Annual WBNA Awards
Each year WBNA recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses for outstanding service to our community and neighborhood, and for initiatives and projects that support the mission of the WBNA.
Nominate a neighbor, local business, or an organization or individual that has made a significant contribution to our neighborhood.
About the annual Awards
Each January at our Annual Meeting, WBNA gives awards to those who have gone above and beyond to help support and improve our neighborhood. While not all awards are given every year, the following is a list of some of the awards that are offered.
Certificate of Recognition
This award gives special recognition to an individual or organization that has contributed positively to the neighborhood.
Municipal Service Award
This award recognizes individuals (or departments in the city or state) who excel at their job and are making a difference in the neighborhood.
Rick Rembijas Outstanding Volunteer Award
Rick Rembijas was an exceptional WBNA volunteer. When he passed away in 2009, the WBNA Board voted to name our volunteer award in his memory. This award recognizes individuals or groups that are making a difference in the neighborhood through their volunteerism.
Local Business Award
Our local businesses are critical to making SWELL (Shop, Work, Eat, Live and Learn locally) possible. This award honors a local business' contribution to the economic vitality of our neighborhood.
Fueling Community Award (formerly Innovation Award)
The Fueling Community Award recognizes individuals or organizations whose actions and initiatives create or "fuel" community, thereby building a sense of connectedness among neighbors.
Neighborhood Public School Hero Award
WBNA recognizes the importance of having strong neighborhood schools. Our Neighborhood Public School Hero Award celebrates the important successes happening within our neighborhood schools every day that often go unrecognized, and the exemplary people who work tirelessly and with excellence to make them happen.
Elected Official Award
Given to an elected official who has been a champion for the WBNA, its initiatives, and the neighborhood.
Committee Awards
These awards are given to those who have made contributions or taken actions that support and align with the goals of our committees: Armory Advocacy, Community Development, Green Initiatives, Neighborhood Action, West Side Parks, and West Side Kids.
Kari Lang Award
Infrequently given, our most prestigious award goes to individuals or organizations that have made enormous contributions to the WBNA, the neighborhood, and the city. The contribution must have assisted in bringing the WBNA to a new level as an organization and the contributor must have been a force in Providence, making a long-lasting impact on the city over years of service. This award was previously known as the Ken & Rebecca Phillips Award. At Ken and Rebecca’s suggestion, the name was changed in 2023 to honor Kari Lang’s decades of service as Executive Director of WBNA.
Award Recipients through the years
2024
Annual Meeting location: Feast Church
Local Business Award: Moniker Brewery, Bryan Benedict
Fueling Community Award: West End Community Revival Association, Rosa Ortiz
Fueling Community Award: The Champlin Foundation, Nina Stack
Fueling Community Award: Farm Fresh Rhode Island, Armory Market Coordinators
School Hero Award: Valerie Melone of West Broadway Middle School
School Hero Award: Jennifer Delgado of Asa Messer Elementary School
Neighborhood Spirit Award: Anthony Faiola & Michael Abdallah, Sycamore Street
Neighborhood Spirit Award: Claudia Quites & Rick Jardon, Parade Street
Certificate of Recognition: The Newsroom at The Providence Journal
Certificate of Recognition: The Newsroom at The Boston Globe’s Rhode Island Bureau
2023
Annual Meeting location: Pizza J
The Ken & Rebecca Phillips Award: Kari Lang
School Hero Award: Rebecca Tetreault of Carl Lauro Elementary School
School Hero Award: Elizabeth Heald of Asa Messer Elementary School
School Hero Award: Lynn Dubois of West Broadway Middle School
2022
Annual Meeting location: Virtual due to COVID-19 pandemic
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Award: City Meal Site
Fueling Community Award: Haus of Codec
Fueling Community Award: Asthenis Pharmacy
Local Business Award: White Electric/CUPS Cooperative
Ken & Rebecca Phillips Award: Carole Cornelison (given posthumously) and Jonathan DePault
Certificate of Recognition: Rafael Lopez
Neighborhood Public School Hero Award: Roberta Engel of West Broadway Middle School
Neighborhood Public School Hero Award: Mariluz Guaba of Carl G. Lauro Elementary School
Neighborhood Public School Hero Award: Robin Rao of Asa Messer Elementary School
2021
Annual Meeting location: Virtual due to COVID-19 pandemic
Certificate of Recognition: Frank Martinez, UPS Driver (02909)
Fueling Community Award: Kaitlyn Alyece Event Architects
Local Business Award: Seven Stars Bakery ~ Bread Donation Program
