By Don Rush
Clarkston came out last Thursday to recognize outstanding individuals and businesses in the community. Close to 120 people attended the 27th Annual Clarkston Community Awards breakfast.
Hosted by the Clarkston Community Church for the third time, there were seven awards handed out. Charles Griffith was awarded Citizen of the Year; Matthew Wright, Youth of the Year; Carolyn Morrison was awarded Adult-Youth Volunteer of the Year; Curt Catallo was named Business Person of the Year; Genisys Credit Union, was given the Community Collaboration award; Clarkston State Bank was given the Community Enhancement award; and Health Quest was given the Community Beautification & Preservation award.
‘It’s hard not to be moved by the generous hard work by so many unsung heroes. Congratulations to all the awardees and to the Clarkston Community Church for hosting another inspiring breakfast,? Donna Bullard, Chamber President, said.
Citizen of the Year Charles Griffith, humble before the audience, said he could only accept the award if he could ‘honor those people, who in their quiet hidden ways, help the community.?
A counselor, Griffith has helped individuals and families by offering his services ‘pro-bono.? His role model, he said, was St. Therese of Lisieux. ‘She wrote, ? . . . My vocation, at last I have found it. My vocation is Love!??
Matthew Wright was named Youth of the Year for his involvement in school and in the community. His nomination letter said, ‘He is highly respected by his fellow classmates and continually demonstrated a maturity beyond his age . . .?
The Adult-Youth Volunteer, Carolyn Morrison, is also known as the ‘Energizer Bunny? for all her efforts. She works with the senior center, scouting troops, Renaissance High School, Sashabaw Middle School and elementary schools.
For their efforts to improve and enhance the community, two financial institutions were given two separate awards. Genisys Credit Union was given the Community Collaboration award and Clarkston State Bank was given the Community Enhancement award.
For their efforts renovating 32 S. Main Street, Health Quest was given the Community Beautification & Preservation award.
For his work ethic and his commitment to his hometown, Clarkston restaurateur Curt Catallo was named Business Person of the Year. The owner of the Clarkston Union and Clarkston Woodshop restaurants said he and his wife Ann wanted to make sure Clarkston was something more than ‘just another exit along I-75.?