Silvio Vincenzo and Joann Lindsay were honored at the Nov. 19th City Council meeting for their exceptional volunteer work. Every year, locals are encouraged to nominate hard working volunteers who have gone above and beyond to serve the community.
Silvio Vincenzo
Winner of the Steve Jones Inspiration Award
This award was previously named the “Above and Beyond Award,” but was changed to honor the memory of a beloved member of the League City community. Steve Jones worked at Helen Hall Library for 15 years, and was known for his warm, welcoming disposition. He became the library’s official greeter at all events until his passing in May of this year. This award honors community members who go above and beyond to serve others.
With retirement looming, Silvio Vincenzo made the decision to use his free time to give back to the community. But Silvio didn’t just dip his toes in. In a few short years he has logged more than 1,000 hours volunteering with the League City Police Department’s “Volunteers in Policing” program, as well as the “Bigs in Blue” program—a partnership between LCPD and Gulf Coast Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Silvio spends at least three days a week at League City Elementary School as part of the Bigs in Blue program. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty, mentoring six children who need a source of stability and wisdom as they deal with difficult situations. Additionally, Silvio is known for consistently making himself available for whatever needs the police department has. From organizing police volunteers and helping direct traffic and parking at large-scale local events, to volunteering to play the “bad guy” for the Teen Academy cadets —where he was repeatedly shot with paintball simunition rounds—Silvio offers his time to lend a hand whenever it’s needed.
Joann Lindsay
Winner of the Art Hewitt Volunteer Spirit Award
Art Hewitt dedicated 60 years of his life to serving League City as a volunteer firefighter. For decades, Art selflessly committed his time to ensure League City remained a safe and wonderful place to live. This award—named after Art—honors volunteers who, year after year, joyfully serve their neighbors and demonstrate the heart of what it means to be a volunteer.
Three days a week for the past six years Joann Lindsay starts her mornings with a smile at Hometown Heroes Park. She walks in at 8 a.m. and immediately gets to work in the kitchen, preparing to serve lunch to local senior citizens who come to Hometown Heroes for a warm meal as part of League City’s Senior Citizen Program. Whether she’s cleaning the kitchen, preparing the food, or building friendships, her enjoyment in serving others is contagious. When someone offers her a “thank you,” she responds right back thanking them for the opportunity to serve. She’s a valued member of the lunchtime team at Hometown Heroes, and also volunteers her time to set-up and clean for big events like the Father/Daughter Dance, the Health Fair, and Citizen Appreciation day on July 4th. Joann’s loyalty and dedication—along with her kind and loving heart—exemplify the true spirit of a volunteer.