The Town Council, Police Department and community thank Ronald Kobayashi for his continued efforts to clean and bring cheer to #MiddletownRI, helping make the community an even better place to live, work and play.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
MIDDLETOWN THANKS KOBAYASHI
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (SEPTEMBER 3, 2024) – Drive down Oliphant Lane and there’s a strong chance you’ll see Ronald Kobayashi out with a smile and friendly wave.
For close to two decades, the 83-year-old local resident has cleaned up litter and spread good cheer to those passing by on the rural stretch between East Main and West Main roads.
On Tuesday night, the Town Council and Middletown Police Department offered formal thanks to Kobayashi for his hard work and dedication to the community during a packed meeting from Town Hall.
In addition to praise and heartfelt appreciation, Kobayashi received an array of gifts from the town and community including a safety jacket and hat from Middletown Police, a bouquet of sunflowers from Holy Cross Church and free “Pay-As-You-Throw” trash and recycling stickers for life.
Thanking everyone for their support, Kobayashi said the recognition goes both ways and he sees all the smiles, waves and belief from passersby.
“I’ve been told that everybody enjoys my smile and my wave, but it goes back to me too,” Kobayashi said. “That means a lot to me.”
Kobayashi and his late wife Joan bought their home off Oliphant Lane in 1973, raising the couple’s three daughters there.
He started going for walks along Oliphant in 2005 with his dog and noticed litter along the street.
Instead of walking by and doing nothing about it, Kobayashi decided to make a positive difference in his community.
To this day, it’s not uncommon to see him out daily, gathering roadside trash, picking up overturned trash cans and all with a smile. Many commuters respond with a wave, honk of their horn or even stop to chat.
For his work, the Middletown Police Department gave Kobayashi a plaque thanking him for his service, with the Town Council offering a proclamation of thanks from the community.
Council President Paul M. Rodrigues said every community needs people like Kobayashi, but he takes things to the next level for Middletown.
“This is long overdue…” Rodrigues said. “You are a rare individual and you need to know that. There needs to be more people like Ron Kobayashi. We all need to look in the mirror. What you do is selfless.”
Police Chief Anthony M. Pesare agreed, saying Kobayashi makes a positive difference in Middletown daily, himself included.
“It makes our day and makes things brighter,” Pesare said.
Document Link: https://mdl.town/Kobayashi
