Neighborhood Heroes

This weekend we are going to celebrate the life of Gene who passed away last December.  It was a tragedy for our kids who have been a big part of the Art Garage and all the activities at the Community House.

I feel like I am part of the family, and I can't envision what the project would be like without this amazing family.  

Gene was the paternal figure for all his grandchildren. He is also one of the few parents who have been involved at all in our activities.  

Often in our community, the grandparents take over responsibilites of the parent.  In this case, Gene took on the role.  He would sit the kids down on the porch and talk to them about right behaviors, making the right choices, and not getting involved in dangerous activities.  His own children struggled with addiction, and I believe he wanted to prevent his grandchildren from taking the same path.

He showed up to our functions, and checked on the kids when they were at the art garage.  He loved them and it showed.

So when he passed, I knew there would be a void.  I didn't want the lessons he taught to be lost. Maybe we could help keep his memory alive.

So we created the Neighborhood Hero Award.  To be given to a member of the community on the 6th of March.  This was Gene's birthday, and also the day we celebrate Harriet Tubman's birthday (her actual date of birth isn't known).

So Happy Birthday Gene, and we hope you are still with us in spirit.   We will do our best to keep your memory and love alive.