The Clean Pittsburgh Commission gave its annual "Bob Awards" at an event Thursday for neighborhood clean-up stewards. The award is named for the late Mayor Bob O'Connor.
Joe Divack of Squirrel Hill was named Volunteer of the Year for working to clear illegal dump sites.
Stash the Trash, the volunteer group he is part of, was also recognized, as were the Academy System, Pittsburgh Job Corps and Allegheny Courts Day Adult Probation programs for their participation in neighborhood clean-ups.
Crafton Heights, Ridgemont and Westwood won Bobs for being the "most connected neighborhoods," said Boris Weinstein, founder of Citizens Against Litter and a member of the Clean Pittsburgh Commission. Knoxville earned the "most improved" award, and Esplen was named "best newcomer."
Other volunteers recognized for their stewardships are Max Hurwitz of Beechview, Keith Knecht of Brookline, Carol Knox of Mt. Lebanon and Terra McBride of the South Side.
The Pittsburgh Pirates were recognized for holding Stash the Trash Day at PNC Park May 12.
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