Each year, the Board of Directors of Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA) recognizes neighborhood volunteers and advocates who perform outstanding work toward the enhancement and preservation of American Neighborhoods.

Award nominees must fit three criteria: they work to build and strengthen neighborhood associations, encourage neighborhood involvement in the decision-making process in local governments, and promote productive communications and collaborations among neighborhood associations, local governments and the public and private sectors.

Shirley Patterson, a resident of eastern Arlington for 50 years, received the 2015 "Who's Who in America's Neighborhoods" award for exceeding these standards.

Patterson lives in the Arlington neighborhood of Parkview where she noticed a pattern of deterioration and decided to do something about it.

She created a neighborhood group that she leads as president and devised a plan, creating a vision for the Parkview community and providing goals to help attain this vision.

With ideas like expanding the social network and organization, addressing zoning and other land-use issues, and redeveloping the commercial area adjacent to Parkview, Patterson's group works hard toward revitalizing their neighborhood and achieved many great things for it already.

The group enhanced the Parkview entrance sign, replaced a dilapidated fence with an ornamental iron one, installed benches that honor longtime residents at bus stops, and even created a butterfly and wildflower garden.

By giving her free time to guide and mentor others, the NUSA recognizes Shirley Patterson as not only a great resource for her home community of Parkview, but for many other communities and community leaders all over The American Dream City.