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The Results are In!
2006 Good Neighbor Award Winners
Nomination Letters from the Community
Business Community Supporters
Award Winners:
1. Joe Coates
2. Christine Gardner
3. Jeannie Hale
4. Charlie & Gina Hampson
5. Mark and Becky Johnson
6. Wally Keyser
7. Gretchen Lee
8. Bruce & Jolene McCaw
9. The Roske Family
10. Dwayne & Lorelle Shearer
11. Coco Sherman
12. Jerry Sherrard
13. Terri & Sue Showman
14. Jim & Karen Skaden
15. Phyllis Swenson
16. Girl Scout Troop 2509
17. Leaders: Kristin Mirick, Catty Colee
18. Girl Scouts: Julia Mirick, Brenna Nordstrom, Grace Trask & Elliott Moore
Good Neighbor Nomination for Joe Coates:
Dear Laurelhurst Community Club,
I would like to nominate Joe Coates who is my neighbor. He has been very beneficial in contacting the city regarding street problems and has been successful in having them make repairs. Also, he has been very helpful to me in so many kind acts since my husband died a few years ago.
Thank you,
Gloria Hennings
Good Neighbor Nomination for Christine Gardner:
Coco:
I do not know the wonderful woman's full name but she has been a mail carrier in Laurelhurst for 20 years!
I first met Chris when Jean Amick was having a morning coffee one Christmas. Jean snatched Chris inside as she was on her route. Chris joined the ladies for chocolate and cookies. (Jean is good at enhancing her guest list this way as we all know.)
Chris moved her route from Webster Point to Laurelon Terrace and Sand Point Way about the same time and I moved to Laurelon Terrace. Chris knows each of us by name and greets us with a cheery smile. Chris knows the names of all the dogs and stops to pet each one. These acts guarantee a lovely and daily doggy greeting. Chris pointed out when a neighbor seemed to be not picking up mail. (There was a 911 rescue as a result).
I'm a little jealous of the physical shape Chris is in. She looks great in shorts rain or shine!
Christine Barrett
Good Neighbor Nomination for Jeannie Hale:
Hi Stan,
I'd like to nominate Jeannie Hale for Laurelhurst's Most Excellent Neighbor award, except that (1) I'm not a resident of Laurelhurst nor a member of your Council; and (2) I've lost the link that explains how to do this.
Jeannie is ALWAYS ready to help out on any issue--write the letter, attend the meeting, give detailed advice over the phone. She is indefatigable! (And just try to pronounce that.) She chairs your community meetings, she chairs the Seattle Community Council Federation, she attends Ethics Board hearings with me ...
I know how much time and oxygen can get consumed with community activism, and she just amazes me. Plus she's sharp as a tack. Her letters are amazing.
Can you nominate her for me or send me the link so I can nominate her anyway--from afar? I'll cc Bonnie Miller and maybe Bonnie and I can nominate Jeannie from our perch over in Hawthorne Hills. But I do need the link! Or you could nominate her, as a bona fide member, and then use our or my enthusiastic comments as part of the dossier.
Gail Chiarello
Good Neighbor Nomination for Charlie and Gina Hampson:
How fortunate we are to live in Laurelhurst! Not only is the area beautiful, but the residents are like "family".
Last Spring at 5:30 AM on a Saturday morning, John became violently ill! Not knowing what to do, I dialed 911. I then called Gina and Charlie Hampson for help. They were there in a split second and took charge till the medics arrived.
How thankful we are for neighbors who will not hesitate, but just come running, PJ's and all!
Many thanks,
John and Nancy Oblanas
Good Neighbor Nomination for Becky and Mark Johnson:
Dear Laurelhurst Community Club,
I would like to nominate Becky and Mark Johnson, my neighbors diagonally across the street, who keep an eye out on my house when my husband and I travel, making sure the newspaper and mail stop requests are honored. If I have any concerns when we are traveling, I know I can count on them to deal with these concerns.
Their front yard flower garden is such a visual treat. It's such a pleasure
for all the neighbors to view their colorful landscaping and well-maintained
home.
