10/4/2006
Media Contact:
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-3690 |
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Mayor, Mrs. Peterson honor volunteers
INDIANAPOLIS - Mayor Bart Peterson and Indianapolis First Lady Amy Minick Peterson honored 20 local volunteers with the 2006 Mayor's Community Service Award today.
“Our community has a rich heritage of volunteerism,” said Mayor Peterson. “The Mayor's Community Service Award not only honors these exceptional volunteers, but also serves as a tribute to community service in Indianapolis.”
Since 1993, more than 550 Indianapolis volunteers have been recognized for their contributions to community service. Today's volunteers will join past recipients of the Mayor's Community Service Award, in being honored with personalized, engraved bricks that comprise the Mayor's Community Service Award Plaza. The plaza, located at the northern end of the Downtown Canal Walk extension, consists of nearly 2,000 bricks and was dedicated in October 2001.
Criteria for Mayor's Community Service Award applicants included performance of direct personal service and demonstration of initiative in volunteer activities. All categories of applicants were encouraged, from the arts, to special needs, to education.
“The winners of this year's Mayor's Community Service Award are the embodiment of our Hoosier spirit,” said Amy Minick Peterson, the event's honorary chairperson. “Each day these people mentor children, advocate for the arts, orchestrate neighborhood cleanups and help our homeless neighbors. I'm pleased to honor these exceptional volunteers.”
Applicants representing a diverse range of community service activities received awards. Recipients of the 2006 Mayor's Community Service Awards are listed below. Detailed descriptions of their volunteer activities are listed on the following page.
Waldine Anderson Patricia Andrews
Alpha Blackburn Alecia De Coudreaux
Jean Edwards Shirley Etsinger-West
Brian Fisher Tom Glass
Sarah Glass Gayle Hutchens
LuWanna Jennings Jane Lommel
Davine S. Nolcox William Plater
Renee Pollard Louis M. Profeta
Becky Sage Leo Scott
Elisha Snow Sue Westbrook
2006 Mayor's Community Service Award Recipients
Waldine Anderson - “Ms. Waldine,” as she is called in her neighborhood, has been the director of the Concerned, Dedicated, and Determined (CDD) Crime Watch since 1994 when the organization was formed. Ms. Waldine is more than an excellent leader but a “Gem” who refuses to accept any credit for the improvements seen in her northside neighborhood.
Dr. Patricia Andrews - Dr. Andrews’ has shown a commitment to the betterment of Decatur Township, as well as Marion County. Pat has attended many neighborhood meetings and also served as an advisor to neighboring organizations, her dedication to making Decatur Township a better place to live has distinguished her as a true neighbor.
Alpha Blackburn - Alpha has distinguished herself as a civic leader and utilized her corporate success for the benefit of Indianapolis by contributing not only her time and resources, but her ideas and unique collaborations. Her motto of always “drawing a bigger circle” inspires her to embrace a diverse group of organizations and causes.
Alecia DeCoudreaux - Alecia is an extraordinary volunteer who generously lends her leadership skills and philanthropic expertise to a number of non-profit and community organizations. Alecia has a passion for service and a strong desire to improve the quality of life for all residents of Central Indiana.
Jean Edwards - Jean’s life personified the giving spirit of volunteerism. She was a wonderful ambassador for the Admitting Department of Westview Hospital because of her warm, gracious and friendly manner. Jean said “Everyone has some talent to donate and I think they should”.
Shirley Etsinger-West - Shirley encompasses everything a volunteer should – dedication, patience, passion, humility, resources and generosity. Shirley’s volunteer organization, Wellington Theater Arts Group, provides more than 20 Indianapolis theatres with volunteer ushers, and coordinates the ushers for all performances for the entire season.
Brian Fisher - Brian is a dedicated advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and education. Brian volunteers countless hours presenting HIV/AIDS 101 to community groups, churches, youth organizations and schools and colleges preaching prevention, care coordination and hope.
Tom and Sarah Glass - Tom and Sarah have worked with the Indianapolis Police Department to resolve many different neighborhood issues and have become strong neighborhood advocates. Most recently, Mr. and Mrs. Glass formed their own registered neighborhood organization (500 View) to strengthen and organize others in and around their area.
Gayle Hutchens - Gayle created Paws and Think, a not-for-profit organization that seeks to address three community needs: engaging at risk teens in choosing more positive behaviors, saving adoptable dogs from euthanasia, and providing service and companion animals to people with disabilities.
LuWanna Jennings - LuWanna has transformed not only her own life, but is also helping to support and transform the lives of many homeless women in Indianapolis. LuWanna believes her volunteer service is an example of how one can rise above negative circumstances and become a productive force in our city.
Jane Lommel - Jane, as president of the Binford Redevelopment and Growth (BRAG) Organization has worked to make a profound impact on our community. Jane and BRAG are dedicated to making Indianapolis the best possible place for all citizens to live, work, do business, and raise a family.
Davine S. Nolcox - Davine embodies servant leadership. Her commitment to volunteerism has been evidenced throughout her life. Over the years, Davine has volunteered for many organizations, committees and civic affiliations. Davine stated, “God has so richly blessed me all of my life, so therefore, I serve with gratitude.”
Dr. William Plater - Bill’s leadership in developing IUPUI as a model for civic engagement and his personal community involvement are unmatched. After enduring the struggles of being a first generation college student, Dr. Plater states that he dedicated his life and career to “creating a level playing field.”
Renee Pollard - Renee founded Grace House Residential, a 12 bed transitional housing program for women who are homeless. She provides shelter, supportive case management services and workshops on a variety of issues. “This is my passion,” says Ms. Pollard. “My goal in life is to ensure that second chances are made available to individuals who truly desire them.
Dr. Louis M. Profeta - Louis is a friend, mentor, and role model and epitomizes what a community volunteer should represent. Louis volunteers on several levels ranging from his involvement with the Marion County Crime Lab to his not-for-profit volunteer organization ERASE (Emergency Room Advise, Safety, and Education).
Becky Sage - Becky and her colleagues formed the Will Power Walk/Run committee. With her leadership, the Warren Township community rallied to host the walk/run to benefit the Kids Caring and Sharing program. Becky’s tireless work ethic, positive spirit, and willingness to do “whatever it takes” has been key to its success.
Leo Scott - When Second Helpings first began rescuing food in April 1998, Leo was there every day. He was the right hand man for the renovation of the original facility. Second Helpings greatly benefits from Leo’s generous donation of time, talent and ideas, and in turn this benefits the more than 2900 people fed every day.
Elisha Snow - Elisha volunteers at the Marion Superior Court Probation Department, along with caring for her two children, working a part time job, and attending classes at IUPUI. After her initial training, she has become a critical member of the westside office. Elisha exemplifies what a young single mother can do with drive and determination.
Sue Westbrook - Sue joined the Women’s Committee of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in 1960 and has served in many positions since then. Sue has a way of seeing a need and filling it – and having fun doing it with her “can do” spirit. Sue’s example makes it hard for others to say no, when asked to volunteer time, talent or ideas.
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