MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – As in the past 27 years, the annual Macomb County Commissioners Volunteer Recognition Program took place at the Macomb County Administration Building in Mount Clemens, Mich. The Macomb County Board of Commissioners, consisting of 13 districts, annually distributes awards to dedicated individuals who have volunteered their time benefiting the county and its residents.
This year, more than 60 volunteers were recognized on April 27 for their dedication to serving others in Macomb County and throughout southeastern Michigan. To be considered for the award, individuals must meet two requirements: they must have donated at least 150 hours of service to the community and either must reside in Macomb County or their volunteerism must have benefited the county and its residents. Honorees were nominated by various churches, schools, organizations and clubs. Their volunteerism varied from humanitarian and community-oriented deeds to community-related art, music, sports and other contributions.
Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Branch 96 of the Detroit Regional Council this year nominated a selfless, hard-working and dedicated volunteer and activist of many, many years – Marie Zarycky-Cherviovskiy. Branch 96 noted that Ms. Zarycky-Cherviovskiy earned her place among the other honorees of Macomb County for her lifelong contributions to the community.
The honorees, along with their guests, were invited to attend a reception in their honor on the first floor of the Administration Building prior to the meeting and award ceremony. The volunteers and their guests had an opportunity to mingle and meet with each of the 13 commissioners, and with other honorees. A long table of savory and sweet delights was set up for everyone to enjoy while getting acquainted and enjoying the view from the newly renovated Macomb County Building.
Afterwards, moving to the board room, which was quickly filled to standing-room capacity, the awards ceremony was opened by the board chair, Commissioner Bob Smith of the 12th District, who introduced all the other commissioners. Each commissioner then stepped forward for pictures, as volunteers from his or her district were awarded certificates of recognition, and their achievements were read aloud.
Ms. Zarycky-Cherviovskiy was introduced as a member of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America and of the Ukrainian American Civic Committee who has assisted the elderly at the Ukrainian Village in Warren. She would often drive them to their doctor’s appointments and helped them fill out forms to obtain prescription medications. She has also assisted in arranging accommodations and free medical treatment for injured soldiers from war-torn Ukraine who arrived in the United States needing specialized medical intervention.
She also worked towards ensuring that the Holodomor, the genocidal famine of 1932-1933 in Ukraine, would be included in Michigan’s public school social studies curricula along with the Holocaust and the Armenian genocide.
Ms. Zarycky-Cherviovskiy received her award from Andrey Duzyj, commissioner of District 1, who has served in this capacity for five two-year terms and hails from the Ukrainian community in Warren. In his post Mr. Duzyj also serves as chairman of Health and Human Services for all of Macomb County and is a member of the committee for Justice and Public Safety in the area, as well as the Agency on Aging.
As noted in the brochure for the ceremony honoring the community volunteers, “Every act of kindness grows the spirit and strengthens the soul.”