Missouri's Most Engaged Neighbors Honored as Part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week

 

During Missouri Good Neighbor Week 2024, over 120 individuals were nominated as Missouri's Most Engaged Neighbor, and 22 were selected for individual recognition.

Our Missouri celebration also got national attention from NextDoor, the social media company, whose leadership team worked with us to create a post that went out nationwide on NextDoor on Sept. 27. You can access it here. At that point, another 50 nominations poured in from across the state.

"The nominations were of really high quality this year," said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension and creator of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. "Every nominee should have received a letter letting them know of the nomination and a memento, a Missouri Good Neighbor Week nominee keychain."

The top nominees (22 this year) will receive a check for $100 and an official award certificate.

In past years, there have been 50 to 60 nominations. But this year, the window for making nominations was open for a more extended period. That resulted in too many good nominations for the committee to narrow it down to just 10.

"I enjoyed reading the nominations over," said Jennifer Prophete, the Hopeful Neighborhood Project director and a partner in Missouri Good Neighbor Week. "I just love the variety we had this year. We had Spanish language nominations. We had rural, urban, and suburban nominations. And we had both young and older people who understood what being an engaged neighbor means."

The top 22 nominations that will receive official designation as one of Missouri's Most Engaged Neighbors are as follows.

Traves Williams        

Sedalia, Missouri, in Pettis County

Nominator wrote: Traves is the founder of "Sedalia Community Helping Hands," a noble initiative that targets individuals who, due to financial constraints or other barriers, cannot undertake necessary home repairs. This organization has become a beacon of hope and support, embodying the essence of neighborly engagement and compassion. To date, this initiative has successfully assisted 21 homeowners in our community, significantly improving their living conditions and, by extension, the overall quality of life in our community. He receives no pay for the work. His actions address immediate needs and foster a culture of caring, involvement, and mutual support vital for a thriving community."

Jessica Bueler

Saint Louis City, Missouri

The nominee wrote, "Jessica founded Welcome Neighbor STL in 2017 as a toiletry drive for immigrant families. Welcome Neighbor STL now provides English tutoring services, driving lessons and cars, laptops, support groups, and more. She has helped refugee cooks give back by cooking for people experiencing homelessness. Knowing Jessica has been a valuable lesson in how impactful acts of kindness can be in people's lives and how we can inspire others to serve their community."

Toni Burks

Tuscumbia, Missouri, in Miller County

The nominator wrote: "Toni and her friend Darlene formed "Cookie Angels." They make and sell chocolate chip cookies and donate 100% of the proceeds to local families experiencing medical and financial hardship. In addition, the women run the Tuscumbia Betterment Committee, which raises funds and builds coalitions of neighbors that pool resources and talents to complete community enrichment projects, like building parks and preserving landmarks."

Zulima Lugo – Knaap

St Joseph, Missouri, in Buchanan County

The nomination was in Spanish. Here is the translation: "Zulima Lugo is always willing to help others and participate in activities. Her main causes are the migrant community, who, like her, have adopted St. Joseph as their home, and the tireless work for women's rights. She gives thousands of volunteer hours and is a shining example of perseverance, being a successful entrepreneur who has thrived in the land of opportunities. Today, she collaborates with the YWCA, Latinos Connect, and many other organizations that have welcomed her."

Aaron Baker

Atlanta, Missouri in Macon County

Nominator wrote: "Aaron is obsessed with his small town. He works from home and says his job subsidizes his community-loving habit. He annually organizes a Sunday morning workday. Around 400 volunteers served on 24 teams in two counties this year to do volunteer work outside of the church. Through small grants, fundraising, and sweat equity, Aaron has equipped volunteers for community workdays to paint, landscape, and clean; he can be found on the weekends cleaning up the yards of other residents; he annually hosts the area's largest Easter Egg Hunt (draws thousands), the annual "Big Wheels" event, and the town's Homecoming Festival."

Chance Parish

Springfield, Missouri, in Greene County

Nominator wrote: "Chance embodies the essence of community involvement and neighborly spirit. His dedication to his own neighborhood and his willingness to assist other neighborhood leaders showcase his commitment to fostering a strong sense of community. One of Chance's most remarkable contributions is creating a website to track neighborhood items, and his weekly emails to neighborhood leaders stand as testaments to his innovative approach to the community. His presence at neighborhood meetings underscores his genuine concern for the well-being of his community. His consistent attendance and active participation demonstrate his dedication to understanding and addressing local issues. Chance embodies the qualities of a good neighbor. His kindness, compassion, and willingness to lend a helping hand make him a cherished member of the community."

