Community awards events are always inspiring because of the variety of ways in which individuals and organizations choose to serve.

There are always different stories to tell, and the impacts are never predictable.

They prove that people will always surprise you in ways that are uplifting to others.

Awards Co-Chairs

Johnna Goodwin, Changing Places Moving & Storage and Kelly Hyer, Independence Township Parks & Recreation.  (Not pictured in this photo--co-chair Anita Banach, Clarkston Community Schools.)

"A balanced life is the centered intersection of your values, time, and action. That's where integrity resides."

"Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together."

--Vesta M. Kelly

Community Beautification John Bowman Chevrolet

This is given to an individual, group or business that has made a significant improvement to the appearance of the Clarkston community.

 John was nominated by Fred Ritter and his nomination focuses on the vast amount of updates and changes that have taken place at the dealership.  While there are numerous vacancies and shuttered businesses on Dixie Highway, John Bowman Chevrolet has been the “light in the forest” that will hopefully act as a catalyst for other businesses to improve their facilities.   In 1984, John Bowman purchased the dealership and has been a contributing member of our community ever since.  Over time, John recognized the need to update and modernize his dealership and in 2008, he transformed the dealership into a beauty.  From the exterior, any car driving by will notice the vast improvement in its entirety to Dixie Highway.  Most of the original showroom was demolished and the architecture and color scheme is aligned with the new Chevrolet Retro-Style.  The large block building was also refaced or repainted to blend seamlessly with the new structure.  Dark sky lighting was added and the landscaping has been refreshed and updated.

 In this day of an uncertain economy, which includes shrinking auto sales, John recognized the need to reinvest in his business and his community.  With Dixie Highway aging as a commercial center, John has taken a huge risk and has made a significant investment both professionally and for his community.  His new facility is a breath of fresh air and has brightened the landscape of Dixie Highway.  Congratulations John on receiving the Community Beautification award.

"If you think you're too small to make a difference, you haven't been in bed with a mosquito!"   

--Anita Roddick, The Body Shops

Community Collaboration Oakland Schools Technical Center Dean, Chuck Lochlear. 

This award recognizes a collaborative effort by two or more individuals, groups, clubs or organizations to improve and enhance the community.  These efforts do not need to be exclusively volunteer in nature.   Please congratulate the Oakland Schools Technical Center Dean, Chuck Lochlear. 

The Oakland Technical Center Northwest Campus, which is located within the Clarkston School District boundaries, has provided wonderful services for many of our local students and community organizations. This program, and its leader, work towards Win-Win solutions on a daily basis.  Providing students with valuable real-world experience while offering support and assistance for community groups.   

This nomination was written by Donna Clancy and it highlights some specific partnerships with SCAMP.  For example, students from the Business, Marketing, Management and Technology program have raised over $5,000 for SCAMP scholarships, while the students from the Construction Technology program created a playhouse that was raffled at SCAMP’s Home Tour.  Students from the Visual Imaging program created advertising for the playhouse, and students from the Biotechnology and Environmental Science program created ivy topiary for the Home Tour auction.   

SCAMP is not the only group that benefits from this collaboration.  The Culinary Art and Hospitality students have created and voluntarily served refreshments at the Chamber Expo and the Diversity Day Celebration.  They have volunteered at the Zehnder’s Wild Game Competition and made cherry pies for the Washington Day celebration.  They have also produced a “Chef and the Child” program to educate youngsters about sanitation, nutrition and organic food growth.  The Biotechnology and Environmental Science students have prepared the soil for the Plant-A-Row Community Garden and hosted holiday and spring sales events.  So many community agencies have benefited from the students hard work and dedication and it is truly amazing how each program offered to the local public by the Technical Center has brought forth enhanced collaboration.  Please join me in congratulating the Oakland Technical Center on receiving the 2009 Community Collaboration award. 

"Volunteers polish up the rough spots in our communities."

--Jefferson Award Winner Alice Sandstrom

Community Enhancement sponsored by All Saints Cemetery

Community Enhancement Award, which recognizes a group, club or service organizations’ year-long efforts that have enhanced the quality of our community.  This year’s award is sponsored by All Saints Cemetery and the winner is the Clarkston Rotary Club.

The Clarkston Rotary Club has been an active participant in local community affairs since 1940.  During the past year, they have completed many community and international accomplishments such as donating $5,000 to purchase new playground equipment to Depot Park, funded two scholarships for CHS students, provided free shoes, boots, hats and gloves for over 500 Clarkston-area kids, organized and conducted the Clarkston Labor Day Parade, sponsored a SCAMP picnic, decorated downtown Clarkston for the Christmas holiday season, and donated $12,000 to drill a fresh water well in Haiti.  This really just scratches the surface as they also contribute funds towards the eradication of polio, purchased two Shelter Boxes, and were a Corporate Sponsor for the Concert-in-the-Park series.  Members of this organization operated a hot dog stand during the concerts and have participated in the Christmas and 4th of July parades.  In fact, the Clarkston News recognized the Rotary as the Best Community Organization for 2008.

As a community we appreciate all that they do and look forward to continuing the strong history of involvement that they have in this area. Congratulations Clarkston Rotary Club on receiving the 2009 Community Enhancement Award. 

