It was a day of community, celebration, music and fun. Though it was virtual, the fun and good vibes were flowing. The event that celebrated National Neighborhood Day was held on Saturday, September 26th at 2:00 PM via a live broadcast.
The event’s two community spearheads Coby King, of Oakland Park’s Harlem McBride, and Dr. Pittman, from the Dorsey Riverbend Historical Society, joined forces to bring National Neighborhood Day to the living rooms of community members from 33334 to 33311 and everyone in between.
Fun Live to Receive Awards
It was fun and upbeat with a live DJ. Award recipients were encouraged to join the live broadcast and receive their awards. From faith and philanthropy, to the best coffee in town, each facet of the community was celebrated. The awards recipients were as follows:
Best Interfaith Congregation
Sponsored by: Urbanco
This award goes out to an interfaith congregation that has impacted our community with not just spiritual connectivity, but community involvement through their service in action.
This year’s Winner:
Mt.Zion AME church
Presiding Elder Vincent F Mitchell
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson Jr.
Accepting on behalf of the congregation
Pastor of Mt Zion AME church pastor George Hardy
Best Outstanding Maintained Yard
Sponsored by: CKS Consulting LLC
This award goes out to an owner who demonstrates above average effort in maintaining their property; thereby contributing to the overall beauty of the community.
This year’s Winner:
Mr. Bob Turner
You can always see Mr Bob outside maintaining his yard.
It has become a beautiful sight to see as you pass through Harlem Mcbride.
Best Non-Profit Award
Sponsored by: Kiwanis Club of Oakland Park
This award goes to the non-profit that provides assistance and relief to community members in times of need in our community and beyond.
This year’s Winner:
C.A.R.E.
Community Awareness Resolution Empowerment. Inc.
Accepting on their behalf, Ms. Mae Grubbs
Best Small Business
Sponsored by: Peyton/Bolin law firm
This business has in a small-time contributed to the local community. With a unique identity and being involved locally, this business’s ownership has helped build a sense of community and personal relationships with their customers, knowing many of them by name.
This year’s Winner:
Oakland Coffee and Juice Bar
It’s nestled on the edge of Harlem Mcbride but is definitely giving the whole area a new sense of community pride and representing the old flair of small business in Harlem Mcbride.
Lifetime Achievement of Excellence Trailblazer award
Sponsored by: Peyton/Bolin law firm
This award goes out to a person who strived to make a difference in their community with significant contributions to their neighborhood through their time, actions, talents and dedication.
This year’s Winner:
Mrs. Mary Lee Beasley [posthumous]
In 1955 Mrs Beasley and her late husband James “Buck” started their own business: Buck and Mary’s – Owl Nest.
It was a place where you could go and have a good time. Mrs Mary Lee Beasley loved and cared for everyone. She was known to be a little feisty, but gentle at the same time. She was a pillar of her community that will be terribly missed.
Accepting on her behalf, her son Tracy Beasley.
Congratulations to all award recipients for your hard work and dedication to the community. Also in attendance were Oakland Park Vice Mayor Jane Bolin, Oakland Park Commissioners Tim Lonergan and Michael Carn, as well as Mitch Rosenwald on behalf of the Oakland Park Kiwanis Club. Grecia Rivas-Smith, candidate for 2020 Oakland Park Commission was also in attendance.
A good time was had by all, but more importantly a sense of community was built. The aim to foster relationships and connectivity was certainly achieved. We can only hope to one day all come together to celebrate National Neighborhood Day in person. Until then, you can watch this year’s event here: https://youtu.be/rNORJPwJ9FM
