All right, now that everybody's gone through the line, we're going to get started.

Please continue to enjoy your lunch.

I know some of you just got it, so I want you to enjoy the delicious food that was once again catered by Chadra.

So let's give them a round of applause.

I hope everyone enjoyed the workshops this morning and had an opportunity to visit our exhibitors.

We want to thank all of our presenters and exhibitors for joining us today.

I'd like to officially welcome you to the 22nd Annual Fort Worth Neighborhood Award.

We'd like to start today's lunch by thanking our generous sponsor, Texas Health.

Thanks for their take thanks for their generosity.

We can once again offer this lunch to our neighborhood leaders.

I'd like to invite Jessica Hamilton and Ben Seagrave to come forward.

Ben is the regional vice president of operations for PT Solutions, where he oversees the Dallas market as well as clinics across Colorado, Washington County, California.

He has been a practicing physical therapist for over 15 years, specializing in orthopedic and sports-related injuries.

With a background in athletic training, Ben helped establish the certified sports residency program at the Andrews Institute before joining PT Solutions in 2022.

In its current role, he focuses on mentoring clinicians to deliver high quality patient care while developing emerging leaders within the organization.

His work supports the clinical excellence and the continued growth of outpatient physical therapy services in the community he serves.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their three young children.

He also enjoys golfing, staying active outdoors with his family.

And we also have Jess Hamilton.

He serves as the Director of Operations for Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care with a dedicated tenure at Texas Health Resources since 2013.

Since 2021, he has led the launch of 32 clinics, fueling growth and operational success.

Jess holds a bachelor's degree in athletic training and health administration, and her leadership has been recognized with the Texas Health Fort Worth Triad Leadership Exploits Award, along with multiple best of urgent shared honors in the DFW region.

I'd like to thank it again for their sponsorship and ask it to CFC work.

Hello and good afternoon, everybody.

This has been such a wonderful event to be a part of.

And I just want to thank the City of Fort Worth first of all for hosting such a great event that recognizes all these wonderful leaders.

And also we just want to say we're just really proud to be a sponsor that is part of a team of leaders out here that is strengthening our community.

It means a whole lot.

And it really does start in the community, not just in the hospital.

So healthy people equals healthy communities.

And Texas Health Community Hope focuses just on that.

They're addressing nutritional access, improving access to healthy foods, and increasing awareness around healthy food.

They're also championing wellness across the communities by improving educational supports and breaking down any barriers that may be presented in your communities.

They realize that the neighborhood is the backbone of a strong community and access is really important.

Another way that Texas Health is improving access to this community is through Texas Health Breeze.

Earlier you heard that we have 32 locations across CFW.

Four of those locations land in this community alone at Donnelly, Bryan Urban, Bonds Ranch Road, and Golden Triangle.

It's a really easy way to get a non-emergent situation taken care of with very short wait times.

We also have a quick care video visit.

So if in-person visits is not your thing, you can join one of our qualified providers online.

And ideally it just kind of meets you where you need to be met at that time.

And next I'll turn it over to Ben to talk a little bit more about PT Solutions.

Thank you.

Yeah, I'm excited to be here.

Thank you for having us for this group.

You kind of give some inside information to PT Solutions.

We're outpatient physical therapy.

We're partnering with Texas Health going live later this month.

Again, to provide access to outpatient physical therapy for our communities.

So we'll be in the community, easy to access locations, retail type spaces, easy parking, easy to get into, quick access.

You know, our goal is to get patients in and we'll get a referral within 48 hours or so.

So really, you know, our goal is to get people back to what they enjoy doing.

It's just that you know active communities or healthy communities.

We want to get patients back to the activities that they love doing and being part of that community.

So we're really excited for that.

Any five page community events that you probably have in your neighborhood, you will see us out there soon enough.

We love being part of those getting to meet the individuals that are out there in the community.

So later this year, we'll be Donley location, as Just mentioned we'll be near the Golden Triangle and King Celler, down in Venbrook.

I will be somewhere closer locations here, as well as clinics we currently have in the Dallas area.

So thank you again for having us today.

All right, so just kind of bringing this together, whether it's our community partnerships, Greece, urgent care, quick care, PT solutions, it's all about access.

We realize that with access and stronger communities.

So in closing, we're just really honored to stand alongside of everybody here today.

Like I said earlier, what an inspiration to be part of this.

So thank you, and we look forward to serving you in the near future.

Before we get started with the awards, I would like to thank our elected officials who joined us here today.

Could you please stand so that we can recognize the support for our Fort Worth neighborhood?

I would also like to thank City staff who joined us today.

If you work for the City of Fort Worth, could you please stand?

Today's ceremony, we're also live streaming, so I'd like to thank the Fort Worth TV staff for joining us today and making that possible for people who couldn't join us.

And finally, I'd like to thank the staff.

Finally, I'd like to staff thank the staff who put all of this together, our community engagement team.

We have Tracy Edwards, she's over on the presentation, Paul Van Allen, Juli Orba, Teresa Magana Lee, and Dinara Mejia.

