The Mackinac Straits Hospital Auxiliary receives the Chamber's Community Service Award. The group was founded in 1953. Pictured (from left) are Peggy Brown, Shirley Sorrels of the Chamber, who presented the award, Clara McKinnon, and Donna Pope. John Lipnitz was named the 40th recipient of the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year award at the group's annual dinner at Little Bear East Conference Center Thursday, May 18. He was recognized for his longtime service to the business community and his work with the Lions Club, Downtown Development Authority, and school board.

"Now I know why Maureen wanted me here on time," he laughed as he accepted the award.

Mr. Lipnitz was selected by business colleagues who are members of the Chamber of Commerce.

"From the information we received, there was a lot on John," said Janet Peterson, the Chamber's executive director. "Overall, he is a pretty quiet guy, but if you start looking at what he has been involved in over the years you see that he's been quite active in the community. He quietly does what he does."

John Lipnitz was named St. Ignace Ambassador of the Year by the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce at its annual dinner at Little Bear East Conference Center Thursday, May 18. Pictured are (front, from left) Erica Lipnitz, Karen Cheeseman, Maureen Lipnitz, John Lipnitz, Kirk Lipnitz, Julie H. Lipnitz, Julie D. Lipnitz; (back) Darin Lloyd, and Greg Cheeseman. Mr. Lipnitz opened Gamble Hardware in 1968. Now called True Value Hardware, Mr. Lipnitz is passing on his family business to his son and daughter-in-law, Kirk and Julie of Moran, where the Lipnitz family is opening another hardware store.

Julie Lipnitz, a member of the Chamber board of directors, announced the award and State Representative Gary McDowell presented a proclamation signed by Governor Jennifer Granholm, Senator Jason Allen, and himself.

John Lipnitz has been a member of the St. Ignace Lions Club for more than 30 years, being named Lion of the Year in 2002. He has also been involved with the St. Ignace Downtown Development Authority and the Chamber, serving as president of the board at one time. He was also the head of the St. Ignace Area Schools Board of Education for eight years, serving the board as a member for a total of 13 years.

Jason Byma and Stephanie Terpening (right) received the Chamber's Community Spirit Award for their commitment to education and community entertainment. Elizabeth Brown (center) presented the award . "He's committed a lot of volunteer time for this community as well as running his businesses over the years," said Mrs. Peterson. "That's why we changed the award name from Citizen of the Year to Ambassador of the Year, because we want a person to represent this award as someone who is more involved than just his or her business. John is that person."

John and Maureen Lipnitz have been married for 38 years. They have four children, Julie, Kirk, Karen, and Erica, and three grandchildren, Joey, Addison, and Jax.

The Mackinac Straits Hospital Auxiliary was awarded the Chamber's Community Service award for its involvement support of the hospital and for organizing four blood drives a year and collecting donations for the American Cancer Society. Accepting the award were Donna Pope and Auxiliary founding members Peggy Brown, and Clara McKinnon.

LaSalle High School senior Brad Silet (above) received the Chamber's Community Student Award from last year's winner, Joey Weiss. Mr. Silet is involved in community service and is on a number of school clubs and sports teams. LaSalle High School senior Brad Silet was given the Chamber of Commerce Student Award for his volunteerism. Last year's award winner, Joey Weiss, presented

a plaque to Mr. Silet, who donated more than 130 hours of community service through a school program. He is also on the National Honor Society and is a member of many other school clubs and athletic teams. He is the son of Monica and Richard Silet.

Stephanie Terpening and Jason Byma, LaSalle High School music teachers, were awarded the Chamber's Community Spirit Award. Ms. Terpening is the school's vocal music instructor and Mr. Byma is the school's band teacher. Both are graduates of Central Michigan University. Former CMU professor and St. Ignace business owner Elizabeth Brown, who once taught Ms. Terpening, presented the plaques in memory of the late Robert Hohner, who taught percussion to both recipients.

LaSalle's Saints of Steel drum band provided music at the dinner and the Glen Memorial Baptist Church Saints Alive Youth Group bussed the tables.

Those who attended were treated to a meal in which 17 local businesses set up stations around the conference center, offering samples of various dishes.