2008 Hall of Fame

Sherry L. Eddings, District 1, Portland Neighborhood

Although Sherry Eddings suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis she assisted in building her Habitat for Humanity house and her neighbor’s house. When her neighbor was confined to a wheelchair and did not have any nearby family, Sherry would take him to doctors, cook and get his grass cut. In June 7, he died. Despite having pneumonia and doctor’s orders to be admitted to the hospital, Sherry made sure his funeral wishes were handled. After making the arrangements, she returned to the hospital where she was admitted for five days. Sherry is truly an angel.

Oralia Guzman, District 2, Newburg Neighborhood

Oralia Guzman has been a positive support to the Latino community, with her church, local police and her children’s schools. In the Latino community she offers her assistance by translating English letters for her Spanish-speaking neighbors so they can enroll their children in school. She offers her help in any civil matter and tries to make Latinos feel comfortable and safe. Oralia recently helped Latino children who do not speak English at the beginning of school. The children’s parents also did not speak English and she assisted the children get on the correct bus. She was vice president of the PTA last year and this year’s president. She has increased the enrollment of Latino parents to 40%.

Mary Cooper, District 3, Hallmark Neighborhood

Mary Cooper has volunteered for a variety of programs including being a Foster Grandparent at Frazier Elementary, tutor at Coleridge Taylor Elementary. She is also an active member of Southern Star Baptist Church. As a resident of Dr. William Weathers Senior Building, she coordinates activities and is on call 24 hours, 7 days a week. She assists residents with their medicine, helps with fire drills and coordinates a Bible Study, Bingo, and Movie Night. What Mary does for residents is something she does from the heart. Without her assistance, some of the residents would have nothing to look forward to.

Anna Wooldridge, District 4, Shelby Park Neighborhood

Anna Wooldridge is doing great things in her neighborhood. As president of Shelby Park Neighborhood Association she works diligently with residents to make the neighborhood a better place. She has started a crime committee and has helped with free concerts in Shelby Park. Anna is always willing to get involved and attends numerous trainings and events throughout Louisville. She has worked hard to promote and support projects in her neighborhood. She has provided the neighborhood with newsletters, guest speakers and meets one on one with residents to guarantee their needs are met. Anna is not only a great neighbor, but a great friend.

Marian Dunkerly, District 5, Shawnee Neighborhood

Whenever anyone needs assistance with a problem, Marian Dunkerly is the first to step forward to help. She and her husband Wayne offer food from their garden to neighbors. Marian is the eyes and ears for the neighborhood and is always in touch with local agencies to offer practical suggestions to improve the entire community. Marian was very involved in the creation of the Shawnee Neighborhood Association and the organization’s website. She has helped organize cleanups and the removal of graffiti in the Shawnee neighborhood.

Hebert “Herb” Fink, District 6, Old Louisville Neighborhood

Herbert “Herb” Fink constantly helps Old Louisville neighbors with guidance and direction on how to proceed with needed improvements, how to apply for permits and approvals, contractors and provides help to neighbors regarding construction assistance. He assists neighborhood boy scouts with merit and Eagle Scout awards. He helps neighbors and friends from foreign countries find living accommodations, jobs and other needs. Herb assisted the Cabbage Patch Settlement House renovate and expand and initiated improvements to help keep Old Louisville clean. Herb models the true spirit of being a good neighbor not only to Old Louisville, but to the community.

Sean and Lisa Higgins, District 7, City of Graymoor-Devondale

Lisa Higgins is always available to friends, family and neighbors at a moments notice. She coordinated an “Extreme Makeover” for a friend who has cancer. She organized the makeover all with volunteer labor and donations, so that her friend could have a relaxing atmosphere in which to go through recovery. Lisa is the co-chair of the St. Albert St. Baldrick’s event which has raised more than $400,000. Sean Higgins is an active participant in the community, serving on the boards of the Visually Impaired Preschool, Pitt Academy, LINKS Foundation and Trinity Foundation. Possibly most dear to his heart is his work with the Cathedral of the Assumption, where he organizes “Barbecues for the Homeless” once a month. Lisa and Sean’s individual commitment to our community are truly too numerous to mention. However, one of the most important contributions they make to the neighborhood is making their home a welcoming place for children.

James “Les” Downs, District 8, Deer Park Neighborhood

Les Downs is the founder and manager of “One for All,” a charity resale store in the Deer Park neighborhood that benefits people living with AIDS and HIV. The store has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Glade House and House of Ruth. Shoppers at the popular store have no idea the work Les puts in to attract quality donations and inspire the store’s volunteers. He is tireless when it comes to creating a retail environment that is welcoming, accommodating and positive. The store also serves an environmental purpose for our community, giving new life and value to items that may otherwise needlessly clog our landfills. Additionally, Les has made the store a collection point for items needed by clients of the Glade House and House of Ruth. Devoting your life to making others’ lives better can be a thankless job.

