Citizens, Organizations Honored for Volunteer Efforts

Jerry Ellis accepts The Nancy Bates Distinguished Public Servant Award from Carmen Francis, Chairperson for the Commission for Children, Youth and Families.

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On Monday, May 11, the Farmington Hills City Council recognized members of the community for their outstanding volunteer efforts. The Volunteer Recognition Awards are presented annually to businesses, organizations, families, and individuals by the Farmington Hills/Farmington Commission for Children, Youth and Families.

Prior to the Council meeting, award winners were honored at a reception attended by City officials from both Farmington Hills and Farmington. Following the reception, 47th District Court Judge Marla Parker made the presentation to the Mayor and City Council on behalf of the Commission for Children, Youth and Families where she acknowledged the important work and vital efforts of the award winners.

Volunteer Recognition Award Winners for 2015:

Business Awards – Dennis Page of Page’s Food and Spirits

Organization Awards – St. Alexander’s Food Pantry

Youth Award – Sanaya Irani

Adult Award – Jack Schertel

Family Award - David and Sandy Catherman, Dennis and Lynn Pheney

George Romney Volunteer of the Year Award – Ken Paulson

The Nancy Bates Distinguished Public Servant Award – Jerry Ellis

Certificates were awarded to:

Organizations – Neighborhood House, Sojourn Bears, and Tech Girls;

Youth – Elizabeth Pappas and John Randle, Jr.;

Adults - Jon Barber, Ed Blumberg, JoAnn Cline, Daisy Cordero, Rose Christoph, Maya Haynes, Cynthia Lietz, Marion Moir, Lutie Moore, Ray Okonski, Diane Powell, Carol Posby, Ron Rose, Nancy Schulist, Sam Seiler, Joel Sloan, Jeff Stewart, Joyce Weigel, Norene Yuskowatz, and Michelle Zerbi.

All of those honored represent the spirit of volunteerism and have given countless hours of their time to initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Farmington Hills and Farmington, city officials said in a news release.