"Ask for help when you need it, and give help when you are asked."   --Mrs. Ruth Meachem, 2013 Honoree

Jean Marsh Clark

nominated by the West Phila. Mennonite Fellowship, Lorie Hershey, pastor.
Jean has served the community as a school teacher, as a foster parent and then an adoptive parent, and as an active member of her faith community, especially in the church choir. Her concern and care for children and youth are evident in all 
she does.

Rev. Mary Duff

nominated by St. Lukes UMC, Rev. David Tatgenhorst.
Mary taught language arts at Sulzberger Middle School in West Philly for 36 years. When she retired she went to Eastern University and got her Masters in Divinity and has been a youth minister ever since. She served at Calvary UMC in this capacity and is still serving at Bala Cynwyd at age 93! She is an inspiration to all ages and especially loves teenagers.

Nina Huizinga

nominated by Kol Tzedek Synagogue, Rabbi Lauren Gabrelle 
Herrmann.
Nina has been a neighborhood activist since the early 1970s. She was involved in the original block organizing, has done tenant organizing as well as being involved in the peace movement for many Years. She was a founding member of 
Kol Tzedek Synagogue and teaches Hebrew as well as being a member of the Granny Peace Brigade.

Warren Warner

nominated by the Baltimore Ave. Beautification Society, Timmy Dunn.
Warren faithfully cleans the neighborhood sidewalks from 50th Street to 43rd Street and from Kingsessing to Spruce. He does this despite having Cerebral Palsy and not being able to walk unassisted. With the help of a 'tilt-truck' he is able to get 
around and fill it with the trash he removes from the neighborhood.

Sister Alice Daley

nominated by Religious of the Assumption, Sister Clare Teresa, R A.
Sister Alice is known throughout the parish and the neighborhood as the go to person for almost anything; need a lawyer, an apartment, a scholarship, clothes, furniture, tutoring... or just advice? She always has a listening ear. She has organized food drives and blood drives and has visited the sick and homebound. At 75, her workload has been reduced, and she remains a friendly, open and helpful person for anyone in need.

Merlean Huff

nominated by Ebenezer Temple Pentecostal Church, Pastor Juanita Rivers.
Elder Merlean Huff is an essential volunteer in her church's Tax Assistance Program. She is the greeter and first contact weekday evenings and Saturday evenings from January to April 15 to all who come seeking help with their tax returns. She ensures that each one has the correct forms, making copies as needed and oversees the smooth flow in a systematic and friendly fashion.  Last the program assisted 1,329 members of our community and returned 3 million dollars total to them!

Ruth Meachem

nominated by Calvary UMC, Pastor John Pritchard.
Ruth has spent most of her adult life serving others. Her greatest impact has been through the Mature Years Fellowship, primarily concerned with food security but which has spread into other areas such has home repair and transportation needs. This program has grown to include more than seniors, but any one in need. At age 82, Ruth still runs this program. She also heads up the holiday food basket program, driven by her commitment that no one be left out.

Participating Neighborhood Organizations

Baltimore Avenue Beautification Society
Calvary United Methodist Church
Ebenezer Temple Pentecostal Church
Kol Tzedek Synagogue
Religious of the Assumption
St. Luke's United Methodist Church
West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship
West Philadelphia Worship Group