Awards celebrate Clarkston

For 30 years, community and business leaders who make a difference are acknowledged with an annual breakfast.
Friends and community members nominate those that give to their community.
‘Our purpose is to honor people and organizations that have made special contributions to the health and well-being of our community,? said Clarkston Community Church Pastor Greg Henneman.
Community members are encouraged to submit nominations.
‘We really want to encourage community members to submit nominations so that we can celebrate the wonderful people and businesses in the community,? he said.
Awards are presented to those who give their time, energy and talent to improve the community.
Categories are Citizen of the Year, Youth of the Year, and Adult Youth Volunteer.
Businesses and organizations are also recognized for their efforts.
Business Person of the Year, Community Beautification/Preservation, Community Enhancement and Community Collaboration.
To nominate or for more information, visit wwwclarkstoncommunityawards.com and fill out information online.
Recognizing those who volunteer their time and energy is important.
‘Our purpose is to honor people and organizations that have made special contributions to the health and well-being of our community,? Henneman said.
The 2015 event marks the 30th celebration in Clarkston thanks to a group that brain stormed and created the idea to celebrate ‘Michigan Week? in the Clarkston community.
Michigan Week, launched in 1954, was created to encourage Michigan communities to celebrate the best in our Great Lakes state. In 1985, 31 years after Michigan Week was created, Clarkston leaders gathered to create something to participate in the state-wide initiative.
The group created the Community Awards, an event to celebrate the best in Clarkston. Today those awards remain an important celebration for the community.
‘We live in a time when our tendency is to take for granted the health and stability of our communities. We assume things have always been this way, and always will be this way. So we think we can just focus on ourselves and our own lives, and all will be well,? said Henneman.
Outstanding businesses and community members are the backbone of the community, and provide strength to Clarkston.
‘If history has shown us anything, we know that a healthy, stable society is a gift. And actually, it’s something we all have to work for to keep it,? Henneman said.
Clarkston Awards honor those who strengthen the community, and inspire others to continue their generous spirit to make Clarkston and even healthier place to live, he added.
‘As we become more aware, more compassionate, and more intentional, we can make sure that Clarkston is a strong, vibrant community, for many years to come,? he said.
Clarkston Community Awards breakfast, provided by Brioni Cafe and Deli, is Tuesday, May 19, from 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. at Clarkston Community Church.