BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, February 27, 2023

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Kelly Lezama, at 6:03 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Kelly Lezama (President), AJ Rodriguez (Vice President),  Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Jason Hardwick, Pam Batts-Brown, Ben Alcorn, Tyler Grant, Alison Blitch, Daniel Ashworth Jr., John Shermetaro (V), Bryant Shumaker (V)

Absent: Katie Derringer, Annie Howe, Tim Hope

Guests: Todd Hollinghead, Margie Viss

Staff: Mandie Marron, Meghan Waters

MOTIONS (Motion Log):

     1. Board of Director appointments / Installation - Margie Viss (1st term) & Pam Batts Brown (2nd term) APPROVED

     2. CCB - Facade Grant Criteria review: Verbiage Recommendations (Amended by McFarland)

• Your project must meet all Historic Preservation Commission guidelines and must NOT damage any existing historic facade or make structural change
• You must submit a narrative description of the proposed change
• Please attach a copy of your approved Certificate of Appropriateness “COA” for your proposed work if required

     3. Motion to adjourn meeting at 6:51 pm.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, February 13, 2023

7:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Kelly Lezama, at 7:01.

Present:  Board Attendance

AJ Rodriguez, Alison Blitch, Annie Howe, Ben Alcorn, Bryant Shumaker, Daniel Ashworth, Jason Hardwick, John Shermetaro, Kelly Lezama, Mallik Singareddy, Ryan McFarland, Tyler Grant, Katie Derringer, Pam Batts-Brown

Absent: 

Guests: Todd Hollinghead, Tim Hope

Staff: 

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to increase total staff salary budget to $145,000 from $125,000 and alter associated lines as needed. APPROVED.
2. Authorize Board President to move forward with negotiations with Org Design selected candidate with the total compensation package not to exceed revised budget. APPROVED.
3. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:30 pm.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, January 23, 2023

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:00 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President), Joey Marchy (Vice President),  John Shermetaro (Treasurer) - V, Kelly Lezama (Secretary), Annie Howe, AJ Rodriguez, Ryan McFarland, Mallik Singareddy, Jason Hardwick, Pam Batts-Brown, Ben Alcorn, Tyler Grant, Alison Blitch, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Bryant Schumaker, Katie Derringer

Absent: N/A

Guests: Bill Hoff, Todd Hollinghead, Tamera Branam - Eastside Library rep

Staff: Mandie Marron, Meghan Waters

MOTIONS (Motion Log):

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & December Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to ratify the e-vote for the letter of opposition to the LaVilla Daily’s Gas station: APPROVED
3. Motion to move the Wells Fargo Building Funds ($1,000.72) to VyStar Building Savings account: APPROVED
4. Motion to move the VyStar Operating Savings ($23,087.39) to VyStar Operating Checking account: APPROVED
5. Motion to move VyStar Building Checking ($62,934.88) to VyStar Building Savings: APPROVED
6. Motion to accept the presented Officer Election slate: President - Kelly Lezama, VP - AJ Rodriguez, Secretary - Ryan McFarland, Treasurer - Mallik Singareddy: APPROVED
7. Motion to accept the new CSGP Corporate Resolution Certification: APPROVED
8. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:06 pm.

Throughout Historic Springfield, one of the most beloved installations to be found is the collection of Little Free Libraries. The Little Free Library program started in 2009 in Hudson, Wisconsin with a small handful of libraries. In the eleven years since the first library was built, the Little Free Library network has grown to include over 100,000 registered libraries in over 100 countries worldwide. An estimated ten of those make their home in our one square-mile.

If there's one thing that we appreciate, it's the walkability between the Little Free Libraries. Neighbors can take an afternoon stroll and visit quite a few of them; simultaneously, dropping off and picking up reading material. Our Community Coordinator, Mandie, makes sure that not only is the SPAR Little Free Library regularly stocked with books, but that the rest throughout the neighborhood are stocked, as well. If you ever have books to donate, please feel free to swing them by 1321 North Main Street and she will disperse them. ⁠

Little Free Library Map

As you can see by the map above, Historic Springfield has at least one Little Free Library in every quadrant except the Northeast Quadrant (east of Main Street and north of 8th Street) of the neighborhood. We would love to see a neighbor take the challenge of establishing a Little Free Library in that quadrant. The steps to doing so are fairly easy.

