By Charles Hack
A neighborhood needs people, but a safe community requires civic leaders and dedicated volunteers. And they were out in force at the Citizens for a Better Community 5th Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Night at the St. Vincent Ferrer Church at Glenwood Road and East 37th Street on May 14. Local City Councilmember Kendall Stewart and State Senators Kevin S. Parker, Carl Andrews and John Sampson presented awards for civic leadership and service to the community. Business awards went to Back Home Bakery and Nancy Francis. A community service award went to Inspector Robert Boyce, commanding officer of the 67th Precinct. Accepting the award, Boyce said, ”When I first came here I had the reputation as a crime fighter. Now I have the reputation as a public servant.” Accepting another community service award award, Sherif Fraser, district manager of Community Board 17, pointed to improvements in the neighborhood, repaired streets, and replaced sewer lines. “All of the work could not have been achieved without the Citizens for a Better Community,” Fraser said. Citizens awarded for outstanding contribution of service to the community included Patricia Kilkenny and Claudette Wilkinson. Borough President Marty Markowitz sponsored awards to youths for a variety of services to the community. The young honorees included Danille Da Silva, Hethru Shango, Nephthys Shango, Ast Shango, Crystal McCammon, Jules Jessamy and Camille Jessamy. Last year’s fundraiser raised $2,470, said Yvette Barrow, president of Citizens for a Better Community. With the help of Stewart, seven children were sent to summer camp. Fundraising also helped six children go to college. Concerned Citizens distributed 180 toys to children in the community at Christmas, she said. The Concerned Citizens runs an annual Atlantic City bus trip for $35 on June 25 at 7:30 a.m. The proceeds help children go to summer camp and college. Call (718) 434-5053 for more information.
