Thank you.
That was the simple message from the Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority (DDA) last Thursday at their Volunteer Appreciate Party when more than 60 guests helped the DDA celebrate downtown businesses and volunteers in 2010.
As is the custom each year, DDA staff handed out awards to community members, though this year they threw in some one-of-a kind acknowledgements, like the Ringer Award. The Lake Orion Horseshoe Club earned that distinction for their Guinness World Record horseshoe pitching marathon. (The club is still awaiting confirmation from Guinness after submitting more detailed score sheets from the 26-hour event.)
‘You brought a lot of special attention to the community,? said DDA Executive Director Suzanne Perreault to club members in attendance. The whole room also applauded them for their 51 years in Lake Orion.
Prime Time Comics and Cards celebrated 20 years in downtown and Heritage Spinning and Weaving buckled down for 10, earning the two businesses the Longevity Award.
For serving in the cold, dark, wee morning hours of New Year’s Day year after year, Stan Ford earned the Consistency Award. For the last 11 years, he’s helped set up the Resolution Run.
Patti Snyder, owner of Patti’s Place for Hair, received the James E. Ingram Outstanding Historic Renovation Award after she completely redid her building fa’ade at 21 S. Broadway, returning it to the original brickwork pattern.
Bob Hollenbeck stoically said, ‘We still have a lot left to do, too,? after he was recognized for Outstanding Service along with DDA semi-retired staff member Janet Hartman.
The Dragon on the Lake crew, Reggie Harrison, Sue Turpen, Lisa Cummins and James Jenkins, were heavily applauded for Outstanding Project of the Year.
‘It’s really thanks to the whole community for making it successful,? said Harrison.
And, after being nominated by fellow businesses and community members, Accent on Art was awarded Business of the Year.