2011 Great Neighbour Stories
Rising property value
It wasn’t until I was eight months pregnant and lost my husband in an accident that it became evident how wonderful my neighbours are. I would often awake to find my walk already shoveled or come home to my lawn freshly mowed. I frequently get a reminder that I have left my garage door open. They even installed a gate between our back yards so my daughter can help herself to the peas in the garden and apples off the trees.
Thirteen years later there hasn’t been a day that I haven’t thought “wow, how lucky I am that I bought the house next to them!” I often joke that no one would be able to afford my house as the property value would sky rocket if it were based on my great neighbours!
Becky
Working together
Our neighbour who lives two doors down from us has been friendly and welcoming. We often shovel our walkways and the neighbour’s walkway together.
A few years ago, our neighbour got cancer and began to lose a lot of weight. Although he tired easily, this did not keep him from shoveling our neighbour’s sidewalk, helping with their yard and doing it all with a smile.
Janelle
Kitchen reno's and annual events
We set out on the daunting task of totally renovating our kitchen this summer. We had neighbours show up to clean our kitchen and help with demolition, remove old flooring, pull staples out of our floor and put up new drywall. We received numerous dinner invitations and had food delivered to us. Having no kitchen has gone relatively smoothly with all the help and food we received from our neighbours. We feel very blessed to live in the same neighbourhood as those people.
Every year events are held in our neighbourhood that allow people to connect over and above daily life. We have a yearly block party, Hillside Park days (pancake breakfast, parade, children’s activities and a potluck) and the ever popular Desperate Housewives party (Christmas party with all of the women). We also have games nights, baby showers and charity garage sales.
My children love where we live because of the people here who care about each other and are willing to lend a hand when it is needed.
Arlene
See you out front
When we moved to Rainbow Crescent four years ago we were greeted by our neighbours. The first thing we noticed is they always sat in their front yard and as people came home from work they greeted every driver with a friendly wave. What makes this unique is they have one of the most beautiful backyards you have ever seen yet choose to sit on their driveway so they can be a part of the neighbourhood. With so many people seeking privacy, they buck the trend and enjoy the people on the block. When my wife and I moved back into our house last summer, they welcomed us back to the neighbourhood with a beautiful set of plates with a tasty dessert on each one. When we go on vacation we can be sure they will keep an eye on our house. They are the consummate neighbours and because of them, Rainbow Crescent is an incredibly pleasant street to live on!
Ryan & Theresa
English teacher
My neighbour teaches me English. She has one daughter. She is so nice to understand me, even though my English is not good.
Joseph
Two good neighbours
Our neighbour helps me pull potatoes out. His wife canned some beets for me and moved snow. Sometimes they help me mow the lawn. They helped pick raspberries and currants and sometimes they bring me cookies. Our neighbour on the other side mowed my ditches and uses the weed eater around the fence.
Katrina
City girl....
On April 1, 1968 my husband and I and three girls moved from Edmonton to Sherwood Park. I was not a happy camper – I was a city girl and Sherwood Park was country – Oh my! The next day I answered the doorbell – there stood six kids, one huge dog and one long garter snake. The kids were waiting for me to scream or faint but I disappointed them as I told them how pretty their snake was and also that he was hurt. The children introduced themselves and then their parents to us. They were so helpful in telling us how to pick up our mail; where the post office, grocery store, library, doctor and dentist offices were and offered to help us out any way they could. Well, I am still here 43 years later and very glad to be here.
Kay
Not more snow!
We recently moved to Sherwood Park from Toronto. My husband travels extensively throughout the winter months and with the record amounts of snow fall we had experienced this past winter I was overwhelmed. With two small children and a husband often out of town, I found myself shovelling snow in the wee hours of the morning before the kids awoke or late at night when they were asleep. A corner lot is that much more to maintain.
Our wonderful neighbour, without me asking, would graciously give us the gift of his time and energy and remove snow. Many times after a fresh snowfall, I would rush to get the kids bathed, fed, and to sleep then bundle myself up and head outside to shovel snow to avoid any fines. Many a time, there he was smiling and waving, clearing our snow at the speed of light. Nothing expected in return. No complaints. A pure and simple genuine human being helps out a new neighbour. Many nights I went to bed with a warm feeling knowing we have been blessed with a neighbour such as him.
When my children are older I will observe my neighbours and help those who could use an extra hand. I will pay it forward.
Jennifer
Someone cares
I have a neighbour who phones me every day to make sure I am okay. She invites me for supper at least once a week and looks after my house, plants and cat if I go away. It is really nice to know that someone cares. This also includes her husband who is “Mister Fix-It” if need be.
Gwen
Getting to know the neighbours
My neighbourhood is a cul-de-sac in a new development in Sherwood Park. My husband, toddler and I moved into the neighbourhood in the middle of winter and didn’t see much of our neighbours for the few months. As the snow melted and the weather warmed up, adults and children began appearing on the sidewalks and riding bikes around the turn-about. Soon we were engaged in conversations about who lives in the neighbourhood, who was moving in and who had children of which age. This last weekend we placed “Children at Play” signs at the entrance to our cul-de-sac and had a neighbourhood BBQ. We shared food, laughter and child watching while we got to know each other. Everyone is working on landscaping and offers to help or share the best prices around. I feel so grateful to find a place that feels like ‘home’ from the beginning!
Tracey
Unexpected kindness
I moved into my new house in mid-June with only six chairs, a table and bed. As I moved in I discovered how lucky I was to have moved to this street. The garden had been neglected and I began to put some order in. My neighbour lent me tools, removed a sapling, and took tree branches and bushes to the recycling compound. They knew I did not have a lawn mower and they took it upon themselves to mow my front and backyard regularly and to lend me other items that I needed. They helped install a lock and shared birthday cake with me. Another neighbour gave me a desk and a hose. I am so fortunate in having the kind of neighbours that noticed that I needed help and provided it.
