Have you noticed a neighbor, community friend or service worker who has gone out of his/her way to make a positive difference in the lives of others during #COVID19? We want to hear about them. Nominate your neighbor by emailing mayors.office@gahanna.gov. We’ll share their story (and your nomination) below on this “Nominate a Neighbor” page of our website and through our social media accounts. The nominees will be honored during a future City Council meeting. #SupportingGahannaTogether
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“I want to nominate my neighbor, Joy, for organizing a COVID-safe, socially-distanced Halloween
parade in our neighborhood. In a time when we have to tell our kids “no” too often – no playgrounds, no school, no hanging out with friends, no going to the movies – Joy helped us turn a “no” into an “instead we get to do this more awesome thing!” Joy coordinated the most magical Halloween parade for our neighborhood, complete with dogs and horses with riders in costume (including an amazing headless horseman!) She made sure parents were comfortable and all were safe, even reaching out to Gahanna PD to help with traffic. We will never forget this very special Halloween, thanks to our creative and kind neighbor, Joy!”
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“Due to physical problems I was unable to mow my lawn last year. I was wondering how I would get my yard mowed. Two young boys knocked on my door & asked if I needed my yard mowed and I said yes, definitely. Next thing I hear is a mower in my front yard. I go out to ask them how much I owe them and realize their father is mowing my yard. As I approach him with money in my hand he says, “No. No. I don’t want paid. As a matter of fact it’s free and I’ll mow it all summer. True to his word he mowed my yard, front and back, all summer. He also blew the yard clippings off of my sidewalk, my driveway, and my deck–not accepting any pay. This year, I heard him mowing again about the first week of April. He’s already mowed 3 times. I feel so indebted to him. He truly is an answer to my prayer. His name is Joel Ramos. What a good neighbor I have.”
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“I would love to nominate Dustin Reuter. He and his wife just moved into the area in the last two years, and he has pulled all his resources and talent to bring 10 DJ’s to Royal Manor/Brentwood Estates on April 25, weather permitting. He spoke to the police department, found host houses, is making signs to put throughout the neighborhood reminding everyone to practice social distancing AND he is bringing some excitement and positive vibes to our area. Thank you for taking the time to give some praise to area residents!”
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“I want to nominate Kelsey for stepping up and sewing masks, helping collect donations and spurring on good will in our neighborhood. She is so crafty, and is always creating goodies in her home, but it’s so nice to see her use her gifts to help feed our neighbors in need and help keep us safe! Thanks Kelsey.”
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“Jacob and Lauren Kirschner are the best neighbors! They gave us a gift card to Lola and Giuseppe’s. And, there is a section of my lawn that is hard to reach with my mower–and they kindly mow it for me every week.”
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“I’d like to Nominate a Neighbor: Theresa Thrash. Even before the pandemic she was pretty awesome. Theresa is the founding member of our neighborhood food share. We call it P.O.P.(Pie on Porch, etc.) She walks everywhere and does 20-30K steps a day. She canvasses neighbors from the sidewalk or texts us to inquire if we need anything from Meijer’s, Giant Eagle or Kroger’s every time she goes. She informs all of us of what she sees and where on her weekly shopping trips.
Sometimes if you give her an order she pulls that last minute save from her own pantry; like sauerkraut for a Rueben sandwich! She has purchased about $200 in homemade masks to distribute to others and in the case of a local immune compromised neighbor she provided surgical type purchased masks as our friend is an asthmatic with extreme issues and only one kidney.
She and her hubby Ben have been cooking and supplying others with surprise delights. This morning she was mask-off as she ran the neighborhood sidewalks to deliver hot a hot breakfast casserole to five neighbors. Two days ago she delivered homemade blueberry apple crisp. She gently reminds the small children to distance themselves While chalk writing and to wash hands. She is a messenger of all kinds positivity that reminds all of us that we’re ‘All in this together!’ ”
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“Our wonderful neighbors (Joel and Morgan Trainer) nominated us, but they are quite amazing themselves and deserve some recognition!
They moved here maybe 3 years ago to start a church here in Gahanna called Three Creeks Church. Uprooted from Missouri and came to Gahanna. We were so nervous to have new neighbors, but we feel so blessed and truly hit the jackpot with Joel and Morgan Trainer!
We’ve had some recent curveballs thrown our way, and they are always doing thoughtful gestures to support us. Making us handmade cards, dropping dinner on our doorstep, getting my favorite ice cream without me knowing and just dropping it off, and lending a helping hand when our basement flooded. Recently, their church came up with ‘Adopt a Nurse’ to show support to part of the many on the frontlines with COVID-19 in the community. I am a RN at Children’s Hospital in the PICU and they adopted me. The thoughtful gestures have continued with gift cards for coffee, cinnamon rolls at our door for Easter morning, and more dinners to make life a little easier for my family right now. We are so lucky to have such wonderful neighbors who are so thoughtful and selfless! We are forever grateful to have them in our lives!”
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“I’d like to nominate the Carney family for their kindness and generosity during the COVID19 crisis. Bill has picked up grocery items for me weekly and his son Brian always drops them by with a smile. Bill and Brian also cut down some dead pine trees in my yard and when Bill saw how upset I was about losing them, he dug up some from his yard to replace the one’s I’d lost. It really cheered me up! Bill and his wife Chris often sit in their front yard and welcome everyone who walks by. I often walk my dog Ruby by and we share some laughs and of course practice social distancing while doing so. All in all, their thoughtfulness has made my life appreciably better during this global crisis and I’m extremely grateful for it!”