Potential stewards can either buy one from the LFL Online Store or build one themselves, then register it buy purchasing a charter sign. The last step would be adding your Little Free Library to the global map. As only three of our current libraries appear on the global map, we'd love if our other neighborhood stewards would consider adding their libraries to the map, too.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, December 19, 2022

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:01 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President), Joey Marchy (Vice President),  John Shermetaro (Treasurer), Kelly Lezama (Secretary), Annie Howe, AJ Rodriguez (V), Ryan McFarland, Todd Hollinghead, Mallik Singareddy, Christine Lane, Jason Hardwick, Pam Batts-Brown, Ben Alcorn

Absent: Bryant Schumaker, Jennifer Chapman

Guests: Bill Hoff, Carrie O’Rourke, Tyler Grant, Kimberly Green, Katie Derringer

Staff: Mandie Marron, Meghan Waters

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & November Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to transfer $20,000 out of operating account into our designated Porchfest account: APPROVED
3. Motion to add to policy and procedures that Governance is required to present all eligible board applicants to the board for a vote: DENIED (N-John)
4. Motion to release the Org Design applicant resumes to the board members - Motion withdrawn
5. TABLED MOTION: Motion to take a stance to oppose the proposed duplex on zero E 4th St alley because it is in opposition to the overlay. Motion to table this motion with the action item to follow up in December: APPROVED - Motion tabled to January 2023
6. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:47 pm.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, November 21, 2022

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:09 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President), Joey Marchy - V (Vice President),  John Shermetaro (Treasurer), Kelly Lezama (Secretary), Annie Howe, AJ Rodriguez - V, Ryan McFarland - V, Ben Alcorn, Todd Hollinghead, Mallik Singareddy - V, Christine Lane - V, Bryant Schumaker, Jason Hardwick

Absent: Pam Batts-Brown, Jennifer Chapman

Guests: Katie Derringer, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Tyler Grant, Alison Blitch, Bill Hoff - V

Staff: Kelly Rich

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & October Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to validate email votes for Redistricting letter, ED Resignation, and Corner Lot revised letter: APPROVED
3. Motion to approve an additional $2,000 for plumbing repairs ($12k from $10k): APPROVED
4. Motion to accept the Executive Director Job Description as presented in the November board packet: APPROVED
5. Motion to approved the 2023 Budget as presented: APPROVED
6. Motion to take a stance to oppose the proposed duplex on zero E 4th St alley because it is in opposition to the overlay. Motion to table this motion with the action item to follow up in December: APPROVED
7. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:47 pm.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, October 17, 2022

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:06 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President), Joey Marchy (Vice President),  John Shermetaro (Treasurer) (V), Kelly Lezama (Secretary), Annie Howe, AJ Rodriguez,  Jennifer Chapman (V), Ryan McFarland (V), Ben Alcorn, Todd Hollinghead, Mallik Singareddy, Christine Lane, Bryant Schumaker (V), Jason Hardwick

Absent: Pam Batts-Brown

Guests: Vito Russo, President of historic District in Palatka - Palatka Porchfest - 1st Saturday in December (11am-7pm)

Staff: Kelly Rich

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & September Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to accept the new board member slate as presented: APPROVED
3. Motion to spent $5,000 from recent specified donation for additional snowflake pole decor: APPROVED
4. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:28 pm.

Let us introduce you to our 2022 Candidates for the SPAR Board of Directors! The Board of Directors are presenting Daniel Ashworth Jr., Alison Blitch, Katie Derringer, Kimberly Green, and Tyler Grant as new candidates who would bring valuable skills, passion, and knowledge to our organization. 

Please learn more about the candidates by reading their bios below. If you have any questions for them prior to voting at the annual meeting, please submit them before December 7th to [email protected] and the candidates will provide their answers at the Annual Meeting.

