Neighborhood Academy

https://cityofws-org.zoom.us/j/86295822704

About the Session

In this session, we will discuss the importance of neighborhood associations as well as what the Neighborhood Services division does to help assist neighborhood associations in Winston-Salem. We will also talk about ways for neighborhood associations to get involved with various programs like Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful cleanup events and Neighborhood Watch.

About the Presenter

Chelsey Wiggins is the Neighborhood Services Coordinator of the Neighborhood Services division of the Community Development Department for the City of Winston-Salem. She attended Winston-Salem State University earning a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. Chelsey has a passion for community service. She is a native of Rocky Mount, NC.

If you missed the session, click here to access the presentation.

https://cityofws-org.zoom.us/j/81368918781

About the Session

The presentation will provide citizens with an overview of Recreation and Parks’ amenities and programs across the city and how neighborhood associations can get involved, use spaces in recreation centers to meet and stay active.

About the Presenter

Leah Friend is a Certified Recreation & Parks Professional with over 18 years is with the City of Winston-Salem’s Recreation & Parks Department.  As the Assistant Recreation Director she is responsible for the overall activities of community recreation center, direction of special events, out of school programming, and other responsibilities related to providing quality recreation and leisure services to the citizens of Winston-Salem. 

 Ms. Friend began her career in recreation after completing an internship with the department’s Special Populations Unit (SPU) where she was exposed to diverse community programming for individuals with disabilities.  Upon completion of internship Leah was hired with Winston-Salem Recreation & Parks and focused on youth athletics, inclusive programming, out of school activities, camp for individuals with disabilities, among other activities while working in recreation centers for the first half of her career.  The foundation for quality, meaningful programming for individuals with and without disabilities was set while working at recreation centers and is evident in the practices demonstration in her areas of responsibility.

Leah received an undergraduate degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism with a major in Therapeutic Recreation and minor in Human Development from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  Ms. Friend returned to school to receive a Master of Business Administration from Winston-Salem State University, and earned a Master of Parks, Recreation, Tourism & Sport Management from NC State.

If you missed the session, click here to access the presentation.

https://cityofws-org.zoom.us/j/89324123115

About the Session

In this session, we will discuss how you can help make and keep your neighborhood safe by getting involved with Neighborhood Watch. Neighborhood Watch is a citizens' organization devoted to preventing crime and vandalism within a neighborhood. It is through coordination and cooperation with the Winston-Salem Police Department that members learn non-intervention ways to deter crime.

About the Presenter

Officer VC Costner is a member of the Community Resources Unit for the Winston-Salem Police Department. Officer Costner graduated from Winston-Salem State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. He is currently the coordinator for the Neighborhood Watch Association and was formerly a Superkids officer with the Educational Services Unit which served the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System. Officer Costner has been with the Winston-Salem Police Department for 17 years and is one of the Department's General instructors which educates officers on different topics in Law Enforcement procedures. One of Officer Costner's personal goals is to bridge the gap between the community and the police force.