4 minute read
Celebrating 25 years of community volunteerism
The DC Ranch Community Council and Ranch Association rely on the generous volunteer support of residents and local businesses to help make the community function successfully. Each year, nominations are submitted for Volunteer of the Year awards by residents and the DC Ranch team. DC Ranch recognizes recipients for their volunteerism and service to neighbors and the community at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration in April.
By Devin Haggerty | Community Council
Congratulations 2023
VOLUNTEER
OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS!
Leadership Award | Jill Hegardt
Jill received the award for her impactful contributions while serving a dual role on the Community Council Board of Directors and Covenant Commission Board of Directors since 2017. She stepped in without hesitation to serve the past year as Board President when her predecessor departed.
Jill takes time and care to speak at community programs such as Resident Leadership Academy and Conversations in the Park, build relationships with the City of Scottsdale and other community entities, serve on numerous boards across the valley, and assist with DC Ranch strategic planning.
Good Neighbor Award | Dinesh Kakwani
An active and involved neighbor, Dinesh can be counted on as an advocate and friendly face for the community. He and his family often attend community events and enjoy the amenities at DC Ranch, frequently befriending families. Dinesh recently joined the Community Council Finance Committee and was appointed to the Community Council Board of Directors, bringing years of experience and knowledge to the positions.
Philanthropy Award | Jeanne Leckie
Jeanne received the award for her commitment to dogs and children. As one of their first service projects when they moved to North Scottsdale in 2001, Jeanne and her husband donated landscaping for three Habitat for Humanity homes. Jeanne has been inspired to pay it forward by giving back to local charities like Foothills Animal Rescue, Hunkapi Farms, and Desert Labrador Retrievers. She proudly supports Crest Specialty School at Paradise Valley High School, local schools with SciTech Institute’s Chief Science Officer Program, and Entrepreneur’s at Seedspot.
Youth Award | Lauren Lipsky
Lauren was recognized for her dedication to volunteering, which started in kindergarten. As a Girl Scout for the last 12 years, she's had many opportunities to give back to her community including collecting items for Goodwill and Foothills Animal Rescue many times, and even making over 140 pet toys to give to Foothills Animal Rescue. Recently, she joined the Keystone Club at Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale and has enjoyed volunteering at several Fall Festivals for local groups and schools. Lauren has also volunteered at many DC Ranch Gives service projects and events like Spooky Carnival.
Community Partner Award | Joan Fudala
Well-known as Scottsdale’s historian and a talented storyteller, Joan is a cherished community partner and volunteer who has contributed positively to life on the Ranch. Joan has served the greater Scottsdale community for over three decades as an educator, author, communications executive, lecturer, preservation advocate, historical consultant, and member of numerous commissions, committees, and nonprofits. She has graciously brought her talents and expertise to DC Ranch by meeting with the new Historic Committee, leading a ‘Round the Ranch Sunset Tour, and delighting residents with a Spotlight Speaker Series presentation on Scottsdale: Then & Now.
Round of applause to all 2023 Volunteer of the Year nominees:
Dick Armstrong
Elizabeth Kepuraitis
Marla Walberg
Nicole Richard
Pam Kacir
Phil Geiger
Richard Zangara
Sarah Tablak
Scott Whitmire
Tyson Salsberry
Victoria Hayes
Trailblazer Award | Trevor Barger
This award is a special recognition apart from the Volunteer of the Year categories. Trevor is the founder and CEO of Espiritu Loci, a Scottsdale-based planning and development firm, who lead the way for DC Ranch by applying his innovative approach to land planning and urban design. He helped create the “effortless blending” of natural and built environments that characterizes the community. Over the course of more than a decade, Trevor has graciously volunteered his time as a guide for the ‘Round the Ranch Sunset Tours and Resident Leadership Academy Tours. As the bus travels through the four Villages, he narrates the development of DC Ranch, tells urban legends, and sprinkles in little-known facts. Residents are fascinated by Trevor’s firsthand knowledge, which cannot be replicated.
Weese
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By Trevor Heffner | McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
Are you looking for a fun and educational way to spend a summer day with your children? Look no further than the Children’s Learning and Play Festival presented by Scottsdale Unified School District. On June 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy is bringing back this free family event at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
The Festival is perfect for children of all ages and interests. It features a wide variety of activities that focus on education, health, wellness, active play and exploration. With more than 15,000 participants in attendance annually, this is a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn and have fun while interacting with others.
