06/08/2026
Congratulations to the Walters family for being 2026 Good Neighbor Award honorees!
Carol Harrington nominated the Walters family, writing: "The Walters moved into our neighborhood about two and a half years ago. We became acquainted when I took a them a plate of Welcome to the Neighborhood cookies. They are a young family and we are not so young. We don’ have a lot in common, but we always exchanged friendly greetings and waves when we see one another across the street.
"In October 2024, one of our neighbors died of a heart attack. My husband usually put her trashcan out on trash day. Shortly thereafter, my husband and I both started having our own health issues. One morning when I went out to put my trash can on the curb, I found it mysteriously already on the curb. This went on for a while before I learned that nine-year-old Landon was my mystery helper.
"All of the children have been volunteer helpers--for instance when I would come home with a carload of groceries, they would run over to help carry them in the house. They were so helpful I started feeling guilty so I began keeping individually wrapped candies by the door so I could grab a handful to give to the little helpers. Sometimes it was a round of $1 bills. It wasn’t just groceries. If I swept the leaves and magnolia burrs off the driveway, there they were again.
"Finally, I had a task that I thought warranted being a paying job. I called Michelle and asked if I could hire Landon to wash my two trash cans. I acquired a long-handled scrub-brush, bucket, mask, gloves, soap etc. for the dirty job. When I went out to check on progress, I found all six children involved in the task and having a good time. Mom was there also.
"Whatever the task, raking leaves, cleaning trash cans, etc., Michelle always checks to be sure they are doing a proper job.
Significantly, Michelle told me that I didn’t need to always pay the children for their help; she wanted them to know that it was important to help just for the sake of doing good.
""Recently when I was attempting to sweep the driveway, Skyer walked up behind me and took the push-broom from me and started sweeping. Within moments all the children were helping. “Did I have another broom, did I have a dustpan, did I want the leaves bagged up” etc. In no time the task was completed.
"I thanked them profusely for their help. As they walked away, the youngest, Lilly, said “Thank you for letting us help you.” I just melted.
"Michelle and her husband have made an effort to teach the children good values and to do a job properly and well. The children have internalized these lessons with enthusiasm and joy. The kids are always happy and always ready to help. They will grow to be adults who are contributing members of society.
"Their enthusiasm, joy, and genuine desire to help is why I nominate the Walter children and their mother, Michelle, for recognition as Good Neighbors for 2026."
