Frederick recognized as rural Neighbor of the Year
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ann Frederick of Cleves has been named the Ohio Livestock Coalition's (OLC) 2009 Non-Farm Neighbor of the Year for her efforts to positively develop and enhance rural relationships and communications.
The OLC and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) created the neighbor award program to annually recognize livestock producers and rural residents who work hard to build bridges between neighbors in Ohio's countryside.
OLC encourages livestock farmers and non-farming rural residents to follow "Good Neighbor" suggested practices it has developed in a positive manner that benefits rural communities and neighborhoods.
Nominated for the award by her husband, Michael Frederick, Ann owns a small horse facility located in a residential area in Hamilton County, where she takes pride in her well-maintained operation and the compliments she receives from neighbors. She and her fellow horsemen are careful to maintain a clean atmosphere while riding their horses through the neighborhood.
She also gives some free riding lessons to neighbors and free rides to the neighborhood children. She takes an active role with the horse clubs in the area and works to resolve issues with the Hamilton County Parks regarding horse trails.
"Being a good neighbor means being responsible, courteous and respectful of others," OLC Executive Director Sandy Kuhn said. "Both farmers and non-farmers should take the initiative to get to know their neighbors and help speed-up the continual building of relationships. This is a win/win situation for all rural residents and country dwellers."
Frederick received a plaque, a proclamation from Gov. Ted Strickland and a $250 cash donation for the Ronald McDonald House, courtesy of OFBF and OLC. In addition, she matched the donation with a $250 gift to Hamilton County Parks for horse trails.