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Community Corner

Grand Evening for Saline Salutes Honorees

Saline Chamber of Commerce and City of Saline Honor Volunteers at Saline Salutes

Saline Salutes, an award ceremony honoring volunteers in the Saline Community, took place Friday evening at the Ellen A. Ewing Performing Arts Center at Saline High School.  Those honored were Jack Fagin for Lifetime Achievement, Becky Pazkowski for Citizen of the Year, and Catherine Bernard for the Saline Youth Council Youth of the Year 2011.

Fagin and Pazkowski were treated to a limousine tour that included stops at the Spotted Dog Winery for pre-dinner wine tasting, and at Tom Mac’s Photography for photos, before being chaufferred to Saline High School for the evening's activities.

Many people filled the Saline High School commons to enjoy a formal meal prepared by the culinary arts students of Southwest Washtenaw Consortium. Dinner guests were entertained by the Saline High School Jazz Band. Also in the dining area were display tables with selected items that demonstrated the past work of honor recipients.

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In attendance were family and friends of the award winners, as well as several distinguished guests from city, state and federal government, Saline city staff, and school administrators.  The award ceremony took place immediately following the dinner hour.

Saline Area Chamber of Commerce President Jill Durnen welcomed guests to the ceremony. 

“Saline Salutes started because more than twenty years ago, the city wanted to find a way of recognizing community efforts,” Durnen said.

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Criteria for Citizen of the Year includes working, living or volunteering with the Saline Area School District, having made a significant contribution to the community in the past year, and not having benefited financially for their efforts. Pazkowski fit the criteria perfectly, according to nominators Walt and Nancy Byers.

“She’s motivated, a tireless worker and has a far network of people who love to work with her,” said Nancy Byers. When Pazkowski took the podium, she thanked her family and friends, and gave tribute to her parents. She used her time to answer two questions she is often asked. 

“People often ask me ‘why do you do it’ and ‘how do you do it’,” Pazkowski said. “I do it because I love it. I like to be busy, make things happen and make things better.” 

She quoted her mother who always told her ‘Becky’s not happy unless she’s up to her neck in alligators.’  As far as how things get done, she added, “Nobody does it alone.” 

Jack Fagin received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his non-profit program, the Jack Fagin Challenge.

For thirty years, Fagin has matched funds donated by other groups like Rotary, in an effort to provide underprivileged children a shopping spree at Christmastime. 

“You cannot believe the joy and delight on the children’s faces as they walked through the aisles of the store and brought toys to the register,“ Fagin said. 

To date he has provided this special shopping trip to over 2,500 children.  At 95 years young, he delighted the crowd with witty remarks, and compliments to his fellow honorees, but was very humble. 

“I don’t know why I’m getting all these awards,’ he said.  “I’m just trying to do my job, and I hope I’ve made some people happy, and hope to do more.”

Catherine Bernard was honored by the Saline Youth Council for her dedication to many charities including Ronald McDonald House, Mott children’s Hospital, Operation Smile, Saline High Athletics fundraisers, homeless shelters and more. 

Bernard was nominated by Kathe Wunderlich. 

“After a shoulder injury took her out of play, she gathered her whole team and went to cook meals at Ronald McDonald House,“ Wunderlich said. “Catherine, I am so proud of you.“  

Bernard also excels in school, has received countless recognition for her leadership skills, and is a varsity tennis player, junior varsity cheerleader, Link Crew member, and participant in DECA, SADD and FCCLA. When she took the podium to receive her award, she attributed much of her success to her mother. 
“My mom taught me there is always a positive side to everything,” said Bernard.  “Being here among the other nominees makes me feel so pound to be a Salinian.”

All awardees were presented proclamations from city, state and federal government.  Presenting awards were Mayor of Saline Gretchen Driskell, Representatives Rick Olson and Mark Ouimet from the Michigan House, John Manor form Michigan Senator Randy Richardville's Office and Dustin Krasny, representative of U. S. Congressman Tim Walberg’s office.

The evening was emceed by former Saline Superintendent Ellen Ewing and  finished with a video presentation depicting the accomplishments of each honoree.


 

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