Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 21, 1995 TAG: 9509210034
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Roanoke Mayor David Bowers described the people in the 25 neighborhood groups and three business associations that make up the partnership as a "special gift" to Roanoke.
"Without neighborhood organizations and this partnership, Roanoke would not be what it is today," Bowers said.
The annual awards were first given in 1989 to recognize neighborhoods and individuals for their contributions to community betterment.
Mariam Alam, partnership coordinator, said all those nominated for awards deserved recognition because of their contributions to the success of their neighborhood groups.
The following awards were given:
Business Partner Award - Don McFall, manager of the Uni-Mart store in Wasena, who was recognized by the Wasena Neighborhood Forum for cleaning up the property and making the store a community asset.
The other nominees were: Ming Cao, owner and operator of China House restaurant; Kroger at Townside Plaza; Gary Webb of Mulch N' More; and Dr. R. Douglas Ross.
Youth Volunteer Award - Karen Newcomb, a 16-year-old Patrick Henry High School student who lives in the Garden City area. She was honored by the Garden City Civic League for community activities at her church and with the Roanoke Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In addition, she was a volunteer at a nursing home and performed other services to assist elderly people.
Newsletter Award - The Greater Raleigh Court Civic League for its newsletter, which is edited by Brenda McDaniel, who also was recognized for the hours she contributes to put the newsletter together.
City Partnership Award - Christopher Chittum for helping the Wasena Neighborhood Forum amend its bylaws and write articles of incorporation to gain nonprofit status. Chittum works in the Neighborhood Partnership office but was nominated by the Wasena group.
The City Partnership Award is presented to a city employee who makes an extra effort for a community betterment program. Walter Conner of Parks and Grounds and Evelyn Dorsey of Zoning also were nominated.
Barbara Dowdy Award - The Garden City Civic League for its beautification projects. The award is given for neighborhood projects that have an impact throughout the community. Old Southwest Inc. also was nominated.
Julian King Neighborhood Leader Award - James Dickason, a member of the Fairland Civic Organization in Northwest Roanoke. The award is named for the first president of the Williamson Road Action Forum and given to neighborhood leaders who inspire others to work for community betterment.
Others nominees were: Terri Beck, Joe Nash and Jennifer Perkins, all of the Wasena Neighborhood Forum; Petie Cavendish and Dick Willis, both of Old Southwest Inc.; Georgia Croson of the Loudon-Melrose Neighborhood Forum; Margaret Hartley with the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League; Kathy Hill and Doug and Bessie Robertson, all of the Riverland Alert Neighbors; and Sidney Willis of the Garden City Civic League.
by CNB