Page 7 - Florida Sentinel 5-29-18

Local
Award-Winning Neighborhood Associations And Volunteers Work Hard To Build A Sense Of Community
Their efforts make Hillsborough County a great place to call home
Fifteen groups and individ- uals across Hillsborough County have taken top honors in Hillsborough County’s an- nual Neighborhood Recogni- tion Awards program, recognizing those whose efforts go above and beyond to make a difference.
Nominations were received in 10 categories. The winners were announced at a luncheon during the 15th Annual Hills- borough County Neighbor- hoods Conference on May 12.
To see videos of the winners and their efforts, go to HCFLGov.net/Neighborhoods, and click on the Neighborhood Recognition Awards button.
This year’s winners are:
Neighborhood Arts Award
The South Seminole Heights Civic Association, also the winner in this category last year, hosted the first-ever Heights Unites Music & Arts Festival.
Neighborhood Improvement Award:
The new board of directors for the Lakewood Ridge Estates Homeowners Association rein- vigorated this Brandon neigh- borhood by initiating projects that repaired signage and re- painted fencing, among other improvements.
The Carrollwood Village Homeowners Association spearheaded improvements to street lighting and gateway signs, as well as other neigh- borhood amenities.
Neighborhood Communications Award:
The St. Andrews Estates Homeowners Association in Sun City Center gets the word out about neighborhood hap- penings via newspaper adver- tisements, social media, a website, and the sign board at the front entrance.
The Hampton Terrace Community Association in Old Seminole Heights stepped up its engagement and communi- cations with neighbors, deliver- ing welcome baskets to new residents.
Neighborhood & Community Partnership Award
The Bloomingdale Home- owners Association partnered with a local business to collect more than 600 pounds of food for Wholesome Ministries in Wimauma.
Make It Happen Award : The South Fork Neighbor- hood Watch in Riverview con- ducted a community service
From left to right front at the award presentation: Gwendolyn LaGrand, Roberta Isaac (Vice Presi- dent), Fran Tate (President) and County Commissioner Pat Kemp (District 6). Left to right rear: Mary Neumeier, Joyce Carroll, Robert Smith (Events Coordinator), Jacqueline, Wilks, Dorothy Paige, Pearline Beckam, Beatrice Jolliff, Wessie Brown (Treasurer) and Deana Jolliff. Other members: Terrell Mathis (Secretary), Henry Standberry, Theresa Balliou, Queen McIntyre, Abraham Walthour, Jody Jenkins, Annie Jackson, Minnie Benson, Constance and Clarence Walker, and Terrell Mathis (Secretary).
its bordering communities in the City of Tampa with law en- forcement.
Of the award, Ms. Fran Tate, President, Jackson Heights Neighborhood Associ- ation and Crime Watch, said: “We are honored and blessed to be recognized at the 15th An- nual Hillsborough County Neighborhood Conference for this award. Just as other neigh- borhoods in the county, we are committed to maintaining a healthy, clean and safe environ- ment for our neighbors. We’d like to thank the Hillsborough County Neighborhood Confer- ence committee, County Com- missioners, Hillsborough County Sheriff Department, City of Tampa Neighborhood Empowerment Department and the Tampa Police Depart- ment.”
The South Fork Neighbor- hood Watch group in Riverview uses a Web page and multiple social media platforms to com- municate with residents and its 206 members.
program for the Bay Pines and James A. Haley VA hospitals, and the Fisher House of Bay Pines and Tampa Bay. Neighborhood Unsung Hero Award:
Oakdale Reserves resident Mary Fenner volunteers as the Valrico neighborhood’s treasurer.
Alison Bernstein heads up the Social Committee for Parkside Village in the Fish Hawk area, encouraging neigh- bors to interact to build a sense of community.
Neighborhood Youth Volunteer Award:
Fridays are festive thanks to a weekly event organized by the Wimauma Community Devel- opment Corporation’s Youth Council. Held in partnership with Enterprising Latinas and the Wimauma Community De- velopment Corp., the free events promote community to- getherness and relationship- building, and offer time with friends and family.
In addition, the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County presented a $2,500 check to the Youth Council as seed money for future projects.
Most Effective Board:
The Lake St. Charles Board of Supervisors successfully transitioned operations to a debt-free community that pro- gressively plans and imple- ments its vision for a sustainable, vibrant, and desir- able neighborhood in the Riverview area.
Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award
Dave Naymick intro- duced the social media commu- nication platform NextDoor to his West Hampton neighbor- hood, and utilized his market- ing background to grow it into one of the strongest online communities in the nation.
While law enforcement searched for a serial killer in
fall 2017, Stan Lasater worked with police to make sure residents in his Southeast Seminole Heights neighbor- hood knew all the facts and other information. He met with victims’ families, and coordi- nated vigils, walks, and rallies. He also planned and hosted
events to show appreciation for first responders.
Neighborhood Watch And CERT Award:
The Jackson Heights Neighborhood Association And Crime Watch built a community support system that links Jackson Heights and
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