At their meeting on April 9, City Council awarded the 2019 Business Enhancement Award to Gertz Law Firm. Van DeVol and Laurie M. Gordon (posthumously) were named the 2019 Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Volunteer Award recipients.
Susan Allspach, Esq. accepted the Business Enhancement Award on behalf of Gertz Law Firm. Mayor Bailey stated that, "Gertz Law firm has earned the trust of the surrounding area via expert legal advice in the areas of family, estate/probate, and small business law." In 2018, Gertz Law Firm purchased 501 W. Loveland Avenue and has since made significant investments to maintain and enhance the historic nature of the building. These improvements include a new sign, wrought iron look fence, interior remodels/restoration, further landscaping improvements and even copper gutters. These improvements enhance the beauty and curb appeal along West Loveland avenue extending the historic downtown charm and vitality. 2019 has seen continued success and expansion resulting in the hiring of three new staff members; two attorneys and one additional paralegal.
Evangeline "Van" DeVol of the NEST Community Learning Center (Nutrition, Education, Safety and Transformation) a small, collaborative, community-based learning center providing nutritional and educational support to children in low income neighborhoods in Loveland received the Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Volunteer Award. Mayor Bailey noted that Ms. DeVol started this program in 2016 to provide hope to children living in poverty. NEST helps these children by taking a mobile classroom to the neighborhoods of these children, providing nutritious meals, tutoring and community and currently serves approximately 900 plus children in Loveland. Mayor Baily said, "the City was grateful for Ms. DeVol’s efforts in this regard and was an excellent choice for the Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Volunteer Award.
Bruce Gordon accepted the Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Award on behalf of his wife Laurie M. Gordon who passed away earlier this year. Ms. Gordon was Loveland's 2016 Valentine Lady and exemplified the spirit of volunteerism and generosity of her time and talents. Ms. Gordon volunteered in the Loveland schools for many years and participated in numerous organizations. She was an active member of the Loveland Presbyterian Church, the Loveland Woman’s Club, Ladies of the Round Table and was a board member of the Greater Loveland Historical Society. Mayor Bailey noted that, "Ms. Gordon embraced Loveland and distinguished herself for the many good works and unconditional love she displayed for family and friends and was greatly missed."