Local realtor and longtime West Bluff neighborhood resident/advocate John McDonald is the recipient of the 2014 West Bluff Council “Pillar of the West Bluff Award.”

 McDonald, who was nominated by local artist Russ Joseph, has lived and worked in the West Bluff for more than 25 years and is the current owner of Kallister Realty.  Joseph wrote, “Despite these (West Bluff)neighborhoods often having a stigma of being “borderline” or even “bad” , John has taken an active part in their revitalization- helping organize and promoting neighborhood events and litter cleanups. In fact, he can still be seen on a daily basis keeping current on his streets cleanliness and aesthetic value. He has also kept his business, Kallister Realty, in the West Bluff, even though he has been offered better deals to move elsewhere, and the company continues to actively promote and specialize in West Bluff homes, where other realty companies shy away from the area.”

McDonald has worked on the City Housing Commission and the City Historic Preservation Commission. He has also served as president of the University East Neighborhood Association, the West Bluff Council, and West Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services. He is currently a member of the Moss Bradley Revolving Fund Board and the represents the Orchard District neighborhood on the West Bluff Council.

The Pillar Award is presented each year to recognize individuals for outstanding service to the West Bluff area. “John is one of those people who have truly made a foundational contribution to our area,” said West Bluff Council president Conrad Stinnett. “He has ties to both our business and residential communities and has benefited each group with his unique and positive perspective. He leads efforts to improve our area, as well as encourages and supports those residents who lead other improvement efforts. His strong expertise and love for our community have certainly helped positively move the West Bluff forward. The members of the West Bluff Council and I are very pleased to recognize him this year.”

 The Pillar Award will be presented at the June 26th meeting of the West Bluff Council, which will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Sunbeam Building on Sheridan at Main.

 The West Bluff Council is a pro-active community organization comprised of 8 West Bluff neighborhood associations, the West Main Street Redevelopment Association and Bradley University. For more information, please call Conrad Stinnett at 309-494-9821