Rachael Althaus-Brucker

Greenwood, Missouri, in Jackson County

The nominator wrote, "In our neighborhood, Rachael puts on events for all kids before the school year, at the end of the school year, and throughout summer. She takes time to greet the new families that move in. She also puts together a food and dessert truck every Wednesday night. She donates a lot of time to making our neighborhood feel close."

Stefanie Johnson

Springfield, Missouri, Greene County

The nominator wrote, "Stefanie has stepped into the role of being the PTA President at Cowden and has worked tirelessly to raise funds and build the school's social capital. I think the thing that most stands out to me about Stefanie is that she has worked to build our school's connection with the local neighborhood association."

Marj Locker

Ludlow, Missouri, in Livingston County

The nominator wrote: "Marj works in the Lions Club Summer Baseball Program, writes The Ludlow News for the local newspaper and administrates a Ludlow News Facebook page, decorates Ludlow's little downtown, maintains a history wall for the Lions Club, clears weeds around abandoned buildings on Main Street, and even found old Christmas decorations and refurbished them and hung them up for the first time in 20 years. Her energy and love for this tiny town amazes me."

Nancy Susan Williams

Springfield, Missouri, in Greene County

The nominator wrote, "Nancy is committed to our neighborhoods, communities, and city. She has led efforts to connect women in her neighborhood, organize a neighborhood ice cream social, a lemonade crawl, and a neighborhood cleanup, inspire neighbors to come together and take on projects, and inspire a love for our neighborhood by the folks who live in our little area of Springfield."

Rudy Widmar and Rebecca Welsh

Springfield, Missouri, in Greene County

The nominator wrote: "Rebecca and Rudy have a home improvement business and are quick to help neighbors with any issue. They have repaired my fence, removed a huge limb from a neighbor's yard, and helped a recent widow with some home repairs. They did all this free of charge to help their neighbors. Rudy and Rebecca have hosted monthly potluck dinners in their home, taken on leadership roles in the association, and helped spruce up the neighborhood. These efforts have strengthened our bond and allowed us to know each other better."

Omar Row

Saint Louis City, Missouri

The nominator wrote, "Omar has started a farmer's market off of Cherokee Street on Carnegie Park, bringing neighbors and businesses together and creating a truly diverse community hub where neighbors can really get to know each other. I'm sure his work is going to contribute to a more peaceful, friendly, and neighborly energy in our neighborhood and city."

Tracie Rice

Kansas City, Missouri, in Jackson County

The nominator wrote, " She has been working hard to make this area of Jackson County a safer and healthier community for the residents. She has been holding community meetings, neighborhood cleanups, meetings on roads, and organizing a neighborhood association and a neighborhood trunk-or-treat in October for the kids in the community." 

Brennan England

Saint Louis City, Missouri

Nominator wrote: "Brennan is the president of our neighborhood association. He and his wife (Ashli) started a Neighborhood Yard Haunt to give kids something to do on Halloween night. The Halloween celebration has become a BIG deal in our neighborhood. There are free hot dogs and hot cocoa, a bounce house, and a few booths with activities and games from neighborhood places like a kids' music school. "

Sharon James

Odessa, Missouri, in Lafayette County

The nominator wrote, "She is that neighbor who is first to greet you when you move in. She introduces herself to new neighbors. She is known for delivering her delicious homemade fudge to neighbors. She transports individuals to doctor's appointments and takes them shopping, out to eat, and on trips. She makes soup and sends cards when someone is sick or just because."

Marsha Taylor

Columbia, Missouri, in Boone County

Nominator wrote: "Marsha volunteers every Thursday at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. She also leads a team of volunteers to make meals at the soup kitchen. Last September, those worlds collided when Marsha volunteered her soup kitchen team to make a meal for 120 volunteers coming to the Habitat Blitz Build. She then led the team to feed 100 volunteers at Habitat's Women Build last weekend. Marsha finds a need that she can fulfill, and she does it!"

