M.B.R.C. Annual Awards


MBRC 2010 Award Recipients


The MBRC 2010 Annual Award receipients, pictured from L to R, Front row: Tony Tollefson, Heidi Gorsalitz, Laura Gordon, Kahlea Berry, Audreey Spaulding, Lisa Black, Dax Richer; Second Row: Mike Brunet, Sue Meyer, Kirsti Brunet, T.J. Brown, Lynette Schneider, Barry Polzin, Aza Wolfcale, Bethany Cody, Sherri Loonsfoot-Alrded, Laurie Winkler, Dan Torres, Joe Burdick.

MBRC each year honors those individuals and/or businesses that have made a positive impact on Marquette. This year there were twenty one awards given out in the eight categories.

The MBRC awarded the Green Spirit Award to two recipients. Michigan Energy Option for their involvement in helping individuals and businesses to save energy. This is a non-profit energy demonstration center which is primarily grant funded by the Dept. of Energy. The Green Spirit Award was also given to the U.S. Coast Guard Station Marquette for building a new facility which is energy efficient. It received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for green buildings.

The Phil Niemisto Volunteer Award was given to member, Lynette Schneider for her work in establishing the Welcome to Marquette garden, implementation of fundraising efforts and her effort for coordinating the speakers for the Garden Conference. The USOEC Athletes were also given the Volunteer Award for their involvement in kicking off the annual Spring Clean Up for the last seventeen years.

The Barbara H. Kelly Historic Preservation Award was given to individuals who have been influential in preserving history and/or historical buildings.
Dr. Kathryn Bishop Eckert was given the award for her involvement as Chief Historic Preservation Officer for the State of Michigan and her help in creating the Arch and Ridge Streets National Historic District. John Jilbert was a recipient for his preservation and restoration of the old Marquette State Park Pavilion which is located in Bishop Woods. Peter and Audrey Kaufman were given this award for all their involvement and their ongoing generosity to the community. Graveraet School and Kaufman Auditorium are in Marquette because of the Kaufman family. Laura Gordon was presented this award for the restoration of her sandstone building located at 120 E. Main Street. Dr. and Mrs. Neil Winkler also were given this award for restoring their home on E. Arch Street after a devastating fire. Most of the wood was cleaned and saved and it was a true labor of love to preserve this house built in 1888. Commercial/Business Improvement Award was given to area businesses that have shown some improvement to their properties. Dan Torres was given the award for both locations of Border Grill - the new building located at 1145 W. Washington and the renovation to the building at 800 N. Third Street. The Family Wellness Center located at 1100 S. Front Street has been remodeled inside. The outside is surrounded by gardens and a water feature is located by the entrance. The owners, Drs. Guy Lasich and Greg Berglund have made this building a welcoming sight to those passing through the area. Matt and Jill Meehleder purchased Randy’s Store at 425 S. Third Street and have transformed this location to the Huron Earth Deli. The interior has been completely renovated and has a very welcoming, home-like feel. Joe Burdick became the owner of Mathews Floor Fashion in April 2009. He has renovated the exterior of the building located at 1025 W. Washington. There is a new sign and there are landscaped gardens surrounding the building. plaNGK a small, design-oriented firm located at 521 W. Washington has updated and renovated this property. This company has also been involved in improving Marquette’s downtown district. The award was also given to the Wild Rover Public House and Bistro located at 146 W. Washington for the extensive renovation that was done both inside and outside. A real improvement to downtown Marquette.

The Back Door Award was given to the Rubaiyat located at 113 W. Baraga for it’s great entrance to the restaurant from the parking lot located on the corner of Front and Rock. There is also a unique and inviting entrance on Baraga Ave. This business has been a wonderful addition to Marquette. The Window Display Award was given to White Gown Black Dress for the unique and eye-catching displays which are usually changed weekly. These displays are done by NMU ar student, Audreey Spaulding.

The Spark Plug Award is given to area businesses and/or individuals who have made a dramatic change. Mike and Kirsti Brunet received this award because of the improvement to their home at 225 E. Michigan. They have renovated and restored this home inside and out. The new porch, landscaping and fence have added a “spark” to their neighborhood. Barry Polzin, Architects was given this award because of their involvement in all of the improvements to Marquette, especially along Lakeshore Boulevard. The Spark Plug Award was also given to the Veridea Group LLC. This full-service commercial real estate company owns and has developed properties in Marquette. This company has influenced the growth of business and has improved the look of this area.

The MBRC had a new award this year, the Youth Award. Sue Meyer was the recipient of this award for her enthusiasm and interest in establishing a childrens garden in her yard. She has five children involved in planning, planting and caring for their area in the garden each year. She is passing her love of gardening onto these children.

M.B.R.C. 2009 Annual Awards

Scroll down to see a photo of the 2009 recipients

Phil Niemesto Volunteer Award

Jane Ryan, Shiras Hills sign and flowers

Barbara H. Kelly Historic Preservation Award

Donckers Candies & Gifts, Tom Vear & Jennifer Ray, Washington St.

Garden Bouquet and Design, Mike & Kim Potts, Baraga St.

Commercial Improvement Award

CoCo's, Patrick & Jackie Gonda, 911 Lakeshore Blvd.

Profiles in Hair Design, Business Owners: Anne Erspamer & Sue Wolf

Building Owners: Debora White & Bob Mann, 412 S. Front St.

River Valley Bank, Manager: Stacy B. Chartelois, 1140 W. Washington

Sign of the Times

Quick Stop Bike Shop, 1100 N. Third Street, Owner: James McAllister,

Snowbound Books, 118 N. Third Street, Owner: Ray Nurmi, Designer of Sign: Dana Shulz

Spark Plug Award

Marquette Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Erika Tyler, 1025 N. Third Street

Pit Stop Quick Lube, Bill Gartner, 1551 W. Washington

Window Display

Mary's Closet, 100 W. Washington St., Owner: Mary O'Donnell

Certificate of Appreciation

Jack O'Neill - lawnmower at Westend sign

Judith Place

Joseph Sabol

The Green Spirit Award

Eric & Jan Meister, Meister's Showplace & Greenhouses, 1060 E. M-28


MBRC 2009 Award Recipients

Front row, from left: Mary O'Donnell, Judy Place, and Patty French (accepting for Dr. Erika Tyler, Marquette Pediatric Dentistry.) Second row, Jennifer Ray, Tom Vear, Bill Gartner, and Joseph Sabol. Third row, Mike Potts, Kim Smith-Potts, Sue Wolf, Anne Erspamer, Jane Ryan, Stacy Chantelois, and Janice and Eric Meister. Top row: Dana Schulz and Ray Nurmi.
See: Full Story in The Mining Journal


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