at her house. She has inspired me to become more active in our Brownwood Neighborhood to create a more social community.”
Brad added that he thinks every neighborhood needs a Naomi: “I feel truly blessed at the community and friendships she has created and the new friends she has introduced me to.
Tim was nominated by two different neighbors: Kay Christenson and Jason and Cori Roton.
Kay said that Tim has a big heart; and is kind, funny and generous. He came to her rescue last summer when she had an accident in her garage, and he mowed her lawn for two weeks when she was gone last summer.
She said he keeps an eye on homes when people are away, pushed many neighbors out of the snow during the Jan. 22 blizzard, and bakes warm brownies and shares them. She says, “If he ever moves, I might have to follow him!”
Jason and Cori, who also nominated Tim, said he is always willing to help, whether it’s removing snow, loaning tools, or just having a friendly conversation. They said, “He basically makes you feel like you are the most important person in the moment and is willing to be there for whatever you need.”
Jim Jopp
Jim was nominated by his neighbor, Lisa Senden, who said he is their block captain and is always there to help out. He mows many of the neighbor’s lawns, shovels driveways, dog sits and even drives some neighbors to work.
Lisa said Jim is always looking out for others and is the first person to call if there is an issue in the neighborhood. “We can always count on Jim,” she added.
Jerry Sultvedt
Jerry was nominated by his neighbor, Mary Roening, who said he mowed her lawn when she was on vacation and her lawn service couldn’t do it. And then he continued to do it all summer.
“I hear he does this for other people, too,” she added.
Jerry also heads St. James Lutheran Church’s annual Lutefisk dinner – a huge undertaking – and is instrumental in the church’s upkeep.
Recently, when the church’s members from Africa wanted to have an African Food Festival, he offered to help them with planning and purchasing.
“I am sure Jerry does many things that I am not aware of,” Mary added. “Plus he is just a nice guy.”
Naomi Davidson (could not attend the presentation)
Naomi was nominated by her neighbor Brad Snyder, who said she is one of the most active members of our community. Naomi visits and helps neighbors, whether offering plants from her garden, assisting disabled residents or clearing driveways for elderly citizens.
She coordinated the Step It Up Dynamos Team last year. And with her leadership, the team was number one as a group.
Brad says, “We were only in our house a few days before she invited us to join "Step To It," and to attend party at her house. She has inspired me to become more active in our Brownwood Neighborhood to create a more social community.”
Brad added that he thinks every neighborhood needs a Naomi: “I feel truly blessed at the community and friendships she has created and the new friends she has introduced me to.
2017 Winners (and their nomination):
The McHenry Family:
We met the McHenry family a few years after moving in. Through the years, they have helped neighbors by watching pets and children, clearing storm debris, volunteering at Neill Elementary and area schools. During winter storms, Walt and Kathleen bring out their tractor to plow driveways. Their three sons, Ben, Robert and Daniel, have helped with several local build projects through the Cub and Boy Scouts. When I was ill with bronchitis a few years ago, Kathleen brought over a big batch of homemade soup. These are just a few of the examples we can think of. They purchased the home Kathleen grew up in, and continue to build upon their family heritage with pride and love for their neighbors and the city. Nominator Nancy & Walt LaRoche
Shaun and Heather O'Hara
I moved in next door at the beginning of 2016. Just an empty house, no furniture, no yard tools, nothing. Being the only member of the family that is either alive or in the same continent, I needed help with baby sitting to mowing lawn or landscaping. Shaun and Heather were and are always there for me. Being a young parent themselves, they understand how much it goes in raising 3 little kids. I could not have been more proud of being their next-door neighbor. Nominated by Anurag
Bruce Gaertner
For years, there was an open lot next to our home. We didn't own it, but our kids played in the woods and I would have fun rummaging in the woods for firewood. 3 years ago the lot was purchased for development. We cringed. We at first lamented that we would not be able to utilize the little nature area next door. However, our mood also turned to dreadfulness as we wondered what kind of house would be built, and more importantly what our new next-door neighbors would be like. We watched the trees come down, the foundation hole get dug, and the brand new home go up. During construction, I started to get to know our new neighbor, Bruce quite well. He designed and contracted the beautiful new house himself. We soon found that he and his wife, Collette, were the perfect addition to our block. They are kind to our children and dog who often still end up in their front yard chasing a ball or tracking down a frisbee gone astray. Bruce has helped me with many home improvement projects and lets me use his fancy and cool tools. They also let us plug in to a generator they have during a power outage. They are always willing to stop and talk in the driveway before heading off to an errand. Bruce is my nomination for a "good Neighbor" not just for one great thing he has done, but more-so that he has an attitude that I also subscribe to, "You need to be a good neighbor everyday." Thank you Bruce! Nominated by Shawn Smith
John Jeffy
John generously gives his time to help all our neighbors in need of help, especially with mechanical challenges. When he sees projects going on he simply pops in and asks how he can help. He always seems to have just the right tool or doodad in his treasure trove to get the peskiest of jobs done. When neighbors are laid up he snowblows their driveways. He fixes cars, lends his tools, knows everyone on the block, participates in every neighborhood event. He is a real treasure in our neighborhood! Nominated by Bea Jaeger