City Heroes
Wilmington Awards Arts
Unsung Heroes
H
continued from previous page
ere, we present the 16 honorees of the Wilmington Awards, the City of Wilmington’s annual celebration of outstanding accomplishments. The awards, established by Mayor Baker in 2001, seek to recognize citizens, community agencies, neighborhood associations, and businesses for excellence in areas that include the arts, business, community services, environmentalism, faith, government, seniors, youths, volunteerism, and human and civil rights. But that’s not all. We’re also celebrating the CityLife Awards, the Wilmington Renaissance Corporation’s and this magazine’s recognition of the city’s unsung heroes found in both individual and organizational efforts. Selected by a committee that included representatives from the city’s media, arts, and business sectors, as well as staff members from WRC, the CityLife Awards will culminate in a ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at Public House Wilmington (900 Market St.). Visit downtownwilmington.com for tickets and more information. Speaking about the Wilmington Awards, Mayor Baker made a statement that applies to the efforts of all the city’s unsung heroes. “We have much to be proud of as a city, and I am thankful and appreciative of those who are contributing to the new Wilmington that is emerging from the old.” Here’s a closer look at those working every day to build a new Wilmington.
In 2007, Jeffrey A. Santoro created J. Alexander Productions and the Delaware All-State Theatre, founded to give elementary, middle, and high school theater performers, for free, the opportunity to work on a large-scale musical production in partnership with the DuPont Theatre. Since then, Santoro and his volunteers have donated nearly $20,000 to area nonprofits and have worked with the DuPont Theatre to offer thousands of dollars in free show tickets, thereby making theatre accessible to everyone.
Business Bill’s Meat Center. Owned by Valerie and John C. Assini, Bill’s Meats has provided quality service and products in the heart of downtown since 1958. Valerie and John purchased the store from their uncle in 1988, moved a block down on King Street six years later, and carry on the pride of the family business. Faithful Friends Inc. Executive director Jane Pierantozzi leads this chapter of the nonprofit, which opened in 2000, to its many accomplishments: rescuing 1,400 abused and homeless dogs and cats each year; spaying and neutering 2,000 pets; and offering 1,500 families a free pet-food bank and low-cost vaccination services. Northeast Body Shop. Owned by Charles “Charlie” Allen, Northeast Body Shop is a long-time automotive business in the Northeast section of the city. Allen gives generously of his time and efforts to beautify the area, working with the community and civic association as they continue to redevelop nearby neighborhoods. Stop & Shop Variety Store. For nearly 20 years, Laura and Dalton Waterman worked to have their small business, which sold a variety of household products, be a fixture in the First Councilmanic District. Economic conditions forced the store’s closure, but the couple’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Community Service Ivey Ahmed Ibrahim has dedicated countless hours as Vice Chairman of the First District Neighborhood Planning Council since the 1990s. Those hours have led to beautification projects and increased homeownership opportunities. Ibrahim has also worked closely with PAL, serving as president and overseeing a capital campaign in the early 2000s. The Honorable Norman M. Oliver, a former councilman and Southbridge native, has dedicated his life and career to 8 . City Heroes magazine
11_Wilmington_CoverPackage.indd 4
10/22/2010 7:03:56 PM