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Fire Station Fest ...cont'd from page 1
The Fire Station Festival has always been one of the single events in our neighborhood and city that exemplifies what civic involvement and community pride are all about. We understand it; our representatives know it, and our children get a chance see that pride from an early age. This has also been an event in which the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association has the chance to honor those neighbors who have done their part to make the neighborhood a better place for all of us. This years Presidential Service Awards went to out going co-presidents Bruce Nadig and Gary Penn. Bruce, who served this last year said he would remain active as the official neighborhood cheerleader, by encouraging participation in all civic activism. Gary, who has served two years as co-president, talked about the history of the association, its successes and its ongoing commitments to the neighbors. Mark Fishman was given the Good Neighbor Award for a single act that would preserve and protect the neighborhood. Mike Linnane was given the Good |
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Developer Award for his recent projects. Neighborhood Business Awards were
given to Ross Mason at Avenue B Grocery and Greg Bontempo at
New World Deli. A Service Organization Award was given to the Austin State
Hospital Volunteer Service Council, in gratitude for their Participation
and hard work during the 2003 Hyde Park Historic Homes Tour. Wendy
Biro-Pollard accepted the award and spoke of the relationship between
the Neighborhood and the Austin State Hospital. Wanda Penn received
the Outstanding Service Award, having served the neighborhood in many
capacities over the last twenty years. She commented that the large
turnout of children and parents guaranteed the preservation of our
neighborhood.
The most important event of the Festival this year was the origination of the Walter and Dorothy Richter Good Citizen Award. This award was named after the late Senator Walter Richter and his wife Dorothy, the unofficial Mayor of Hyde Park. This special award was created to honor these two outstanding citizens, who have inspired so many to participate in civic endeavors. Walter's slogan was 'Where there's good will, |
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there's a way!' Walter and Dorothy have dedicated their lives to helping
others better understand why every one of us should become involved in
the community around us and beyond us. Representative Lloyd Doggett
told the audience how Walter and Dorothy had inspired and encouraged him
in public service and read a letter from State Representative Elliot
Naishtat proclaiming their profound influence on him. Dorothy told
every one how honored she was and how honored Walter would be. The first
award was then presented to Grant Thomas, Editor of the Pecan Press
for 24 years. Grant acknowledged the influence of Walter and Dorothy on
him, and joked about informing, educating, and enlightening neighbors
through the Pecan Press, but he has proven in his 24 years of service
that he truly understands the dedication that Walter and Dorothy have
inspired.
The Festival ended with the presentation of the new officers. Pam Whittington and Glen Coleman- Co Presidents, Marrilee Ratcliffe- Secretary, Mike Capochiano- Treasurer. The festival as usual was not possible with out all the help from neighbors. Although it is impossible to thank all the participants, we would like to thank the Lee Elementary School third grade Brownies and the Girl Scouts from Troop 467 under Brenda Long for their help. We would also like to thank all of those who brought food and beverages and those who helped set up. Thanks also to Casa Verde Florist for the flowers for Dorothy. See you next year.
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Send in your articles, letters, and photos (but not your poetry*) by the
15th of each month to:
Editor, Pecan Press
Or email submissions to:
hgthomas@palnet.org
4106 Avenue F Austin, TX 78751 |
*Send your poems to:
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