Community Awards

View the 2024 Community Award Winners below

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Community Impact

Franciscan Village

After finishing renovations to their existing facilities in late 2023, Franciscan Village promptly announced that construction would begin on a new four-story building that will add 63 housing units. Renovations to existing structures included a new atrium, community room, and fitness room, as well as extensive upgrades to housing units. These back to back investments in their facilities and the services they provide to the community are why they have been awarded this year’s Community Impact Award.

Hear from Franciscan Village:

"Franciscan Village has enjoyed a long history as a vibrant community where residents feel safe, comfortable, and connected. Our newly renovated facility, including our recently acquired Activity Center, fosters a welcoming environment that encourages resident interaction and a strong sense of belonging. We’re proud to be just one part of what makes the West Park community so very special."

PAST RECIPIENTS

2023: Laura's Home Women's Crisis Center

2021: Therese Chambers Arth

2018: Ellen McCafferty & Lisa Kay

2017: Patrick Burke

2016: The Setta Family & Setta Trophy Inc.

2015: Saint Joseph Academy

2014: Cliff La Roque

2013: Colleen Gilson

2012: Barbara O'Patry

2010: Dr. Marilyn Kurnath

2009: GSNEO Cadet Troop 7161

2008: The Waters Family

2007: Rose M. Snyder

2006: Tim Barrett

 

 

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Bob Bohr Safety Award

Matt Whisenhunt

The father of four kids, Matt quickly developed concerns about pedestrian safety on his street when his kids began to spend more time outside during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wanting to take action, Matt began talking to Bike Cleveland, an organization concerned with street safety. In Summer 2023, they led the installation of several temporary crosswalks in his neighborhood. His leadership of this project and concern for street safety are why he is the recipient of this year’s Bob Bohr Safety Award.

Hear from Matt:

"I enjoy being a resident of Cleveland and the Westpark neighborhood. Being a part of activities to strengthen the social fabric of the community gives me hope that we can continue to create a thriving neighborhood. A central element to strong communities are people-centered design - West Park Safe Streets is taking steps to make that happen!"

PAST RECIPIENTS

2023: Kerry Adams

2021: Lieutenant Richard A. Petras

2018: Time Riley

2017: Commander Thomas McCartney

2016: May Jane McLucas

2015: P.O. Hugh Mills & P.O. James Hoban

2014: Lt. Dave Menear

2013: Paul Slebodnik

2012: Sgt. Keith Haven

2010: West Park Early Childhood PTA

2009: Larchwood West Block Club

2008: Patrolman Larry McGervey

2007: Veronica Darby-Nekvinda

2006: Andy Repjar & Joe Witnik

2005: Kenneth F. Robinson

 

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Volunteer of the Year

John Roche

A longtime neighborhood resident and volunteer, John has long been a presence at WPKND events. If he looks familiar, you may recognize him from the Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market, where he is a reliable set-up and tear-down volunteer, or the Hooley, where he can often be found in the beer garden after he has completed his volunteer duties. His years of dedication and hard work are why he is this year’s Volunteer of the Year.

Hear from John:

"I love living in West Park, and I love the Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market. It helps the neighborhood a lot. I prefer to do the hands on stuff, and I think that if others see you doing that kind of stuff, they’ll be encouraged to help too."

PAST RECIPIENTS

2023: Ronnie Havrilla & Ardis Janke

2021: Chris Hehoda

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Emerging Leader

Lesley Vizurraga

After moving to the neighborhood in 2020, Lesley started looking for spaces for professionals to meet and get to know each other. Not finding the kind of group she wanted to join, she decided to make her own, the West Park Professionals group. Her leadership and dedication to building community are why she has been named this year’s Emerging Leader.

Hear from Lesley:

"Since moving to Kamm's in July of 2020, I have been energized by the level of support and encouragement to increase community connections. West Park Professional's Community has been the catalyst to new friendships, new business opportunities, and a space to co-create more of what we find to bring value to West Park. My mission is to continue to bring community individuals together to connect and collaborate in creative ways."

PAST RECIPIENTS

2023: Kate Catanese & Don Hill

2021: Pastor Jason Thompson

2018: Conor Boylan

2017: Ken & Jessica Hatfield

2014: Aaron Kimbrell

2013: Ryan Dettmer