Lake Forest Park 'Good Neighbors' recognized at City Hall

Lake Forest Park Good Neighbors
Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park

Ordinary citizens and community organizations doing good things were brought into the spotlight in Lake Forest Park at June 14th's Good Neighbor Awards Ceremony at City Hall. 

Started by the Community Services Commission in 2005, the Good Neighbor Awards are a way to recognize the countless good deeds and services performed by friends, neighbors, family members and those who work in our community.  

2012 honorees:

• Benjamin Potter: helps care and maintain his elderly neighbor’s lawn and trash pickup out of his own good will.

Honorees Patti and Rick Giboney with Shoreline-Lake Forest Park
Arts Council Director Fred Wong (center)
Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park

• Patti and Rick Giboney: 30 year residents of Lake Forest Park who have dedicated years of service to the Shoreline School Board, Youth Basketball, Lake Forest Park/Shoreline Arts Council, and special needs children in the Shoreline School District.
• Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore: Provides $6,000 a year to help with the Farmer’s Market “Market Bucks” program to help feed the hungry and provide income for local food producers.
• The Milner Family: Every month, the Milner family convenes to play Sunday morning musical sets at Third Place Commons. They also have been known around the community for performing at various City and community events.

Honoree Christine DePinto signs her leaf for the Good Neighbor Quilt
Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park

• Lisa Koontz, Christine DePinto, and Greta Hardin: Volunteers at Brookside Elementary School who have been instrumental in creating and sustaining the Art Docent Program. They do this program 6 times a year for every grade and then repeat it all again for the next year!
• Candy and Gary Richards: 20 year plus residents of Lake Forest Park who received 2 separate nominations this year. Candy is one of the founders of the Secret Gardens Tour and Gary has built and maintained the website for years.

Honorees from LFP Presbyterian Church and friends
Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park

• Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church: A hub of the community, the Church serves as a gathering place for children’s programs, substance abuse meetings, Rotary Club meetings and various men’s and women’s program opportunities for the community. They also have a volunteer program that offers their support to others in need during flood events.
• Aaron Stadler: An outstanding videographer with more than 25 years of video production experience. He has volunteered countless hours filming and documenting several City and community events.
• Jim Hansen: The kind of person who drives his neighbor to the doctor for medical visits. Jim received 2 separate nominations this year and has been an active participant in events and programs around the City. He founded the electric car fair and was instrumental in helping create the mural along the Burke Gilman trail.
• Bob Franks: A mentor to our youth, Bob has been a YMCA youth basketball coach for many years. At the YMCA, he has been known to start additional teams so as not to cut or exclude players. He’s helped pay for registration costs, carpooled players, and bought food for those who could not afford it.

Special award nominee Mamie Bolender receives award
from Mayor Goss
for Outstanding Citizen Environmentalist
Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park

The awards are designed to recognize individuals whose helpful acts have been done without seeking or receiving recognition for their service. Good Neighbor Awards can be granted to adults and youth who either live or work in the City of Lake Forest Park (except for City employees). Once award nominations are submitted, Community Services Commissioners review the nominations and select each year’s Good Neighbors.