Patriot Award Presented to Sparta Volunteers

Several community organizations in the township were recognized for their volunteer efforts at Sparta's Township Committee meeting Tuesday night.

Over a dozen community members received a Patriot Award by township council members. The award is presented every four months as a "thank you" to the volunteers for their service in the township.

The recipients of the award were Girls on the Run members Dr. Christian Conzonierio, Vikki Szabo, Janine Cerra, Maureen Dykstra, Jennifer Morelle, Julie Killen, Melissa Fagersten and Deb Siipola; Gary Kolakowski for his cleanup efforts during Sandy; John Durkot of the VFW; Bishop Dustin Townsend of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Anthony Alfonso of Sparta Elks; and Bill Gervens and Scott Braen of Braen Stone of Sparta. 

Council members thanked each member and presented the award to all of the volunteers on Tuesday night.

Mayor Jerry Murphy also read a proclamation and thanked all township employees for their work efforts during Hurricane Sandy aftermath.

"The response by all units of local government was above and beyond the normal call of duty," he said.