I would now like to invite Mira Parker to come forward to say a few words, and then we'll start handing out the awards.

Good afternoon.

Nice to see everyone.

I think the only person we didn't get thanked was Michelle Goop and Shell.

Thank you very much for putting on a great event.

We appreciate you all for years.

There are some important thank yous.

First, the beautiful centerpieces on your table were donated by Central Market.

So when you go to Central Market, as I do often, please thank them for their commitment to Fort Worth and the entire HP family.

Also to doxology for making this possible.

They open up these doors and volunteer their time and effort.

So please give them a round of applause too.

We're incredibly thankful.

And we have the very best staff in the entire country at the City of Fort Worth.

Many of them already stood.

They are tireless advocates for your neighborhoods.

That's why they do these jobs.

As our council members that are here with me today, Council Peoples is here, Councilmember Dr.

Hall, Council Recrane Health Cole Forest.

We get to work with some of the very best, most professional, intelligent members of our staff every day.

And by the way, as all of you know, they could go do this anywhere else across the country, or they could go make more money in the private sector.

But they choose to do these jobs.

So please thank them one more time for their commitment to our city.

We're very thankful.

Year over year we do this awards event.

Sometimes it's a it's similar to this setup, others is different.

But I think it's important for us to recognize why it's important.

The City of Fort Worth is over a million people.

We're at the 11th largest city.

Many people in this room have seen this city change drastically over decades.

We were reminded yesterday, many of us attended the Visit Fort Worth annual meeting.

And at the time we were really talking about the celebration and success of Visit Fort Worth at 45 years young.

But 45 years ago, this city sat at around 400,000 people.

Think about that growth.

How many of you often are asked or worry yourselves about keeping that small town feel of Fort Worth, keeping the way we treat one another, that kindness of spirit always is something I know each of us probably get that question all the time.

We love the growth, but how do you keep Fort Worth Fort Worth?

And this room is really full of people that are doing this.

Our investment in our neighborhoods, the way each of you are allowed to give back on your own streets and your own homes and your families and your businesses.

We hope in the city, we're not dictating what your neighborhood should look like.

We want it to stay individual.

We want you to be you feel like the city loves you and invest in you where it's needed.

So that really is what today is all about.

So as you as you thank each other for coming up, we're going to have a sort of an Academy Awards moment.

Okay.

Just no speeches.

Which allows us to not have any awkward cutoff music as well.

But don't be mistaken, the people that are awarded today really do deserve so much applause and thanks for the investment they're making in the city of Fort Worth.

My fellow council members and I, we may get the accolades and also the nasty comments on Facebook.

But we understand so much of the work that's happening in our city is done by individuals like you.

And that's what today is all about.

It's to recognize your hard work and commitment to this city, and for that, as your mayor, I am incredibly thankful.

So thank you, and let's have some fun.

Sound good.

The City of Fort Worth created the neighborhood awards to recognize projects and activities that bring our community together and make our city a great place to live work and play.

Today we will recognize the outstanding work by both homeowners associations and neighborhood associations.

This year we have added two new awards, Safety First and Partners in Learning.

And in addition to the neighborhood awards, we also present individual awards.

Our Distinguished Service to Veterans, the Danny Charles Trailblazer Award, Code Officer of the Year, Neighborhood Police Officer of the Year, and Neighbor of the Year.

And finally, we will announce the neighborhood of the year.

All the winners were selected by a panel of judges from other North Texas municipalities, and we thank them for their time.

As the names are announced, the representatives from the association should come forward.

We would also invite the council member for that district to come up and have their picture taken.

And now I would like to invite Theresa Julie and Janeiro to come up and announce some awards.

Something so important for every organization.

Neighborhood newsletters are judged on content and appearance as well as how well they reach their intended audience.

And the winner in our print newsletter category is Frank Press Civic League Neighborhood Association.

Congratulations.

It was a blend of information and recognition of the hard work done in this neighborhood.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

The judges said Mistle Code Spread was a very well-designed publication that provided valuable information for residents.

They like to see telephone layout and the listing of resources for neighbors.

Congratulations, Nickel Close House.

The winner in print and digital is Oakhurst Neighborhood Association.

The judges said this publication is offered print and online so that it allows residents to get information in multiple ways.

They liked the features that told these stories of residents past and present.

We tag in stories to highlight the 100th anniversary activities and famous people who have called Oakhurst home.

Okay, the community collaboration and engagement award recognizes a neighborhood of organization or alliance that demonstrated exceptional civic engagement and collaboration in 2025.

The award recognizes partnerships and initiatives that defined community challenges, mobilize residents, and work with city leaders, schools, businesses, and other stakeholders to create positive change for their neighborhood and Fort Worth as a whole.

And the second runner up is ready?

Their events provides residents access to local resources, services, and activities.

Congratulations.

Okay, and our first runner-up is the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association.

For their neighborhood bi-monthly social hours.

The events not only engage residents but also provides support to local businesses.

Congratulations.

The event led to stronger relationships with public safety and exposure to community resources.

Congratulations.

In 2025, Robin launched the Lake Country Neighborhood Response Team.

