Neighborhood Notes

A group of 21 Portland individuals/organizations who have helped make our city shine have been named recipients of the Spirit of Portland Awards this year. In addition, nine others were chosen by Mayor Tom Potter to win the Mayor's Awards.

All 30 winners will be recognized during an award ceremony Dec.11 at City Hall.

THE MAYOR'S AWARDS ARE:

Russ Ryan - a volunteer par excellence in the Mayor's office, also in former Mayor Vera Katz's
Sgt. Frank Gorgone - GREAT program
Stephen Manning - immigration attorney
Larry Collins - People of Purpose and Associates
Rebecca J. Black - Executive Director of Oregon Outreach, Inc
Africa AIDS Response
Last Thursday Planning Committee
• Lt. William Walker - PPB
• Stephanie Reynolds - ONI
• Jeri Jenkins - PDOT

p:ear - creatively mentors homeless youth through education, art and recreation
The Standard - an insurance company with strong community-based efforts

THE SPIRIT OF PORTLAND WINNERS (CHOSEN BY COMMITTEE) ARE:

Community Harmony (2)

• Norm Costa, longtime HIV activist & gay community advocate

• Gloria McMurtry, provides a community gathering space at Reflections-Talking Drum Book Store

Community Policing
Sgt. John Anderson & Officer Greg Baldwin, created community police center in Parkrose

Emergency Preparedness (2)

• Clarence Harper Jr., neighborhood emergency preparedness promoter

• Laurelhurst NET, raising awareness & training in emergency preparedness in their neighborhood

Employee Volunteer
Jeri Williams, courageous, inspirational community leader

Humanitarian (2)
Michael Eagan, advocate for elderly and disabled community
Stephen Ying, bridges communication gap between local political scene and Asian community

Independent Spirit (3)
Coalition for a Livable Future, promotes sustainable communities
Linda Robinson, community organizer, Gateway Green project partner
Pastor Fred Woods, serves the poor and homeless in northeast

Large Business
Opus Northwest Foundation, donated playground equipment at Richmond Elementary

Small Business (2)
Northwest Resource Federal Credit Union, improved financial well-being of Old Town/Chinatown
Richard Kiely, ‘Big Screen on the Green' and other community projects organizer

Neighborhood of the Year
South Portland Neighborhood Association, hosted 4 concerts in Willamette Park and active in National Night Out activities

Non-profits (2)
Sisters of the Road, provides safe haven and low cost food for the poor and homeless
Street Roots, provides a work project-a community newspaper addressing poverty issues with space for news, poetry & commentary

Outstanding Partnership
Hoopin' It Up, sponsors basketball camps at Gabriel Park for low-income kids

Youth
George Wolff, classical guitarist who volunteers his talents at Hospice Care of the Northwest

Public Involvement
Loretta Young, advocate for social economic issues in the minority, women's, and emerging small business community

The Spirit of Portland Awards are presented annually to Portland neighbors and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the community. Winners are selected from nominations submitted by citizens.

The Selection Committee is made up of representatives from Council Members' Offices, the Office of Neighborhood Involvement, District Coalitions, neighborhood business associations, and past recipients. The nominees are evaluated using five categories in which they exemplify commitment to the community. How they helped with outstanding projects, enriched our community, provided a special service, were
responsive to neighborhood issues and how they helped raise cross-cultural awareness.

The award ceremony will be held in the Council Chamber at City Hall on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. with a reception immediately following. City Hall is located at 1221 SW 4th Avenue.

For more information, contact Nell Wagenaar, 503-823-3997 or email: nwagenaar@ci.portland.or.us