Patricia “Pat” Brinson, District 9, Crescent Hill Neighborhood

Patricia “Pat” Brinson is a tireless neighborhood advocate and the president of the Crescent Hill Community Council. She’s worked to make new neighbors feel welcome and has created a neighbor directory. She’s a 2007 graduate of the Neighborhood Institute. As an active member of the Crescent Hill Neighborhood, she has helped the neighborhood organize several large events over the years, such as the Crescent Hill’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July event, neighborhood cleanups and more. She’s a retired school teacher and currently works part-time helping students with writing portfolios. Pat is a recent recipient of a “Spirit of Crescent Hill” award.

Steve and Alice Thompson, District 10, Camp Zachary Taylor Neighborhood

Steve and Alice Thompson are long-time fixtures in the Camp Taylor neighborhood. They are always helping, whether it is cutting weeds, picking up trash or assisting sick neighbors. Together they started the Belmar Block Watch program to combat the rise of crimes and thefts in the area. They were also instrumental in founding the Camp Zachary Taylor Neighborhood Association. They have also purchased bike helmets and donated them to the police department to be distributed to children. They look out for the neighborhood and work with Metro agencies and the council office to address challenges and improve the quality of life in their community. Their neighborhood is a better and safer place to live because of Steve and Alice’s efforts.

Dollie K. Ray, District 11, Hurstbourne Area

Dollie K. Ray has been a community volunteer since childhood. She was the first Candy Striper volunteer in Louisville, and as a teenager, received the Girl Scout’s “God and Community” award. She helps the sick and needy with numerous volunteer activities in her neighborhood and church. She has taken several mission trips over the years, including a recent trip to Kenya, Africa to help children afflicted with AIDS. She volunteers each week delivering her church’s newspaper and teaches Sunday school. Her extensive benevolent volunteer background and gracious attitude make Dollie a good neighbor.

Kathy Darby, District 12, Hunter’s Point Neighborhood

Kathy Darby is the director of Family Life Center at Beechland Baptist Church where she directs senior citizen programs in the community. She organizes Red Cross blood drives, basketball and volleyball for all ages and many youth programs for the community. She also organizes a wonderful fall festival for our community with help from Rick Blackwell’s office and never complains. She spends hours of her own time working with our community and is a good will ambassador for the community.

Richard C. Manion, District 13, Scottsdale Neighborhood

For the past three years Richard Manion has been the driving force in the revitalization of the Scottsdale Neighborhood Association. He has served as the president and helped organized the association. He has assisted members in beautifying the entrance of the neighborhood and has worked for more police presence and has given his neighbors a venue to address their concerns. He has definitely improved the neighborhood and its quality of life and his never ending energy and commitment to his neighborhood and community is unmatched. When there is a community or neighborhood project, Richard will supervise it as well as work in the trenches alongside others. He is a U.S. Army veteran and volunteers at the Louisville VA Hospital. He also is a volunteer for Metro Parks helping with the senior citizens at the Fairdale Nutrition Center.

Earl Yocum, District 14, Valley Station Neighborhood

Earl Yocum served our country with a career in the US Army and is a Vietnam veteran. He has received several military awards and decorations including the Purple Heart. Earl has spent many hours mowing and cleaning properties for citizens who cannot afford to have the work done. He operates a lawn service but much of his work is “pro bono.” Earl is also very active in his church and just recently took on the responsibility of manager for the Farmer’s Market in Valley Station. He has spent many volunteer hours getting the market up and running.

E. Wayne Love, District 15, Taylor-Berry Neighborhood

E. Wayne Love is a wonderful neighbor. He is a Vietnam veteran with the U.S. Army and even though he is a physically-disabled veteran, Wayne mows and trims his neighbor’s yard every week along with six other yards and refuses any financial assistance for doing this, not even compensation for the gas he uses. Wayne runs errands for his neighbors at anytime and picks up any trash and shows kindness and generosity to his neighbors.

Tracy L. Cutting, District 16, Limewood Circle Homeowner’s Association

Tracy Cutting has served as the president of the Limewood Circle Homeowners’ Association since October, 2007 and has been a resident of this neighborhood for nine years. As president, she has striven to make Limewood Circle a friendly and safe neighborhood for the 44 families that call it home. She has connected with various resources that are available to her and the association. She has enrolled in trainings about bylaws and deeds of restrictions and has shared her new knowledge with the association. Limewood has now updated their organization and are communicating their issues within the association, and are also are networking with the surrounding neighborhoods and suburban cities.

Tony R. Edmondson, Sr., District 17, Brownhurst Manor

Tony Edmondson has accomplished various projects as president for the neighborhood. He is working to complete a section of sidewalk that was left unfinished for 15 years and planted nearly 100 Crepe Myrtle trees to help beautify the neighborhood. He has recruited neighbors to cut grass in common areas so homeowner dues would not be increased. He set up an area in the front of his garage so neighbors who see the garage door open know Tony’s office is open for business or conversation. He encouraged others to help neighbors and has led the way for getting new street signs. Tony has been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer and, even when he is very weak and ill from chemo, he talks about what the neighborhood needs. Residents want him to be president for life.

