Twenty Missourians Named 2025 “Most Engaged Neighbors”

Twenty Missouri residents have been honored as the state’s Most Engaged Neighbors for 2025. These awards highlight everyday Missourians whose commitment to their neighborhoods strengthens community bonds and creates belonging across the state.

The recognition is part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week, celebrated annually from September 28 to October 4. This initiative is led by University of Missouri Extension and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project to encourage acts of neighboring and celebrate those who make a difference where they live.

This year there were 138 nominations from across the state – a new record.

Every nominee receives a letter letting them know that someone appreciated them enough to nominate them and a memento of the week and nomination. Those selected as the Most Engaged Neighbors receive a printed certificate and a prize check for $100.

About the Selection Process

This year’s nominations came from across Missouri, with dozens of stories submitted by grateful neighbors. Nominations were reviewed with an emphasis on neighborhood-level impact—how individuals connect with those living around them through service, inclusion, and relationship-building.

Based on the award criteria:

• Nominees may not be compensated for the service described.
• Elected officials are not eligible.
• Preference is given to neighbors who strengthen relationships through events, service, or consistent acts of care in a neighborhood or small community.
• Geographic diversity is prioritized.

2025 Most Engaged Neighbors Honorees

Ashley Meredith Marks – Ozark, Christian County

Ashley Meredith Marks has used the “engaged neighbor principles” to distinguish herself in a new neighborhood through consistent acts of kindness. She welcomes new neighbors with cookies. She uses neighbor’s names. Her home garden has become a gathering spot for children, where she teaches lessons in patience and shares the harvest, sparking family cookouts and friendships. Ashley also serves on the HOA board, organizes neighborhood events. Ashley makes time to help neighbors with everyday challenges, build friendships, and create spaces where people feel included. Her nominator wrote: “Ashley has transformed our neighborhood into a welcoming, vibrant, and connected community.”

Gary Knight – Raymore, Cass County

Gary Knight goes above and beyond for his neighbors. He assists with block parties. Whether it’s helping with home repair projects, keeping an eye out for safety, or offering a friendly word, Gary makes his neighborhood a stronger, safer, and more connected place to live.

Steve Sawchak – Battlefield, Greene County

Known and loved by everyone on his street, Steve Sawchak embodies the heart of a neighbor. He looks out for families, checks in on older residents, regularly hosts neighborhood get-togethers, and brings people together through simple but consistent acts of kindness. His steady presence has helped cultivate a neighborhood where trust and belonging flourish.

Reginald Gatlin – Raytown, Jackson County

Reginald is always there when neighbors need him—especially the elderly. He helps with groceries, rides to appointments, general home repairs and yard work, all without expecting anything in return. His nominator wrote: “Reginald takes care of at least seven families on our block. His generosity and watchful care make him the type of neighbor who gives others confidence and peace of mind, no matter their age or circumstance.”

Michelle Lamb – Antonia, Jefferson County
Often compared to Mister Rogers, Michelle Lamb creates a warm and welcoming environment for everyone in her community. She makes it a priority to connect with others, offering encouragement, friendship, practical support, and occasionally helping to mow a yard. Michelle’s ability to foster genuine neighborly relationships sets her apart as an outstanding example of everyday kindness.

Michael J. Von Gebel – St. Louis, St. Louis City
When a tornado struck, Michael was one of the first to step forward, helping neighbors clean up debris and yard mowing to get back on their feet. His willingness to act in times of crisis—and his steady support year-round as president of our association—have made him an anchor of resilience and hope for his community. He has also developed a robust association with a city urban planner which has led to development and resources for our neighborhood.

Dennis Book – St. Peters, St. Charles County
Always ready with a helping hand, Dennis Book is the neighbor you can count on in every circumstance. Whether it’s shoveling snow, hauling brush, organizing a block party or stepping up when someone has a need, Dennis models the everyday generosity that makes a neighborhood stronger. His nominator wrote: “Dennis is there to make new neighbors feel welcome (not in a creepy way) and he helped to bring our neighbors together.”

Dennis Bird – Kansas City, Jackson County
Dennis Bird has built a reputation as a steady and dependable neighbor for 40-plus years. From mowing lawns to lending tools and expertise, he finds practical ways to lighten the load for others. His willingness to help everyone in the community has made him an indispensable part of neighborhood life. Once he even helped save a neighbor’s dog from a house fire. His nominator wrote: “We call him Mrs. Kravitz because he knows everyone and everything that's going on.”

Deborah and Dave Newman – Neosho, Newton County

Deborah and Dave Newman are the kind of neighbors everyone hopes to have. They keep watch over our neighborhood, step in when someone needs help, and make sure everyone feels safe and cared for. They help elderly neighbors get to appointments, mow yards for those who cannot afford a lawn service. They go out of their way to welcome new neighbors. They are humble and do not gossip. They lead by example. Their nominator wrote: “I do not know everything they do for others, but I cannot thank them enough for helping to foster trust and belonging in this neighborhood and creating a welcoming community for all.”

Lyndel and Marilyn Bossing – Springfield, Greene County
This husband-and-wife team are the heartbeat of their street. From caring for widowed neighbors to hosting neighborhood get-togethers, Lyndel and Marilyn Bossing have created a culture of care that stretches across generations. Their quiet but steady investment in others shows the true impact of engaged neighboring. Their nominator wrote: “They make our street look pretty during different holidays and host fun driveway parties. These two are amazing neighbors and keep everyone active and gregarious.”

