City of Glendale - News

Seeing Sparks

Glendale residents recognized with Spark Awards for efforts to improve the community

Glendale recently recognized neighborhood leaders and business owners who have contributed to their community and improved the quality of our neighborhoods with Spark Awards. The awards are given annually to those individuals who spark their communities into action. The Citizen’s Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods presented “Spark Awards” in the following categories:

• Neighborhood Revitalization: awarded to the Robert Hughes, a resident of the Skyview West I Neighborhood Association, which includes 69th to 71st avenues along Bethany Home Road. Over the past four years, he has actively worked with city staff to implement improvements in his neighborhood. As a result, his neighborhood was awarded funds for a barrier wall replacement project. He also organized a special neighborhood clean-up effort.
  
  
• Traditional Neighborhood Leadership: awarded to John Kolodziej, a resident who is a leader in his neighborhood located at 91st and Rovey avenues. In addition to being an active neighborhood leader, he also serves on the Citizen’s Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods.
  
  
• HOA Leadership: awarded to Sally Reynolds and Brad Hendrix, who have been board members for the Golden Ridge Homeowners Association since 2001. Sally has served as president and Brad as treasurer and block watch captain. Because of their leadership and hard work, the neighborhood has thrived and made many improvements. Their neighborhood is located off of Olive between 67th and 69th avenues.
  
  
• Business Support and Neighborhood Involvement: Carraba’s Restaurant on Bell Road and its manager, Mr. Chris Ennist, who approached Deer Valley High School administration in the hope of developing a partnership. Carraba’s has donated gift certificates to recognize the male and female athletes of the month; sponsored an annual dinner for coaches and donated food for athletic tournaments. The entire school appreciates the impact of their generosity.
  
  
• Community Partner Award: Community Church of Joy organized more than 1,000 volunteers from their church, who all participated in the first annual “Serve Day” event in the West Valley. Volunteers participated in a variety of large-scale projects that were instrumental in enhancing the quality of life and improving neighborhoods.

“These award winners demonstrate the generous spirit that is abundant in our community. We are proud to showcase the contributions these neighbors have made to improve the quality of life for their fellow residents,” says Neighborhood Commission Chair Larry Flatau. “They are definitely leading other residents by example.”

For More on Spark Awards

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 or visit the department’s Web site at: www.glendaleaz.com/CommunityPartnerships.