When the Tulips on Troost (TOT) Project was first suggested in 2004, there was understandable skepticism about whether something as simple as planting tulips in forgotten patches along a sometimes-neglected street would catch the community’s imagination, let alone make a difference. Four years, and a mere two years of blooming seasons later, and there is no doubt that Tulips on Troost is accomplishing its goal – forcing all of us to rethink our concept of Troost Avenue.

Occasionally, you just need to shake things up a bit. On August 13, Southtown’s regular monthly AM Networking took a whole new approach – a block-wide open house. Initiated by the interest of one business owner - Willa Robinson of Willa’s Books & Motif – in the end, more than a dozen of the small businesses on the block agreed to participate. Stores opened early, from 8 to 10am, with each offering coffee, juice and pastries to the many Southtowners who stopped by to get acquainted.

This year, the Southtown Council is pleased to announce that the Honorable Carol Marinovich has been selected as the recipient of this year’s American Citizen Award and she will be recognized at the Annual Luncheon on Friday, December 12 at the Downtown Marriott - Muehlebach. Stay tuned for more information!

For the second time in the past three years, Troost Complete Auto Service, 6130 Troost Ave., has been selected as the recipient of the Sparkle Award.

Hogan Preparatory Academy, 1221 East Meyer Blvd., was recently named as a recipient of the College Board 2008 Inspiration Awards Honorable Mention. The College Board represents more than 5,400 member educational organizations and is best known for its college entrance programs. The awards honor those high schools that are innovative and creative in developing programs and partnerships to help students pursue a college education. Three recipient schools were awarded first place and a grant of $25,000.

For the elderly, the disabled, and others families with critical needs, Christmas in October has been providing home renovations for the past 24 years. This year, the big day is October 11, and while CIO will still be helping at least 400 families, they have more than 600 on their list. CIO is hoping to find both individuals and groups (businesses, churches, schools, agencies, etc.) who are willing to give just one day to make a lasting change in people’s lives. This “Christmas” is drawing near, and the push is on.