SPAR members will be able to vote on candidates at our Annual Meeting on Wednesday, December 7th at the Wells Fargo. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Aside from voting, SPAR members will receive updates about on-going projects and efforts in the community. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, September 19, 2022

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:11 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President), John Shermetaro (Treasurer) (V), Kelly Lezama (Secretary), Mallik Singareddy, Todd Hollinghead (V), AJ Rodriguez, Ryan McFarland, Jason Hardwick (V), Ben Alcorn (V)

Absent: Christine Lane (E), Bryant Shumaker (E), Pam Batts-Brown (E), Jennifer Chapman, Annie Howe, Joey Marchy 

Guests: Diane Graese, Bill Hoff

Staff: Kelly Rich, Meghan Waters

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & August Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to approve for SPAR to apply for the COJ Community Beautification matching grant. Potential projects to discuss: 
   1. Tree well Liners (Kelly)
   2. Art/Mural Project

Amended motion to approve for SPAR to apply for the COJ Community Beautification matching grant for adding tree well liners to Main St: APPROVED

1. Motion to keep the Wells Fargo accounts at less than $250k FDIC insured level: APPROVED
2. Motion to approve up to $10k for plumbing repairs on sewer line: APPROVED
3. Motion to automatically sell any stock donations and roll into a Prudential account unless specified differently by the donor: APPROVED
4. Motion to approve to sell and roll over stock donations to pruco unless anything specified by the donor: APPROVED
5. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:17pm.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, August 22, 2022

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:06 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President) (V), Joey Marchy (Vice President), John Shermetaro (Treasurer), Kelly Lezama (V) (Secretary), Mallik Singareddy, Annie Howe, Todd Hollinghead (V), AJ Rodriguez, Bryant Shumaker (V), Ryan McFarland, Christine Lane, Jason Hardwick; Ben Alcorn

Absent:  Pam Batts-Brown, Jennifer Chapman

Guests: Tamara Branam from COJ Library

Staff: Kelly Rich

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & June Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to revise the letter of support on 1st and Main project to include two foot additional height in south corner due to elevation: APPROVED
3. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:19 pm.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, June 20, 2022

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:02 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President), Joey Marchy (Vice President) (V), John Shermetaro (Treasurer) (V), Kelly Lezama (Secretary), Mallik Singareddy (V), Annie Howe, AJ Rodriguez, Jason Hardwick, Ben Alcorn, Bryant Shumaker (V), Christine Lane (V), Ryan McFarland (V), Pam Batts-Brown, Jennifer Chapman (V)

Absent:  Todd Hollinghead

Guests: Diane Graese

Staff: Kelly Rich

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & May Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to allocate $30k previously deposited into a 6/12/18 month CD Ladder Investment Approach: APPROVED  
3. Motion to approve up to $1500 for computers and printer once technology policy in place: APPROVED
4. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:07pm.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, May 23, 2022

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:01 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President) (V), Joey Marchy (Vice President), John Shermetaro (Treasurer), Kelly Lezama (Secretary), Mallik Singareddy, Annie Howe, AJ Rodriguez, Jason Hardwick, Bryant Shumaker, Christine Lane, Pam Batts-Brown, Ryan McFarland, Todd Hollinghead (V)

Absent: Jennifer Chapman, Ben Alcorn

Guests: Diane Grease, Tamara Brown with Eastside Library rep, Michael with Corner Lot

Staff: Kelly Rich

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & April Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to accept the new Community Engagement committee charter as presented in the board packet: APPROVED
3. Motion to accept the new Technology committee charter: APPROVED
4. Motion to accept the letter of support for the 1st and Main project by Corner Lot as presented: APPROVED
5. Motion to write a letter of support for the University of Florida Grant Application to the City of Jacksonville: APPROVED
6. Motion to adjourn meeting at 6:58pm.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, April 18, 2022

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:01 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President) (V), Joey Marchy (Vice President), John Shermetaro (Treasurer), Kelly Lezama (Secretary), Mallik Singareddy, Jennifer Chapman (V), Annie Howe, Todd Hollinghead, AJ Rodriguez, Jason Hardwick, Ben Alcorn, Bryant Shumaker (V), 

Absent:  Christine Lane (E), Ryan McFarland, Pam Batts-Brown

Guests: N/A

Staff: Kelly Rich

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & March Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to move Prudential funds from donation in 2021 to BlackRock60/40 Allocation ETF Portfolio: APPROVED
3. Motion to move $30k from Wells Fargo Operating Account to a money market fund with Prudential to open account: APPROVED
4. Motion to approve new Events and Programming Manager Hire as described in the job description: APPROVED
5. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:21pm.

