by Jeffrey Landers

If I could name a neighbor of the year, it would be my across-the-street neighbor, Mrs. Velma Hamilton or, as we Hawthornites like to call her, Mrs. V. for short.

As an Reynoldstowner since the 1950s, she loves to work outside in the yard, almost everyday, no matter the weather. She also loves flowers — any and all kinds, especially roses. When she expressed displeasure about how the corner of our street was looking all ragged and overgrown, she and I made a date to work on it over the course of several weeks.

Yesterday, Aug. 20, was the first workday and we got tons done. Take a look for yourselves as you pass Walthall and Hawthorne streets near the MARTA station.

We trimmed the trees near the corner, weeded the overgrown grass and started to dig out the long forgotten granite curb. The massive pile of brush on the corner is testament to our hard work.

Mrs. V. is amazing. Did I mention she is 88?

Yes, you read that right.

Neighbor of the year.

That's what Mrs. V is.

Mr. Landers, a Reynoldstown resident, is president of the Reynoldstown Civic Improvement League.