INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Mayor Greg Ballard recognized 19 volunteers at the 2009 Community Service Awards held at the Indiana Historical Society. The Mayor’s Community Service Awards were created to recognize Indianapolis citizens for their exemplary volunteer contributions and commitments to community service.
“Indianapolis is widely regarded as a compassionate and friendly community that looks out for its neighbors,” said Mayor Ballard. “The nineteen individuals that were recognized today represent the very best that this city has to offer, and it was an honor, on behalf of the residents of Indianapolis, to award them with this recognition that will become a permanent fixture of our downtown landscape.”
Nineteen volunteers from all areas of Indianapolis and Marion County were recognized at the event. A brick will be engraved with each recipient’s name and placed at the Mayor’s Volunteer Plaza at the 11th Street Admiral Spruance basin on the Canal.
2009 Award Recipients
Ruth Hudson -Alliance of the Indianapolis Museum of ArtRuth Anne Justus Hudson has taken enormous pride in growing up and raising her family in Indianapolis. She was president of both the White River School and Northview Middle School parent organizations. Ruth has been president of the Indianapolis Propylaeum, Family Support Center, Women in Neighbor Service, and Fortnightly Literary Club. She has served on the boards of many civic, cultural and philanthropic organizations that support the arts and issues concerning women and children. For the Alliance of the Indianapolis of Art, Ruth has served in many positions for several years and contributing up countless hours to the board and the group’s events.
Wilfredo de la Rosa – Faith, Hope and LoveWili De la Rosa is a valuable volunteer for Faith Hope and Love. Wili has been effective in mobilizing volunteers and getting things done through his enthusiastic approach. He donates his time, vehicle and his belongings to be used by Faith, Hope and Love. Through his leadership the Faith Hope and Love, Garden of Hope grew and donated over 15,000 pounds of vegetables that were given away to the community.
Cora Tema Dean Mrs. Cora Tema Dean has been a devoted resident of the United Northwest Area Neighborhood since 1973. She is a retired from Safeway Foods in 1993 to take care of her ill mother. In 1995, Mrs. Tema Dean started working for the airport, a job that she holds to this day. Mrs. Tema Dean has also been instrumental in establishing a scholarship fund for children in her church and community. The Cora Tema Dean Scholarship Fund has helped over 400 children further their education.
Judy Warren – The Junior LeagueJudy S. Warren has dedicated her adult life to volunteering in the Indianapolis community. Her numerous contributions include service to youth, healthcare, neighborhood development, media and the arts among other areas. At the Junior League she focused on child health and welfare. In the area of art, she acquired donations to decorate the Governor’s Mansion and supports the Ballet Internationale.
Michael Black – Franklin Township Softball LeagueSince 1997 Mike Black has been volunteering for a youth sports program for children and young adults with mental and physical challenges. Mike, who has a niece with Downs Syndrome, organized enough volunteers and players to begin the first season of Franklin Township “Lead The Challenge” Softball League. Initially starting with two teams, the league now has four teams of ten players each with around 100 people involved in the program. Mike is most proud of the great group of kids and young adults who have aged out of the program but come back to be Peer Coaches.
Jerry Friedrick – Neighborhood Activist
Jerry Friedrick unselfishly devotes his time above and beyond the call of duty to improve the city of Indianapolis by providing personal service to his fellow citizens. He started and coordinates the Holy Family Shelter, which houses homeless families and individuals as part of the ministries of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Jerry helped initiate the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Line Trail in collaboration with the Indy Parks Department. (It has been paved in Irvington). Jerry also helped coordinate his neighborhood’s effort in the National Night Out Against Crime.
Elizabeth (Libby) Laux – Big Brother Big Sister of Central IndianaElizabeth (Libby) Laux, lovingly know as Sister Libby Laux by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, has served as a dedicated and exceptional Big Sister to her Little Sister Ajok for four years. Together, they have explored the city – including the opening Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium, family activities (cookouts, holidays and birthdays), the Adventure Tour at the Indianapolis Zoo, as well as movies, fairs, and festivals. In addition to her service as a Big Sister, she is the Chair of the SMART Alumni group (Supporting Mentoring through Art) and serves on the Board of Directors for College Mentors for Kids and as a member of the Program Committee for Lacy Leadership.
Patti Daviau – Riley Hospital
Patti Daviau has dedicated her life to providing support, information and guidance to parents of children diagnosed with PMD, Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease. When these families have needed assistance in navigating the many channels of medical testing, research and services, Patti provides these families with the appropriate resources. She has been known to meet patients at the airport, and drive them to Riley Hospital herself, and stay with the patient while they are being treated. Patti is affectionately referred to as “Dr. Pattie” by the parents and “Aunt Patti” by the PMD children that she is so devoted to.
