Citizen, projects of year announced

The Avon Lake Community Council announced the 2018 Avon Lake Citizen of the Year and Projects of the Year on April 27, according to a news release.

The Community Council selected Sandi (Sandra) Gerhan as the 2018 Citizen of the Year.

“Sandi Gerhan, is a prime example of one who has dedicated her life to volunteerism in her community. She spent 30 years with the Mighty Goliath Players in various roles and serves on Heritage Avon Lake as the treasurer,” said Marty O’Donnell president of the Avon Lake Community Council.

Gerhan is also involved in various roles with her church and has assisted senior citizens in preparing their taxes along with helping the homeless with overnight lodging, the release said.

Two projects will be recognized at 2018 Project of the Year: The Avon Lake Boat Club Annual Fish Fry and Whitey the Piebald Deer.

The Boat Club has hosted an fish fry for over 30 years, both feeding and entertaining more than 100 senior citizens in Beach Park Tower in Avon Lake.

“I have been there for the event and the hard work by the Boat Club members to serve dinner compares only to the happy and appreciative faces of the seniors, knowing their community cares,” O’Donnell added. “We were glad we could recognize this ongoing event as Project of the Year.”

The second project being honored, the Whitey the Piebald Deer Project was undertaken by Connie Field and the Love-A-Stray group to raise funds for the preservation of the beloved animal in Avon Lake for future generations.

“Her (Connie’s) efforts brought the community together and led to great joy of families and kids in the process,” O’Donnell said.

The Citizen and Projects of the Year will hold a recognition dinner at 6 p.m. May 17 in the Avon Lake Waugaman Gallery Room.

For information or dinner reservations, contact Marty O’Donnell at 440933-7310 or modonnell@ avonlake.org.