Superlative Steward Award: David Haller, given posthumously
Ken & Rebecca Phillips Award: Ken Phillips
Neighborhood Public School Hero Award: Sherri Mooney of West Broadway Middle School
Neighborhood Public School Hero Award: Maureen Bradley of Carl G. Lauro Elementary School
Neighborhood Public School Hero Award: Lori Williams of Asa Messer Elementary School
2020
Annual Meeting location: Pizza J
Neighborhood Action Award: Children’s Friend
Superlative Steward Award: Ann Hill, given posthumously
Superlative Steward Award: Filomena Lupo, given posthumously
Neighborhood Public School Hero Award: Angel Brown of West Broadway Middle School
Neighborhood Public School Hero Award: Ekaete Okon of Carl G. Lauro Elementary School
Neighborhood Public School Hero Award: Gina Sousa of Asa Messer Elementary School
2019
Annual Meeting location: Providence Hmong Church
Neighborhood Action Award: Urban Greens Food Co-op
Fueling Community Award: Providence Building, Sanitary & Educational Association (tenants’ association) for Wiggin Village Apartments
Certificate of Recognition: Senator Paul V. Jabour
Certificate of Recognition: Councilman Bryan Principe
Certificate of Recognition: Clark Schoettle
Certificate of Recognition: Kim Smith Barnett
2018
Annual Meeting location: Providence Hmong Church
Neighborhood Action Award: House of Hope CDC & Armory Citizens Enabling Shelter (ACES)
Municipal Service Award: Providence Parks Department (for Bocce and Chess in the Park project)
Fueling Community Award: Seth Zeren, Melinda Stylos-Allan, Ben Guglielmi, Peter Van Noppen (for Bocce and Chess in the Park project)
Fueling Community Award: Principal Bill Black of West Broadway Middle School
2017
Annual Meeting location: Southside Cultural Center
Certificate of Recognition: Southside Cultural Center
Municipal Service Award: Craig Hochman and James Caroselli (for Luongo Memorial Square project)
Neighborhood Action Award: Zulma Rondon, Andrayan, Cristina, Guido, Honey, Isiaih, Maleek, Natalina, Valentina
Fueling Community Award: Lauren and Chris Sanford
2016
Annual Meeting location: All Saints Memorial Church
Certificate of Recognition: All Saints Memorial Church
Municipal Service Award: Captain Anthony Sauro
Rick Rembijas Outstanding Volunteer Award: John West
Fueling Community Award: Mike Ritz and Elaine Collins
Founders Award: Providence Revolving Fund
2015
Annual Meeting location: West Broadway Middle School
Neighborhood Action Awards: Ron Medeiros of Quality Stamping, Hillary Adams, Rebecca Murray, Rachel Newman Greene
Rick Rembijas Outstanding Volunteer Award: Nancy Smith Worthen
Local Business Award: Dana Williams, White Buffalo
Innovation Awards: West Side Play Space and Inspiring Minds
2014
Annual Meeting location: Columbus Theatre
Culture Award: The Columbus Cooperative
Municipal Service Award: Ed Butler, DOA, for CSA
Local Business Awards: Monster Entertainment and Narragansett Brewing Company
Broadway Transformation Award: Drake Patten, Cluck!
Westminster Transformation Award: Jon Ozbek, West Side Diner Restoration
Rick Rembijas Outstanding Volunteer Award: 30th Anniversary Planning Committee led by Joe Roch and Julie Van Noppen
Centennial Awards: Virginia & Spanish Peanut Company and Church of St. Mary
2013
Annual Meeting location: West Broadway Middle School
Community Development Awards: Mark Liberati and United Way
Neighborhood Action Award: Linda Caldarone of the Attorney General's Office
Rick Rembijas Outstanding Volunteer Award: Frank Mullin (with an All Volunteer Appreciation toast)
Local Business Awards: Heritage Restoration, Julians, and Elevated Spirits
Elected Official Award: Senator Paul V. Jabour
2012
Annual Meeting location: Providence Hmong Church
Neighborhood Action Award: Joshua Gigantino, Crime Watch in the Column
Municipal Service Award: Lieutenant Luis San Lucas
Volunteer staff with committee recommendations: Bodnar Family
Local Business Award: John Richard, The Avery
2011
Annual Meeting location: Bell Street Chapel
Community Development Awards: KITE Architects and Barbara Sokoloff Associates
Rick Rembijas Outstanding Volunteer Award: Joe Belanger
Local Business Award: Hudson Street Delicatessen
John J. Lombardi: In appreciation of 26 years of public service to the neighborhood
Steven M. Costantino: In appreciation of 16 years of public service to the neighborhood
Josephine DiRuzzo: In appreciation of 28 years of public service to the neighborhood
Ken and Rebecca Phillips Award: The Armory Revival Company
2010
Annual Meeting location: Providence Career and Technical Academy
Neighborhood Action Award: West Side Tree Planters Tod Damon, David Udris, and Christopher Utter
Municipal Service Award: Yvonne Graf
Rick Rembijas Outstanding Volunteer Awards: Alex Smith Bourget, Shery Principe, and Kathleen Rehder
Local Business Awards: Mike Sears, E&O Tap, and Seven Stars Bakery
Elected Official Award: Senator Paul V. Jabour
2009
Annual Meeting location: Public Safety Complex
