Chelsea Chamber, Standard honor residents for community service

By Terry Jacoby
Heritage Newspapers

Chelsea Mayor Ann Feeney and Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bob Pierce had a busy day last Wednesday. They teamed up to surprise the three local residents who were recipients of the 2009 Chelsea Citizen of the Year awards.

This award is co-sponsored by The Chelsea Standard and the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce.

The winner of the 2009 Citizen of the Year award was Nancy Harris, founder of Hearts Community Service and volunteer extraordinaire.

Her surprise announcement was made at her new resale shop, Bliss, located on the second floor of Cranesbill Books. Several of her colleagues were present for the announcement.

“Harris has only been a resident of Chelsea for five years, but what an impact she has made on our community,” Pierce said.

This year, the Citizen of the Year committee chose to honor two of Chelsea’s longtime community contributors; Bill Chandler and Will Johnson.

“Bill is one of those citizens who has quietly provided mentoring and support to the community for many years,” Pierce said.

Chandler started the work study program at Chelsea High School, was part of the team who began the Chelsea Help Line in 1990, and for the last 15 years is the behind-the-scene guy who makes all things happen at the historic Chelsea Depot.

Chandler was presented with the news of his selection at the Chelsea Depot. His wife Marilyn and members of the Depot Association were part of the presentation of the award.

“Johnson has served the Chelsea community in so many ways over the years,” Pierce said.

For 23 years he served as the president of Chelsea Community Hospital. Under his leadership, CCH became a leader for community hospitals in many arenas. CCH established the first ambulatory surgery center in Michigan, the first employer sponsored child care center in the state as well as making CCH a welcoming place for the entire community.

Johnson received the news of his selection after his friend and colleague, Art Dils, arranged a “business” meeting at the Arctic Breakaway.

“Surprising the winners with these awards is one of the best parts of my job,” Pierce said. “We work with the families, co-workers, and friends to arrange the fun ‘ambush’ of the winner. They are invariably surprised and overwhelmed by being selected for this award.”

The winners are selected by secret ballot during a meeting that includes past award winners and community and civic leaders in Chelsea.

The process of selecting the winner is not an easy task. Each and every nominee is a deserving individual who has touched the lives of our residents and improved our community in unique ways. Occasionally, the committee has chosen to award two winners for a category, such as this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winners.

A banquet will be held later this year to honor the winners. Details of the banquet will be announced in the next week.