Past Mackinac Chapter Award Recipients
Service Award
These are given to Chapter and Group volunteers and/or leaders who have contributed a significant amount of time and effort to the Club. No Service Awards will be given to active Chapter Executive Committee members except for a specific achievement or contribution. Each Group may nominate as many people as they chose, however tradition has led to the awarding of one Service Award per group per year unless there was a shared project or effort.
2015: Laurie Mercure (CG), James D’Amour (HVG), Kay Cumbow (SEMG), Phil Crookshank (SEMG), Ellen Waara (NG)
2014: Mark Meadows (CMG), Mary Novrocki (CG), Ginny Maturen (HVG), Jerry Hasspacher (SEMG), Henry Newnan (SEMG)
2013: John Ford (HVG), John Wilson (CG), Terry Reechko (NG)2014: Mary Novrocki (CG), Ginny Maturen (HVG), Nancy Shiffler (HVG), Robert Gordon (HVG)
2012: Rick Pearsall (CG), Jerry Schuur (CMG), Kathy and Bill Davis (CUP), Julie Ann Wang (SEMG), Robert Gordon (Chapter), Mary Sexton (special)
2011: Richard Naber (NG), Rita Mitchell (HVG)
2010: Aaran Nelson (Chapter), Mitch Mitchell (SEMG), Don James (NG), Jill Henke (WMG)
2009: Kathy Carlile (WMG, Italia Milan (SEMG), Susan Carr (NG), Julianna Weaver (Chapter), Paul Kindel (CMG)
2008: John Klein (Chapter), Kara Noack (CG)
2007: Sharon Wilson (WMG), Gloria Scicli (SEMG), Alyce Townsend (NG), Dave Vruggink (TG), Lee Burton (CG), Ami Lane-Elliot (Staff), Danielle Craft (Staff), Julie Griess (Political Committee)
2006: Sue Lossing (NG), Ponti Ang (SEMG), Michele Miller-Hansen (WMG), Kathy Guerro (HVG), Peggy Fry (TG), Priscilla Walmsley (TG), Gayle Miller (staff)
2005: Lisa Symons (WMG), William Hamilton (CUP), Robert Simpson (NG), Ron Smith (CG), Jim Stricko (TVG), Nancy Shiffler (HVG), Judy Kindel (Chapter)
2004: Jean Gramlich (SEMG), Lynn and Dean Henning (CMG), Marian Listwak (NG), Beth Laug (WMG), Suzie Heiney (HVG), Bill Pierce (CG), Pam Smith (TVG)
2003: Tina Topalian (HVG), Karen Pierce (CG), Denny Crispell (NG), Marty Lore (WMG), Andrea Dean (TG)
2002: John Herrgott (SEMG), Sue Altman (CUP), John Lewis (TG), Maria Lapinski-LaFaive (CMG), Joanne Cantoni (SEMG), Sarah Houwerzyl (WMG), Mike Sklar (HVG), Jerry Duran (WMNG), Jean Gaffney (NG), Kathy Dulac (CG),Paul Thielking (CG),
2001: Christine Battiste (Intern), Tracie Rexer, Monica Evans(TG), Mary LaFrance (SEMG); Peter Pasterz (CMG)
2000: David Wright (CG), Terry Lemmer (NG), Craig Ressler (WMG), Richard Posey (CUPG), Kevin Bell (HVG)
1999: Sherry Hayden & Mike Keeler (NG), Sue McMahon (CG), Doug Cowherd (HVG), Cindy Mills (KVG), Barbara Yarrow (SEMG)
1998: Bob Duda (SEMG), Linda Berker(NG), Sherry Hayden(NG), Mike Sklar(HVG)
1997: John Rebers (CUP), Dave Bos (CUP), Ana Holden (SEMG), Emily Gobright (CG), Julie Griess (HVG), Joan Paskewitz (HVG), Cathy Semer, Lynn Livingston (NG), Sue Lossing (NG), Lisa Wickman (CMG)
1996: David & Judy Allen (CUP, Paula Ballast (WMG), Cindy Engelmann (NG), Rick Pearsall (CG), John Pulver (WMG), David Warren (HVG), Jan Zender-Romick (TVG)
1995: Dan Minock (CG), Elizabeth Allingham (SEMG), Suzan Berker (NG), Cathy Waller (CUPG), Deb Stenkamp and Judy Thompson (HVG)
1994: Sue Kelly (CG), Pam LaPan (EWG), Lydia Fischer (SEMG), Ruth Graves (HVG) & Dave Piekarczyk (CUPG)
1993: Fawn VanCleve (CMG), Judy Allen (CUPG), Kim Waldo (HVG), Anne Crane (NG), Paul Bruce (NeMG), Dianne Meyer (TLG), Kathy Snook (WMG), Sara Thomas (CG), Loren Beatty (Chapter Lemonade stand), Bob Volz (retreat registrar).
