Neighbor may have moved, but still deserves recognition

Notable Neighbors, making a difference

"Mystery shoveler" makes winter months a little easier for local family

Recognition for our "Notable Neighbors" is long overdue. In fact, they have moved within the past year and are no longer neighbors, but are still very notable.

We would like to thank the Harman Family (David, Gail, Tisha, Josh, Jordan and Chase) for being our "Notable Neighbors."

Soon after we moved into the neighborhood almost eight years ago, David and Gail made it a point to stop by and introduce themselves.

We would soon find out it was one of the most fortunate times of our lives, thanks to the way the Harmans treated us.

We were new homeowners and soon-to-be new parents with no relatives nearby, but the Harmans made all the difference in the world to us.

The Harmans were always willing to share their advice whenever we had questions, whether it was about lawn and gardens, home projects, or parenting issues.

My husband, Butch, works on the slope. The housework and yard work still needs to be done even when he is not home.

One day the Harmans were driving by while I was trying to mow our large lawn with my son Nathan (over 1-year-old at the time) in a baby carrier on my back.

They stopped and dropped off their daughter, Tisha, to play with him while I finished mowing.

It was a little gesture, but it was a huge load off my back - quite literally!

Emergencies usually happen when you least expect them, and usually for us when Butch is on the slope.

That happened one February evening when my youngest son, Dylan, needed emergency hernia surgery. Gail was more than willing to take Nathan at a moment's notice and keep him overnight.

They made him feel like part of the family. He was even more comforted because he knew Tisha so well. She was our primary babysitter for several years.

We would also like to thank Dave and Gail for sharing Tisha with us. There were several times when they could have used her as a sitter for their other children on the same night we wanted to hire her.

They generously let her care for our boys and hired another sitter for themselves.

This was partly their fault, however, because they were the ones who introduced us to the wonderful concept of "Date Night."

One night a week when Butch is home from the slope, we hire a babysitter and get away for a few hours.

It is a simple concept that works wonders for a marriage.

We thank Dave and Gail especially for this idea.

During the winters, Dave was our "mystery snow plower," which was another big help.

We would go to bed, and it would be snowing hard, but when we got up in the morning, our driveway would be all plowed.

He would even get out of the truck and hand shovel the area the plow couldn't reach.

Speaking of shovels - before they owned a plow, there was more than one time when the Harman family arrived like an army with shovels and had our driveway cleared in no time.

They would even spread sand on our walkway if it was too icy.

We could probably continue with anecdotes for quite a while, but I think we have given a glimpse as to why we feel the Harmans are "Notable Neighbors."

To the Harman family, we say thanks.

The Harmans were nominated by Butch, Brenda, Nathan and Dylan Gumminger.

Is your neighbor always there for you, ready to lend a helping hand when times get a little tough? The Frontiersman has the perfect way to thank them - in print!

Notable Neighbors is an ongoing feature in the Frontiersman. Every Tuesday, we will bring to light some of the fascinating people who show that living near someone is not the only definition of a neighbor. But we need help. We need to hear your stories about the people who help shape your life.

To submit your Notable Neighbors, please e-mail them to editor@alaska.net or mail them to the Frontiersman, 5751 E. Mayflower Ct., Wasilla, AK, 99654. Suggestions may also be dropped off at the Frontiersman's office, located on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, across from Hyer Road.