Photos by Traci K. McDonell / City of Knoxville

David Gillette of Mechanicsville was named the Diana Conn Good Neighbor of the Year at the City of Knoxville’s Neighborhood Awards and Networking Luncheon on Saturday, March 5, at the Convention Center.

Eleven community leaders were nominated by their neighbors in response to a call from the Office of Neighborhoods in early January. 

The award, named for the late Diana Conn of the Old Sevier Community, is presented annually to a Knoxville resident who – in a spirit of cooperation and with commitment to inclusive community – has devoted time and talent in service to his or her neighbors and neighborhood.

The finalists were:

• Calvin Chappelle, Parkridge Community Organization;
• Brian and Debra Douglas, Island Home Park neighborhood;
• Charles “Monte” Stanley Jr., Old Sevier community;
• David Gillette, Mechanicsville neighborhood;
• Jewel Garren, Moss Creek Villas;
• Patrick McInturff, Fourth and Gill;
• Stuart Hall, West Haven Village;
• Kirk Anderson, Timbercrest Subdivision;
• Lloyd King, North Hills Garden Club; and
• Nancy Smith, Highlands Homeowners Association.



Gillette, born and raised in Mechanicsville, was honored for his leading roles in putting on the Mechanicsville Homecoming parade, engaging in community outreach and obtaining funding for and making arrangements to create and install a neighborhood entrance sign. 

Gillette also went beyond the call of duty helping a neighbor care for her ill husband and sister, and then taking her into his own home after their subsequent deaths to make certain she would not be alone.

The networking luncheon is a unique opportunity for citizens to connect with members of City Council, City staff and other neighborhood leaders.

Mayor Madeline Rogero presided over the presentation of the awards. Entertainment was provided by the Old City Buskers. Pastor Darryl Arnold of Overcoming Believers Church delivered the keynote address, encouraging residents to build community by encouraging and investing in the city’s youth.

In addition, seven neighborhood groups received achievement awards:

• Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association, for its creative energy devoted to bringing neighbors together to foster a sense of community;
• Fountain City Town Hall, for a highly successful run of “Honor Fountain City Day” and the thousands of hours of community service that have made it a Memorial Day tradition;
• Lake Forest Neighborhood Association, for deploying its creative energy and volunteer spirit to boost neighborhood pride and enhancing the positive image of South Knoxville;
• Lindbergh Forest Neighborhood Association, for embracing diversity, confronting adversity and building community;
• Mechanicsville Community Association, for 10 successful years of the Mechanicsville Homecoming and its representation of the issues and concerns of Mechanicsville residents;
• River Hill Gateway Neighborhood Association, for giving voice to the residents and institutions on Knoxville’s downtown riverfront; and
• West Haven Village Neighborhood Community, for bringing residents together for a stronger, friendlier and more enjoyable neighborhood.



Visit www.knoxvilletn.gov/neighborhoods for information on the Office of Neighborhoods and its programs.