1992: Jean McManus (CMG), John Wilson (NeMG), Connie Hertz (HVG), Dave Shepherd (WMcNG), Eleanor Conaway (CG), Kurt Meister, Janet Young, and Rus Hollister (Chapter)
1991: Gary Semer (Central Michigan), Herold Stokes (Redford), Jim Corcoran (West Bloomfield)
1990: Gil Starks (Mt. Pleasant), Renee Fillion-Crutcher & Dave Crutcher (Detroit), Bob Bergman & Jan O'Connell (Grand Rapids)
1989: Patrick Dengate (Detroit) & George Sexton (Ann Arbor)
1988: Vince Smith (Huron Valley), Linda Berker (Lapeer) & Louis Porter
Theodore Roosevelt Award
2015: Tom Turner
Virginia Prentice Award
This award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the preservation of wilderness and/or the protection of public lands in Michigan. This award is open to both members and non-members.
2015: Marianne Dugan
2014: Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians
2011: Amy Clark Eagle
2007: Cynthia Pryor
2006: Rusty Gates (Anglers of the Au Sable)
2005: Doug Cowherd, Mike Garfield, Bill Hanson
2004: Mary LaFrance
2003: Nancy Shiffler (HVG)
2002: John Rebers
2001: Monica Evans and Lynn Livingston
2000: Dave Allen (CUPG)
1999: Mike Johnson
1998: Carol Ward
1996: Ralph Powell (HVG)
1995: Mike Huntly & Gayle Coyer for protection of public lands in the UP.
1994: Tim Flynn for his work protecting our forests.
1993: John Wilson for work protecting our National Forests.
1992: George Buchner for working to regulate ORV use in Michigan.
1991: Marvin Roberson (Calumet)
1990: Bob Delay (Milford)
1989: Linda Berker (Lapeer) & Drew Barton (Ann Arbor)
1988: Jane Elder (Madison, Wisconsin)
1987: The Honorable Dale Kildee (Flint)
Marlene Fluharty Award
This award is given to a Chapter member who has served the Sierra Club on at least two levels (Group, Chapter &/or National) over an extended period of time and has made significant contributions or is responsible for a major project which has significantly benefited the Club. When making nominations for this award please try to include years involved in Club, jobs and leadership positions held, accomplishments, projects, contributions, awards, etc.
2015: Craig Ressler
2014: Nancy Shiffler (HVG)
2012: Frank Zaski
2010: Shirley Kallio
2009: Ralph and Barbara Powell (HVG)
2008: Ed McArdle (SEMG)
2007: Jan O’Connell (staff, WMG)
2006: Sue Kelly (CG)
2005: Kim Waldo (HVG)
2003: Anna Holden (SEMG)
2002: Lydia Fischer (HVG)
2001: Mike Johnson
2000: Anna Holden (SEMG)
1999: Gary Semer
1998: Jan O’Connell (staff, WMG)
1997: Helen LeBlanc (CG)
1996: Nancy Shiffler (HVG)
1995: John Mitchell
1994: Mike Wagner
1993: Ken Langton
1992: Kathy Mitchell
1991: Lois Robbins
1990: Gwen Nystuen (HVG)
1989: Claudia Applegate
1988: Susan Pemberton
1987: Mark Miller
Environmental Journalism
For environmental reporting or editorials. As of 2000, we have both a broadcast award and a print journalism award. In 2008, an online communications award was added.