She researched what it would take to create a team whose mission was to provide support to neighbors who might not normally ask for help.

During 2025, under Robin's leadership, the team helped a homeowner who had a house fire.

This homeowner didn't know how to ask for help and he wanted to maintain his privacy.

Robin raised $5,000 while keeping his privacy in mind, and the team provided food and other essentials while he worked to get on his feet.

The team also mowed lawns of elderly and disabled neighbors, brought food to families when illness or in a surgery created hardship, organized a funeral for a family who lost their mother and son within two days of each other, and answered the last minute call on Christmas Eve to help a family who were living with no furniture, clothing, or food.

We are excited to see how this team evolves and the great ideas that Robin will bring to the community in years to come.

The Healthy Neighborhood Award recognizes a neighborhood that made a significant effort in 2025 to improve community health and well-being.

The award honors neighborhoods that promote active lifestyles, organize health-focused events, or increase access to recreational amenities for residents of all ages.

The second runner-up is Lake Country Property Owners Association.

After the pandemic, they found a neighbors who are accustomed to secluding themselves rather than enjoying the community.

With the surge in popularity of pickleball, we started an opportunity to make much needed improvements to the four court and give their residents a compelling reason to come out and participate in a sport that requires teamwork and player interaction.

Congratulations.

This event was created to encourage physical activity for residents of all ages and abilities while persevering and sharing Lake Como's history in an engaging, accessible format, strengthening community pride and intergenerational connection, and providing a positive unifying experience that brings the neighborhood together.

And HOA, first runner of is Tim Timahaw HOA for their community garden.

The garden includes 16 race beds offered annually on a first counterserve basis.

Partners are free to plant and harvest what they choose and receive ongoing training and guidance throughout the growing season.

The garden also includes a dedicated ferry garden area for children, complete with 12-sized pools, aprons, and imaginative play features.

The Garden Party and Plant Swab is two years old and has grown in scope since its inception to connect neighbors through a love of gardening.

Their goal as an association is to become the go-to organization for spring planting and gardening as a way to build visibility and connections in West Meadowbrook and the East Side.

It also provides fresh vegetables and fruits in an area that has limited access.

And the HOA winner is Park Glenn.

The Park Land Turkey Trout is a thing J array to bring families and friends together to promote wellness, fitness, and community connection.

The Turkey Craw began 19 years ago and has grown into one of the neighborhood's most anticipated annual events.

The Turkey Cloud is a priority because it creates positive healthy tradition that residents would look forward to every year, and it produced measurable benefits for the neighborhood.

Okay, Fort Worth Pride honors a neighborhood association that achieved a successful beautification or revitalization effort in 2025.

The award recognizes neighborhoods that enhance their physical environment, including but not limited to improvements to park, housing, lighting, traffic control, or other community and districts or projects.

And the second runner-up is Oakhurst Neighborhood Association.

As part of the O'Hurst Centennial celebration, marking the neighborhood's 100th anniversary, the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association launched a community beautification and legacy project featuring the installation of commemorative park benches.

This project was a priority because Oakhurst Centennial represented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in community gathering spaces.

They also continued their tradition of decorating the neighborhood for the holidays.

And the first runner-up is Lake Country Property Owners Association.

This neighborhood owns 15 acres.

Oh, sorry.

This neighborhood owns 15 acres of greenbelt green space.

Volunteers maintain these green spaces by mowing, weed eating, fertilizing, watering, tree planting, pre-trimming, and debris haul-offs.

Their greenbelt cleanup day in which the residents participated in dead pre-removal, thicket clearing, beautification of green spaces, and spleen wood for free for their community.

Congratulations.

The HOA winner is Park Glen.

The Park Glenn Sidewalk Project began in 2021 following a neighborhood-wide survey of sidewalk conditions.

Villages with the most hazardous sidewalks ranked by severity of misalignment cracking and tripping hazards were prioritized for repair.

Congratulations.

Okay.

And the neighborhood association winner is Lake Como for the Como Community Garden.

This revitalization effort builds upon a decade-long commitment to health, food access, and community restoration in the Como neighborhood.

In 2025, the garden partnered with Burnett School of Medicine at DCU, including Dr.

R.

Bunnell and the class of 2027 student physicians to implement major physical improvements.

Together, the team installed raised garden beds designed to support individuals with mobility challenges, seniors, and volunteers who could not safely work at ground level.

River Tree Academy participated in a day of service to students and staff assisting in spring planting and garden preparation.

The 2025 improvements were not about creating something new, but about strengthening something the community already relied on.

The garden remains a place where neighbors gather, food is grown, stories are shared, and dignity is restored.

In 2025, these enhancements ensure the garden could continue to nourish both the land and the people it serves physically, emotionally, and community.

The Spirit of Fort Worth Awards celebrates a neighborhood association that fosters connection and prides to social or cultural engagement in 2025.

The award recognizes neighborhoods that best demonstrate the period of neighborliness through activities that bring residents together to work, play, or celebrate at the community.

Woodhaven Neighborhood Association is awarded for their July 4th parade.

