• Release ID: 06-046
• Release Date: 4/25/2006
• Contact: Patrick Lacefield 240-777-7939
• From: Council Office

Council’s “Golden Shovel” Awards…

Less Frigid Winter Doesn’t Stop Eleven County Residents from Shoveling To Help Neighbors

Eleven County residents who helped their neighbors deal with this  past winter’s snow and ice were honored today by the Montgomery County Council with the fourth annual “Sidewalks Are For Everyone (SAFE)/ Golden Shovel” Awards.
 
“This award is intended to recognize those individuals who have gone ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ in helping their neighbors to clear ice and snow from County sidewalks,” said Councilmember Nancy Floreen, the originator of the idea and chair of the Council’s Transportation and Environment Committee.

“OK, so we had only a few opportunities this winter. Even so, we all have a civic duty to pitch in and help. Our seniors, our schoolchildren, our disabled community, and those who walk to work or use mass transit depend on cleared sidewalks. It’s a matter of convenience and public safety – and a critical piece for improving transportation in the County.

“These residents represent the ‘Golden Rule’ in action. They went out, did the work, and didn’t ask for anyone to pat them on the back.”                                                                      

Each of the winners was presented with a certificate and a “Golden Shovel” lapel pin.                                                       

In 2001, the County Council passed into law legislation to require County residents to clear ice and snow from sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowfall, with strong support from seniors, families with schoolchildren, and the disability community. Similar regulations had already been in effect for many years in Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Takoma Park, as well as in Prince George’s and Howard counties and in the District of Columbia.

The complete list of “Golden Shovel” awardees is:

• Patrick D. Williams of Silver Spring
• Bernie Long of Silver Spring
• Leonard Keifer of Gaithersburg
• Justin Boice of Rockville
• Steve Fischer of North Potomac
• Jim Enslow of Silver Spring
• Jerry Klobukowski of Poolesville
• Brenda and Richard White of Damascus
• Paula Goldberg of Gaithersburg
• Jeff Coffin of Germantown