Date: 5/3/2022

Location: Hyperion Brewing Company (1740 N Main Street)

Time: 6 pm

Kelly Rich, SPAR Executive Director, welcomed the approximate 50 guests to the meeting. 

Kelly introduced Ralph Davies, Real Estate Chief Investment Officer for Future of Cities. Ralph presented on the development and regenerative placemaking strategies taking place in the Phoenix Arts District. The vision of Future of Cities is that with patience and careful, thoughtful planning that you can create outside social and economic deterrents. Ralph discussed how Historic Springfield and Phoenix Arts District can support each other, as well as how excited they are to jointly work with Groundwork Jacksonville on bringing the Emerald Trail to fruition given that it will run right through the property. He also introduced Jacksonville local Emily Moody, as Future of Cities’ new Director of Community Engagement. 

Kelly Rich introduced Billy  from Corner Lot Development Group who is developing the project at 1st and Main Streets. This will be a mixed use project and they will be repurposing the current structure (closer to JEA) and then expanding further north up to 2nd and Main. Corner Lot has been working diligently with SPAR and the local community to pay homage to local architecture. They expect to have 201 residential units with an interior courtyard, pool, and fitness facility. In addition, they are working with COJ to have about 8 units that are on the ground floor for residential on Main Street. Corner Lot has been working to beautify the adjacent alley in its traditional historic state and to keep it open for residential units along it. There will be a parking garage inside their property with an entrance on 2nd Street. This bodes well with the planned construction on Main Street with FDOT and looks to not cause any additional congestion. Permits and paperwork are currently with the City of Jacksonville, so there’s no official groundbreaking date yet. Corner Lot is optimistic for a late Fall/early Winter start date. 

Springfield Preservation and Revitalization, or SPAR, is excited to announce that Historic Springfield has been chosen as the host site for UF Health Week May 9-13 for the second year. While much of the public honors health care workers daily, UF Health hosts a special celebration annually, which coincides with National Hospital Week. UF Health is one of the city’s largest employers, and SPAR aims to introduce employees to the unique businesses in the Springfield Historic District. 

To show appreciation for UF Health’s role in the community, 15 local businesses have partnered with SPAR to offer discounts and incentives to UF Health employees. This is a prime example of the unique opportunities that SPAR looks for to promote Historic Springfield’s commercial corridors. Local business owners feel that UF Health employees who experience the personality of the neighborhood will become regular customers. Seeing more UF Health badges on Main Street and throughout the neighborhood will become an everyday experience. 

“This is another great way to recognize the efforts of everyone at UF Health, and the fact that it’s being spearheaded bySpringfield Preservation and Revitalization and local businesses makes it even more special,” said Russ Armistead, CEO of UF Health Jacksonville. “We’re proud to be a key part of this community and our employees look forward to this opportunity in downtown Springfield.”

SPRINGFIELD PRESERVATION AND REVITALIZATION COUNCIL (SPAR)
Events & Programming Manager

Overview:

Roles & Responsibilities: The Events and Programming Manager oversees the logistics and promotion of SPAR’s events and programming. This position also supports the marketing on special initiatives and projects, and provides support to sponsors, partners and stakeholders. This position requires strong project management skills from research and planning to execution and measurement. A flexible schedule is necessary to attend the majority of events. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, March 21, 2022

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:04 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President), Joey Marchy (Vice President), John Shermetaro (Treasurer) (V), Kelly Lezama (Secretary), Bryant Shumaker, Mallik Singareddy, Ryan McFarland, Ben Alcorn, Annie Howe,  Todd Hollinghead (V), Christine Lane, AJ Rodriguez (V), Jason Hardwick, Pam Batts-Brown, Ben Alcorn

Absent: Jennifer Chapman

Guests: Bill Hoff (V), Joann Tredenick property owner in Cathedral District to speak on her experience working on a TAP

Staff: Kelly Rich

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & February Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to allocate $3,000 towards the SesQ tree arborist for hormone/fertilizer application and tree pruning: APPROVED
3. Motion to allocate an additional $5,000 to from the SPAR general fund to fund the TAP: DENIED
4. Motion to adjourn meeting at 8:05 pm.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, February 21, 2022