Over 200 residents participated in the event with a parade of kids on their bikes, shooters, skateboards, anything wheeled, uh scholars too, while parents and grandparents accompanied them.

Bike strollers, both parts were decorated with red, white, and blue, and so were the participants.

The HOA second runner of is Rainbow Ridge HOA.

In order to get residents involved in the association, a variety of activities were initiated, including an annual holiday social, a neighborhood block party, community cleanup, and a Halloween vibrating contest.

These activities provided activities for residents to work late and celebrate together, reinforcing a sense of belonging.

Neighborhood first runner up is Lake Como Neighborhood Advisory Council.

Lake Como is awarded for their WH Wilburn Lake Como Day Parade.

Over the past 75 years, the parade has grown into one of Fort Worth's longest running African American community parades and is the cornerstone of the historic Lake Como neighborhood.

Each year, the parade brings together residents, alumni families, youth organizations, thanks for its group, local businesses, paternities, and sororities, civic leaders, and visitors from across Fort Worth.

It's a success is measured not only in attendance, but in this card it restores the connection and strengthened and the way it continues to unite Lake Como and Fort Worth around a share celebration of history, resilience, and love.

Oh my goodness.

Lake Como, while I'll have you up here, stay just for a second because I missed the page.

So we're going to go back to Community Collaboration Award because you're the winner of that.

We take the prize.

Sorry about that.

And they won for their college storm kit program.

Yeah.

This annual initiative was created to support graduating high school seniors as they transition into college.

While tuition, books, and housing are often the primary focus, many families struggle to afford the basic necessities required for dorm living.

Bedding, toiletries, storage items, school supplies and technology.

They recognize that these unmet needs could distract students from their studies, increase anxiety, and in some cases impact persistence during the critical first years of college.

The College Storm Kit program was created to remove that burden and send students to college knowing they are supported by their community.

Again, community collaboration award winner.

Thank you, Como.

We're just making sure you're paying attention, okay.

All right.

Now the HOA first runner-up is Park Glenn.

Park Land's National Night Alfred created to strengthen neighborhood bonds and foster pride, safety, and meaningful connection amongst residents.

Rather than housing one centralized gathering, Parkland adopted a resident-led model of simultaneous block parties hosted on individual streets.

This approach helps neighbors need and support the people who live closest to them, just the mean trust and creating a welcoming environment on each block.

It is a priority because connection and similarity are foundational to safety, belonging, and neighborhood pride.

Congratulations.

So the neighbor said, we'll bring the lights to you.

The following year, the parade grew, and the founder and produced activities at her home for the community, including a toy drive with the Fort Worth Police Department.

And the HOA winner is Marine Creek Ranch HOA.

Marine Creek Ranch wins the award for their annual fireworks show.

What began as the simple idea to bring neighbors together in a spirit celebration has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the year for their community and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Over time, the event has evolved into much more than entertainment.

It has become a way to build meaningful relationships not only within Marine State Grant, but also with neighboring neighboring homeowner associations and nearby communities.

By inviting all surrounding neighborhoods to attend, the event has helped foster good growth cooperation and a strong sense of regional community.

Safety First is a new award this year.

It recognizes the neighborhood association's outstanding commitment in 2025 to create a safer community.

The award honors neighborhoods that partner with public safety agencies and take proactive steps to enhance the safety and well-being of all residents.

The neighborhood worked with Fort Worth PD to address a high crime area in the heart of their neighborhood.

They looked at stats and found solutions which have led to less crime.

And first runner up is Oakhurst Neighborhood Association.

The Oakhurst Neighborhood Association in partnership with Oakhurst Citizens on Patrol hosted the 37th annual First Responders Dinner on October 2nd at the Springdale Baptist Church Gym.

The First Responder's Dinner is a full-day appreciation meal honoring the meet the men and women who serve our community.

Police officers, firefighters, and detached workers.

This year the event served over 400 first responders.

Okay, and the neighborhood association winner is Lake Como Neighborhood Advisory Council for their Friday Night Light program.

Friday Night Lights is a weekly community-based youth safety program designed to give Lake Como youth a safe place to be, caring adults to connect with, and positive engagement on Friday nights.

What started as shared meals quickly formed into a consistent weekly gathering where relationships, mentorship, and trust were built through conversation and presence.

The objective is to provide youth with the safe place to go every Friday night, reduce their exposure to unsafe situations, provide safety education and conflict resolution skills, and build positive relationships between youth and adults in the community.

Another important objective was to improve communication and trust with local law enforcement, especially during a time when mistrust was high.

It demonstrates how a neighborhood can come together to safeguard its youth, uplift its future, and reinforce that no child in Lake Como stands alone.

Okay, the HOA winner is Rainbow Riggs, HOA.

For their neighborhood safety initiative.

The program was initiated in response to teen trespassing and bordering, and eventually theft and violent crime issues that were impacting residents' sense of security and quality of life.

Their initiative focused on strengthening partnerships with Fort Worth Police and City leadership, educing residents on realistic safety expectations and reporting processes, exploring private security options and cost transparency, mobilizing residents to advocate for safety at the city level, rebuilding trust, communication, and shared responsibility within the neighborhood.

