Pontiac Community Awards
On Wednesday, December 18th the Pontiac Community came together to honor the Volunteers that help make Pontiac shine. The event was put on by the Pontiac Downtown Business Association and held at Goldner Walsh Nursery in an event fashioned to exceed expectations and make the city shine with positive energy.
The festive energy was to honor the angels that make our City and our Downtown Shine. The volunteers that work behind the scenes and in the public's eye to make effective programs happen. This year's theme is the Nutcracker Sweet because without these Angels in our city we would not be able to enjoy the sense of community that is created. The celebrations included honors for:
Pontiac DBA Design Award
Community Volunteer Award
Outstanding Achievement Award
Youth Award
Senior Award
Service Group Award
Municipal Award
Partner Award
Community Award
President's Award
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DESIGN AWARD - Kathie Henk, The Henk Studio
Recognizing the timeless design within our Downtown which does not happen effortlessly, as well as the protection of our key architectural assets in our Historic Downtown.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD - Lenora Lighthall, Pontiac Garden Club
In recognition of the years spent in beautifying our Downtown and City. Lenora's leadership of the Pontiac Garden Club as it's President and the hands-in-the-dirt planting of several urban gardens have helpted to brighten our City.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - Robert Karazim, Canvas Pontiac
For not giving up on bringing the arts back to Downtown, once called The Art District, and for his eye for protecting historic assets, Robert Karazim is recognized. Canvas Pontiac launched two great events this past year, and connects with other art venues within the City of Pontiac to showcase Pontiac's artistic strength.
YOUTH AWARD - Alyssa Lynn Vaughn
We recognize our youth winner who earlier this season was honored by the Holiday Extravaganza Parade as the City of Pontiac's Junior Grand Marshal. Alyssa represented our City based on her achievements which lead to her Junior Grand Marshal position and is honored by the Pontiac Downtown Business Association.
SENIOR AWARD - Dave Coleman, Center Stage & QTMC
In recognition of the many ways in which he supports and enhances the City of Pontiac, Dave Coleman is recognized. He DJ's for the Pontiac Downtown Business Association, provides audio support for the Holiday Extravaganza Parade, and most significantly for his efforts in operating Center Stage warming center and pantry on Perry street just north of Downtown.
SERVICE GROUP AWARD - Don Woodward, Grace Centers of Hope
As a truly amazing organization and leadership provided by Don Woodward for his activities including the annual spring cleanup, repairs to headstones and maintenance at the Oak Hill Cemetery, and so much more, the Pontiac Downtown Business Association says THANK YOU.
MUNICIPAL AWARD - Captain Atkins, Oakland County Sheriff's Pontiac Outpost
For continuing to make our City safer each year. Last year you were thanked for lowering crime in Downtown by 45% and City wide by 38%. This year you once again did repeated those efforts continuing the positve safety in our City.
PARTNER AWARD - Tom Kimble, Greater Pontiac Host Committee
This organization has been bringing smiles and families together from around the area into Downtown Pontiac for years. The Greater Pontiac Host Committee organizes the Holiday Extravaganza Parade that runs through Downtown Pontiac. We recognize the Host Committee for bringing the communities of Pontiac, White Lake, Waterford, and Auburn Hills together to celebrate the holidays and family.
COMMUNITY AWARD - Maureen Young, Downtown 51
For nearly two decades of fighting for what is right and being a communication channel for change, Maureen Young is recognized. As a business leader and community voice she has served us all on city wide committees and been a beacon of communication and vibrancy.
PRESIDENTS AWARD - Francile Anderson
This year we lost a treasure to Pontiac, Fran Anderson. In memory of her lifetime accomplishments she will be recognized later in 2014 where her tree has been planted in the upcoming community park. She has single-handedly mentored numerous leaders in the community to fill her shoes with which she was able to focus on unity, children, faith and the knowledge that Pontiac has the strength and fortitude to come back strong NOW.