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:05 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President), Joey Marchy (Vice President), John Shermetaro (Treasurer), Bryant Shumaker, Mallik Singareddy, Ryan McFarland, Ben Alcorn, Annie Howe, Aaron Leedy, Todd Hollinghead, Ben Alcorn, Christine Lane, AJ Rodriguez, Jason Hardwick, Pam Batts-Brown, Jennifer Chapman

Absent:  Kelly Lezama (E)

Guests: Diane Grease

Staff: Kelly Rich

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & January Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to accept the community and professional development goals as outlined in the January Board Agenda: APPROVED
3. Motion to write a letter of support for “000” Hubbard Street application for JWB. Amended motion to write a letter as a statement of fact regarding the property: APPROVED
4. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:58pm.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, January 24, 2022

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:05 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President), Joey Marchy (Vice President), Kelly Lezama (Secretary), John Shermetaro (Treasurer), Bryant Shumaker, Mallik Singareddy, Ryan McFarland, Ben Alcorn, Annie Howe, Aaron Leedy, Todd Hollinghead, Ben Alcorn, Christine Lane, AJ Rodriguez, Jason Hardwick

Absent:  Pam Batts-Brown, Jennifer Chapman, 

Guests: N/A

Staff: Kelly Rich, Mandie Marron

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & November Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to suspend the Bylaws to allow newly elected board members to vote on Executive Committee elections prior to being seated: APPROVED
3. Motion to approve the slate of Executive Officers as presented: APPROVED
4. Motion to approve up to $5,000 toward funding a Technical Assessment Panel with ULI.  Motion to amend the the funding threshold to up to $10,000 to fund the TAP with ULI: APPROVED
5. Motion to approve up to $5000 for additional event insurance (under the Porchfest umbrella) for Music on Mains & St. Patrick’s day events: APPROVED
6. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:58pm.

Date: 2/10/2022

Location: Boys & Girls Club - Citi Teen Center (313 East 10th Street)

Time: 6 pm

Kelly Rich, SPAR Executive Director, welcomed the approximate 25 guests to the meeting. 

Kelly introduced Gloria McNair, Community Engagement and Equity Manager for Groundwork Jacksonville, presented on Activating Jacksonville’s Riverfront.. This project has the goals of bringing people and energy to Jacksonville’s Riverfront, connecting to new and diverse audiences, developing community trust and engagement, creating a robust program calendar for an active riverfront year-round, enhancing the riverfront experience through activities and public space interventions, and providing recommendations for sustainable governance and funding models. She went over the progress so far, including sharing information and feedback that Groundwork Jacksonville has received from stakeholders via community meetings, surveys, and public programs and tours. 

Kelly and Gloria discussed Hogans Creek Fest, which was held the very next day in Klutho Park, as a chance for stakeholders and residents to get a chance to talk to the engineers and designers of the creek’s restoration 1-on-1. The designers take the feedback from the community and immediately find ways to implement it into the overall design. 

Kelly reminded attendees of the  2021 launch of the Joyce Holbrook Springfield Advocacy Award. Living in Historic Springfield for just over 50 years, Joyce Holbrook was a central influence in the revitalization of the neighborhood in the 1970's as a charter member of both SPAR and Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services. Joyce was central in the work to designate Springfield as a Historic District, and was fondly referred to by many as the “Mayor of Springfield.” Over her many years of community involvement, Joyce worked tirelessly to make the one-square mile of Historic Springfield what it is today. The Joyce Holbrook Springfield Advocacy Award will be presented to members of the Historic Springfield community who have proven their leadership, volunteerism, and a love for the neighborhood. SPAR worked with local artist, Ed Malesky, to create a beautifully carved wooden sculpture in the shape of the Prairie Cross, which is a well known symbol used in architecture designed by Henry Klutho. The Prairie Cross design is also incorporated into SPAR’s logo.

In 2021, the inaugural Joyce Holbrook Springfield Advocacy Award was presented to immediate Past President of the SPAR Board, Todd Hollinghead. In 2022, the SPAR Board awarded Christine Farley with this recognition. Christine has a wealth of knowledge about Historic Springfield and has dedicated much of her time to preserving the history of the neighborhood, volunteering her time with both SPAR and SIAA.