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Ferndale Residents and Staff Honored with Annual Elks Club Awards
(City of Ferndale, Nov. 10, 2022)
Ferndale, MI – On Nov. 3, 2022,  Ferndale Elks #1588 continued their tradition of honoring hard-working City employees and unsung-hero community members by hosting their annual Law & Order Night.
Seven people were celebrated for their incredible work:
City Employee of the Year, Ferndale Parks & Recreation Program Manager Emanuel Johnson, awarded by Director LaReina Wheeler, for his communications talent, kindness, and passion for working with kids through programs like the Department’s annual Summer Camp.
Firefighter of the Year Andrew Staub, awarded by Fire Chief Teresa Robinson, for his exacting attention to detail and great leadership in the selection process for the city’s (soon to be) new fire apparatus.
DPW (Public Works) Worker of the Year Charles Taube, awarded by Director Dan Antosik, for countless overtime spent plowing snow, cleaning streets, and serving the residents of Ferndale.
Police Officer of the Year Jill Mahlmeister, awarded by Police Chief Dennis Emmi, for her incredible ability to juggle investigative work, community programming, and working one-on-one with families.
Senior Citizen of the Year Carolyn Bar, awarded by FernCare founder Ann Heler, for her heroic volunteerism as the compassionate front-office manager for FernCare Free Clinic, Inc.
Ferndale Citizen of the Year Judy Donlin, awarded by Mayor Melanie Piana and City Councilmember Raylon Leaks May, for being a Ferndale Schools arts and music programs “unsung hero”—costume sewer, prop maker, and more.
And finally, 43rd District Court Employee of the Year Marie Baker (not pictured). Marie was out of town and unable to attend, but will receive a celebration by the Court staff.
And as always, thanks to the Elks for honoring community spirit and hosting such a joyous event, and to Elks President Oscar Renautt for his awesome emcee skills!