Online
2015: Craig Brainard
2012: Jeff Alexander (Bridge Magazine)
2011: Progress Michigan
2008: Eric Baerren of MichiganLiberal.com
Broadcast
2015: Tom Darling (WLNS)
2010: Eartha Melzer The Michigan Messenger, politicalresearch.org)
2009: Glenn Puit (Traverse City Record Eagle)
2008: Michigan Public Radio - The Environment Report
2006: Fox 17 News of Grand Rapids
2004: Marc Schollett (TV 7 & 4)
2002: Sarah Hulett, Michigan Public Radio
2001: Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio
2000: WEMU, Ypsilanti Mi for their "Issues of the Environment" program with David Fair and Donna Southwell
2014: Mark Muhich (CMG)
2013: Keith Matheny (Detroit Free Press)
2012: Jeff Alexander (Bridge Magazine)
2011: Progress Michigan
2010: Jeff Kart (Bay City Times)
2009: Miriam Moeller (Mining Journal)
2008: Curt Guyette (Metro Times)
2007: John Pepin
2006: Jeff Alexander (Muskegon Chronicle)
2004: Traverse City Record-Eagle
2003: The Detroit Free Press for coverage of the lead issue
2002: Paula Evans Neuman, Heritage Newspapers
2001: Metro Times
2000: Michigan Citizen
1998: Shellee Smith & Robin Fornoff, Channel 7, WXYZ
1997: Heater Morgan, Lansing State Journal
1996: Joan Silvi, Craig Fahle, and Gretchen Millick; reporting for the Great Lakes Radio Consortium For environmental reporting or editorials.
1995: Barbara Stanton (Detroit Free Press)
1994: David Poulson of Booth Newspapers
1993: Ken Garber (Ann Arbor Observer for the article on Envotech)
1992: The Detroit Free Press Editorial Board
1990: Donovan Reynolds (WKAR-TV)
1989: Dennis Pfaff (The Detroit News)
Jane Elder Environmentalist of the Year Award
(Formerly Conservationist of the Year) Often awarded to a political leader outside the Club, but need not be restricted to that category.
2015: Jim Nash
2014: George Heartwell
2011: Jennifer Granholm
2010: Steve Chester, former Director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
2008: John Hunting
2006: Senator Liz Brater
2005: Peter Wege
2004: Representative Paul Gieleghem
2003: Margaret Dodd, Mayor of Traverse City
2002: Tim Flynn
2001: Senator Alma Wheeler Smith
2000: Senator Gary Peters
1999: Dave Dempsey
1998: Senator Ken DeBeaussart
1997: The Honorable Lynn Rivers
1996: Michigan Representative Elizabeth Brater
1995: Congressman David Bonior
1993: Paul Henry, US Representative from Grand Rapids
1992: not given (note: the "Anniversary Award" for continued activity for the environment awarded to Howard Wolpe)
1991: Jane Elder
1990: Rep. Mary Brown
White Pine Award
Given to a non-member, organization or group which has shown extraordinary dedication to protection of the environment.
2015: Citizens for Oil Free Back Yards
2014: Great Lakes Environmental Law Center
2013: Heather Miller
2012: Genesee Audubon Society and The Lone Tree Council
2011: Anglers of the Au Sable
2010: Sam Flanery of Building Sciences Academy
2009: Bud DeLong and Tom Harkleroad (for their efforts fighting the Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative coal plant)
2008: Earthkeepers
2007: Crystal Mountain Resort
2006: Robert Bishop
2005: Environmentally Concerned Citizens of South Central Michigan
2004: Stop the Burn Coalition Leadership
2003: Bill Tobler
2002: Ed Lorenz and Murray Borrello of Alma College
2001: Nancy C. Schlichting of Henry Ford Hospital
2000: Jewel Ware, Wayne County Commissioner
1999: Barry Lonik, Potawatomie Land Trust
1998: Tracey Easthope, The Ann Arbor Ecology Center
1997: Ann Hunt, Citizens for Alternatives to Chemical Contamination
1996: Huron River Watershed Council
1995: Janice O'Neal of Flint-Genesse United for Action, Justice & Environmental Safety
1994: Gary & Tess Nelkie of Nordic Sports in Oscoda
1993: White Water Associates for helping businesses to become environmentally responsible
1992: CAE Corporation
1991: Michigan Bell
1990: Bob Munn
1989: Bill Swathout
Chair's Award
Presented by the Chapter Chair to honor a former Mackinac Executive Committee member for her/his past work.