Dee Mazza – Handi-Capable HandsDee Mazza is a dedicated Volunteer and Board Member of Handi-Capable Hands and for the special needs population we serve. Handi-Capable Hands is a nonprofit organization that provides supportive employment and services to developmentally challenged adults In the Greater Indianapolis area. Dee volunteers approximately 20 hours per month in an average month and also before, during, and after special event, which increases her hours to at least 40-60 hours per month. Additionally, she volunteers frequently with her husband at a local food pantry.
Larry Riggle – Avalon Hills Neighborhood Association
Larry Riggle has worked energetically, effectively, and quietly to make Indianapolis a better place for over 35 years. He helped establish the Avalon Hills neighborhood association that erected the Skiles Test Nature Park and as well as the sound barriers on the west side of 1-465 to improve the area’s quality of life. He has also helped to organize 350 participants, who are responsible for the ongoing beautification and economic development efforts in and around Binford Boulevard area.
Ms. Jean Quinn – Indianapolis Arts Garden
Ms. Jean Quinn has a driving desire to serve, initiate and promote the many organization that she has been affiliated with for the last 46 years. Jean has worked with Senators and environmental groups to bring attention to local and national environmental problems. Ms. Quinn is knowledgeable and willing to participate with a hands on attitude, and has been doing so for the last 46 years to help make Indianapolis a more sustainable city.
Mr. Haldon Cole – Second Helpings
Mr. Haldon Cole retired from Perry Township schools in 1996 and has stayed an ardent, eager volunteer in several areas. He has served as a board member of Baxter YMCA and on the University of Indianapolis Alumni Board. Hal has also taught Retirement Skills classes for the OASIS program, which helps retirees manage the many lifestyle changes of retirement. Hal served on a weeklong Habitat for Humanity New Orleans Project that provided homes for families recovering from Hurricane Katrina. Hal personally mentors new teachers in the Perry Township school system. Mr. Cole has also logged over 1000 hours as a volunteer food preparer for the Second Helpings program in Indianapolis.
Ms. Elease Womack – The Unleavened Bread Café
Ms. Elease Womack is the Ministry Leader of the Unleavened Bread Café. The café is located on a critical artery from our northern suburbs to downtown, as it intersects with the cross-town urban traffic. Under Ms. Womak’s leadership, The Unleavened Bread Café has become a great multicultural connecting place for people who would otherwise have no opportunity to get to know each other. The Café primarily serves the Mapleton Fall Creek neighborhood. Beyond its normal operation, the café has also served emergency needs for food, clothing & shelter.
Dr. Dwight Schuster – Health and Hospital
Dr. Dwight Schuster has demonstrated a true commitment to Indianapolis and its people for more than 50 years. He retired from medicine in 2007 and now at the age of 92, still makes himself available for service to his community in any way possible. Dr. Schuster has volunteered on many committees and boards within the healthcare field dealing with Psychiatry, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation, Health Care in Jails, the Indianapolis/Marion County Police Merit Board and was a Presidential Appointee to Advisory Council of National Institute on Drug Abuse and served on the President’s Commission on Mental Retardation.
Ms. Sandy Jeffers and Ms. Ivy Hougue, Health and Hospital, Pathways to Recovery & the Dove House
Sandy Jeffers and Ivy Hougue represent part of the management staff at Pathways to Recovery, a transitional supportive housing program for homeless adults with addictive and mental disorders. When the Dove House, a women’s supportive living program was going through a difficult time with out management staff, they took time out of their busy schedule to volunteer at the Dove House. With the Blessings of the Pathways board and support of their other staff member they put in a lot of volunteer time to help get the Dove House back on its feet.
Ms. Terry Walker – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
Ms. Terry Walker volunteers as a child advocate in court at least 10 hours each month. She offers her time to organize various donation efforts that provide clothing, furniture, and appliances to the needy. She also participates in the Back to School Book bag and Supplies give away and helps raise funds for several organizations in and around the city. Terry is also a Big Sister for a 10 year old girl and meets with her 5 hours a week.
Ms. Sheryl Wise – Back to School Celebration
Ms. Sheryl Wise works for Perry Township’s alternative school, Perry Pathway to Excellence. Her passion for kids and their families has compelled her to put in a lot of extra hours in the community. Thirteen years ago she took a leadership role in Martindale Brightwood Neighborhood and brought together businesses, churches and community groups to organize the largest Back to School Celebration in the state of Indiana. The celebration at Coleman Academy on 30th Street emphasizes education along with the parent’s role in their child’s life. Over 23,000 people came to the celebration last year. Each year an estimated 3,000 book bags are given away along with school supplies.
Rev. Roosevelt Sanders
In addition to being the full time Pastor at Mt. Vernon Community Baptist Church, Rev. Sanders was a founding member of Westside Community Ministries where he has volunteered 20 hours each month over the last 11 years. He also works 20 hours a month at the Roosevelt Sanders Intervention and Prevention Drop-IN Center for Group Therapy. Each year Rev. Sanders keeps his father’s dream alive as he leads the community to feed 25,000 people during the Mozel Sander’s Thanksgiving Dinner.
