City of Glendale - News

Spark Awards Recognize Residents' Contributions to the Community

Glendale recognized neighborhood leaders and businesses, which have contributed to their community and improved the quality of the city’s neighborhoods, with Spark Awards. The awards are given annually to those individuals who spark their communities into action.

The Citizens’ Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods presented “Spark Awards” in the following six categories:

• Young Leaders on the Move: Students from the Interact Club at Mountain Ridge High School and were recognized for their community involvement as volunteers for a variety of local non-profits and with the City of Glendale Volunteer program.
• Business Support & Involvement: M&I Bank sponsored a new program called “A Brush With Kindness,” which was coordinated by Habitat for Humanity. More than 150 of their employees participated as volunteers in the program by assisting needy homeowners with landscaping and exterior home improvements.
• Community Partner: A second-grade teacher at the Challenge Charter School, Bridget Schumacher, created a “Kids Care Club” at the school. The group grew to 100 students, ranging from second to sixth grades, who participated in many community service projects.
• Neighborhood Revitalization: The East Catlin Court Neighborhood Group Leaders have made substantial changes to better their neighborhood. From organizing a block watch party to completing neighborhood clean ups, this group has accomplished much in a short amount of time.
• Traditional Neighborhood Leadership: Two residents, Hans Rosenthal and Wayne Kumm, led the Mercer Lane Neighborhood Block Watch to obtain a small grant for a neighborhood block party and a large grant of $50,000 to repairs sidewalks and install handicap ramps. Their leadership skills really benefited their neighbors.
• HOA Leadership: A resident of Maryland Manor Condominiums, Ellen Scott was chosen for demonstrating outstanding leadership in her homeowners association. She has single-handedly made several exterior improvements to the common areas and has built a sense of pride amongst her neighbors.

For more information, about the Spark Awards or how to become active in your neighborhood, please contact the Community Partnerships Department at (623) 930-2868.

Photo Gallery

Information Fair: City departments provided residents with resource materials. Marcheta Strunk from Parks & Recreation staffed her department’s exhibit table.

Keynote Speaker: Alison Rapping, executive director of Valley Leadership served as the keynote speaker.

Neighborhood Commissioners: Betty McDonald, Marianne Del Debbio and Sharon Brown helped to welcome guests to the Leadership Forum and collected food donations for St. Mary’s.

Young Leaders on the Move: Students from Mountain Ridge High School Jaclyn Harper, Jordan Deer, Marcus Tan are recognized by the Glendale City Council and Mayor.

Business Support & Involvement: M&I employee Adrianne Sloat accepts the award from the Mayor and Council.

Community Partner:  Greg Miller accepts for Bridget Schumacher, whom he nominated for the Spark Award.

Neighborhood Revitalization: Group leaders from the East Catlin Court Neighborhood receive their award from the Mayor and City Council. Bart Turner, Jamie Colby, Mick Talbot, Pete Talbot, Diana Colby, David Colby,  Gilbert Chavez, Roberto Granado, Lucy G, Lupe Gonzales, Mayor, John McNutt, Tom Parsons, Paul Crippin.

HOA Leadership: Ellen Scott is recognized for her work for the Maryland Manor Condominiums HOA.

Traditional Neighborhood Leadership:  Wayne Krumm and Hans Rosenthal are congratulated for their leadership of the Mercer Lane Neighborhood Block Watch.