Myers known for acts of kindness
Sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most to people, and Rich Myers seems like the neighbor many of us wish we had.
The Ambler native and director of the SheafMyers funeral home was nominated Citizen of the Week by his neighbor, Monica O’Donnell, not just because of the incredibly active role he plays in and around the Ambler community, but for the little things he does to help out a neighbor in need.
“What spurred me to write to you is the way Rich takes care of so many neighbors here on Tennis Avenue when the snow falls; as it has in droves this nasty winter,” O’Donnell wrote in her email. “Rich is out there with his snowblower, clearing not only his own walkway and driveway, but those of many folks on either side of the street. When I was out with a shovel last week Rich vehemently insisted I cease and desist, as I heard him hollering the same to some other folks. Whenever Rich has seen my husband and me, or other nearby residents, working on some project in the yard, he is quickly on scene to offer help, advice, or just plain friendly support.”
For Myers, 45, though, lending a helping hand just seems like the right thing to do.
“I like to help out,” he said with a chuckle of humility. “That’s what it’s for. I try to make it easier for somebody else. I’ve always been oriented to help and try to do what I can.”
When he’s not helping out a neighbor down the block, Myers is a busy guy in and around the borough.
The father of four currently has served as a member of the Fort Washington and Wissahickon Volunteer fire companies for the past 10 years.
“I’m kind of a late bloomer,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to do it. I work with the fire police, so I stop people from going on the scene. I enjoy being with [the other volunteers]. I like the camaraderie.”
He also serves as president of the Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard and has been a board member since 2002.
“[Executive Director] Christine Bouley has done a wonderful job with the two years she’s been there,” he said. “It’s night and day compared to 2004. It was run like a Mom and Pop store, now it’s a business.”
Myers said he also serves as a member of the Ambler Rotary and is involved with organizing the annual holiday parade and the Ambler Music and Arts Festival. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Ambler and coordinates the club’s annual carnival and fireworks display in July and its Easter egg hunt, scheduled this year for April 12 with a rain date April 19.
When he’s not busy planning the various goings-on around town, Myers is a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Ambler. Most recently, he along with about 20 other members of the congregation visited still earthquake-torn Haiti last April as part of a church mission trip. The group provided medical assistance, helped fix roofs and other construction projects and tutored children.
Back on Tennis Avenue, it’s not just O’Donnell who appreciates Myers’ help.
Neighbor and former Ambler Mayor Bud Wahl said he too has also noticed Myers’ enthusiasm for helping others.
“It’s been wonderful the stuff he’s been doing with all this snow,” he said. “We have all these senior citizens with me [on the block] and he gets it all cleaned up. He’s just terrific.”
Wahl said Myers goes out of his way to help his community.
“Anything involved in Ambler, Rich is there,” he said. “He’s a genuine man who looks out for the borough. Where there’s a need, he’s there.”
“There are older people on the block,” Myers said. “The mayor’s on this block. If there’s nothing going on for me, I’d rather help them out.”
On the rare occasion he does have a free moment, Myers said he’s spending time with his wife, Susan, and his children Nick, 19, Jack, 17, his twin 14-year-olds Thomas and Ashley.
“I just love being involved in the community,” Myers said. “I’ve loved working with people and enjoy doing things for others.”