One day I was cycling to the Wilderness Center when I had a problem with my bike. There was no house in sight and few people on the road. I could not cycle and my wheels locked so I could not walk the bike. I needed a knife to repair the bike. So I flagged a car and a lady stopped and produced a set of shears. Unfortunately they were not able to remove what was caught in the wheels. She called her husband to come with a box cutter to help me. This was so generous and kind of her as I was not only delaying her but also interrupted her husband’s activities. With his help I was able to free my wheels and cycle on. I will remember their kindness, care and generosity and hope that one day I may be able to pass their kindness to others in similar circumstances.
Annie
Can't slow us down
In the summer of 2006 I was approached by one of neighbours who had this idea of having a Cul-de-sac Party. “But I hardly know anybody here” I told her. “That’s exactly the reason we’re doing it.” So that day we got to work making plans. She will bake cake and potatoes, I will bring the barbecue, salad and coffee. We printed off the invitations and distributed to the seven houses in the cul-de-sac. The day of the party we were a bit anxious and nervous. But then it turned out wonderfully! The sun was shining and everybody come out! We got to know and enjoy each other, heard so many unforgettable stories and learned the history of the neighbourhood. We had a good and interesting mix: a former radio announcer, a multi awarded gunman, pilot and wood carver, a music producer, a gardener, a choir member and a few retirees. We all come from different backgrounds and diverse geographical areas. Because of the effort of my neighbour – every year since then we have had a party. It became a tradition! This year I suggested we skip it because of a death in her family. I told her I wanted to respect them and give them privacy (their house is like our main busy headquarters and our parties are held right in front of their place). But oh no! She said she wants to continue the tradition as we’re celebrating the 5th year of our Cul-de-sac Party and now about 13 families are joining us every year! That’s why I wanted to honour my great neighbour!
Ting
Part of the family
The lady next door to me, with her two children, a teenage boy and a preteen girl help me a lot. The boy helps me with the lawn every week I need it done and also helped me fix my fence. The girl comes every couple of weeks to help me weed and trim my garden. We work together very well. The kids are fantastic, they are very respectful; they come and talk to me. When they are visiting they give me hugs and remember when my late husband was here. They treat me as part of their family.
Lola
Thank you to Lawn Busters
I have a Lawn Busters volunteer and am very pleased with the program. My volunteer is AWESOME! He goes way beyond what I expected.
Anonymous
Great neighbour
My next door neighbours do not look for the spotlight, they just care. They have been the epitome of a great neighbour since we moved in about a year and half ago. We were going to buy a pre-fab vinyl shed to store our garden equipment. When our neighbour found out he explained that perhaps I should think about a “kit” made of more solid wood. I am not too handy and the vinyl shed would be easier. Well, help he did, not only with construction but materials and his vast array of tools.
The front yard we inherited was a big weedy patch and we wanted to do something but the project was big. Once again our neighbour came to the rescue. He offered big landscape rocks and the use of his “mule” to transport them. He also provided bobcat services to shape the yard and dispose of the excess waste materials – FREE OF CHARGE. Needless to say he is able to “give” more than me when it comes to equipment, tools, etc. But we have created a great relationship and have a fabulous understanding of what it is to be a Great Neighbour.
We purposely choose to shovel the driveways together. We take pride in how high the pile gets. Our wives and my kids pitch in too. We look at this as a chance during the winter months to get out and stay connected. We wonder how well neighbours sometimes do this when they put earmuffs on and drive a snow blower…
Kelly
Community spirit
I would like to tell you about our good neighbours. They live in our subdivision of Hillside Park and have contributed very much to the community spirit in our subdivision. He was president of the South Cooking Lake Community Association and came up with great ideas to connect the communities. Bulletin boards were put up in the subdivisions so that community information could be posted. A monthly newsletter was sent to all community members by email. He is no longer the president but continues to be on the committee. He spearheaded development of trails in our reserve (green space) in Hillside Park. He is Hillside Park’s unofficial leader, helping to organize spring cleanup and barbecue; organizes Hillside Park Day which includes a pancake breakfast, parade, dog show, potluck supper and games such as soccer, volleyball, basketball; variety show as well as a craft table for the little ones done by his wife. His wife also holds a summer camp in South Cooking Lake for the children. The couple have four children and have taken on two foster children. They host a games night in their home monthly for adults and children.
Bev
You are not alone
When I moved into Sherwood Park to a condo in the early 1980’s as a single parent, my neighbours were a retired couple. She was one of the original ‘Edmonton Grads’, the great basketball team coached by Percy Page, and in the Sports Hall of Fame, honoured in five categories. She used to say to me if I was ever scared to just bang on the walls and they would come to help. One time I was late getting home from a weekend with my family - the phone rang and it was my neighbour saying, “Now I can relax, my family (though very extended) is home.”
My son was a railway enthusiast and my mom and I hauled a big piece of plywood to the basement for the railway set. Our neighbours' husband was a ‘sign painter’ before he retired. He offered to paint a scene on the basement wall and said just let me know when you’re away and I’ll have a scene on the wall by the railroad table when you get back. And he did.
I was taking university courses and if I was late my son would go to their house until I got home. My neighbours have long since passed away, but I will always remember them with fondness. I still take care of her clematis and have two planters she gave me and always plant geraniums in them as she did. Sometimes when you feel alone in the world, having great neighbours makes it easier to cope.
Elaine
Last updated: Thursday, September 15, 2011
Page ID: 8294