This Citrus Heights woman was recognized by the mayor this month. Here’s why

By Lily Tu–
A longstanding resident of Citrus Heights was honored with a Good Neighbor award during a Nov. 9 City Council meeting for her service to children in the community.

Lotte Reed was nominated for the award during Good Neighbor Week, a new campaign held earlier this year by the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH) to encourage neighborly activities. Reed was recognized for annually donating 100 hand-sewn quilts to the Citrus Heights Police Department for more than a decade, with the quilts being used as gifts for children in accidents and other traumatic situations.

After handing an award to Reed, Mayor Tim Schaefer called it “a pleasure” to issue such awards. Noting high schoolers in the audience, he added, “especially in front of so many young people that really can see how much their community appreciates all the hard work that they put in volunteering.”

REACH President Natalee Price also recognized two other top nominees for the award during the meeting, Ruth Fox and Donna Stephens.

Fox was nominated for her many contributions to community events, including her service as neighborhood president and her efforts in helping other neighborhood areas become active again. Price said she continued to support her neighborhood after stepping back from chairing events, serving her neighbors in many ways such as taking care of local schools and using personal connections to meet needs in the community.

Stephens, the other top nominee for the award, was recognized for her generosity in sharing fresh-baked goods and stocking ice cream treats in summers for kids in the neighborhood. Price said she is known affectionately as “Grandma” by the children in the area.

According to REACH, more than 760 acts of neighboring were documented during Good Neighbor Week this year, which spanned from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, 2023. While Good Neighbor Week focused on a one-week period to encourage simple acts of kindness, Price said nominees for the Good Neighbor award were chosen for their year-round efforts.