September 22, 2005

Neighbors helping neighbors

Community spirit gets the job done in New Almaden

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Communities are built with neighbors. And in New Almaden they’ve taken it a step further. If someone needs help, a group pitches in and gets the job done. Jon Graham is one of them.

Jon Graham enjoys getting fit and keeping New Almaden clean of litter on his daily walks on Almaden and Bertram Roads.

Graham’s helping hand began innocently enough. Five years ago he started walking to shed a few extra pounds after quitting smoking. Soon he began noticing neighbors Wayne and Annette Hawes walking and keeping the area litter-free.

“I would walk and see my neighbor and his wife carrying a bag full of litter from Alamitos Creek to Almaden Reservoir,” said the tall Graham with an easy smile. “Now I walk the Almaden and Bertram Road loop and keep it clean. If it helps the town, that’s what matters. There are others who pick up trash as they walk, too.”

Graham moved to New Almaden 15 years ago but really didn’t know very many of his neighbors until he started walking. Besides the litter cleanup, he’s part of a group who helps neighbors with any type of construction; cement, decks, siding, roofing, framing and the like.

“What I love about New Almaden is the community spirit,” said Graham. “It’s all about neighbors helping neighbors. I was from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the Midwest, but nowhere is the sense of community like it is here.”

Jon Graham and Skip Scollans know that construction jobs are quicker with more than two hands. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

Graham is just one of many in the area who pitch in with a helping hand to help their neighbors. Roger Papesh is another. Both men were rewarded for their efforts in the community this past year when they received the Helping Hand Award from the New Almaden Community Club.

“The person who needs to get the work done is the least able to get the job done,” said Papesh. “We walk in and say let’s get the job done.”

Graham says he’s learned a lot from Papesh and the other regulars who pitch in on a moment’s notice to help. Reading like a “Who’s Who” of New Almaden the list includes Skip Scollans, Mike Cox, Mike Boulland, Jeff Pederson, Syd Melbourne, Jerry Rucker, Mike Quaine, Jake Jonez and others. Just give one of them a call and a crew shows up to assist with an owner’s project.

“Jon’s a terrific guy,” said New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association President Kitty Monahan. “He walks around the neighborhood every day keeping it clean and helps on New Almaden Day. He’s a great member of our community and a fun guy to have around.”

Power tools are important to construction crewmembers Skip Scollans and Jon Graham. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

But it’s not all work. The community knows how to play as well.

The recent New Almaden “Jump In” Parade sponsored by the New Almaden Community Club requires quite an effort for the friendly neighbors. Graham participated at the ticket booth and was also on the receiving end of the sponge toss for some very excited 5-year-olds. He judged the entries in the parade, donated tickets to a San Jose Shark’s game as a raffle prize and helped set up. He considers it a privilege to help. And after all, it is New Almaden … where community spirit gets the job done.