This year’s 2014 Annual City Neighborhoods’ “Harvesting the Fruits” Potluck Dinner and Awards Celebration took place on Friday evening, Nov. 7. Over 150 neighborhood advocates and leaders from across the city came together at the Jefferson Center’s Fitzpatrick Hall. Those in attendance shared their favorite dish, networked with others, and were present as the 2014 Neighborhood Partnership Awards were announced.
The Roanoke Valley Community Garden Assn, Inc. receiving the Neighborhood-Community Partnership Award for its Mt. View Community Garden project. The award recognizes the contributions made by a business, nonprofit, school and/or other institution to improve the surrounding neighborhood/community. It was presented by Councilman Sherman Lea.
Tim Taylor of the Old Southwest neighborhood received the Neighborhood Unsung Hero Award that recognizes one’s volunteer service to their neighborhood. It was presented by Vice Mayor David Trinkle.
Ms. Amy Morgan, president of Belmont Neighborhood Watch Association, received the Neighborhood Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award in recognition of one’s volunteer leadership service to the neighborhood. Council Member Ray Ferris presented this award.
The Riverdale Grandview Heights Neighborhood Watch Association received the Neighborhood Communications Award in recognition of excellence in getting the word out. Councilman Court Rosen presented the award.
The Roanoke Sheriff’s Department received the Neighborhood-City Partnership Award. This award recognizes a city department or employee who assisted and/or provided resources to a neighborhood organization on a project, program, or activity that improved/enhanced the neighborhood’s quality of life. It was presented by City Manager Chris Morrill.
Gainsborough SW Community Organization, Inc. received the Neighborhood Improvement Award in recognition of a project/activity that improves/enhances the neighborhood’s quality of life. Councilman Bill Bestpitch presented the award for the Gainsboro History Walk Panel project.
Frank Smith III received the Neighborhood Youth Volunteer Award for a youth’s service to Roanoke’s neighborhoods. It was presented by Council Member Anita Price for Frank’s Argonne Circle project.
Mr. Ben Burch, president of the Airlee Court Neighborhood Watch Association received the Neighborhood All-Star Award. This recognizes the exceptional accomplishments achieved by an eligible organization/individual for one or more of the following: Volunteer Leadership, Neighborhood Improvement, Neighborhood-Community Partnership, Neighborhood Communications, Neighborhood-City Partnership and/or Neighborhood Youth Volunteer program or activity that improved/enhanced the neighborhood’s quality of life. The award was presented by Mayor David Bowers.
The Neighborhood Partnership Awards Program is an annual event sponsored by the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates and Roanoke City Council to honor and recognize the outstanding contributions, excellence and accomplishments achieved by the city’s neighborhood organizations and civic individuals who have partnered with city departments, schools, non-profits, businesses, institutions and others throughout the year to: Make physical and/or social improvements to our neighborhoods; Connect neighbors and/or neighborhoods with one another; and Build the capacity of their neighborhood organization to better serve our community.
For additional information on the annual Neighborhood Partnership Awards program, call the Office of Neighborhood Services at 540-853-5210.