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“Over the years the Hinds family have organized and hosted several block parties to allow neighbors to get to know one another. It just shows the kind of people they are.
My husband, Joe, was very ill in the fall last year and unable to do yard work.
The Hinds family and a friend of their daughters, Alex, spent a day raking and bagging leaves. They put 20 bags of leaves at the curb for pickup. Joe was in the hospital in November and was released the evening before Thanksgiving. When Hayley and Caitlyn found out we were home they brought two full plates of food for Thanksgiving lunch and then two more of wonderful desserts. Due to health issues we are staying home during the pandemic unless we absolutely have to go out. When the Hinds go to the store they always check to see if we need anything. At the beginning of the isolation they brought us disinfectant wipes and Lysol spray which were so greatly appreciated. Early in the spring I looked out the window and our lawn had been mowed…pretty sure it was them. I have seen them mowing other neighbors lawns too. We needed someone to continue mowing for the summer so Joe asked if they knew a good lawn service. The girls volunteered to mow for us all summer. I have called on Jason to help lift items too heavy for me. I could go on and on. We know if we need anything they are willing to help. What a blessing to have them for neighbors.”
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“I would like to nominate Michael Nicholson, owner of M.Nicholson Hip-Hop Fitness. He has studios all over town, but notably one here in Gahanna where he also lives.
When COVID-19 hit, Michael immediately put his live classes on YouTube, and didn’t charge anyone a dime. His livelihood was impacted Greatly, but keeping people in our community mentally and physically healthy was more important. I (and many others) still chose to donate money for each class we took because Mike truly has made a difference.
He is a very selfless person and upstanding member of our community!”
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“There is a Gahanna volunteer who is constantly outside around Creekside, picking up cigarette butts and trash from our sidewalks, streets and walking paths. Her name is Kay. I want to recognize Kay for keeping our city clean. We hear about so many bad things, it is nice to talk about a nice story!”
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“Jeff has gone out of his way to do some beautiful chalk drawings on the sidewal
ks for the neighborhood to enjoy while out taking walks during the pandemic. Many people come by just to see what he has drawn. There have been numerous individuals tell us they very much enjoy getting out and taking walks with their families just to see what new drawings he has added to the sidewalks for their enjoyment and the enjoyment of the surrounding communities. Many have stated that’s why they get out and walk so they can see what he’s drawn for them to enjoy this week. Some people have even said their children get them to go for walks just so they can enjoy the artwork.
Because of the enjoyment this has brought to many families in our neighborhood and surrounding areas, I am nominating Jeff Aldridge for this recognition.”
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“My name is Alicia Headrick, and I live in Royal Manor. I brought my daughter, Lydia, to Ohio for the 
children’s hospital and the drug trial for cln2 batten disease. We landed in Gahanna, and have loved it here since 2016. I don’t even want to go back to Tennessee because I have met the best people, and am living in the best town here.
One person, in particular, goes above and beyond for his family and neighbors. He is genuinely a caring, kind, and thoughtful individual. I have not only witnessed his acts of kindness, but have experienced them first hand. He doesn’t discriminate, and he practices inclusion. There are a few people I’ve met in this town who could learn from him, especially those actually in the position to do good (but don’t quite understand how to relate to us common folk). He includes my daughter at Easter and Christmas, whether it’s with a pile of cards from neighbors he gathers, or even a couple gifts he brings, he shows up at our door. Not only does he show up, but he dresses for the season! He’s a quiet fella, but his heart speaks much more loudly. His sweet wife will tell you he’s not very social until he puts on his Santa costume, or his Easter bunny costume, and gets to bring joy to people like us. We are blessed to be in the same neighborhood of such a humble person, and that person is the one and only JASON RUARK!”
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“My name is Sarah and I’d love to nominate Katie Ann Bennett. Katie is a single mother and has gone above and 
beyond for women and kids. She is the creator of Gahanna Porch Fairies and put together the Black Lives Matter walk here in Gahanna. She has brought SO much happiness and joy to my family and me. I’m so thankful for this powerful woman!” -Sarah O’Sail
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“I would like to nominate one of my many amazing neighbors, Katie Bennett. She always spreads such positive energy and enthusiasm wherever she goes. Katie created and runs the Gahanna Porch Fairy group with such grace, organization and real excitement. I have no idea how she goes to school, raises her amazing boys, and has so much energy to still give so much to our community. Katie is just an amazing human being. 10/10 would recommend as a neighbor. ♥️” -Amber Nester
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“I would like to nominate Katie Bennett. She is a single mom of two beautiful boys, who works full time and recently finished her degree in Early Childhood Education. She is also very involved with her oldest son’s sports, helping coach his baseball team this summer and cheering him on while he plays football.
Despite all of her personal commitments that keep her more than busy, Katie is always helping out in our neighborhood. She started the Gahanna Porch Fairies Facebook group in the spring, when we were all quarantined and eager for a way to connect. The group gives us the opportunity to purchase surprise goodie gift baskets for one another, dropped off on porches for safe social distancing. Katie keeps us all organized and makes sure every member who signs up receives gifts, even if that means buys additional baskets herself. When Katie found out that a child in our community was undergoing medical procedures and the family needed help, she arranged a meal train. Katie was also an integral part of the Black Lives Matter march that started in the Royal Manor neighborhood and ended at the police station.
Katie is always friendly, positive, and eager to lend a hand. Her bubbly spirit has helped a lot of us in these tough, lonely times. I am sure that Katie does not do any of this for personal recognition, but I would really like her to know that she is appreciated.” –Melissa Humbert-Washington
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