City Council honors five distinguished citizens
A capacity crowd packed the City Council Chambers on Wednesday night, October 25, to witness the honoring of five distinguished Mount Vernon citizens prior to the commencement of the regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council.
Twice a year, the City Council honors remarkable individuals who have served the City of Mount Vernon with dedication and sacrifice and have made significant contributions to the Mount Vernon community.
The following is a list of those that were honored:
Please note that Diane Richardson was honored in absentia because she was out of town.
A few years ago, as a relatively new member of the Mount Vernon City Council, Roberta Apuzzo suggested the idea of honoring extraordinary citizens and organizations, on a yearly basis, to the City Council body. The City Council liked her suggestion, a vote was taken, and the yearly event was born.
Due to the popularity of the program, the City Council is now honoring citizens twice a year. And at all events, many family members and friends attend the event, resulting in a super-crowded City Council Chambers.
According to Councilwoman Apuzzo, “By spotlighting these individuals who toil with a smile in relative anonymity, we are actually reflecting upon the quality of citizens in our community. These quiet heroes are sprinkled throughout the city of Mount Vernon. They perform deeds silently, or with an assuring voice, without the expectation of reward or honor. They serve with grace and humility. This pillar of the community might be a teacher, business owner, mother, father, soldier, teenager, athlete, community leader, or volunteer – the list is endless.”
Each honoree was given a special award (Resolution) from the City Council.
A capacity crowd packed the City Council Chambers on Wednesday night, October 25, to witness the honoring of five distinguished Mount Vernon citizens prior to the commencement of the regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council.
Twice a year, the City Council honors remarkable individuals who have served the City of Mount Vernon with dedication and sacrifice and have made significant contributions to the Mount Vernon community.
The following is a list of those that were honored:
- Barbara Bracey, Executive Director of Vernon Heights Day Care Center.
- Lillian C. Jones and Sylvia Reid, mother and daughter advocate for veterans.
- Shawn Patterson Howard, community activist.
- Diane Richardson, youth advocate and entrepreneur.
- Tamara Stewart, housing activist and supporter of the Mount Vernon Public Library.
Please note that Diane Richardson was honored in absentia because she was out of town.
A few years ago, as a relatively new member of the Mount Vernon City Council, Roberta Apuzzo suggested the idea of honoring extraordinary citizens and organizations, on a yearly basis, to the City Council body. The City Council liked her suggestion, a vote was taken, and the yearly event was born.
Due to the popularity of the program, the City Council is now honoring citizens twice a year. And at all events, many family members and friends attend the event, resulting in a super-crowded City Council Chambers.
According to Councilwoman Apuzzo, “By spotlighting these individuals who toil with a smile in relative anonymity, we are actually reflecting upon the quality of citizens in our community. These quiet heroes are sprinkled throughout the city of Mount Vernon. They perform deeds silently, or with an assuring voice, without the expectation of reward or honor. They serve with grace and humility. This pillar of the community might be a teacher, business owner, mother, father, soldier, teenager, athlete, community leader, or volunteer – the list is endless.”
Each honoree was given a special award (Resolution) from the City Council.
Lillian C. Jones (l) and Sylvia Reid (r) displaying their awards while surrounded by family
Barbara Bracy (c) exhibiting her award while accompanied by family, friends and church members
Shawn Patterson Howard (c) being honored by Councilwoman Copeland
Outgoing City Councilman Yuhanna Edwards (r) honoring Tamara Stewart