Congratulations.

The award recognizes neighborhoods that partner with schools, promote lifelong learning, and create opportunities for residents to grow and achieve together.

The HOA winner is Park Glenn.

The program is funded through the Parkland Turkey Cross, connecting a neighborhood wellness tradition to educational opportunity.

This dual purpose model is unique and sustainable.

The community gathers for health and fitness, and those efforts directly translate into educational support for local students.

This is a priority because it allows CDNA to invest directly in residents' future and reinforce the values of learning service and leadership.

In 2025, that investment resulted in 19 scholarships, totaling 9,500 dollars that helped students pursue college, high school, and both professional programs.

The association has promoted lifelong learning and neighborhood history education through a set of ongoing resident-led initiatives that make learning accessible and meaningful for all ages.

These efforts include the Oakhurst Neighborhood Book Club, multiple little free libraries located throughout the neighborhood, and a new educational newsletter feature titled Oakhurst Remarkable People.

Oakhurst Remarkable People is a dedicated section in their neighborhood newsletter that allies individuals who once lived in the neighborhood and made an impact at local, state, or national level.

The series is ran by local historian Libby Willis and helped residents learn more about the history and legacy of the neighborhood.

These initiatives were created to strengthen community pride, encourage learning at every age, and connect neighbors through shared knowledge and conversation.

They were especially important during decontinuous celebration periods as Oakhurst worked to educate newer residents about the neighborhood's history and the people who helped shape it.

By weaving education into every neighborhood's life, Oaker has created a sustainable culture of learning and strengthening and strengthened neighborhood identity and civic spirits.

Alright, and now I'm going to take a little pause from awards, and we have a very good thing news for everyone.

So before we launch our next awards, we want to tell you about a new program that we're launching leaders this year.

It's called Engage Fort Worth, and the engaged Fort Worth Community Leadership Academy is an exciting new initiative that equips residents with a practical understanding of how the city of Fort Worth operates, how decisions are made, and how residents can meaningfully engage, influence, and partner with local government to improve their communities.

The Academy features dynamic systems and field days with hands-on demonstrations as well as opportunities to connect with CD users and staff.

Engage Fort Worth will kick off later this year in fall of 2021, so keep an eye out for more details in the coming months.

A distinguished Service Veterans Award recognizes individuals, businesses, or groups who have demonstrated remarkable dedication to supporting veterans in the veterans' community in Fort Worth.

This award celebrates those who have consistently shown commitment to serving and assisting veterans within the community.

Last year's awards went to Air Power Foundation and Christine Wilson.

This year, we will be recognizing Roll Call of North Texas.

They are the first runner up.

Roll Hall is a 100% volunteer-run 501 C3 nonprofit dedicated to honoring and serving veterans through connection, advocacy, and community support.

Every program from its monthly luncheons at Birchman Baptist Church in Fort Worth, welcoming roughly 500 veterans per event to daily outreach and home visits is executed entirely by volunteers to ensure that 100% of funds go directly to supporting veterans.

Roll call volunteers also connect veterans to health care benefits, housing assistance, and other essential resources, ensuring that no veteran is overlooked or unsupported.

Beyond direct support, roll calls, volunteer-led initiatives extend through partnerships and organizations and local schools, applying amplifying its impact across Fort Worth and the greater DFW area.

The organization preserves veteran history through a mobile museum showcasing personal memorabilia and stories, educating the public while honoring veteran service.

With over 1,700 veterans serving and more than 100 recurring volunteers, Roll Call has become a trusted hub for veteran engagement, recognition, and advocacy.

The individual first runner-up is Marquita Boxworth.

Marquita is a U.S.

Army veteran and military spouse who has become a trusted advocate for veterans in Fort Worth.

She founded a weekly veteran coffee meet at the Black Rifle Coffee Company in Alliance, now attended by over 30 veterans, providing connections, camaraderie, and vital peer support.

Through partnerships with organizations like Bets Forever, Marquita helps veterans secure accurate VA disability benefits, improving both health care access and financial stability.

Her monthly Veterans Spotlight program highlights individual service members sharing their stories to honor their contributions, foster community understanding, and amplify veterans' wishes across the region.

In addition to her advocacy, Marquita is a licensed realtor who specializes in helping veterans and military families achieve stable housing and navigate VA loan benefits.

Her guidance ensures families can confidently access homeownership while avoiding predatory practices, laying the foundation for long-term well-being.

Across our initiative, Coffee Meetup, Disability Support, Veteran Storytelling and Housing Advocacy, Marquita has created measurable lasting impact, strengthening and social connections, reducing isolation, and improving quality of life for Fort Worth veteran community.

Her leadership, visibility, and unwavering commitment make her a transformative force for those who have served.

Congratulations like WE.

Okay.

Okay, the organization winner is next up.

Since 2015, Next Off has transformed the veteran employment landscape by addressing one of the most critical challenges facing enlisted service members, access to meaningful, sustainable careers.

