Reservoir Award for community building in Upper Monroe

The 2024 Reservoir Award was given to the more than two dozen volunteers who continually develop and maintain the seven community gardens in Upper Monroe. These gardens grow strong relationships in addition to growing plants and flowers. In addition, they are a constant reminder to neighbors and visitors of the caring community that lives in Upper Monroe.

Community Garden locations

The gardens/planters may be found at the corner of Monroe Avenue and Culver Road; along the parkway median on Werner Park; at the corner of Monroe Avenue and Belmont Street (Located on private property with permission from the owners, George & Margot Novak); at the corner of Monroe Avenue and Rosedale Street; at the corner of Monroe Avenue and Laburnam Crescent (Located on private property with permission from the owners, PathStone Inc.); along the sound barrier wall along Laburnam Crescent; and at the intersection of Monroe Avenue and Engel Place.

• Laurie Kash of Shepard Street

Recognizing Laurie's contributions to the neighborhood on environmental issues, healthcare issues and code compliance issues. Laurie and her family have lived in Upper Monroe for two generations.

• Ellen Lyttle of Rosedale Street

Recognizing Ellen's nearly forty years of engagement in a wide variety efforts to improve the Upper Monroe neighborhood.

• Valerie McPherson of Crosman Terrace

Recognizing Valerie's work over many years to ameliorate the affects associated with vacant homes on Crosman Terrace and her efforts to slow through traffic on the section of Crosman Terrace between Pinnacle Road and Field Street.

• Nicole Reisig of Suter Terrace

Recognizing Nicole's ability to seek out and develop the spirit of community as well as her capacity for creative problem solving.

• Ryan Tenney of Laburnam Crescent

Recognizing the way Ryan applies his technical expertise to community needs and for his commitment to participate in activities to improve public safety in Upper Monroe.