Patricia K. King
Good Neighbor Nomination for Wally Keyser:
Coco,
We would like to nominate Wally Keyser for the Good Neighbor of the Year award. Wally is a great neighbor to have for many reasons, here are just a few.
1. One of the household chores that always seems easy to forget or one you don't care to do on a rainy Friday is bring in the garbage cans. Wally every Friday is out there rain or shine bringing everyone on the streets garbage cans in. I am always very appreciative of this. He usually makes two rounds a day, one for the garbage and one for recycle or greens.
2. We did a major remodel on our house last summer and were not living there at the time. Wally was like our superintendent. He always kept up with what was going on at the house and giving us a call if something didn't seem right. It is always nice to have someone who is able to be your eyes and ears when you are not there.
3. You always feel safe with Wally on the street because he always looks after you, whether it's picking up your mail when you are gone or noticing that you left your door open on accident when you left (yes I have done that). He really takes care of his neighbors!!
Thanks so much for honoring Wally with the Good Neighbor of the Year award!!
Leo, Nicole, Ellie, Joey, and Tommy Stapleton
Good Neighbor Nomination for Wally Keyser:
Hi Coco,
Robert “Wally” Keyser. Wally has been a great neighbor for many years. Until recently Wally has lived in his childhood house and has dedicated a good portion of his time helping his neighbors. Even though Wally moved into a condo he continues to help his neighbors with garbage and recycling every week. Wally is a staple at community events and has been for many years and will continue in the years to come.
Tom Maider
Good Neighbor Nomination for Gretchen Lee:
Hi Coco,
Gretchen Lee runs Gretchen’s Place in the Sand Point Village. 5432 Sand Point Way NE. 206.729.3932. Gretchen makes it a point to know every customer by name and even memorizes their drink of choice. The dedication Gretchen has shown to her business and the neighborhood is above and beyond. Gretchen should be credited for potentially saving the Sand Point village from going up in flames for noticing a dumpster fire in the early morning hours. Not only was the fire put out with minimal damage, but the police arrested a person who was charged with starting the fire because of Gretchen’s efforts. Laurelhurst is a better neighborhood because of Gretchen’s coffee shop and she should be recognized.
Tom Maider
Good Neighbor Nomination for Bruce and Jolene McCaw:
January 27, 2006
Coco Sherman
LCC Special Events Coordinator
4113 55th Ave NE
Seattle WA 98105
Dear Coco,
Please consider including Bruce and Jolene McCaw in the Neighbor Appreciation Day event this year. The citywide theme of Neighbor Appreciation Day is to recognize those who build community and help each other in their every-day actions and behaviors. When we come together for this event, we are reinforcing those personal values and expressing our appreciation for the wonderful things that come from strong communities and shared interests.
What better time than that, to thank Bruce and Jolene McCaw for their leadership and commitment to the Talaris research program, and the study of early childhood development - an issue with great significance and potential for the whole community. We also recognize and appreciate the McCaw's sincere efforts to work constructively with the community. Laurelhurst welcomes Bruce and Jolene McCaw to the neighborhood, and we look forward to the wonderful work of the Talaris research institute.
Sincerely,
Stan Sorscher
Laurelhurst Community Club
February 3, 2006
Coco Sherman
LCC Special Events Coordinator
4113 55th Avenue NE
Seattle, Washington 98105
Dear Coco,
The Laurelhurst Community Club Board of Trustees is pleased to endorse the nomination by Stan Sorscher of Bruce and Jolene McCaw, owners of the 18-acre Battelle property, to receive a Good Neighbor Award. When the McCaws purchased the property in March 2000, they made a commitment to our community to adhere to the values we cherish in Laurelhurst. The McCaws have kept their promise to be good neighbors in moving forward to develop the Battelle property and to create the Talaris Research Institute. For this, they deserve our thanks and appreciation.
With the assistance of their extremely capable property managers, architects, landscape architects and staff, the dream of neighbors to preserve the peace and tranquility of the Battelle property will come true. The McCaws have made a commitment to preserve the open space and to protect and enhance the wetlands. They have addressed parking and traffic concerns and many other issues in working cooperatively with our community.
The Laurelhurst Community Club and its neighbors are grateful to Bruce and Jolene McCaw. They are well-deserving of a Good Neighbor Award.