As the first and only nonprofit veteran service organization offering free comprehensive employment assistance and direct placement services specifically for enlisted veterans.

Next stop has filled a crucial gap for a population with highly transferable skills, yet often underserved in the civilian workforce.

Since its 2024 expansion into the Dallas Fort Worth region, more than 200 veterans have secured civilian employment with an average salary of $70,000.

Building on this foundation, Next OP has intensified its impact in Fort Worth by providing individualized support, employer partnerships, and public engagement.

In 2025 alone, the organization placed over 150 veterans, including 55 in Fort Worth and surrounding counties while hosting the city's first targeted veteran hiring event with 15 employers and 50 veteran candidates.

Through personalized career coaching workforce upskilling partnerships and community education, including mental health and transition awareness programs, Next OP has not only reduced underemployment, but also created lasting pathways to meaningful careers, brings them community understanding of veteran challenges, and reinforced Fort Worth's commitment to honoring service through opportunity inclusion and long-term success.

And the individual winner is Rick Irving.

Rick is a Vietnam-era Army veteran, Fort Worth native, photographer, podcaster, and storyteller whose lens captures the heart of the community he serves.

After a 34-year career at Lockheed Martin, Rick discovered his passion for photography in 2017 and has since volunteered for over 100 military veteran first responder and gold star family organization.

He's at nearly every veteran event in town.

I don't know how this man does it.

Rick serves as the boards of Roll Call, Fort Worth Air Power Council, and Freedom Mobility Foundation, advises holidays and heroes, and is an ambassador for the Air Power Foundation.

He's the official photographer for Texas Golden Gloves, staff photographer for the Texas Country Music Association, and co-host of the Hometown Heroes Podcast.

Married over 51 years to his high school sweetheart and fellow Army veteran Stephen, Rick is a proud father and grandfather of four children and four grandchildren, and somehow balances all of this while owning and running My Texas home real estate based real estate.

His energy, commitment, and humor makes him a force of nature in Fort Worth's veteran community.

Congratulations.

And honors this legacy of public service, inclusion, and kindness.

The Danny Spark Tilblacher Award recognizes someone who is who in their everyday life raises awareness and makes rule changes that improve opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The second runner-up is Mandy Scag.

Mandy, Joe showing up on page.

Mandy has made a significant and lessening impact on the Fort Worth community through her leadership of a House of Hope for Autism.

She has expanded access to specialized services for children and young adults with autism, providing families with speech therapy, sensory therapy, social care modeling, and meaningful family-centered activities.

Under her guidance, the House of Hope has become a trusted sanctuary for families who often struggle to find support, offering risk-fit resources and a renewed sense of hope.

Mandy's work strengthens families, promotes inclusion, and fills critical gaps in services across Fort Worth, ensuring that individuals with autism are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Ronnie, if you'll also join us.

Sorry, I'm a car runner up.

She serves as co-chair of the wife's pain day of North Texas event, an annual celebration, celebrating the importance of a wife pain, which is a very important tool for for a blind person.

She serves on the committee, Foundation Fighting Blindness, an organization dedicated to finding cures for various eye disease.

She is also president of the National Federation of the Blind of the Fort Works chapter, an organization of blind people for blind people in advocacy, resources, and outreach for the community.

Every January, she travels to Washington, D.C.

to advocate to Congress to pass laws that have the best interest of blind people.

Ronnie can often be found volunteering her time to assist a visually impaired person on how to utilize her cane, teaching other blindness tools, assistant assisting brills to grow a birthday card, or going on an outing to assist someone who needs encouragement and confidence in traveling or shopping as a blind person.

Ronnie herself is a visually impaired person with her own challenges, challenges that she faces, and still she chooses to help her community.

She is improving and functionalized one person at a time.

And our 2025 Danny Spark Stroke Wacer Award winner is Shelby Ryan.

I believe Sylvie wasn't able to make it today, so if we have someone representing her or Berkeley Place, it will come up.

So Shelby took a small neighborhood favor that she convinced all of her neighbors to participate in and turned it into a full-skilled event for very young children, children who are in new compromise, and any individual with intellectual or developmental disability.

She created an interactive map of participating homes, as a case and neighborhood on what sensory space means, how they can best interact with trick-or-treaters to come to their homes and books.

She continues to organize this each started this about five years ago and has continued to organize it.

And neighbors say that the event gets better and better every single year.

So thank you, Sylvia.

Okay.

The Code Compliance Officer of the Year honors a co-compliance officer who demonstrated exceptional service in 2025.

The award recognizes an individual who, in addition to investigating, documenting, and ensuring compliance with city zoning codes, ordinances, and regulations, consistently responds to public inquiries with professionalism and courtesy, maintaining positive relationships and delivering outstanding customer service.

Officers who are nominated by the neighborhoods that they serve.

So please stand when I call your name.

Betty Clinton, Diamond Alexander, Matthew Hayes, Tabora Reed, and Tessa Booth.

Thank you for everything we do for our neighborhood.

He was nominated by the Uptown Fort Worth Neighborhood Association.

If you would please join us on stage, we'd also like to invite Brian Doherty, post-compliance director.

