Johnston Photography, owned by Oxford resident Dorothy Johnston (above), was the winner of the Oxford Community Development Authority’s holiday decorating contest. Businesses were asked to decorate their storefronts according to the Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas parade theme, which was 1950s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Johnston’s window, at 8 N. Washington St., featured life-size, cutout photos of her employees and herself dressed in poodle skirts and decorating a Christmas tree.

Cutting Edge Center for Dance and Pilates won “honorable mention” in the OCDA’s decorating contest with a storefront window centered around legendary 1950s rebel James Dean. The 17 S. Washington St. business is owned by mother-daughter team, Kathy Leonard (left) and Katie Clark.

Pictured from left are the winners of The Lake Orion Review’s and T&C Federal Credit Union’s Mother’s Day Coloring Contest: Cassie Roach, 6, of Lake Orion, Makayla Greening, 3 1/2, of Lake Orion, and Stephanie Wong, 10, of Lake Orion, along with T&C Orion Branch Manager Elizabeth Meyer (right). Each of the girls won $50 from The Review, and $50 in Moola Savings from T&C for their artistic efforts. Their entries will be posted at T&C, located at the corner of Silverbell and Lapeer Roads in Orion Township. Photo by Lisa Valentine.

There is no greater honor than the recognition received for a job well done. A small pat on the back or a kind word of praise can make anything worthwhile.
With that thought in mind, 11 unique individuals were honored for their hard work and dedication on May 17 at the 21st Annual Clarkston Community Awards.
For the first time, the event was held during an evening ceremony in the Clarkston Junior High School auditorium. A video presentation featuring the ‘voices of Clarkston? introduced each of the award winners. A special insert profiling the award winners was provided after the ceremony.
And now, announcing the winners of the 21st Annual Community Awards:

Citizens of the Year
Jo Vaara is an active volunteer in Hospice Care, Reach to Recovery and her church. She was nominated by Penny Stoglin for her 18 years of work with the cancer support group.
A cancer survivor herself, Jo would coordinate meeting space, mailings, guest speakers and volunteers for the group. According to Stoglin, visitors from other communities often comment on the warmth and enjoyment they receive when attending the Clarkston group.

Sandy Mabery is a local businessman who volunteers so much time at O.A.T.S. he jokes that he must ‘thank his wife because she never sees him.?
O.A.T.S. (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles, Inc.) offers horseback riding programs for the handicapped. Sandy volunteers every Tuesday at the facility to assist with special needs riders.
Concerned the some elderly riders could not participate, Sandy spearheaded a cart-driving program which included the purchase the cart and learning to drive the rig himself. The program now allows many individuals from assisted living homes to experience the possibilities at O.A.T.S.
Sandy was nominated by Nancy Lee Heussner, O.A.T.S.

? Young Woman of the Year: Laura Kuhta
‘Lu? Kuhta was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2001 and started intensive anti-cancer chemotherapy in the eighth grade. She completed her treatments in February 2002.
Throughout her school years, Lu remains active in Student Council, National Honor Society, the CHS golf team and swim team. She is also a member of Destination Imagination, Odyssey of the Mind and finds time to volunteer for Paint the Town, Relay for Life and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Lu plans to study business at Arizona State University in the fall.

? Young Man of the Year: Ian Sabbag
Ian Sabbag, a scholar athlete and peer leader, is remembered most for his work to help an exchange student during his junior year at CHS.
Ian became friends with an exchange student who was at risk of being sent home because of difficulties with his placement family. Ian convinced the placement agency to allow the student to complete the school year with the Sabbag family.
Ian is a recipient of the Clarkston Foundation Excellence in Science Award and plans to attend Albion College to study business/management and economics.

? Adult Youth Volunteer: Don Brose
What does Don Brose not do for children?
He is the current Governor for the Michigan District of Optimist International and a long time leader in the Optimist, Octagon, Junior Optimist and Alpha Clubs throughout Clarkston. In fact, Don helped to establish many of these clubs throughout Clarkston Schools.
In addition to providing school youth programs, Don is highly involved with the local Optimist chapter and even chaperones youth trips to Optimist International national conventions.
Don was nominated by Jill Popour.