Sincerely,
Jeannie Hale, President
Good Neighbor Nomination for The Roske Family:
Coco,
Shoot, I just got back in to town and I REALLY wanted to recognize our fabulous neighbors. We know how lucky we are.
I would like to recognize are Chris and Mary Grace Roske (children, Tommy, Matt and Annie). They moved into their house about 2.5 years ago. They have done many nice things for us, including sharing milk, ski bags and wonderful toys. They have watched our children and gave our son Jack all of their Thomas trains and track (which is his favorite toy). But the thing that really makes them stand out and shows their wonderful character is last year when I was working four days a week (and completely swamped at work) our nanny became ill and gave us two days notice. As you can imagine, I was concerned about our nanny and understood that she needed to take care of herself, yet panicked about what to do with our kids since I did not have any family available to help out. After asking her nanny if it would be ok, Mary Grace offered to SHARE her nanny Mary with us until we could find another nanny. That was such a wonderful thing. Not only did it help us, but out kids became great friends. I will always be thankful for their kindness.
Hopefully it is not too late to nominate these wonderful families. We feel so lucky.
Please feel free to call me with questions.
Thanks,
Laura Ford
Good Neighbor Nomination for Dwayne and Lorelle Shearer:
Hi Coco,
I assume that Dwayne and Lorelle Shearer have already been honored as outstanding neighbors. If not, I would nominate them. I've lived in Laurelhurst for nearly all of my 50 years and they are an example of why this is a great neighborhood. The Shearers have always been active in helping schools, parks and community. They say yes to volunteering and shame us all with their spirit, energy and effectiveness. They are just great people.
--Casey Corr
Good Neighbor Nomination for Coco Sherman:
Dear Laurelhurst Good Neighbor Nomination Committee~
The neighbors of Laurelhurst are genuinely lucky to live in a neighborhood where good deeds among neighbors abound. But, there is an individual who we believe goes beyond the norm and her name is Coco Sherman.
When Coco reads this letter, she will politely and shyly decline the attention but she deserves all we have to offer. As the Coordinator of this very event - Laurelhurst's Neighbor Appreciation Day - Coco has tirelessly worked to make this occasion a rich and meaningful one for all nominees and attendees. She manages to not only handle all the logistics of the event, she plans it, promotes it, works with the Mayor's office so that everyone receives the kudos of an important public figure and she does it with the energy of two people. Maybe even three. For over 5 years, Coco has managed to add to our community building by making the Neighborhood Appreciation Day a rousing success every year.
If that weren't enough, Coco is also the President of the Laurelhurst School PTA. For almost two years now, Coco has been the school's greatest and most effective cheerleader. She is known for her fairness, kindness, deep consideration of others, appreciation for the diversity of the school and for keeping a firm hand on the reins when the going gets tough. People love working with Coco and because of her dedication, more parents each day find themselves involved in the activities of this neighborhood asset.
What sets Coco apart isn't just what she accomplishes in the public eye, but what she does behind the scenes. The list is endless but there is one example that typifies Coco: Last year, just prior to the start of the school day and the first kindergarten tour, Coco arrived early to don gloves and pick up trash in the front of the school. She did it without fanfare. She did it because, as she said, the school needed to look its best for the parents' arrival. There are few people who would leave their homes an hour before school to pick up trash, alone and unheralded.
Coco is also known for bringing meals to ill neighbors, answering the call if the Beach Club needs a helping hand, adding her name to countless volunteer efforts at the school and in Laurelhurst, and for her devotion to her beautiful family. Beyond all this, Coco is a true to friend to many. She could not be a better friend.
There are too many good deeds to mention in one letter, but suffice it to say, so many people would not be signing their name to this letter if this were not such an extraordinary woman, neighbor and friend. Laurelhurst had reaped tremendous benefit from all her deeds, big and small. Please accept this nomination and to Coco: Hold your head high, take in the praise and know that you are a treasure to us all.
