Middletown resident to be recognized by Middletown Town Council, Police Department

The Middletown Police Department announced today in a press release that the Town of Middletown will recognize one of its citizens during the Town Council Meeting on September 3, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.

“83-year-old resident, Ronald Kobayashi, first purchased his home off Oliphant Ln in Middletown in 1973. He and his late wife, Joan, raised their three daughters in that home, where Mr. Kobayashi still resides today. In 2005, Mr. Kobayashi began walking his dog along Oliphant Ln.,” Middletown Police states.

“During these walks, he noticed trash accumulating on the side of the road, and he took it upon himself to start picking it up. He continued these walks several days a week, for the next several years, maintaining his commitment to keeping the area clean. In 2015, Mr. Kobayashi underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery, and afterwards made these walks his daily routine as a part of his recovery,” Middletown Police Department shared.

“Every morning on Oliphant Ln. in Middletown, RI you can find Ronald Kobayashi, wearing his visible traffic vest and holding a bag containing roadside trash. In addition to cleaning the roadside, he take it upon himself to pick up overturned trash bins and places tossed newspapers on the front steps of his neighbors. He waves to each and every passerby, offering a sense of community and a gift of smile. Many commuters will stop and talk, hon their horns, or return the simple waves as a sign of gratitude for his commitment to making the area betters,” Middletown Police Department says.

Ronald Kobayashi will be recognized with a plaque from the police department and a proclamation from the Town Council, signifying and celebrating his commitment to the Town of Middletown and its residents. The ceremony will take place at the Middletown Town Hall at 350 East Main Road in Middeletown on September 3, 2024 at 6:30 pm.