When we arrived at our second home in Enterprise on Feb. 5, we found 8-10 inches of new snow had fallen, but our driveway had been partially plowed. As we were unloading, Jason Lyman, our neighbor from across the street, walked over and asked if he could help shovel our walkway. Then after being in the house for less than an hour, our next-door neighbor, Everett Roberts, brought us a freshly baked loaf of bread.

The next day Jason’s daughter, Corinn, called asking if she could help shovel snow for us. Jason’s son, Noah, began plowing the street in front of us on his all-terrain vehicle while Everett Roberts joined in plowing with his ATV. Several times we were told by our neighbors to let them know when we were coming so they could plow snow or do whatever else was necessary to help us. Their acts of kindness are perfect examples of small-town values.

My wife, Shannon, and I feel blessed to have as Wallowa County neighbors the Lyman family members — Jason, Courtney, Corinn and Johan — as well as Everett and Deana Roberts who exercise and uphold inherent small-town values.

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world where so many things exist to divide us, the importance of preserving small-town values cannot be overstated. These values encompass honesty, integrity and a commitment to helping one another in times of need. People throughout Wallowa County display and adhere to small-town values that are the backbone of close-knit communities.

Skip Novakovich

Kennewick