PRESS RELEASES - JUNE 2008

June 4, 2008

June is Neighborhood Month

Matching Grant Distributions, Neighborhood Academy Graduation are June 19

This month, the City of Arlington celebrates neighborhoods by awarding matching grants and recognizing the graduates of the 2008 Arlington Neighborhood Academy.

At 6 p.m. Thursday, June 19, approximately 25 adults and 20 youth will graduate from the Neighborhood Academy. Six neighborhood organizations will share $15,136 made possible by the city’s spring 2008 Neighborhood Matching Grants program.

Neighborhood Academy graduation, grant announcements and presentations on June 19 will occur in the Council Chamber, 101 W. Abram St. The graduation is followed by a reception and neighborhood exhibits. Sue Phillips, executive director of East Arlington Renewal, will serve as the keynote speaker at the graduation. This year’s theme is: “Focusing on Neighborhood Strengths.” The graduation is open to the public.

About the Neighborhood Academy

The academy is a six-week course designed to enhance neighborhood organization effectiveness, community building, and information sharing about city services and programs. Three weeks are spent in class and three weeks are dedicated to community service projects. The academy began January 17 and ended March 27 and includes a youth tract.

2008 Neighborhood Matching Grant Recipients

The Arlington Downs Townhouse Association will receive $2,000, the Chapel Downs Neighborhood Watch Group will receive $700, and the Emerald Park Neighborhood Organization will receive $650 for neighborhood entrance beautification projects.

The Old Town Neighborhood Association will receive $315 for replacement of an ornamental light pole. Parkview Addition Community Watch Group will receive $1,471 for street toppers and Randol Mill Park West Citizens on Patrol will receive $10,000 for entry signage and landscaping.

June is an important month for Arlington neighborhoods. To learn more, visit www.arlingtontx.gov/ASNI or contact Neighborhood Coordinator R.J. Blair at 817-459-6104 or Neighborhood Specialist Debbie Soto at 817-459-6118. Contact them via e-mail at rj.blair@arlingtontx.gov or Debbie.Soto@arlingtontx.gov.