2015: Linda Berker (NG)
2014: Jean Gramlich (SEMG)
2013: Craig Brainard (WMG)
2012: Richard Barron (Political Chair)
2011: Gayle Miller (Political Dir)
2010: Ed Steinman (HVG)
2009: Lydia Fischer (HVG)
2008: Sue Kelly (CG)
2007: Craig Ressler
2006: Helen LeBlanc (CG)
2005: Mike Johnson
2004: David Holtz
2003: Lydia Fischer (HVG)
2002: Fred Townsend
2001: Barbara Yarrow
2000: Judy Thompson
1999: Tim Flynn
1998: Mike Keeler
1997: Carol Graham (NG)
1996: Jan O'Connell
1995: Ron Smith
1994: Gary Semer
1993: Ed McArdle (SEMG)
1992: Nancy Shiffler (HVG)
1991: Anonymous
1990: Ralph Powell (HVG)
1989: Helen LeBlanc & Ken Magnell
Sylvania Award
To recognize a Sierra Club volunteer who is new on the scene, but who has already demonstrated great enthusiasm, hard work, and dedication. (Established 1990)
2015: Ron Kardos
2014: Rebecca Estelle-Skeels
2013: Dave Errickson
2012: Mark Muhich
2011: Kay Cumbow
2010: Laurie Tata
2009: Leigh Fifelski
2008: Mitch Mitchell
2006: Sarah Kubik
2005: Bill Rodgers
2004: Dave Llewellyn
2003: Bill Rodgers
2002: Kim Waldo
2001: Julie Murphy
2000: Tim Killeen
1999: not given
1998: Sue Kelly
1997: Fred Townsend
1996: Judy Thompson
1995: Mike Keeler
1994: John Rebers
1993: Carol Graham
1992: Ron Smith
1991: Fred Young
1990: Rowena Villarias
Vince Smith Award
To recognize outstanding contributions to the Chapter outings program. (Established 1992)
2014: Phil Crookshank (SEMG)
2012: Lorne Beatty (CG)
2011: Roger Blanchard (TLG)
2010: Denny Burr
2000: Elizabeth Allingham
1999: Joanne Spatz
1998: Cindy Engelmann
1997: Ron Killebrew
1996: Elaine Goodspeed
1995: Dave Bos
1994: Bill Minard
1993: Phil Crookshank (SEMG)
1992: Ralph Powell (HVG)
Cougar Award
To recognize outstanding efforts by or with students. (Established 1993)
2014: Liz Starke (Michigan Student Sustainability Coalition)
2011: MSU Beyond Coal Campaign
2008: Knight Center for Environmental Journalism at Michigan State University
2006: Dorothy Blanchard
2005: Katie Culkins
2003: Benzie Centrals Envirothon Team
2002: Chris Little, Kyle Endicott, Alex Lane, Adam Begley, Chris Wilsens
2001: Caleb Kline and Andrew Laycock
2000; Moosewood Nature Center, Marquette Mi
1999: John Pulver, Paula Ballast
1998: Johathan Esmail, Brady Nature Institute
1997: Jeannie Palms and the Blossom Home Preschool
1996: Marvin Downs, Flint Schools
1995: Leslie Science Center : Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti environmental programs
1994: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Stream Team
1993: Lee Burton for establishing the Sierra Eagles and the Pioneer Ecology Club for longstanding work on the environment
Cyber-Punk Award
This award is given to recognize outstanding efforts by an volunteer activist to raise awareness and disseminate information about Michigan’s environment by the use of electronic media.
2015: Bruce Brown (SWMG)
2014: Douglas DeVoid (themichiganvoice.com)
2013: Matt Wandel, Paul Brady, Jacque Rose
2012: Rebecca Hammond
2011: M’Lynn Hartwell
2010: Ed Steinman (HVG)
2005: Bec-N-Call
2003: Rick Pearsall (CG)
1999: Davina Pallone
1997: Anonymous
Life of the Party Award
This award is given to gratefully acknowledge those volunteers who take seriously the Sierra Club’s credo “to enjoy the wild places of the Earth.”
2014: Marty MacCleery (WMG)
2012: Richard Barron and Denny Crispell
2004: Wanda Bloomquist & Lisa Wickman
2003: The Traverse Group
2002: Mark Janeczko
2001: Rita Jack
2000: Gary and Cathy Semer
1999: Mike Keeler (NG)
1998: Gwen Nystuen
1997: Jim Turner (CG), Jerry Wickman (CMG)
Centennial Award
To recognize a dedicated long-time Sierra Club member. Issued only once in celebration of the Sierra Club's 100th Anniversary.
1992: Vince Smith
Burton V. Barnes Award
For academic excellence in support of the environment.
2014: Arn Boezart (Director, Grand Valley State University Alternative Renewable Energy Center)
2012: Rolf Peterson
2011: Murray Borrello
2010: Dr Henry Pollack
2009: Peter Sinclair
2005: Melanie Gunn
2004: Burton V. Barnes
Bunyan Bryant Award
For work in environmental justice.
2015: Anna Holden
2012: Paul Mohai
2011: Lee Sprague
2010: 48217 Zip Code
2009: Sally Kniffen
2008: Detroit Councilwoman Jo Ann Watson
2007: Delores Leonard
2005: Donele Wilkins
2004: Bunyan Bryant