You already know to come up.

His level of follow-through is exceptional, responding to concerns within minutes or hours, and when issues arise over the weekend, addressing them promptly, first St.

Monday morning.

Because of his commitment, diligence, and professionalism, Uptown Fort Worth is now a cleaner, safer, and better managed community.

They are deeply grateful for his outstanding service and the positive difference he continues to make in their neighborhood.

Okay.

Our first runner up is Tabora Reed.

Bora was nominated by Greater North Side Historical Neighborhood Association.

If she would like to join her.

Toad Officer Tabora Reed is a rare find as individuals though.

She's deeply knowledgeable about code compliance issues.

She's been steadfast and honest about matters that is the difference between an actual code violation versus perceived code violations.

Officer Reassures is Officer Lee assures that we should continue to be vigilant about any potential code violations.

She also routinely reminds us that we should use the city's Fort Worth app called what my Fort Worth app is.

Okay, and our code officer of the year is Officer Solvy Tetra Booth.

She was nominated by the Lake Como Neighborhood Advisory Council because they said she represents the very best public service.

What sets Officer Booth apart is not just her knowledge of codes and regulations, but the way she carries herself while enforcing them.

She consistently responds to residents with kindness, patience, and respect.

She takes the time to explain processes clearly, answers questions storily, and ensure residents feel supported rather than intimidated.

Her calm demeanor, positive attitude, and genuine care for the community are evident in every interaction.

Some people perform their duties as a task, others take their work to heart.

Officer Booth is someone who truly loves what she does, and it shows in the quality of service he provides and the trust he builds within the community.

All right.

Neighborhood Patrol Officer, this is your time.

So Neighborhood Patrol Officer of the Year recognizes a patrol officer who provided exemplary service in 2025 to strengthen safety and community trust.

The award honors an officer who, beyond performing patrol duties and addressing crime crimes, actively engages with residents and businesses, attends community meetings and events, and fosters community leadership through various volunteer programs such as Citizens on Patrol and Crime Watch.

Please stand when I call your name.

Eric Phillips, Derek Smithson, Justin Lamb, Jennifer Surris, Kirk Massie, Michael Marquez, Michael Vadgas, Phyllis Bethleh, Roger Cannon, Ryan Rockwall, and Steven Velazquez.

Our second runner up is Officer Kirk Matthew.

All right, if Officer Matthew will join us along with representatives from the Greater North Side Historical Neighborhood Association.

And we would also like to invite Chief Gircia to join us if he's here.

Or Officer Carvajal.

Officer Matthew was nominated because of his unwavering dedication to her community and his proactive efforts to build trust and strengthen relationships between residents and law enforcement.

His involvement goes beyond far beyond his duties as he organizes and supports neighborhood events such as our such as the annual Juneteenth parade.

He participates in youth programs and volunteers to time for initiatives that uplift often overlooked members of the community.

Officer Messi explicit what it means to serve with integrity, compassion, and commitment.

Nominated by the North Beverly Hills Neighborhood Association and Alton Park Apartments and many other community organizations.

Officer Lamb has helped Waltham Park become a better community.

He's run, he went above and beyond when they had a break-in in their vacant units.

And he offered his time by stopping by, checking in and seeing if they needed anything, as well as keeping them tips to keep their community safe.

And the MPO of the year is Officer Eric Phillips, nominated by the Fair Haven Neighborhood Association.

Officer Phillip has exemplified the highest standards of community-oriented policing at Fair Haven Neighborhood Patrol Officer, transforming routine patrols into powerful catalyst for safety, trust, and collective empowerment.

Since joining the team in the neighborhood association team in 2024, he has immersed himself fully in the neighborhoods of fabric, not merely addressing time trends, but also forging deep partnerships with residents, businesses, and local organizations.

Congratulations.

Okay, neighbor of the year recognizes an individual who provided outstanding service and dedication to their neighborhood in 2025.

The award honors a true unsound hero whose actions have strengthened community connections and positively impacted the lives of neighbors through generosity, compassion, and civic pride.

Each year we are excited to see all of the applications come in for this award.

It's always a difficult decision for our judges.

Would you please stand when I call your name?

Andy Knowles, Antoine A.J.

Jackson, Bob Bensky, Christina Snook, David Pennell, Derrica Patterson, Emily Dodd, the late Frank Diaz, Jack Bowen, Johnny Jaco, Johnny Lewis, John Duray, Kendra Williams, Liz Padilla, Maureen Horns, Robin Bolin, Ryan Smith, Sharon Booth, Ken LePoint, Vicky Day.

Thank you.

Frank Diaz from Crestwood Neighborhood Association of his family would like to come up to the stage, please.

Frank Diaz.

Frank Diaz was a dedicated and kind soul who lived in a Crestwood neighborhood for 50 plus years.

He was an active member and captain of the neighborhood crime patrol and an inspiring person to everyone he met.

Crestwood has changed over the last 10 years with many new young families, and Frank always welcomed them with open arms.

The unofficial mayor of Prestwood will be remembered for its art and soul and the service he brought to our community.

