Ward One - Anita Liao
Anita is the Vice President, Internal of the Edmonton Philanthropic Organization, which connects Edmontonians with volunteer opportunities. The organization is about:
- Promoting a vibrant community
- Providing fun volunteer opportunities and
- Bringing Edmonton Closer to You
Ward Two - Mike and Pam Sneath
People in the Cumberland neighbourhood are busy; sometimes there's not enough time or energy to connect or get to know the neighbours - until Mike and Pam moved in a few years ago. Nominator Ray and Karen Nichols say, when the Sneaths arrived, the neighbourhood changed for the better.
First, they've turned their yard into something we can all aspire to. Then in winter, Mike and his snow blower are a welcome sight at many homes. This year the Sneaths held their first New Year Neighbours get-together party, inviting everyone in the area.
It was a great opportunity for folks to get to know one another beyond the wave and that will help your neighbours be more connected throughout the year!
Ward Three - Graham Olmstead
Graham was nominated by four different people. Here's what his nominators say about this man who seems to help everyone:
"He's a helpful caring man who always extends a helping hand."
"Everyone who lives around here is being more selfless and helpful like Graham."
"He is a man of all trades who has time to help everyone in the neighbourhood."
"Because of Graham I am able to continue to live in my own home."
Graham ’s Evansdale neighbours can't seem to say enough about him. Seems he does everything from plumbing and electrical work to snow shovelling and lawn mowing.
We've been told that when spring comes, Graham goes around the neighbourhood roto-tilling gardens. He chops down trees, installs water taps, hangs pictures and helps neighbours order the right size of windows.
And Graham’s wife Ardella is like the neighbourhood help secretary: neighbours say they call and she responds, "I'll send Graham right over!"
What Graham’s neighbours appreciate is that he does all of these things cheerfully and is satisfied with a thank you. He’s known to say, "What are neighbours for?"
Ward Four - Karen Batiuk and Franjo Granic
Here is a couple who helps others, all the time and in every season. Their nominator Jean Westergard says Karen and Franjo are wonderful neighbours.
These two are known for shovelling snow and mowing lawns for people who can't do those things.
Each year, they throw a Canada Day potluck block party in their Belmont neighbourhood. This is such a highlight that even neighbours who have moved away come back for the celebration!
Karen and Franjo look out for their neighbours. If some fall on hard times, they're there with food and a helping hand. If there's a need to fundraise for a neighbourhood function, you'll find Karen and Franjo.
Their nominator Jean says when their crescent was flooding due to extreme rain, Franjo ran over, got Jean’s car keys and moved her car to higher ground so it wouldn't flood.
More than good neighbours this Belmont couple are also considered good friends in their community.
Ward Five - Don and Shelly Brownlee
Nominator Nadia Goodhart says that the Brownlees are simply the best couple to have as neighbours!
Don and Shelly are organizers. In summer you will find them gathering neighbours in their Ormsby Place neighbourhood around a bonfire for fun and friendship.
They also organize summer activities. In winter, you'll see either one of them on the helpful end of a show shovel, digging out neighbours.
They're also the eyes and ears of the neighbourhood. Shelly and Don watch out for their neighbours and their neighbourhood, note when anything suspicious is happening and let neighbours know.
Ward Six - David Edey
David is no stranger to City Hall. He is the General Manager of Corporate Services for the City of Edmonton.
He's also a very active member in the Riverdale Community League. His nominator Lorna Thomas noted not just what David does for his neighbourhood but how he does it. He goes about things quietly and diligently, getting the job done, getting people involved and simply making Riverdale the best it can be.
David has been on the Riverdale Community League for eight years. He's helped the league develop better governance, helped save land for River Valley protection and worked as planning director.
He's currently league secretary and is often seen behind the barbecue, flipping burgers at Riverdale's Canada Day and League Membership Drives. He's recruited residents to take part in the Corporate Challenge Dragon Boat races that take place in the Riverdale neighbourhood.
Ward Seven - Management and Staff of the Stadium Save-On-Foods in Cromdale – Accepted by Lance Bell, Manager
They say good customer service is simply good business but the management and staff of the Stadium Save-On-Foods store in Cromdale have proven they are more than a business. They are Good Neighbours and the Winners of the 2011 Ward Seven Good Neighbour Award. Lance Bell, manager of the Stadium Save-On-Foods is here to accept the award.
Nominator Shelley Tupper says Save-On Staff go beyond being friendly and help elderly customers with their shopping and escort those who need extra help directly to their cars.
Neighbourhood organizations who need to raise funds and awareness find an open door at the Save-On Store. During Eskimo games, the Save-On-Foods barbecues offer an impromptu block party for neighbours and football fans.
This is a store that prides itself on its clean interior and parking lot. Abandoned grocery carts are picked up to help keep the surrounding neighbourhood clean and tidy. The Save-On Staff are good corporate neighbours as well to the nearby Norwood Legion and Northlands.
Ward Eight - John and Justine Leszczynski
They are considered a great package deal in their Hollyrood neighbourhood; their nominator Bette Jane Yelich says these two are simply the best neighbours you could ask for.
John and Justine help out at the school and community league. They fundraised for the new Holyrood playground. They'll help neighbours look after their yards, take in mail if you go on a trip and keep an eye out for one another.
If anything goes amiss in the park late at night John is the first to help out. In fact he was the first on the scene to help at a terrible traffic accident in the neighbourhood.
When it comes to why John and Justine are considered good neighbours it's not just one thing. It's all of the things they do and how they do it.
Ward Nine - Riverbend Community League
The community league has won this award in recognition of leadership in extending summer recreation opportunities to families living in the Brander Gardens Capital Region Housing Complex. Nominator Shelley Kwong tells us that many of the families living in the complex are new arrivals to Canada with large families and modest incomes.
Though the Green Shack program is available, many of the children from the complex did not access it so, the Riverbend Community League brought the Green Shack program to Brander Gardens. In the summer of 2010 a full time summer leader was hired to organize recreational activities for the children and youth of the 100 plus families living there.
The children had fun, parents got a much needed break and families were connected to other opportunities to involve themselves and their children in low cost recreational activities. This is a win-win for all. It demonstrates great leadership in reaching out to others, responding to diverse needs and building bridges among neighbours.
Ward Ten - Representing the Parkallen Playground Development Group: Nora Begoray, Leanne Kohn
There's a new playground and park in Parkallen thanks to the time, energy and commitment of this group. Their nominator Maya Embleton says the park and playground are more than a place to play. It's a focal point for the community where neighbours of all ages gather and get to know each other. This group of five women planned the playground, fundraised for the playground and have kept the ball rolling.
They continue to raise money and organize community events like Winterfest and the Music Festival to keep the community active, engaged and connected.
Ward 11 - David Gannon
REACH Edmonton Council does not have permission to publish this story.
Ward 12 - Bernie Karcher
Since 2001, Bernie Karcher has been actively involved in the Mill Woods Community patrol. He's logged over 2,500 hours and countless kilometres patrolling the Mill Woods and Meadows communities reporting suspicious activities and being a visible presence to deter crime.
Using his own vehicle and working weekend nights Bernie patrols back alleys, school yards and industrial zones keeping a watchful eye on them.
As president of the Mill Woods Community Patrol Bernie ensures that the group is funded, trained, scheduled and supervised.
Nominator Sharanpal Sandhu says Bernie is well known as someone who can be counted on. He's helped establish a sense of community safety and security, provide a positive role model to young people and work to build the neighbourhood people want to live in.
