Madison Heights Volunteers Honored with “At Your Service” Awards
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 11, 2023)
Madison Heights, MI – After a lovely tree lighting and welcoming of Santa Claus at Madison Heights City Hall, several community members were invited inside to accept “At Your Service” awards, presented by Mayor Roslyn Grafstein.
“The heart of Madison Heights is our residents and volunteers,” Mayor Grafstein said. “It brings me great joy to recognize a few of those volunteers with our “at your service awards”.
The first award is the Madison Heights Spirit Award, which recognizes those individuals or groups that are constantly promoting Madison Heights and are frequently behind efforts to improve the city. The award was presented to Kevin and Keleila Wright, founders of Madison Heights Citizens United and organizers of the City’s annual Juneteenth event.
“They were nominated as a team because as a couple their whole is greater than the sum of their parts,” Grafstein said. “As founders of Madison Heights Citizen United they work tirelessly to improve the lives of Madison Heights citizens and the broader community. They work year- around to plan opportunities and events such as the annual Juneteenth celebration, Glad to be your Neighbor signs, and positive media promotions for our city. They have helped Madison Heights celebrate our growing diversity which is one of the strengths of our community.”
The Outstanding Neighbor Award is for those who have gone above and beyond to make their communities a more livable place. The award was presented to another involved couple – Michael and Martha Covert.
“The Coverts have been involved in the Madison Heights community for years,” the Mayor said. “As the Vice Chair for the Arts Board, Michael is instrumental in organizing events and dedicating his time and passion to bring Art and Music to the city. Martha serves as the Chairperson for the crime commission, planning city events like the bike rodeo and she was recently recognized for all her volunteer efforts through the Madison Heights Women’s Club. There is hardly a city event that one if not both of the Coverts aren’t in attendance.”
Volunteer of the Year was presented to Dianna Lutz, who is a volunteer for the food pantry and other organizations in the city. “The City relies heavily on the skills, time, talent, and energy of Madison Heights residents who work with appointed officials, paid staff, and elected representatives on issues of importance to the community,” Grafstein said.
The festive event was attended by Mayor Pro-Tem Mark Bliss and council members Emily Rohrbach, Sean Fleming Quinn Wright and Bill Mier. Santa was escorted to the big tree by the fire department, and the Lamphere High School Band welcomed him with a song.
“Seeing holiday decorations and the Civic Plaza lights spread a special feeling of hope and joy that I hope you feel every time you pass by. A hope and joy that I encourage you to share with your family, friends, and neighbors not only during the holiday season but year-round,” Mayor Grafstein said as she addressed the crowd. “I would also ask that we take care of our Madison Heights neighbors who may be lonely or in need, residents less fortunate than ourselves, and soldiers who may be far away from their families. I know they would welcome your expressions of love and support this season.”
Learn more about the City of Madison Heights at https://www.madison-heights.org/.