Neighborhood Action Awards: Greater Knight Street Neighbors (Gas Meter Initiative) and Neighbors for Neighborhood Design
Outstanding Volunteer Award: Vinny Bucci
Local Business Award: Loie Fuller’s
Ken and Rebecca Phillips Award: Filomena Lupo
2008
Annual Meeting location: Central High School
Neighborhood Action Award: Save Our Schools Coalition
Municipal Service Award: Mayor David Cicilline
State Service Award: Robert Brunelle
Outstanding Volunteer Awards: Chris Good & Robyn Ericsson, William Atwater and Wil Yoder
Local Business Award: Classic Café
2007
Annual Meeting location: Phoenix Dragon
Municipal Service Award: Francisco Ramirez
Outstanding Volunteer Award: Baruch Sachs
Local Business Awards: Nicks on Broadway and Citizens Bank
Elected Official Award: Representative Anastasia Williams
2006
Annual Meeting location: Public Safety Complex
Community Service Award: West Side Arts
Special Recognition Awards for Adaptive Re-Use and Community Development Project: West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation for Westfield Lofts (former Rau Fastner building), and The Armory Revival Company for Pearl Street Lofts
Preservation/Improvement Award: Dr. Cervone
Municipal Service Awards: City of Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism for Neighborhood Performing Arts Initiative
Non-Profit Business Award: Partnership for Creative Industrial Space
Ken and Rebecca Philips Award: Deming Sherman
2005
Annual Meeting location: Cranston Street Armory
Community Service Awards: Gerry Collins, and Laura Mullen of Pinpoint Studio
Advocate Award: Mark Liberati of Liberati and Peretti LLP
Local Business Awards: Parade Street Farmer’s Market, and Joann Seddon for the Decatur Lounge
Elected Official Award: Representative Steven Costantino
2004
Annual Meeting location: Design House
Community Service Awards: Kari Zeigler and Linda Carlson
Public Servant Awards: Lieutenant Anthony Sauro, Patrolman Janis Noel, and Patrolman Chris Owens
Local Business Award: West Seven Merchants Association
Special Recognition Awards: Adler’s Hardware and Gasbarro’s Liquor for Outstanding Contribution to Revitalization
2003
Annual Meeting location: Najarians
Community Service Awards: Vinny Bucci, Paul Caswell, and Grant Dahlgreen
Public Servant Awards: James Baum, Linda Caldarone, Steve Dambruch, and Bill Ferguson
Local Business Award: White Electric Coffee
Special Recognition Award: Columbus Theatre
Ken and Rebecca Philips Awards: Peter Bramante, Janet Keller, and Gerry Roy
2002
2001
Municipal Service Award: Jon Ozbek, Principal Planner, Department of Planning and Development
Outstanding Volunteer Awards: Tacey Hellewell for Kids Activity Day, and Margaret Richmond & Maria for Girl Scouts at the WBNA
Local Business Award: Armando Nievez, Armando’s Meat Market
Elected Official Award: Senator Frank Caprio
2000
Municipal Service Award: Bob McMahon et al on parks team
Outstanding Volunteer Award: Joyce and Roland Landry, participation, help, bulk mailings
Outstanding Volunteer Awards: Judy Wood, Meg Denton, Cyd McKenna, Andrea Sims, and Tony Silva for playground rebuild committee work
Local Business Award: Jephry’s Floral Studio
Elected Official Award: John J. Lombardi
1999
Municipal Service Award: Joe Elliot
Outstanding Volunteer Award: Gerry Roy
Local Business Award: Chris and John Tavanian
Elected Official Award: Joan DiRuzzo
Ken and Rebecca Phillips Award: Nancy Courtney & Jim Quinn, Hudson Street Market
1998
Susie Prouty for monthly youth activity program and continued work for youth through festival
Julie Van Noppen for West End Festival
Martina Windels for Armory Bash (special event fund raising for WBNA single handedly)
Fleet Bank for calendar
Tom Zincone and Rick Piccirillo, Community Police for quality of life issues
Carrie Marsh excellent leader, terrific, grant writer, Armory
Chris Good, excellent leader, long time, spokesperson
Thom Deller, support
Bell Street Chapel for hosting us for 15 years and for continuing partnership
Tony and Nancy Freitas of JKL Engineering for their leadership role in the reuse of vacant and decrepit buildings into commercial, viable spaces that follow the vision for Westminster Street
Elected Official Awards: John Lombardi for his advocacy, availability and bond funds; Steven Costantino for going above and beyond for the Armory
Ken and Rebecca Phillips for their service to the community and WBNA
1997
Sally Spadaro, State of RI for help with Armory
Tony and Nancy Freitas for redevelopment of Westminster Street property
Christian Stolte for pro bono graphics
Kristen Kiley for pro bono graphics
Keith Lescarbeau for gas station renovation above call of duty
Julian’s restaurant for new business in neighborhood
1996
Lesley Urgo and John Campanini, Trees
Rosemary Milburn and Andy Barrett, 27 Sycamore Street restoration
Glen Buie and Virginia Branch, WBNA Headquarters
Ann Hill, long time service and efforts for community
Cool Cats Café, business
PPS Revolving Fund, loan, technical and housing, preservation efforts in this community