Submitted by Gerry Clare
Roving Reporter
Sponsored by Rock Tenn, the luncheon opened with music and a march down the aisle by the Fernandina Beach High School Marching Band, led by Johnny Robinson. Fernandina Beach Mayor Pelican presented the first awards after the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and invocation by First Presbyterian Church’s Pastor Doug Ganyo.
Pelican honored Roberta Healey for her work with Youth, Paul Condit for Community Enrichment, Bob Powell for Social Services work and Barton Cormeir for his work with Seniors.
Danny Leeper announced the Nassau County Board of Commissioners Empoloyee Volunter of the Year Award as Ed Hardee for all of his work with animals and the local Shelters, praising him for helping to raise awarenesss and crediting him with helping to bring the local euthanasia rate down by 50%.
The Mayor of Hilliard, the Honorable David Buchanan, announced his award to the volunteer firefighters , who do so much more than just firefighting in their community and have for many years.
President Juliana Miller, presented the Sherry Stein Realtor Volunteer of the Year Award for the Amelia Island/Nassau County Association of Realtors to Michelle Holbrook for her work with Dayspring Village and other various non-profits in our community.
Mary Lowe, Secretary-Treasurer of the Fernandina Optimist Club, announced their
Volunteer of the Year Award to Larry Parker for his achievements.
C.A. McDonald, Fernandina Mill General Manager presented the Rayonier Foundation “Involved Good Citizen Award” to John and Kathy Brooks for their involvement with Wild Amelia to educate the public about and protect the environment .
Rock Tenn’s Fernandina Mill Manager, Allen Sanders awarded their Employee Community Volunteer Award to Tom Keenan and Michele Gardner for their involvement in community affairs Rock Tenn was also awarded the Sponsorship Plaque this year by Commisione, Danny Leeper.
Foy Maloy, Vice President of the Nassau County Volunteer Center’s Board of Directors and Harrison Poole, NCVC Board Member thanked the many volunteer and other groups who contributed to the success of the luncheon.
Editor’s Note: Gerry began free lance writing for fun and is the author of a published book (available on Amazon and at Books Plus) about funny real estate experiences. Gerry is a longtime member of our local American Business Women’s Chapter, a volunteer cancer driver and church deacon who loves to read, travel and meet interesting people.
April 12, 2013 6:00 a.m.