The purpose of this initiative is to help improve the quality of life in Kenmore by establishing a recognized standard for how we can most effectively deal with one another as neighbors and to award those who consistently display these standards.
You can help make our quality of life in Kenmore the very best it can be by being a good neighbor. Please read and make every effort to adhere to the following Good Neighbor Guidelines. It takes little time & effort yet can yield such positive results.
- Noise: Unwanted noise is the national leader in complaints to Police Departments. It is important for us to look at the sounds being produced by our households and to realize that the deed to our homes entitles us to quiet enjoyment of the property. Please remember that Kenmore homes are located close to one another, so protect your privacy and extend courteousness to your neighbors by avoiding these frequent noise complaints:
- Music played too loudly inside or outside the residence.
- Cars or motorcycle engines revving in a driveway or curb.
- Poorly operating or placed pool filter systems.
- Yelling and very loud arguing.
- Placement of trash cans: Please place your trash can away from your neighbors windows, porch, or deck/patio.
- Grills: Grills are not allowed on porches in the Village.
- Leaking gutters: Please check these regularly as they can do harm to a neighbors property if left leaking for an extended time.
- Fire Pits: Fire pits can be fun yet also dangerous and unhealthy if not set and tended properly. Call the Fire Department for the Village Code at 875-3274. Please also be aware that for neighbors suffering with asthma, your fire pit could be a serious health issue. Also please remember not to burn pressure treated lumber as it may still contain arsenic and other poison that is released when you burn it.
- Animals: Dogs should not be allowed to remain outside barking for long. Other animals should be limited to your own yard where they will be safe and not intrude, unwelcome to others property.
- Parking: Be thoughtful of your neighbors when you take an on-street parking space. If you have more than one vehicle try to leave space for others by only parking one car at a time on the street whenever possible.
- Fences: Please check the Kenmore Village web site at www.vi.kenmore.ny.us or call 873-5700 for code restrictions on fencing. Also remember that when you erect a new fence it is customary to offer your neighbor the best or face side.
The Village Improvement Society wants to recognize your Good Neighbor. Some neighbors have shared plants and bulbs or been there after a death, some help out with snow removal or host a block party. Whatever it is that makes your neighbor special, please tell us about it. Your neighbor will receive an award certificate and be eligible to win the Good Neighbor of the Year Award and Prize. Please use the form below for your entry. You may use an additional paper as well if needed.
John Tripoli Receives Neighbor of the Year Award
http://tonawanda-news.com/local/x1271723800/Village-crowns-Good-Neighbor
Village crowns ‘Good Neighbor’
By David J. Hill The Tonawanda News
KENMORE — A few weeks ago, one of the transformers at the Kenmore Village Apartments blew out, leaving some residents in the dark. Flashlight in hand, John Tripoli knocked on the door of each homebound tenant and asked if they were OK or needed anything.
That’s just one of countless examples of the acts of kindness Tripoli, 85, has exhibited in his 16 years as a resident there, and it’s why the Kenmore Village Improvement Society on Wednesday named him the recipient of its “Good Neighbor of the Year” award.
Showing just how much they appreciate his good deeds, more than 100 residents from the two Kenmore Village Apartments attended the award ceremony, along with Tripoli’s children and grandchildren.
“I consider him to be the Eighth Wonder of the World,” said a beaming Elaine Samson. “He uplifts everybody’s morale. When he’s around, the day is lighter and brighter for people. He radiates love, caring and sharing,” she said.
Kenmore Village Improvement Society founder Melissa Foster called Tripoli “one of Kenmore’s finest citizens,” and Mayor Patrick Mang said, “Thank God we have people like John. He is truly an example of what Kenmore’s all about — a community of neighbors looking out for one another.”
Tripoli received 18 nominations for the award from apartment residents, Foster said. Since moving into the Kenmore Village Apartments in 1994, Tripoli has offered a helping hand, regardless of the weather. “Last year during a blizzard, he actually went out six different times for people who needed bread and milk but couldn’t get out,” said Bette Culp, who frequently plays cards with Tripoli. “He just looks out for everybody, he’s great,” she said.
What started out as getting milk for a couple he knew there blossomed into many different store runs each week, with residents telling him what they need by calling him or slipping a note under the door, Tripoli said. “All I have to remember is, do they want 1 percent or 2 percent milk?” he said with a laugh. Tripoli also will pick up prescriptions for residents. “They all know me at Rite-Aid,” he said.
But Tripoli’s helpfulness isn’t limited to milk runs. He even escorts some of the residents between the two apartment complexes at night, making sure they get into the building safely. Tripoli also volunteers every Sunday at Millard Fillmore Hospital.
“I almost wish I got him a pair of running shoes, because we see him go back and forth so often,” said Kenmore Village Apartments Executive Director Stephen Stone.
Asked why he does it all, Tripoli said, “Just something to keep busy, and they need it. We’ve got so many beautiful people here.”
A native of Buffalo’s West Side, Tripoli graduated from Hutch-Tech, then went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II along with his three brothers. He then joined the Navy Hospital Corps and was attached to a Marines unit that fought under Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the critical New Guinea campaign.
Although he lived in Buffalo for 35 years, Tripoli said he always had an affinity for Kenmore and was happy to move to the village.
Tripoli didn’t give an acceptance speech after receiving his award from KVIS member and Kenmore Senior Housing Commissioner Patricia Christian, but he did blow a few kisses of thanks to the crowd, which gave him a standing ovation.
“You can’t help but be inspired today,” said village Trustee Paul Catalano.
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