Okay, our second runner-up is Erica Patterson from the Rainbow Ridge HOA.

Erica, yeah.

Jerika was nominated because of her tireless efforts to unite not only their HOA, but also the spearhead of groundbreaking collaboration between neighborhood associations and the homeowners associations throughout the Southwest Fort Worth area.

Her leadership, dedication, and genuine care for our community, has strengthened connections, improved communication, and created a more supportive and engaged neighborhood for everyone.

This person truly embodies the spirit of a great neighbor who's service, cooperation, and an unwavering commitment to bringing people together.

Okay, and our first runner-up is Kendra Williams from the Lake Como Neighborhood Advisory Council.

Kendra represents the very best of what it means to love where you're from and to serve without expectation.

She's not motivated by recognition or award.

She's driven by purpose, responsibility, and a deep love for her community.

Kendra's a true unfund hero, someone who can facilitate up, works behind the scenes, and gives her time, energy, and heart to ensure her neighbors are supported, celebrated, and cared for.

A fifth generation's a fifth generation resident of the Lake Homo community, and Kendra was raised with value rooted in giving, loving, and serving others.

Okay.

And our 2025 neighbor of the year is AJ Jackson.

He may or may not have known that he was nominated for this award.

AJ has not missed a beat since moving to Fort Worth in 2019, which started with an inquiry for a trained quiet zone, has evolved into the Incept Sander Riverwalk Residences Neighborhood Association.

As inaugural president, AJ established a solid network with Council Member Martinez, Fort Worth Police Department, Special Division Commander Rob Stewart, and our Up Riverside Alliance to improve the care and services given to the community.

AG rallied his fellow Riverside residents, neighbors, and established the Riverside Residences Neighborhood Association in November of 2024.

Since then, AJ has spearheaded campaigns to deter illegal firework and gunshot activity along the Trinity River Trail during 4th of July and New Year's Eve and is involved in ensuring the trail and the nearby Andrew Dock Sessions Community Center are well maintained and that all neighbors feel safe.

Okay.

And uh the mayor mentioned this earlier, but we'd also like to thank Central Market Fort Worth for generously donating the beautiful center pieces on your table today.

And we have a tradition here at the Neighborhood Awards.

We asked a question to determine who at your table gets to take that centerpiece home.

So this year's question is who at your table has attended the most Fort Worth neighborhood awards.

And if there's a tie.

Like who's the earliest year that you attended?

And then you know, you can just sort it out for yourself.

But that's the question.

So thank you all so much.

And so now, yeah.

So now I would I would like to invite Mayor Parker to announce our 2025 neighborhood of the year.

We've all stated y'all.

Thank you so much.

Okay, here's our final drum roll.

We got y'all a little too excited for centerpiece as I can tell.

Okay, our final award today recognizes all of these categories we talked about today.

The judges selected the winners based on their applications, and any nominee can win.

Importantly, the winner of this competition competes in the neighborhood USA national competition in May, representing the city of Fort Worth.

Our second runner-up, ladies and gentlemen, is Oakhurst Neighborhood Association.

We know that Oakhurst puts on a staggering number of events every year, all planned executed by their volunteers.

Variety of activities is also quite impressive and intentional.

They strive to offer something for everyone in their neighborhood.

From parade to hosting a dinner for our first responders, they not only strive to have activities for their neighborhood, but also find ways to make their entire community better.

Thank you again to Oakhurst Neighborhood Association.

And our first runner-up is Park Glenn Neighborhood Association.

Park Glen has had amazing activities that placed in several categories, including Partners in Learning, Healthy Community, Fourth Party Spirit.

Their activities offer something for everyone.

They tackled projects that made their neighborhood look better and organized programs to make their neighborhoods healthier.

Congratulations again to Park Glenn Neighborhood Association.

Okay, now for real, like our real drum roll.

Y'all can help me here.

Okay, there we go.

I like it.

I like it.

And our neighborhood of the year is Lake Como Neighborhoods Al K.

I'm just going to point one thing out.

I think Lake Neighbor Nate Como is fully represented by women.

Am I right here today?

Okay, okay.

So I am going to read this.

I think it's important here, me.

I think this one.

Okay, Lake Como Neighborhood Association.

Community in Fort Worth has been named Neighborhood of the Year in recognition of a powerful year of impact, unity and service, from youth development to food access, from historic preservation to public safety.

Lake Como demonstrated what happens when neighborhood invests in its people.

Through intentional programs, community partnerships, residents, and more than host their events.

They strengthen opportunity, safety, health, and pride.

Congratulations to Lake Homo.

I think that's all you get from me.

Now back up to Michelle Good.

Thank you very much.

I want to thank everybody again for coming out today.

A special thank you to the neighborhoods who submitted applications.

I know it can be disappointing to not win, but I encourage you to keep applying and come to our Innage to Win It Workshops to get tips on how you can win next year.

We have special yard signs this year for all of the winners, but be sure and pick those up so you can pick it in your neighborhood.

And finally, thank you to all the volunteers who helped make our Fort Worth neighborhoods great.

Thank you.