Community service award nominations announced.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. 

LUDINGTON — The nominations for the Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce 2014 Community Service Award have been announced. They include David and Sandra Gibbs, Gary Anderson, Hospitality INC, Jamie Spore, Marion Riedl, Patricia and Thomas Ezdebski and volunteers of HELP.

The recipient will be announced during the chamber’s annual dinner, Saturday, May 2, at Lincoln Hills Golf Club.

David and Sandra Gibbs were nominated by Marie Waite, executive director of COVE (Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters).

“As you know, the Gibbs family has been an integral part of our community for many years,” Waite wrote. “For many generations the family has taught the value of being a good neighbor and community member. They have filled many roles and helped this community grow into the amazing place we call home.”

The Gibbs were owners of Gibbs Country House Restaurant, which operated in Mason County for many years.

David Gibbs, who is now retired, had a career as a CPA and serves as treasurer of COVE’s board of directors while Sandra managed the restaurant and now serves as a volunteer for COVE.

Gary Anderson of Amber Township was nominated by Dr. Lewis Squires. Anderson has worked as a teacher for Mason County Central Schools for over 40 years. He is chairman of the Lakestride running event, is chairman of the Community Spring Auction in Scottville and serves on many other committees.

“It is with great honor for me to nominate Gary as he is not just a man of integrity but a person with a humble heart that cares about others,” Squires wrote.

Erica Karmeisool nominated Hospitality INC (In the Name of Christ), the area’s temporary emergency homeless shelter.

“Hospitality In the Name of Christ serves an important, and often overlooked, need in the Ludington/Scottville area – temporary emergency shelter for those experiencing homelessness,” Karmeisool wrote. “From my experience interviewing Tammy and Tim Martin (who helped found the shelter in 2009) and some of the guests this cold-weather season, I learned how intensive providing this service can be. The shelter is staffed solely by volunteers for 6 continuous months, every evening without exception (including Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.).”

Jamie Spore of Ludington was nominated by Heather Catron, Patti Klevorn and Kimberly Hamm.

“Jamie Spore began serving her community through her membership in the Ludington Area Jaycees in 2011 and in 2014 and 2015 served on the Board of Directors as the Community Vice President,” Catron wrote.

“Jamie Spore has served The Ludington Area Jaycees and her community as the Chairperson for the Freedom Festival Grand Parade in both 2012 and 2014, and also the chairperson for the Freedom Festival Fireworks in 2014.

“Jamie Spore has spent countless hours volunteering her services to the Ludington Community to help create an event that is enjoyed by the local citizens and visitors from all over the world, and also to help make Ludington more accessible to those who have limited mobility by helping to get the Stearn’s beach accessibility walkway installed.”

Marion Riedl of Ludington was nominated by Todd Reed.

“Marion Riedl epitomizes what community service is all about,” Reed wrote. “She does it without desiring or seeking any credit.”

Riedl worked over 25 years at Ludington Daily News. She currently serves as board secretary of the Ludington Area Arts Council. She also spent many years volunteering with Girl Scouts.

Patricia and Thomas Ezdebski of Ludington were nominated by Annette Quillan, Loree Brown, Sue Martin, Connie Brough and Shelby Short. Both are employed by Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital.

“It was late 2002, while I was president of the Ludington Optimist Club, I ask Patricia if she could chair a new Optimist program ‘Childhood Cancer Campaign,’” Quillan wrote. “The response was, ‘I’ll think about it.’

“Being a cancer survivor it did not take long, for her and her husband, Tom, set forth with great endeavor, purpose and mission.  Both Patricia and Tom, active Ludington Optimist members, took ownership to this program.

“They spearheaded the fundraising campaign, from bringing pop cans/bottles back, piggy bank sponsors, organizing group activities such as the Lemonade stands, hot cocoa at some local schools, and the color run etc.  This June 7 will mark the ninth annual lemonade stand.”

The volunteers of HELP Ministries were nominated by Karen Gregatis.

“HELP volunteers emulate compassion in whatever job they work in,” Gregatis wrote. “This is love in action.”