One of the best things about Lynn Valley is the people. For a decade we have celebrated the community leaders that create our community culture with our Good Neighbour Award. When we had the vision for the Act of Kindness Award we wanted to shine the light on more than one person and the caring community that supports each other every day.
Good Neighbour
We knew we were on the right track when the first person to share their thoughts was last year’s Good Neighbour winner Maureen Bragg. Her words capture Lynn Valley in the most special way.
“I came to live in Lynn Valley with my husband and baby daughters in 1960 and have seen many changes, but the one thing that has not changed is the caring, giving spirit of the Lynn Valley community. I thought of the many acts of kindness shown me this past year, as I struggled to cope with a very [difficult year].
“Who should I nominate? The kind Lynn Valley friend who is constantly leaving me nourishing soup or some other dish she has prepared for her family and includes me? The three ladies who came and weeded my garden or the good Lynn Valley friends who drive me to my own medical appointments? The gentleman who when I alighted from the Lynn Valley bus in the early evening in darkness, insisted on walking me to my door because I did not have a flashlight? The young skateborder who saw me safely across the street and made sure I did not have too far to walk? The young woman who insisted on carrying my groceries for me or the couples out walking who check to see if I am OK because I have taken advantage of a retaining wall for a brief rest? The neighbour who brings in my garbage cans and delivers the [North Shore] News?
“That is the Lynn Valley community, always ready to help their neighbours in their time of need, as proven during the recent atmospheric river. Having crossed over the threshold of 90 I appreciate all these small acts of kindness that make my life just that bit easier, thank you Lynn Valley.”
Good deeds, good eats
That is the Lynn Valley we see too. The future is bright with small acts of daily kindness that make this community warm and a place where people still say hello to strangers walking down the street. Thinking about our own experiences and the couple of LVL team members who live close to Argyle: we have had students offer to carry in groceries, hold the hands of a busy toddler while their baby sibling is put into their car seat, show up to clear flood debris, rake leaves and shovel snow. We know negative news is noisy but there is plenty of good to get loud about.
Romer’s Fresh Kitchen and Bar and LynnValleyLife want to acknowledge more AOK Good Deeds with Good Eats in the months to come. Nominate anyone who lives or works in Lynn Valley here.
It’s fitting that Bragg, our last Good Neighbour is our first nominator for AOK, wants to share how Rosemary Tapp makes her days better.
“I stopped to talk to Rosemary Tapp last year for the first time while out for a walk and she was raking leaves in her garden. The next day, and the Christmas season fast approaching, she appeared with the most beautiful wreath that she had made for my front door. From that time on she has brought me beautiful bouquets of flowers from her exquisite garden, to lift my spirits as she knows my love of flowers. She has done many acts of kindness since I stopped by that day last year. Such a kind sweet caring person, she has brightened many a day for me during this very difficult year. She just recently turned up with a care package of comfort food and it just happened to be at a time when I needed a hug.
It is not just me that she does these good things for, she is just one of those generous souls that just makes this a better place to be.”
Looking for more?
There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.
Mary is back at it. She would like to make some homes a little bit brighter. This June we would like to celebrate grads, teachers, and anyone going through a transition. Celebration options are still few and if you or someone you care about has a change worth celebrating – let’s do it!
Day-to-day we try to gather interesting and innovative stories about Lynn Valley but one thing that is often missed are the quiet stories. The good that goes on in our neighborhood everyday – often unnoticed beyond the person or organization helped. Perhaps it’s an essential worker pushing hard or a volunteer that adapted and pivoted to keep supporting the cause they are passionate about. In 2020, we have seen some spectacular acts.
The Good Neighbour Award has been going strong since 2012. We receive heartfelt nominations – some short, some long. Check out some previous winners and read their stories – we have an exceptional community! We were able to celebrate 
Congratulations Jack K – 8 years old. This spring Jack and his family took part in some guerilla gardening as part of a homeschool project. Perhaps the next topic to study will be pumpkin pie!?!