Jen Moist – Springfield, Greene County
Always looking for ways to brighten someone’s day, Jen Moist makes neighborliness her mission. She checks in regularly, delivers food or small gifts, helps with yard work and varmint removal, and makes sure no one feels left out. Her nominator wrote: “Her kindness has built a reputation of trust and warmth that uplifts everyone around her.”

Harold Jackson – Lee’s Summit, Cass County
Harold Jackson gives tirelessly of his time and energy, especially to older and more vulnerable neighbors. From errands to yardwork, he looks for ways to lighten others’ burdens. His humble spirit and willingness to serve make him a role model for what engaged neighboring is all about.

Charlie Guthrie – Marshall, Saline County
Charlie Guthrie has earned the admiration of his entire community by consistently putting others first. He looks after homes when neighbors are away, helps maintain shared spaces, shovels snow for the elderly, and ensures everyone feels welcome. His efforts weave the bonds of trust and belonging that make small towns thrive.

Brent and Julia Davis – Fremont Hills, Christian County
Brent and Julia Davis are shining examples of engaged neighboring. They host block gatherings, support families in need, check on homes when neighbors are away, help neighbors with debris removal after storms and constantly look for ways to build connections. Their nominator wrote: “Their teamwork and hospitality reflect the best of what it means to be engaged neighbors. They are the epitome of a good neighbor.”

Jeff Fillpot – Hume, Bates County
Jeff Fillpot was nominated for this award by seven different individuals. They all noted that since 2016, Jeff has been a steady and dependable presence in his very small community, creating a food pantry that supports over 250 families and also building and serving in a community greenhouse. He steps up in times of need and brings people together through conversation, encouragement, and acts of service. As one nominator wrote: “His leadership in organizing local activities and his constant willingness to help those in need have made him a trusted neighbor. In fact, I believe he embodies the true spirit of a good neighbor.”

Paul and Cathy Wegner – Columbia, Boone County
Paul and Cathy Wegner go out of their way to watch over their neighbors, offering rides, sharing meals, and lending a hand with home projects. As their nominator wrote: “Their thoughtful gestures have fostered a neighborhood spirit that has made our cul de sac safer, more caring, and filled with a sense of family. We are so lucky to have them as neighbors!”

David Bennett – Manchester, St. Louis County
David Bennett is the epitome of a good neighbor. He and his wife extend kindness through constant acts of service in the community. But they also support their neighbors by helping with home repairs and checking in on older residents. They host music events on their porch where David and his friends provide the music. David is known for introducing himself to new neighbors with a $2 bill shaped into a heart. His nominator wrote: “His steady generosity ensures that no one in our Manchester neighborhood ever feels forgotten or alone.”

Darrell Hastings – Aurora, Lawrence County
In the heart of Aurora, Darrell Hastings, a retired Air Force veteran, has become a symbol of friendliness and connection. Known as the “neighborhood waver,” he greets school buses and passing cars alike with a smile and a wave from his front yard, reminding everyone daily that simple acts of kindness matter. His consistency creates joy and belonging for all.

Xintong Li – Moberly, Randolph County
Xintong Li works tirelessly to connect neighbors from diverse backgrounds, building trust and understanding across cultural lines. From organizing gatherings to checking in on individuals, he ensures everyone feels they belong. He has even been known to repair things in our local park. His nominator wrote: “Even though his personality is one of being introverted, his upstanding moral character pushes him to make things better wherever he goes! His efforts strengthen the fabric of Randolph County’s community life.”

Robbie Farabee – Excelsior Springs, Clay County
Robbie Farabee lives in an apartment downtown and considers the downtown area his neighborhood. Robbie invests time and care into building connections in Excelsior Springs with a smile and a friendly hello. But it is his sidewalk chalk drawings that have made his entire community a friendlier and more supportive place to live. His nominator wrote: “Every week, Robbie blesses a neighbor or local business with a sidewalk chalk art greeting that is appropriate to that person or business.  Robbie brings people together through his sidewalk chalk art and his friendly nature, and we are blessed to have him! “

Additional Observations

Judges could not get the list down to ten this year due to the quality and quantity of nominations so they agreed to support 20 awards. Here are a few interesting facts and observations:

• Greene County and Christian County tied for the most nominations, with 20 each.
• Smaller counties still participated, with places like Chariton, Saline, Livingston, Boone, and Howell each producing 2–3 nominations.
• One individual was nominated by seven different individuals.
• 38 different counties across Missouri had at least one person nominated.
• 72 different cities/towns were represented in the nominations.

The types of neighboring activities noted in nominations can be broken down into four categories. Everyday service like mowing lawns, shoveling snow, rides to the doctor, house-sitting. Hospitality and connection such as block parties, porch gatherings, daily waves, sharing meals. Care for the vulnerable like checking on elderly, supporting widows, mentoring children, helping after disasters. And consistency, since many nominees are praised not for one big act, but for doing small things over and over again.

“These honorees represent the very best of what it means to be a neighbor,” said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension and creator of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. “These nominations reflect a culture of care that thrives on simple and repeated human actions. The strongest pattern is that Missourians most admire neighbors who show up consistently, make others feel included, and strengthen community trust through small but steady actions.”

Why Neighboring Matters

Research shows that neighborhoods with engaged residents experience greater trust, safety, resilience and a sense of belonging among residents. The Most Engaged Neighbors awards are designed to highlight real-life examples of how everyday people make their blocks, streets and communities a better places to live.

As part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week, residents across the state are encouraged to plan acts of kindness, organize neighborhood events, and share stories at missourigoodneighborweek.com.

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or burtond@missouri.edu. You can also visit his website at https://engagedneighbor.com.