Orlanda Alonso-Herrera     

Kansas City, Missouri, in Jackson County, MO

The nominator wrote: "Orlando is an empowered woman in the community. Her work speaks to her numerous connections and her efforts to improve our neighborhoods. Orlando collaborates with Latinos Connect in Kansas City, Missouri, to help improve the quality of life for Latinos. Without a doubt, Orlando is one of those neighbors everyone wants to have. She does not hesitate to get her hands dirty working to revitalize neighborhoods."

Jamie Tatum

Springfield, Missouri, in Greene County

The nominator wrote: "Jamie has formed groups to clean up Grant Beach Park, helped to organize sporting events for the children, and has made the park an inclusive and safe place for all neighbors. Jamie has risen above adversities and become extremely productive in her neighborhood. As president of the neighborhood association, she has embraced assets in the neighborhood and gotten others to work together."

Hayden Hradek

Republic, Missouri, in Greene County

The nominator wrote: "Hayden is a high school student who developed a sports equipment library in his community that loans equipment to youth sports participants who might not otherwise have the resources. The equipment library was a $10,000 project that got support from Amazon and was also supported by the city parks department. Someday, there will be a college athlete from the Republic who gets to play youth sports because of this sports equipment library and will have a changed life as a result!"

John Sunde

St Joseph, Missouri, in Buchanan County

Nominator wrote: "This man goes out of his way to improve the neighborhood. He keeps his yard neat and helps his neighbors do the same. He goes out of his way to pick up trash and offers assistance to any neighbor in need. He takes neighbors for appointments, offers rides when weather is inclement, clears neighbor's sidewalks of snow, loans tools and accessories, and offers assistance."

Rennie Balance         

Platte City, Missouri, in Platte County

The nominator wrote, "Rennie is a neighbor you can rely on. His genuine warmth and willingness to help set him apart. Whether it's bringing in trash cans when someone is out of town or lending a hand to build a gazebo, his proactive nature makes him an invaluable resource in our community. Beyond his willingness to assist with practical tasks, Rennie takes the time to welcome and introduce every new neighbor. His efforts foster a sense of belonging and connection that enriches our community."

Dawn & Scott Smith

Columbia, Missouri, in Boone County

Nominator wrote: "When I moved into this neighborhood, Dawn introduced herself immediately and continued to be friendly and pleasant. She learned that my dad was terminally ill and provided support. She knew I was new to the responsibilities of a house and offered help. One day, I heard a mower, and when I looked outside, I was stunned to see Dawn's husband cutting my grass, and he has continued cutting my yard all season. There aren't words for how grateful I am for their kindness. Beyond being the kind of neighbors that make the neighborhood better, they also care about making it safer. They have worked on traffic calming initiatives."

STATEWIDE NOMINATIONS

"I wish we had enough sponsorship dollars to recognize every nominee even more. This has been true in past years but is especially true this year," said Burton. "I know people are not an engaged neighbor to win a prize. But it is good that we recognize and honor some top examples because you get more of what you celebrate."

Engaged Neighbor nominations this year came from these Missouri communities: Atlanta, Auxvasse, Bolivar, Brighton, Buffalo, Caruthersville, Chillicothe, Clever, Columbia, Dixon, Excelsior Springs, Fair Play, Greenwood, Halfway, Hollister, Independence, Jefferson City, Kansas City, Koshkonong, Lake Ozark, Lawson, Lebanon, Lee's Summit, Liberty, Lowry City, Ludlow, Neosho, New Haven, Odessa, OFallon, Ozark, Platte City, Raymore, Republic, Rogersville, Rolla, Salem, Sedalia, Seymour, Sikeston, Smithville, Springfield, St Joseph, St Louis, St. Charles, Strafford, Sunrise Beach, Tuscumbia, Unionville, Walnut Grove, Wildwood and Willard.

PAST WINNERS

Read about past honorees as well in these articles:

Blog on winners in 2023.

Media release on the winners in 2022.

NOMINATIONS FOR 2025 

Starting Jan. 1, you can nominate individuals for the most engaged neighbors for next year on that same website.

And, you can always donate funds to the Greene County MU Extension Council to help fund more prizes for engaged neighbors in 2025. Send your check, with Neighbor Week in the memo, to Greene County MU Extension, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807.

MORE INFORMATION

Are you interested in taking the Engaged Neighbor pledge? The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special privilides and get invited to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.