Good Neighbors Throughout Montgomery County Recognized with Prizes
When it comes to good neighbors, even the smallest gestures of kindness go a long way. In recognition of National Good Neighbor Day on September 28, The Woodlands Hills®, one of the award-winning master planned communities of The Howard Hughes Corporation® (NYSE:HHC) asked residents in Montgomery County to nominate a “good neighbor” for a chance to be rewarded and celebrated for the value they add to the community. And for the second year in a row, the responses to the contest were overwhelmingly heartwarming.
Neighbors nominated their fellow community members in 500 words or less, sharing a story about someone who has gone above and beyond for their neighbor. Of the many worthy nominations received, three neighbors were chosen to be honored with a special staycation gift package of a two-night stay at The Woodlands Resort, a $150 luxury spa or golf credit, and a $250 gift card to Robard’s Steakhouse.
The following people were selected for their outstanding contributions that add value by shaping a true culture of reaching out to connect and help a fellow neighbor, which in turn creates a wholesome and connected community:
Good Neighbors Brett & Blake Cross of The Woodlands Hills (nominated by Curt Chalifour and Brenda Whetstein)
“What makes a “Good Neighbor”? Well, let me tell you. It’s someone who is kind and goes out of his way to help you. That’s Brett Cross. When the weather has been raining he has offered and given rides for my son, who goes to the same school as his daughter, on his golf cart. My boy rides his bike and several times the rain has been a little too much. Brett also was kind enough to come over and ask me about his new outdoor directional lighting if it would bother me, then he would adjust it. I work from home sometimes on the weekend, and he has taken my boys with his kids to the pool. Our children get along great so in my eyes it shows good parenting. I believe Brett and Blake Cross, our neighbor, should be nominated as a ‘Good Neighbor’”. – Curt Chalifour
“I am a single elderly woman. The Cross family began helping me out by mowing my yard free of charge. Anytime I needed some small repairs around the house, they didn’t hesitate to fix them for me. Recently they repaired my garage door opener after it quit working. Their family has invited me over for holidays and they often bring me home cooked meals. I appreciate all that they have done for me.” – Brenda Whetstein
Good Neighbor Pat Clune of Shenandoah (nominated by Martha Lout)
“I am nominating Pat Clune because I don’t think there is a better neighbor. We met after his wife passed away unexpectedly about a month after they moved in next door. I tried to help with meals and such in the beginning, but I quickly discovered he was more proficient in the kitchen than I when every empty container was returned with more tasty food! Not only has he had meals waiting for us when we return from vacations, he makes sure we have hearty soups when we are ill. He is always offering his vast expertise on most every issue imaginable, including parenting and finances as well as offering to pick up anything at the grocery stores or other stores when he is out. I have witnessed his offers to help others, including rides and meals to neighbors in our subdivision, too. He has volunteered to help our HOA, while still working full-time before his retirement earlier this year. Pat always offers his vast array of tools, and his physical help for projects around the house. He is more than the best good neighbor… he is a good friend and good person. We are really blessed to have him in our lives.” – Martha Lout
Good Neighbor Gerald Fruge of The Woodlands (nominated by Jan Estes)
“Gerald is a retired Vietnam Vet Marine. He has lived in the neighborhood for about 14 years. Gerald is passionate about getting to know and helping out his neighbors. He repeatedly helps pretty much all the neighbors on E. Village Knoll Circle in some capacity. He will repair your fence, sprinkler system, vehicle, etc. He is basically Mr. Fix It and very knowledgeable about so many things. He will help you unload your groceries and roll up your trash & recycle bins. He will also pet-sit and house-sit when you go out of town. He will even walk your dog if you have to work late. He does all this and more with a smile on his face. He is very neighborly and will not accept one cent of payment. He is extremely friendly, outgoing, giving and never meets a stranger. He is our “go to” guy on our street. We count on him frequently to give us a hand. He truly epitomizes what a good neighbor is. There is no doubt about it that Gerald is deserving of the Good Neighbor Award.” – Jan Estes
Everyone who submitted a nomination to our Good Neighbor Day contest was also entered for a chance to receive a $250 gift card to Robard’s Steakhouse as well. Congrats to Ann Aleman of Willis, Texas for winning this gift card, and thank you for nominating your good neighbor!
“Montgomery County is a great place to live and is full of kind folks who make great neighbors,” said Heath Melton, Senior Vice President of Master Planned Communities, Residential for The Howard Hughes Corporation. “A random act of kindness can go a long way and mean so much to a neighbor. We appreciate the community’s participation and nominations in our search to celebrate the goodness of our fellow neighbors.”