Giving back to the Community is important for all businesses.  We make our livings by serving our customers and what better way to increase your visibility than by volunteering. This Community Awards breakfast highlights all the good work that goes on in this area.  We believe firmly that giving comes back to you tenfold. All Saints Cemetery Mt. Elliott Cemetery Association

Adult Youth Volunteer, sponsored by The Clarkston News

This year we have two winners for the Adult-Youth Volunteer Award.  This award recognizes an individual that has given of their time, energy and talents in a volunteer capacity who provides ongoing effort and support for young people in our community.  Both are equally deserving of this award and we will begin with our first winner, Dick Ellis.   

"Never confuse movement with action."

--Ernest Hemingway

Young Person of the Year, sponsored by Clarkston Community Schools

Next, we introduce the winner of the 2009 Young Person of the Year.  This award was sponsored by Clarkston Community Schools and is given to an individual, 18 years and younger, who has given their time, energy and talents to improve our community.  The activities do not have to be exclusively volunteer in nature. This year’s recipient is Zach Rabideau.

Zack Rabideau will be moving on to Clarkston High School in the fall…and a huge void will be felt within Clarkston Junior High.  Zack has grown into an exceptional leader, student and school member.  He gives numerous hours of his time to his school and his community, making both a better place.  During the school year, Zack is involved in many sports and clubs and is a member of several different school organizations.  Not only has Zack attributed his time to many of these organizations, but he also organized the Triple C spirit week, put together a 3-0n-3 basketball tournament, fundraisers and many service projects to a daycare facility.  Zack is also very involved with the Clarkston community and volunteers his time at the Salvation Army, the Independence Township Library and the Junior Olympics at Clarkston High School.  In all of his roles, he is the leader that other students look to as a role model and example of how to conduct yourself as a member of a team and community.  Zack is a true example of what we all hope our young people should be and we congratulate him on receiving the Young Person of the Year Award. 

Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce

I have the privilege of presenting the Businessperson of the Year Award.  This recognition is bestowed upon a local business person who has contributed to the community making our area a better place in which to live and do business – only volunteer activities qualify for this category.  With that said, this year’s winner is Bill Burr from All Saints Cemetery.  This award is sponsored by the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce.  Bill Burr is not only an outstanding person, he is an extraordinary business leader as well.  He is a representative of the Mt. Elliott/All Saints Cemetery where he works in coordination with his staff to assist families through a tragic time in their lives.  His empathy and compassion carry over into his volunteerism in the community, while his busy work day rarely prevents him from becoming involved for the betterment of the Clarkston community.  He is an active member with both the Clarkston and Waterford Chamber of Commerce, and you will also find him at the Optimist’s and Knights of Columbus meetings and functions.  This past year, he has taken on the role of Treasurer on the Chamber Board.  His attendance at events is second to none….you will always see Bill at mixers, luncheons, ribbon cuttings or dinner meetings.  In addition, it is not unusual for All Saints Cemetery to offer to sponsor the events.

Bill’s caring and vibrant personality is a tremendous asset to the Clarkston community.  He continues to display concern for the growth and leadership of business in the area, especially during this difficult time. He is a consummate recruiter, always making sure business members are introduced to other key community members and leaders that can help them within their organization.  He is the first one to step in and support Chamber activities such as the Expo, Taste of Clarkston or the Golf outing.  Relationship building and community involvement are true assets to Bill and we congratulate him on being named the 2009 Business Person of the Year.  Congratulations Bill!

Citizen of the Year

This award is given to an individual who has given of their time, energy, and talents to improve our community.  This year’s recipient is Stan Garwood.

Over the last 30 years, Stan Garwood has taken an active role in making Clarkston a better place to live by providing many contributions to the area.  Stan’s love for his community is evident in how he leads his life.  He is constantly volunteering his time and offering support to many of our local organizations.   He is actively involved with St. Daniels’s Catholic Church as a marriage preparation sponsor, hosting several events throughout the year.  He has even taken time off from his job to do mission work in Honduras to help rebuild an orphanage.

Stan is a consummate leader.  While giving of his time freely, he isn’t just a “member” of an organization he is quickly on a committee, chairing an event or serving on the board. He has served on the board of Lighthouse North and also the Clarkston Area Youth Assistance.  He has the chaired an annual golf outing, yet he doesn’t even golf!  Stan also shows his love for children through his involvement in the Clarkston Area Optimist Club, where he has chaired or participated in the annual dinner-dance-auction fundraiser, the oratorical and essay contests, and youth recognition breakfasts.  He is still regularly attending the Wednesday morning meetings.    

In 2001, Stan co-founded the North Oakland Disaster Relief Team, referred to as NoDirt.  With a small group of people an idea was born and Stan’s passion for helping people in distress became a reality.  No Dirt is a coalition of churches, businesses, organizations and individuals who combine their resources, experiences and expertise to bring aide to victims of natural disasters. 

 All of this is a testimony to Stan’s compassion for his fellow man.  He is a driving force behind so many activities that define the Clarkston community.  Congratulations Stan on receiving the 2009 Citizen of the Year award.

"Actions and words are the windows through which the heart is seen.“

Table Sponsors

Independence Township

Clarkston State Bank