While most of the events of the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival are about the haunted past of the neighborhood, the Founders Awards given out on Oct. 22 represent those who are making their mark on the present and helping to shape a brighter future for everyone. Bestowed by the Historic Irvington Community Council since 2011, the awards are given to individuals, organizations, and businesses that have contributed to the community with their time and resources.
This year’s recipients included Eric Wilson, owner of Irvington Insurance, who has been a tireless volunteer and leader for the Irvington Business Association. Kyla Thompson was honored this year for her many years of volunteerism, and service on the Community Council. Weekly View columnist C.J. Woods III was honored for his contributions to the neighborhood through journalism and photography.
Julie and John Mundell of Mundell Associates were recognized for their support of the neighborhood through servant-leadership and efforts to make the world a more sustainable place. Members of the Irvington Garden Club Nancy Boettner, Melany Bellucci, Patricia Brown, Marcia Doty, and Rosemary Tudor were honored for their continued dedication to the many projects they have undertaken to beautify the neighborhood and to promote the award-winning Farmer’s Market.
Also honored in the afternoon’s festivities was Josh Slinker, whose art received the Irvington People’s Choice Award for this year. The work was sold, but a photo of it hangs in the exhibit until the show closes on Nov. 12.
Steve Barnett of the Irvington Historical Society said afterward, “It’s really amazing how many gifted, giving people end up in Irvington.”
