In the past few days, we’ve been recognizing some of Cass County’s Good Neighbors.
These are folks who go above and beyond to help someone across town or down the street.
None seek recognition.
Gordon Southern, a retired teacher who is now director of the Walton-Tipton Township Public Library, credits his fellow Walton residents for instilling in him a volunteer spirit.
“This community has a sense of voluntarism, too, and I think that’s how I got into so many things,” he said.
Dan Farris, a Logansport police officer who sprang into action when a freak thunderstorm knocked down half of a neighbor’s large maple tree, says it was just the neighborly thing to do.
“We were all out there cutting it up, hauling it around, trying to get rid of it,” he recalled. “It’s just what we do up here. Everybody takes care of everybody else.”
Or how about Dave Mayhill, another guy who likes to keep his good deeds quiet. He credits his parents, Jim and Ruthie Mayhill, with instilling in him the spirit of a Good Neighbor.
“You do it because you want to do it,” he said. “First thing, it’s the right thing to do. It comes from my background of how I was raised by my parents. If you’re able to help someone, do it.”
And then there were Alicia and Bob Pifer, active members of Shiloh Christian Church.
Alicia credits the church with promoting a sense of voluntarism.
“It’s a church that everybody works together,” she said.
She said she and Bob simply like helping out.
“We’re just people looking for things to do,” she said.
That’s what good neighbors do.
They help out without being asked. When the pipes burst and your house is under water, Good Neighbors show up with buckets and a mop.
Nearly every year, we have at least one nominee this year who simply refuses to be singled out. They haven’t done anything special, they say, and they simply don’t want the attention.
We can respect that. Still, we appreciate the fact that this week’s nominees agreed to stand up for a much deserved round of applause.
Everyone needs a Good Neighbor. And we can also use some great role models.
Want to go?
What: Reception honoring the 2012 Good Neighbors Award winners
When: 4 p.m. Thursday
Where: Community room, Logansport-Cass County Economic Development Foundation, 310 Pearl St.
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