Vandeveer Impact Award

Nominations are now being accepted for the "Linda and Jerry Vandeveer Impact Award," designed to honor volunteerism and community service work in the names of the longtime community advocates. Nominations will be accepted through July 29. Forms are available online and at the Board of Commissioners office in Suite 410 of Citizens Square, 200 East Berry Street. Nominees will be evaluated based on four criteria:

• Vision and Action: Seeing a need in their community and taking steps to meet that need
• Selflessness and Sacrifice: Devoting their time and energy in service to their community without seeking recognition or reward
• Commitment and Perseverance: Working through difficulties and challenges to achieve their goal
• Impact: Making a positive impact in their community through their work and serving as encouragement for others to do likewise

The award will be presented in September. Recipients will receive an individual plaque and their names will be included on a perpetual plaque that will remain in the Commissioners' office. The recipient will also receive a $250 check from Fire-Police City-County Federal Credit Union which is handling a special account established by an anonymous donor for recipients of the award.

Previous Vandeveer Impact Award Winners

• 2017: Dan and Judi Wire: Dan Wire's work to clean up and reuse the local rivers was cited in his nomination. Judi Wire was nominated for her efforts to revitalize the Wells Street Corridor.
• 2018: Robert "Bob" Wearley: Bob was recognized for his efforts to preserve Smith Air Field and help persons dealing with drug addiction.
• 2019: Alex Cornwell and Mariesa Rang: Alex was cited for his devotion of hours of professional and personal time for projects that have positively impacted the Waynedale community. Mariesa was recognized for her work to improve the quality of communication between emergency services and persons with severe communication disabilities.
• 2020: Josh and Jenny Hartup: Through the Guns 'N Hoses charity, Josh and Jenny have been able to provide assistance to first responders and their families in time of need.
• 2021: Board of Directors of the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum: For its work in renovating and restoring its facility and bringing a replica of the Vietnam Veterans wall to the area.
• 2022: Carolyn DeVoe: Carolyn was recognized for her lifetime of community and neighborhood advocacy. She has volunteered with numerous task forces for decades and continues to serve on the Neighborhood Code Housing and Oversight Board.