Governor Granholm Honors 91-Year-Old Volunteer Hero

Lansing, Michigan, May 20, 2003 — Today, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm presented Bud Weber, 91 of Sault Ste. Marie, with a Governor’s Service Award for volunteer service.  At a luncheon ceremony at the Lansing Center, Governor Granholm and First Gentleman Daniel Mulhern bestowed the Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award, the most prestigious of the Governor’s Service Awards, upon Mr. Weber.

“Volunteers are the heroes of our state, and the heart and soul of any effort to create the positive change we seek in the world around us,” says Governor Granholm.  “They give unselfishly of their time and talent and ask for nothing in return.  We owe Mr. Weber, and others like him, a debt of gratitude for all they do, and the Governor’s Service Awards are just one small way we can say thank you.”

Mr. Weber has been volunteering his whole life.  He has been a hard-working advocate and served in so many different ways that his name is synonymous with “Good Samaritan” in Chippewa County.  He was instrumental in starting the United Way of Chippewa County and served as a campaign volunteer for more than 45 years.  As a result of his ongoing work with the United Way, the 15 agencies in Chippewa County receiving United Way funding collectively served one in three residents in 2002.  In 1951, he helped draft the City Charter that is still in effect today.  Mr. Weber’s volunteer service has also impacted Bayliss Public Library, Chippewa County International Airport, American Cancer Society, Lions Club, Hospice of Chippewa County, Salvation Army, First United Presbyterian Church, and more.

Three individuals receiving Honorable Mention recognition for the Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement award are Barbara Alban of Dearborn, Charles Cone of Farmington Hills, and Bobbie Wilson of Battle Creek.

Ms. Alban helped found the Oakwood Hospital Volunteer Guild and the Mt. Carmel Hospital Guild in the early 1970’s and has been involved in their ongoing success.  The Michigan Cancer Foundation benefited from Ms. Alban’s service for more than 20 years.  She has also volunteered at the Christ Child Society of Detroit, United Way Community Services, Wayne County Medical Society Auxiliary, Women’s Association of the Dearborn Orchestral Society, Sacred Heart Church, and the Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Mr. Cone’s volunteer service has saved lives.  As a volunteer pilot with AirLife Line, his 25 missions of mercy transported cancer and transplant patients, burn victims, and more.  At the age of 77, Mr. Cone still volunteers at Operation ABLE of Michigan, the Salvation Army, and the Clarenceville United Methodist Church.  He has been a member of the Lions Club for 23 years and served in many leadership capacities.  As a Lion, he also worked with Madonna University to provide learning resources for students with visual or hearing disabilities.

Ms. Wilson received the award for making a dream come true for the Battle Creek community by restoring the Leila Arboretum to the beautiful landmark it is today.  She began this project in 1982 and is still involved today.  She was instrumental in developing the project’s vision, fund raising, and recruiting volunteers.  She also rolled up her sleeves and worked—she designed gardens, planted flowers, weeded, spread mulch, and more.  Ms. Wilson has been an active member of the Leila Arboretum Society for 20 years; she has served on the board of directors and was the organization’s third president.    In addition to her work with the Leila Arboretum, Ms. Wilson has volunteered with a myriad of other organizations including the local chapter of Keep America Beautiful, Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Commission, Historical Commission, United Way of Greater Battle Creek, and Sesquicentennial Celebration.

The 2003 Governor’s Service Awards, proudly sponsored by State Farm Insurance Companies, are presented monthly to individuals, groups, families, businesses, and organizations.  The awards acknowledge the commitment volunteers make to meet the challenges facing communities.  Friends, relatives, and colleagues submit nominations to pay tribute to those they feel exemplify the spirit of volunteer service.  An objective peer review panel selects winners and honorable mention recipients.  The Michigan Community Service Commission manages the awards program. 

Governor’s Service Awards nominations are accepted throughout the year, so nominate a volunteer today.  A nomination form can be found on the MCSC web site at www.michigan.gov/mcsc or mailed to you by contacting Kathie Vasilion at the MCSC at (517) 373-4200 or vasilionk@michigan.gov.

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Background

The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) is a state agency that funds and supports programs that encourage all Michigan residents to volunteer.  Annually, the MCSC grants more than $7.5 million in federal funds and $780,000 in state funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities.  Currently, the MCSC funds 24 AmeriCorps programs, 47 Learn and Serve programs, 12 Volunteer Investment Grants, and 8 local Michigan Citizen Corps Councils.  In 2002, these programs engaged more than 56,000 people in volunteer activities.