Sincerely,
Lora & Scott Poepping
Jill Wood
Renee & Mike Ruhl
Karen & Chip Painter
Rommie Callaghan
Lisa Lindburg
Kim Brillhart
Kathy Jolly – Laurelhurst School Principal
Good Neighbor Nomination for Jerry Sherrard:
Dear Jeannie,
I have to tell you that Jerry Sherrard has to be the best neighbor I have ever known. We have been living across the street from one another for at least 30 years, during which time I was away in Israel/Palestine for 12 years.
Upon my return in late 1998, I was overwhelmed with reinstating myself in the Seattle community that I considered "HOME". It was a very difficult time for me. Jerry somehow knew I'd returned. We connected. Three years later, I offered to "cat-sit" for their Ginger, happily so, because I'd come to love cats while in the Middle East (I actually had 12 while living in East Jerusalem throughout the 12 years). Anyway, one day, Jerry comes over and offers to mow my yard "as I'm doing mine, and yours isn't that much" (he said). You have no idea how much it meant to me, for a neighbor to offer to do something for me that would (a) be a great help, and (b) save me a lot of money, especially when I had to start from scratch while reinstating myself back in Seattle. (You see, 12 years in not a joke!!! It's a long absence). I have been so grateful to Jerry for offering to do this for me. THIS IS WHAT I CALL "BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR". Moreover, he constantly checks in on me (you see, I live alone at the moment), asks about me, stays for a good discussion about the "state of the union", as it were, and then bids me farewell. I have made it a point to remember Jerry and Carolyn every Xmas with something they might especially like (to eat, for instance!!). It is wonderful to know that I have a family that takes special interest in my life. He, Jerry, deserves to be recognized.
Thank you for making it possible for me to tell you this very special and, actually, very meaningful, experience of my life, here in Laurelhurst.
Warmly, Huda Giddens
Good Neighbor Nomination for Terry and Sue Showman:
How fortunate we are to live on Laurelhurst! Not only is the area beautiful, but the residents are a “family”.
Last Spring at 5:30 AM on a Saturday morning, John became violently ill! The medics had arrived but I needed help to focus, I called Terry and Sue Showman. They came over instantly!
Sue helped me to answer questions and get dressed. She then drove me to the hospital. She stayed until our son arrived.
How thankful we are for neighbors who will not hesitate, but just come running, PJ's and all!
Many thanks,
John and Nancy Oblanas
Good Neighbor Nomination for Jim and Karen Skaden:
Coco,
Shoot, I just got back in to town and I REALLY wanted to recognize our fabulous neighbors. We know how lucky we are.
We have MANY wonderful neighbors, but Jim and Karen Skaden are also especially wonderful. They always make time to say hello to us and pay attention to our children. We are not fix-it people and Jim will always help us out if we ask. Once Jim fixed our fence for us without even telling us that he is the one that had done it. At Christmas time he helped us straighten our tree (which kept leaning). He invited all of the neighbor kids out in his boat this summer. Karen called a few days ago just to let us know that they were going to start on their remodel, but that she had told the contractors specifically where to park so she didn't inconvenience us since she new we had small kids. The most wonderful thing about the Skadens is that they are kind to everyone especially our daughter Caitlin (5). Although Karen has her own business and is busy, she always make time for Caitlin. She invites her over, reads to her and plays with her. Caitlin loves her like a relative. We are soooo lucky.
Hopefully it is not too late to nominate these wonderful families. We feel so lucky.
Please feel free to call me with questions.
Thanks,
Laura Ford
Good Neighbor Nomination for Phyllis Swenson:
Dear Laurelhurst Community Club,
I would like to nominate Phyllis Swenson for consideration of a Good Neighbor Award. When my husband and I travel, she keeps an eye out on our house, making sure the mail and newspaper stop requests are honored. She waters plants. She is always very pleasant and helpful. Our homes are separated by a construction site, and she shares with us knowledge of what's going on that we need to know.
--Patricia K. King
Good Neighbor Certificates were awarded to Girl Scout Troop 2509 for their help during the 2006 Good Neighbor Celebration. Troop Leaders: Kristin Mirick and Catty Colee; Girls: Julia Mirick, Brenna Nordstrom, Grace Trask, Elliott Moore
Thank you to the sponsors of this year’s event:
University Village II Store
(by Crate and Barrel)
