ABOVE PHOTO: Mrs. Helen Clowney is presented with a plaque from Sheriff Jewell Williams for her tireless service as her neighborhood’s block captain for 50 years.
Helen Clowney has been a visible and busy presence in her North Philadelphia community for more than 70 years as an activist, advocate and all-around good neighbor. After 50 years as Block Captain of the 2200 block of North Woodstock Street, is retiring. Clowney has lived on Woodstock street her entire life. She was honored by her church, family, community, and civic leaders at St. Martin De Porres Church, 2453 W. Lehigh Avenue, last week Thursday, April 24th.
As Block Captain, Clowney is part of Philadelphia’s neighborhood history with a half-century legacy as a model neighbor and community leader. Clowney’s history includes an uncountable series of good deeds and actions on behalf of her beloved block.
According to Sheriff Jewell Williams, who will also be issuing her a plaque from the Sheriff’s Office tomorrow, “The type of dedication and service that Mrs. Clowney has given so unselfishly to her block and community is the foundation of what healthy neighborhoods are built upon.
“The Office of the Sheriff of Philadelphia City and County is honoring her because statistics show over and over again that when you live on a stable, aesthetically pleasing block of caring neighbors, you are more likely to maintain your home and keep up with your mortgage”.
After losing her husband of 49 years, Clowney became more active at the Martin Luther King Center for Older Adults at 22nd and Cecil B. Moore Avenue. She is also a member of the MLK Center Advisory Council Board and is the recent past president of the Secret Pal Club. Clowney also continues to be active in the Sophisticated Ladies Club, Silver Sneakers Exercise, Line Dancing Class, and she leads a Poetry Class.
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