Recognition and honor for two leading citizens
Nov. 11, 2014 PLYMOUTH EAGLE.
Plymouth Michigan News
Symphony chairman honored by county board
Don Soenen of Plymouth has been honored with the Arts Patron Award by the Wayne County Council for the Arts, History and Humanities.
Citing Soenen’s work with the Michigan Philharmonic, where he is the ex-officio chairman of the board of directors, the Village Theater in Canton, the Penn Theatre in downtown Plymouth and his work on the Plymouth Arts and Recreation Center (PARC), the council acknowledged the significant support for the arts Soenen has demonstrated for more than two decades.
“We admire Don Soenen and thank him for his support of the arts in Western Wayne County. Don was behind the drive to build the Village Theater, preserve the Penn in Plymouth when it was threatened with demolition, move the Michigan Philharmonic into the forefront of regional orchestras and is currently working on the PARC project in Plymouth which would bring much needed arts and recreation space to the area”, said Stella Greene, chair of Wayne County Council for the Arts, History and Humanities
The purpose of the Wayne County Council for the Arts, History and Humanities is to promote education and appreciation for the arts, history and humanities in Wayne County. The council consists of citizen volunteers who represent a variety of areas of expertise who organize and conduct many pro- grams and activities throughout the year including the annual recognition awards ceremony that honors outstanding arts and cultural achievement in Wayne County.
Ken Roth is named as Citizen of the Year
The Northville Citizen of the Year award this year went to Ken Roth, a 12-year member of the Northville Community Schools Board of Education.
The award was renamed by the Northville Chamber of Commerce this year to honor John Genitti who died earlier this year after a heart attack.
Roth moved to Northville about 17 years ago and has served three terms on the board of education. He opted to step down this year and will end his tenure after the November election. He has served as treasurer, vice president and president of the board.
Roth will be honored in both Northville Holiday Lighted Parade and the Victorian Festival Parade next year.
Among those in attendance at the award presentation was Superintendent of Schools Mary Kay Gallagher who noted, “Ken represents all that is good in our community.”
She presented Roth with special recognition from the district and State Rep. Kurt Heise and State Sen. Patrick Colbeck presented him with proclamation from the state. Northville Township Supervisor Bob Nix and Terry Marecki, representing Wayne County Commissioner Laura Cox also honored Roth during the evening celebration.
Roth was nominated for the honor by fellow school board member Jim Mazurek who called him an extraordinary leader who helped guide the district through some tough years. “In the past five years that I have known Ken, I can confirm that no one could be more level- headed or willing to step up to the plate. I have personally seen these wonderful characteristics many times during his service on the school board,” Mazurek wrote in the nomination letter. “He is the one you want on your side when the chips are down.”
“It’s humbling to be cast in with the names of former winners,” Roth said.
Plymouth Voice.
