More than 100 attend annual banquet to honor community service

KALKASKA – According to the Kiwanis Club of Kalkaska, there are heroes around us everywhere as we go about our daily lives. We just don’t always notice them.

That’s why the local service organization held its sixth annual Kiwanis Heroes Award Banquet on Tuesday, March 19, at the Kalkaska Church of Christ.

In his invocation at the ceremony, Dean Farrier said the banquet offered a chance to honor the “fist full of heroes” that have served and sacrificed for the betterment of their community, sometimes having to put their “lives on the line.”

“For their professionalism, we give thanks,” he added.

According to organizers, the awards are designed to recognize extraordinary service to the Greater Kalkaska Community. Nominees were involved in day to day operations and individually made outstanding contributions in the call to public service.

Those honored at this year’s banquet included:

• Police Officer of the Year:  Deputy Paul Belanger, Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Office – While at patrol in late July 2018, he noticed a car swerving. He was credited with taking quick and decisive action, stopping the car and apprehending an out-of-state man who had kidnapped a woman earlier that evening.
• Firefighters of the Year: Lt. Matt Allen, Kalkaska Twp. Fire Department; Lt. Kyle Jenkins, Kalkaska Twp. Fire Department; and Firefighter Mark Holston, Kalkaska Twp. Fire Department – During a residential fire in late October 2018, the trio requested to enter the burning structure. Their bravery led to the rescue of a woman and her two dogs.
• Public Servant Award: Shop Foreman Tony Moses, Kalkaska County Road Commission – While preferring to work behind the scenes, Moses has helped keep KCRC crews on the road, during good and bad weather, through his leadership and resourcefulness over his nearly two decades as a mechanic, often having to overcome budget shortfalls.
• Veteran of the Year: Lynn Konzer, Fife Lake Dan H. Wheeler American Legion Post – When a veteran is in need, Konzer is usually one person who makes sure they receive the attention they need and deserve. An inspiration and advocate for local veterans, he has served as the post’s service officer and chaplin, while also being a mentor to many at the post.
• Librarian of the Year: Marta Prieto-Seijas, Kalkaska Public Library – Prieto-Seijas has become a leader at the local library, consistently promoting programs to foster a love of reading in young people.
• Community Hero Award: Terri Sibole, Kalkaska Scouting Programs – Sibole became a den leader nearly a decade ago, when her twin sons signed as new members of Pack No. 629. Like her sons, Sibole advance up the scouting ladder, taking over as scoutmaster for both the Boy and Cub Scouts over four years ago. During her tenure, she’s helped lead the scouts to numerous camps and their continued involvement in community events.
• Sports Booster of the Year: Jack Tanner, Kalkaska Blazer Athletic Department
• Kiwanian of the Year: Judge Odell Carlisle, Kalkaska Kiwanis Club – Carlisle was nominated for his service as a Kiwanis member over 35-plus years, as well as to his dedication to helping children in the community, both through his professional life and through his activism in the local service organization.

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