Community Awards Breakfast

The Community Award winners announced this morning were amazing. Sometimes we watch television shows that show a community in action, but we live in ust such a community with giving individuals. While only seven deserving folks were honored today, I believe there are many many more of our neighbors who work to make the community a great place to live.

One of our neighbors spends her extra money to support the students in need at North Sashabaw Elementary. That new lunch box or new school supplies, a North Sashabaw student comes to school comes from our neighbor who feels blessed and wants to pay it forward.

A high school student who raised three puppies for Paws with a Cause is heading to college next year to major in pre-med.

The Citizen of the Year has opened her farm to provide horseback riding for 120 kids with special needs 52 weeks a year.

The Business Person of the Year, is a relatively new resident of the community but he dived right in. He helped raise $15,000 for SCAMPERSHIPS for childrens with special needs, while bringing in a couple of thousand visitors to the dine and shop in area businesses.

We have a one of a kind garden that was honored under community beautification. Today's audience heard that Clarkston has the largest Healing and Renewal garden in the United States covering five acres. Have you been for a visit?

When money is not available, the Clarkston/Independence community collaborates to create programs for families. Did you attend the cyber safety seminar or the anti bullying program or learn about educational funding in the state.

If you are an 80 year old widow living in our community, who do you ask if you need help with renovation or cleanup around your home. Well Clarkston has a group that goes to work the last weekend of April and doesn't leave until the job is done.

The winners of 2010 Annual Clarkston Community Awards Breakfast were:

Community Beautification/Preservation - McLaren Garden of Healing and Renewal Garden on the McClaren Health Campus on Sashabaw Road.

Community Collaboration - Clarkston Parent Teacher Association District Council, Elizabeth Egan President

Community Enhancement - Christmas in Action Clarkston, Diane Midgley President

Adult-Youth Volunteer - Carla Bell

Business Person of the Year - Kevin Harrison, KH Homes

Youth of the Year - Amanda Martin

Citizen of the Year - Nancy Heussner, Executive Director of O.A.T.S.

Great job! Clarkston Community Church for hosting a community event.