2016 Community Awards

2016 Delta Township Community Awards

Photo Cutline: (R to L) Chuck Abraham, Community Enhancement Award Honoree; Maureen Dykstra, Community Organization of the Year Honoree; Doug Dykstra, Community Organization of the Year Honoree; Christina Medawar, Business of the Year Honoree; Pierre Medawar, Business of the Year Honoree; Catrine Medawar, Business of the Year Honoree; Sharbel Daher, Young Person of the Year Honoree; and Jackie Householder, Citizen of the Year Honoree. (Not Pictured: Stanley Samuel, Wolverine Development)

Delta Township hosted the 11th Annual Delta Township Community Awards Event on October 27 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing West. Nearly 300 people gathered to celebrate the outstanding individuals, businesses and organizations that were honored during the event.

The Township presented six awards this year including Business of the Year, Two Community Enhancement Awards, Community Organization of the Year, Young Person of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. The Young Person of the Year was also presented with a $2,000 Scholarship sponsored by the Delta Side Business Association.

The 2016 Business of the Year was presented to Medawar Jewelers. In 1978, the very first Medawar Jewelry store opened in Lansing, Michigan, continuing the Medawar legacy of creating exquisite heirloom jewelry and impeccable customer service. Since then, they have continued to grow while maintaining strong family values and an unwavering commitment to the Delta Township community. They have sponsored the Delta Township Community Awards providing door prize items for four past events, giving nearly $5,000 in donated items. Additionally, Catrine Medawar is a past Community Awards Committee member.

The 2016 Community Enhancement Awards Were Presented to Wolverine Development for Rally’s and Chuck Abraham Realty for Tabooli Mediterranean.

Wolverine Development bought and redeveloped the deteriorating property that was formerly owned by Mancino’s. They demolished the old building and constructed a Rally’s Hamburgers, complete with a drive-through and eat-in area.

Chuck Abraham Realty purchased the dilapidated property that was once a Shell Gas Station. They invested in the rehabilitation of the building into a Tabooli Mediterranean Restaurant, including a new parking lot and outdoor dining area.

The 2016 Community Organization of the Year was presented to Delta Presbyterian Church. Established in 1974, the Delta Presbyterian Church has been an integral part of the Delta Township Community. For several years, the church has offered the use of a Community Garden, free of charge, on a first come basis to any area resident, regardless if they are a church member. Through this project, they have added vitality and life to the community, providing people the opportunity to grow some of their own produce, and donate extra produce to local food pantries.

The 2016 Young Person of the Year Award was presented to Sharbel Daher. Sharbel Daher is a senior at Waverly High School and was nominated for his dedication and excellence in academics, athletics, and volunteerism. Mr. Daher emigrated from Lebanon in 2006 and has since worked diligently to overcome language barriers, not only for himself but for other international students. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honors Society, Captain of the Waverly Soccer Team, acts as an Ambassador for the Waverly Schools International Students, and helped to organize World Language Night where performances were given in over 40 languages from around the world.

The 2016 Citizen of Year Award was presented to Jackie Householder. Jackie Householder is what you think of when the word community comes to mind.She has given selflessly to members of the Delta Township community and has offered a unique opportunity to friends and neighbors. In 2001, Jackie and her husband Bob offered their yard to those that surround them by donating a half acre of land for the development of a community garden. Their goal was to help feed the hungry in their community, as well as promote community togetherness and a love of gardening. Together they helped to inspire a new generation of garden enthusiasts and provide life-long gardeners without a plot, the opportunity to continue to grow their passion.

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees.

Photo credit: John Vial of John Douglas Photography, (517) 243-5900