Jon Bliss, and the Founding of Just Neighbors
Jon Bliss used to get coffee at the Weston Marketplace back in the 90’s to catch up
with other locals about the goings-on when Melina and Jack Menzie owned and
ran the store.
Jon and Melina got talking about the needs in town. (Melina sometimes gave out
bags of food to folks who she realized needed extra food.)
They also noticed that some folks needed rides to appointments and some folks
who burned wood for heat were running low. So they decided to form a low-key
group to address these 2 needs. Jon rustled up a group of folks to cut, stack and
deliver wood using property loaned by the Weston Priory brothers. Bob & Chris
Yuengling managed the rides and Dave Trask managed the money. Local people
liked what the group was doing – hands on, meeting needs, all-volunteer and no
expenses.
Jack & Melina moved south a few years ago, but the organization continues its
work, now partnering with other groups and adjusting focuses as the needs arise.
Jon has remained a board member all these years. Until now. He has officially
“stepped down” from the board but remains an emeritus member.
The Just Neighbors Board cannot THANK Jon enough for his vision, years of
service, hard work and commitment and caring for the people in these
communities!
(He probably wouldn’t object if any of you reading this wanted to make a donation
to Just Neighbors in his honor!!)
Jon Bliss used to get coffee at the Weston Marketplace back in the 90’s to catch up
with other locals about the goings-on when Melina and Jack Menzie owned and
ran the store.
Jon and Melina got talking about the needs in town. (Melina sometimes gave out
bags of food to folks who she realized needed extra food.)
They also noticed that some folks needed rides to appointments and some folks
who burned wood for heat were running low. So they decided to form a low-key
group to address these 2 needs. Jon rustled up a group of folks to cut, stack and
deliver wood using property loaned by the Weston Priory brothers. Bob & Chris
Yuengling managed the rides and Dave Trask managed the money. Local people
liked what the group was doing – hands on, meeting needs, all-volunteer and no
expenses.
Jack & Melina moved south a few years ago, but the organization continues its
work, now partnering with other groups and adjusting focuses as the needs arise.
Jon has remained a board member all these years. Until now. He has officially
“stepped down” from the board but remains an emeritus member.
The Just Neighbors Board cannot THANK Jon enough for his vision, years of
service, hard work and commitment and caring for the people in these
communities!
(He probably wouldn’t object if any of you reading this wanted to make a donation
to Just Neighbors in his honor!!)