Editor’s note: The Madrona neighborhood is celebrating its 20^th Annual Neighbor Awards in celebration of Neighbor Appreciation Day by honoring the people, students, and organizations that have made a difference in the neighborhood. Former Mayor Norm Rice will be presenting the awards on February 7 at Madrona K-8 school library beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Twenty years ago this coming February, then-mayor Norman Rice proclaimed the first Saturday before Valentine’s Day as Neighbor Appreciation Day in Seattle. Among the many “whereas” statements characteristic of a proclamation, Mayor Rice noted that “caring neighbors provide the friendship, security, and the occasional cup of sugar that sustain a sense of community” calling us in Seattle’s neighborhoods to reach out to our neighbors “to create new bonds and to express our thanks for our neighbors’ place in our lives.” And that is what Madrona has done with our Neighbor Appreciation Awards.

And as we’ve done for 20 years, on Feb. 7, 2015 we will gather to honor neighbors selected for this year’s awards. Our very special guest Mayor Rice will be joining us that day at the Madrona K-8 school library at 9:30 to celebrate Madrona and city-wide success of Neighbor Appreciation Day over the years. Gathering begins at 9:30am at the Madrona K-8 library with an introduction to Norm Rice and awards to follow promptly at 10:00am. We have invited past Madrona award winners to attend so we can honor them once again, and Madrona K-8 school children also receive awards that day. The entire ceremony is expected to conclude by about 11:00am.

Madrona Neighbor Awards are:

• The Nora Award: Named in honor of Madrona activist Nora Wood, this award is given to a Madrona resident who, over time and in ways both large and small, has left a personal mark on the community.
• The Local Hero Award: Given to a Madrona resident for an act of heroism, singular kindness or generosity.
• The Tyrone Love Unsung Hero Award: Given to a Madrona resident for service to others in the larger community.  Named after community and youth activist and mentor Tyrone Love who dedicated much of his life to the youth of the community.
• The Madrona Resident for Life Award: Bestowed upon a long-time, active resident who has left Madrona but remains dearly missed.
• The Madrona Good Neighbor Award: This award goes to an organization whose activities particularly benefit Madrona.

For additional information contact Madrona News Editor Barbara Parker at madronanews@gmail.com.