History of the L.I.O.N. awards

The L.I.O.N. (Let’s Improve Our Neighborhood) awards began in early 2008 when the Hillcrest Town Council’s Neighborhood Improvement Committee (NIC) decided to recognize community members whose efforts enhance and improve the image of Hillcrest. The NIC focuses in this direction with quarterly Hillcrest clean-ups, graffiti removal, weed abatement, etc – and knew quite well the amount of time and effort required. The first L.I.O.N. award recipient was Urban Mo’s - a long-time supporter of the neighborhood clean-ups and host of several get-togethers following community efforts, always quite popular with the volunteers! Several awards followed, usually with both a business and a residence honored. The reaction of the recipients (who are so genuinely pleased and grateful to have their efforts noticed) is a source of pride to the Hillcrest Town Council. Small children have sat quietly through long Town Council meetings as they wait excitedly for their parents to be acknowledged. An historical preservationist displayed her award with pride in the window of a beautifully restored building for over a year. The most recent recipient who improves Hillcrest homes for resale has asked to say a few words at the next Town Council meeting. Everyone is curious to hear what is on his mind…but one thing that is for sure — a little bit of appreciation and recognition goes a long way towards building a community. The Hillcrest Town Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month (except December) from 6:30-8pm at the Joyce Beers Community Center in the Uptown District.

NIC meeting minutes

Thursday, February 11 4:00PM Location: Bamboo Lounge
Present: Tim Gahagan, Evan Kohler, Ann Garwood, Nancy Moors, Courtney Thomson, Luke Tepestra

Agenda: Mardis Gras, Clean-up, L.I.O.N. History, Business Request Letter, Committee Focus & Direction – Bar Flyers and Sign Update

Discussion: I. Mardis Gras Clean-Up
A. Evan & Nancy will go on Alley Patrol. Tim’s team will do side streets south of University. Ann’s Team will do 7th. Other teams will do 1st, 3rd & Washington. Ann obtained a number of coupons from Chris Shaw. City Deli will provide cookies and coffee will come from Peets.
B. For next Clean-Up, the group would like to find a spot where the dumpster could be left all weekend.
C. For next Clean-Up, Evan will seek out volunteers from Roosevelt & Francis Parker schools

II. L.I.O.N. History
A. Version was approved and is above.
B. Group would like the history posted on the HTC website.

III. Business Request Letter
A. Version was approved and is below

IV. Bar Flyers
A. Courtney suggested this is something that maybe should be taken up by the newly forming Night Club Association
B. Courtney will look into litter laws regarding the flyers
C. Nancy suggested bar owners write clauses into contracts with outside party-throwers

V. Committee Focus
A. Will address at next meeting

VI. Sign Update
A. No activity

Next meeting: Thursday, Friday, February 25, 4PM, Bamboo Lounge

Dear Business Owner,
I am writing to you about the Hillcrest Town Council “Let’s Improve Our Neighborhood” (L.I.O.N.) awards which are given out several times a year. Please find attached a brief description and pictorial history of the L.I.O.N. awards. When a L.I.O.N. award is given, we like to include a small gift certificate from a local business as an additional thank-you. The certificate is announced when the award is presented at the Town Council meeting. If you would be interested in donating a certificate for the next L.I.O.N, please contact me. I know the recipients are always thrilled.

Regards,
Tim Gahagan
Hillcrest Town Council Neighborhood Committee
(619) 315-7058

Contact us for more info >