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Community Effort Awards
A number of elements were designed to accomplish the goal. Ada's spring clean-up expanded to include the fall, and volunteers chipped in to clean up for those who were unable to do it themselves in a true community spirit. Group competitions were organized with cash prizes for the greatest improvements. The city council approved a budget for Ada's first-ever Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event so successful that it will become an annual event. Throughout the year-long project, the local newspaper provided invaluable support. Ada has shown that a small rural community can make awfully big things happen. Population 9,900THE TOWN OF CHOCTAWIn Choctaw, if you were driving east on NE 23rd street (or Hwy 62), there was a half-mile strip on the south shoulder just across from the town's shopping district that you would try to ignore and hope visitors wouldn't notice. It was full of tall grasses, washed down trash and other litter a true eyesore that had been there for years. Jeannie Abts took a look one day and in her mind's eye, saw gardens. She convinced a lot of people that the gardens were there just waiting to emerge.because today that ugly strip of 23rd Street is completely transformed. A grant from the Margaret Annis Boys Fund through the OKC Community Foundation got things started. Citizens, city employees, businesses and civic groups all worked together to build that dream-garden . Jeannie Abts' vision became theirs even through the hot days and hard work.. Those gardens are a living, blossoming, beautiful tribute to what can happen when people work together. Metal shadow sculptures of the Ghost Riders of the Oklahoma Land Run add just the right touch to what has become an area that the people of Choctaw no longer ignore. In fact, visitors to the city often stop to take pictures of the once ugly, litter-strewn stretch of road. THE CITY OF CHOCTAW HAS SOME BEAUTIFUL GOOD NEWS FOR OKLAHOMA'S ENVIRONMENT. Population 1,500THE TOWN OF HOOKERThe Hooker Main Street Program had a visionand with the help and cooperation of Hooker citizen volunteers, civic organizations and businesses, that vision has begun to transform downtown. Eight blocks of Glaydas Avenue the town's main artery and some adjoining streets are being revitalized with paver sidewalks, concrete benches, trees, period lights, planting circles and ramps and railings. The project has created a vibrant, multi-use, pedestrian-friendly environment in a traditional commercial district and is increasing Hooker's economic vitality while saving historic buildings that make up the character and heritage of a community. The town boasts that nearly 15% of its population has been involved in the fund-raisers making the improvements possible. There have been no major corporate sponsors to help with the enormous costs. Grant funds have been involved but primarily this has become possible because of whole-hearted community wide belief in the project and the willingness of Hooker citizens to give their time, talent and resources. One brick at a time, they are changing the landscape and the outlook for this small but proud town in the Oklahoma panhandle. HOOKER CITIZENS AND ITS MAIN STREET PROGRAM HAVE SOME TRULY GOOD NEWS FOR OKLAHOMA'S ENVIRONMENT! See other award winners: 
 
 
 
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