Kettering has culture of community pride
Dear Neighbors, The city of Kettering believes that the strength of our neighborhoods is intrinsically tied to the strength of our community. Because of this, we offer several programs that build community and neighborhood pride, establishing a culture that it is both the responsibility and the expectation in Kettering that properties are maintained according to our community standards.
One great example of how the city engages our residents to create a culture of community pride is our Cities of Service initiative. Cities of Service is a national program I initiated here in Kettering five years ago that uses service to the community as a resource to revitalize neighborhoods. The effort is so strong that Kettering won the 2016 Innovative Program Award from the National Association of Volunteer Programs in Local Government.
Each year, Cities of Service efforts are focused on a selected Kettering neighborhood. Together with residents and adjacent business owners, the city organizes programs like neighborhood clean-ups, a neighborhood garage sale, installation of free smoke detectors, property maintenance assistance and a community block party. To learn more please visit https://www.ketteringoh.org/cities-of-service/.
The success of the Kettering Cities of Service is truly a community-wide effort. We rely heavily on support from various organizations, service clubs, neighborhood volunteers and individuals to help with the many Cities of Service activities. We also depend on help from area businesses to provide manpower and resources to continue this worthwhile project. We are very fortunate to be part of a community that realizes the importance of strong and vibrant neighborhoods where people look after one another. If you, your organization, or business would like to join our effort, I encourage you to contact our Volunteer Office.
Another initiative critical to celebrating community pride in Kettering is the Neighborhood Pride Awards Program. The Neighborhood Pride Program enters its 29th year in 2017! Over the years, it has become a treasured award for Kettering residents. The Neighborhood Pride Program honors residents who have made significant improvements to their homes or who have maintained their properties impeccably year after year. The winners epitomize the positive impact that investment in property appearance has on our neighborhoods.
Many properties are nominated by friends and neighbors, and you may nominate your own property as well. Each year, the program receives about 500 nominations with only 38 properties receiving the award. Nominations are accepted through August. Winners are selected each month June through August. To learn more or to submit a nomination online please visit www. ketteringoh.org/kettering-neighborhood-pride/.