Glenda Ryan, District 18, Owl Creek Neighborhood

This past year through her leadership Glenda Ryan has transformed our neighborhood into a true caring community. She stepped up to begin our Helping Hands Program which is a unique, complimentary service offered to neighbors when they are in need of temporary assistance. She turned this concept of matching residents in need of assistance with a fellow neighbor willing to help. She maintains a log of requests and a comprehensive contact list of over 50 resident volunteers. She also jumped in to lead a new seniors group. Under her leadership, many retired neighbors get together regularly for field trips and social occasions. The results of her contributions are measured in the hearts of the families she touches.

Anne Gregory, District 19, City of Anchorage

Since becoming an officer of Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT) of Louisville in 2003, Anne Gregory has made a profound impact in the lives of families with autism across Louisville. Anne has a seven year old son with autism and knows the challenges families face in dealing with this life-changing condition. With Carriage House Preschool, she helped launch the Endeavor Program, a year round kindergarten readiness program that currently serves over 35 autistic children ages two through six. Anne has worked with parents and Dreams with Wings to help launch a summer-long camp for teenagers with autism. Without this camp, working parents would have limited options during non-school months since most camps are not equipped to handle these children. As with Endeavor, this is the only camp of its type in the Louisville community.

Karen P. Spear, District 20, City of Jeffersontown

Karen P. Spear always provides a welcome home for children and single moms. In addition, she has taken in abused or neglected animals and nursed them back to health. She started the First Angel Food Ministry host site in Jeffersontown, a program to help others save money on groceries. She is active with her neighborhood and church. She led the neighborhood in a challenge against developers to fight against and a proposed over-crowded condo development. She constantly overcomes personal challenges while helping others. Classified as disabled, she battles Cystic Fibrosis and complications daily. Her spiritually strong character, giving nature and love for helping others make her an example to all.

Stafanie Rae Buzan, District 21, Iroquois Neighborhood

Stefanie Rae Buzan seeks out opportunities to assist the neighborhood and community, not only by being a lovely and loving neighbor, but donating time, financial support and organization skills. Stefanie has been a board member of the Iroquois Civic Club and Neighborhood Association and the Little Loomhouse. She routinely participates in Brightside clean-up activities for this neighborhood, but those in surrounding areas. Stefanie and another lady maintain a garden in the common area at the entrance to the neighborhood. They also co-authored a book on the history of southern Louisville, the proceeds of which are donated to The Little Loomhouse. This just demonstrates a portion of Stefanie’s pride in the neighborhood and willingness to do almost any steps necessary to promote beauty and appreciation of the neighborhood and neighbors.

Jean Storch May, District 22, Brandywyne Subdivision

Jean Storch May is the neighbor every neighborhood should have. She strives to keep the area as nice and well kept as possible. On her daily walks she carries bags and picks up trash along the way. Her theory is to empower the residents to take part in and beautify the area. She enjoys working in her yard and sharing flowers with friends and neighbors. When Jean hears that a neighbor is ill, she visits them and does what she can to help by checking on them daily. She talks to all the neighbors and, if they have any questions or concerns about our neighborhood, she is always glad to answer them. Jean is truly a good neighbor to our Brandywyne Subdivision.

Judith A. Lee, District 23, Highview Acres Neighborhood

Judith A. Lee came up with the idea for the Highview Acres Neighborhood Association about three years ago and has worked closely with her councilman and other Metro agencies to improve the neighborhood. With the help of board members, this small association with only 52 houses has seen many changes since. There are now six streetlights and MSD is in the middle of a $200,000 project that will improve drainage. Neighbors have really come together since the Highview Acres Neighborhood Association was formed.

Russell C. Marples, District 24, McNeely Lake Park area

Russell C. Marples is the inspiration behind the yearly fall clean-up of McNeely Lake Park. He prints flyers for the event and distributes them around the area. The event has over 250 volunteers, many of which help out because Mr. Marples asked them to. He works to bring boats to the lake so the lake itself so the shoreline can be cleaned of debris. Each year Mr. Marples works closely with Louisville Metro agencies and offices to organize the event and obtain the needed supplies. He single handedly came up with the idea for the event which has grown each year.

Malcolm L. Lilly, Sr., District 25, Redbud Neighborhood Association

Malcolm L. Lilly, Sr. is very active in the Redbud Neighborhood Association and is one of the original founders of the organization right after merger. He always greets his neighbors with a wave and a smile and keeps a watchful eye when neighbors are out of town. Any given day you can find Mr. Lily hard at work in his garden and he always gives produce to his neighbors. He always checks on elderly neighbors daily and brings their mail from the box across the street. He takes their garbage cans out and brings them back in. He is a U.S. Navy World War II veteran and also worked for the Louisville Police Department.

Patricia L. Alvey, District 26, Brookhaven Neighborhood

Patricia L. Alvey helped start the Brookhaven Neighborhood Association in the Hikes Point area. She is deeply committed to improving the neighborhood and addressing property maintenance issues affecting the area. Thanks to her active role in distributing fliers and recruiting association members, the organization now has over 50 members and much of this is due to Patti’s friendly smile and desire to improve the neighborhood.