This week and the next two, I'm going to write about special neighbours and encourage you to think about the people in your neighbourhood you've always though should be acknowledged.

Then, I want to encourage you to find the time to thank them for what they have been doing or, better yet, go to our web site (www.nhero.org) and complete a nomination form and we'll send you a Neighbourhood Heroes certificate to give them.

Last November, I got the following nomination from Melody Lebrun who changed her name to Melody Gray in December when she got married - Congratulations Melody and Dwaine.

The nomination read, "Jeff Hunter and his partner moved into our neighbourhood just over a year ago and brought our little street alive.

"He first came to my attention on Halloween 2001 when he was the one who gave out the "big" chocolate bars to all the kids. Then, in the winter, he had all our kids and many of their parents out playing in the snow and tobogganing down the hill.

"That following summer, after spending the winter renovating his house, he was out in his yard, filled with enthusiasm, gardening -- Soon the other neighbours were out in their yards too and for those that couldn't find the time for yard work, Jeff was there weeding for them.

"This past Halloween he bought twelve pumpkins, one for each child on the street and a plan to get them together for a group carving night.

"He had the pumpkins on his front porch for more than a week and then, just before Halloween, they were stolen. Undaunted, Jeff went out and bought twelve more and all he would say was he hoped who ever took them really needed them.

"This man never has anything bad to say about anyone.

"So, given the twelve new pumpkins to carve, the kids gathered in front of his house a few days before Halloween and had a great time. He also had pop and Kentucky Fried Chicken for everyone!

"Jeff truly is our neighbourhood hero. He has taught me so much about understanding people, looking past their faults and just being kind.

"I don't think Jeff really understands how special he is to our children. I believe if you were to look down on our street from an airplane, his house would be glowing with kindness, respect and love."

Given that description, I couldn't wait to meet Jeff and I wasn't disappointed. His enthusiasm and positive attitude is infectious and it shows itself physically in the work he has done to transform his home both inside and out. And you can see that many of his neighbours are following suit.

I dropped by to take a quick picture of Jeff and Melody and left two hours later. They are both the kind of people you simply want to hang out with.

In fact, I had such a good time that I was reminded of a dream I had a couple of years ago about having a picnic for all of our Neighbourhood Heroes and their friends - Jeff and Melody offered to help organize one so I bet we'll actually do that next summer ... early next summer.

As I was walking toward my car, Jeff's concluding comment was, "It's nice to be thought of as a Neighbourhood Hero but in reality, I've got so much more from all of my neighbours than I've given to them."

Sounds like a Neighbourhood Hero doesn't it?

By the way, remember Melody's wedding? Jeff spent two days decorating her house and preparing food for her. That was his wedding gift.