? Community Preservation: Clarkston Community Schools
The ‘Old Church Street school? is now has a sparkling self-image thanks to new windows; cleaned brick; glazed, stained concrete floors; and new Monet tiling around each drinking fountain. The older 1950’s addition was replaced with an expanded structure that matches the fascia of the original building.
Porcelain tiles, stained concrete and terrazzo are just a few of the building materials used. The gym floor was repainted and sealed and the classrooms received new carpeting.
The district was nominated by Clarkston Schools Communications Director Anita Banach.

? Community Beautification: Tim Wickersham
Many a passerby will not believe the transformation the structure at 7300 Dixie Hwy. has undergone thanks to Tim Wickersham.
Wickersham refurbished the existing structure and then tied the building into a new structure he built on the nearby vacant lot.
The property was nominated by David Kramer.

? Community Enhancement: CHS Pom Pon Team
Under the direction of Erin Montera, the young ladies on the Pom Pon team have participated in several community activities:
? Collecting personal hygiene products for Lighthouse
? Volunteering at Art in the Village
? Preparing dinners for families staying at the Detroit Ronald McDonald House
? Providing summer dance class for SCAMP
? Volunteering at the Ennis Center in Pontiac.
The Pom Pon Team was nominated by Cheryl McGinnis.

Community Collaboration: The Sassy Ladies Calendar
The ‘Sassy Ladies? calendar was done as a fund-raiser to assist Clarkston businesswoman Theresa Tersigna, who needed help raising money for a liver transplant. The charitable project was a cooperative effort between Sigma Beta Sorority, Psi Chapter ? Louise Bisogni, Judy Addis and Linda Walsh-Lapinski, and Coldwell Banker Schweitzer.
The calendar brought together more than 40 women, all age 45 or older, posing as calendar girls in a project that was tongue-in-cheek and risk?. The project received extensive local and national attention.
To date, the ‘Sassy Ladies? calendar has raise almost $42,000. The ladies were nominated by their number one fan, Fred Ritter.

Businesswoman of the Year: Jennifer Szewe
Szewe is described by her employees as ‘Tough on results, but kind with people.? Many see her as a mentor and friend who encourages them to set high personal and professional goals.
Which is probably why so many individuals nominated the Outback Steakhouse boss for this award ? Terri Bendes, Matthew Blaquiere and Debbie Burton.
In the past year, Szewe and the Outback staff have participated in over 80 community projects such as raising funds for the Clintonwood Spray Park and organizing and hosting a Benefit Bike Ride for the Fallen Heroes Memorial.
Szewe said she wants her staff to understand the importance of giving back to the community.

Businessman of the Year: Robert E. Kostin
The old adage goes, ‘Charity begins at home,? and Robert E. Kostin symbolizes that golden rule to a tee.
Kostin is well known as a local attorney who focuses on family issues such as divorce and custody of minor children. Throughout his 30 years in the field, he has gained a reputation for the professionalism and courtesy he extends to all, especially his clients.
In fact, Kostin will often take a case ‘pro bono? if he feels there is a grave injustice ? and Kostin carries that generosity into the community.
Since 2001, Kostin was one of the top 10 financial supporters of the Chamber of Commerce, and he was the top donor for three of those years. Outside of the chamber, he donates his time and support to the Fourth of July Fireworks, Clarkston Optimist Club, Clarkston SCAMP, Clarkston Chiefs Football, Bailey Lake Elementary and Calvary Lutheran Church.

Three lucky local ladies won The Oxford Leader/Oxford 7 Cinema’s annual Oscar contest. Nearly 1,000 entries were submitted as readers made their picks for the Academy Awards. First place went to Judie Wurges, of Lake Orion, who received 52 pairs of movie passes. Eva Sylvester, also of Lake Orion, won second place and 52 single movie passes. In third place was Nancy Styles, of Oxford, who received 26 single movie passes. Presenting the passes to the winners is Oxford 7 Cinema representative Josh Miller. Congratulations ladies! See you at the movies.