ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Escanaba Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has recognized residents making a difference in their city.
DDA Director Craig Woerpel presented Community Service Awards to six individuals during Thursday evening’s City Council meeting.
“The goal is to build a community that people want to live in,” he said. “That, in turn, will attract businesses and encourage investment in our community.”
DDA Board member Janice Beauchamp received a Community Service Award for organizing the Escanaba Christmas parade, which is scheduled for December 6. Local musician Michael Canull earned the award for helping to bring even more live music events to Downtown Escanaba.
Couple Beth and Jamie Peterson were also honored for their contribution to this year’s City Christmas tree. Beth, an art teacher, initiated a project that led to 143 Escanaba Upper Elementary School students decorating ornaments for the tree. Jamie created the unique star at the top of the tree.
When Woerpel presented a Community Service Award to recipient Monte Morrison, it was an emotional moment.
In January, a fire at 1011 Ludington Street killed one person and destroyed two businesses. A neighboring building, which then housed the East Ludington Gallery and was owned by Woerpel, suffered severe smoke and structural damage.
Just around the corner, the flower bed in front of the DDA building was in need of repair due to years of wear and tear caused by skateboarders. Morrison told the DDA he wanted to repair the flower bed. When Woerpel’s building was about to be torn down, he requested the two large stones at the top of it.
“They didn’t appear to be anything special and I couldn’t imagine how they would look any good at Center Court, but Monte saw differently,” Woerpel said. “He took those two stones and their bases and created a beautiful display at Center Court. What is really neat is that the stones at the corners of the flower bed acknowledges the history of our community. That 134-year-old building lives on, even though it was destroyed by fire. I cannot thank Monte enough for his vision in creating a unique tribute to our past.”
Mayor Mark Ammel was also surprised with a Community Service Award for his dedication to the Marketplace and his work with the Esky Cleanup week each spring.
Woerpel closed his presentation by saying the DDA hopes to continue providing assistance with developments downtown and promoting local events.
