Troy Record, September 7 2009, On The Bright Side
TROY - The Troy Alley Action Project - 2009 has been selected by BelWo as the winner of its Give A Web A Way contest and will receive a custom designed Web site to help promote its mission and efforts to beautify the Collar City's 43 miles of alleyway.
Elyse Alexander of BelWo who spearheaded the contest said the group was selected because of the organization's diversity and its effect on many walks of life in the community. "We want to thank everyone who submitted their ideas to our Give A Web A Way contest. We were amazed at the creativity and variety of all the participants." said Alexander, noting making a choice was difficult.
"When I was researching the submissions, I met Robert from the Troy Area United Ministries who could not have been prouder of his work on one of the murals. What I learned and experienced first hand is that the wall murals are much more than attractive paintings. They are the heart and soul of the people that inhabit our community. It is a bonding experience for young and old, for people of every race, creed and color. On one area of the mural, it is written, 'Recognize, Respect, Everyone Welcome'. as we are an international company, the sentiment that we all are one big family, struck a chord that is incredibly important to the core of the BelWo organization. We, too, work as a team or one extended family", said Alexander.
Sid Fleisher, project coordinator and resident of the Osgood Neighborhood, stated "Our primary goal is to inspire a sense of pride and ownership of their alleys and streets. We'll develop demonstration projects that will show what is possible and more importantly, how to do it. These same projects can be accomplished in all our neighborhoods."