YUGEN - A Backus Boutique Salon
The November Commitment to Community Award is presented to the YUGEN - A Backus Boutique Salon. Matty and Stephanie Backus, owners of the salon, contribute so much to the community. They held a “Food & Fund Drive” to collect non-perishables and much appreciated funds for the Northwest Indiana Food Bank. They also provide a platform for small, local businesses by hosting special “Pop Up” events where they can showcase and sell their merchandise.
In addition to helping the community, they also take care of their clients who might need a little extra support. They reach out to the elderly for assistance with appointments. Our nominator even mentioned how Matty was able to make her husband feel comfortable and maintain his dignity while cutting his hair with his oxygen in place. These small gestures do not go unnoticed and are greatly appreciated and remembered. Congratulations on this well-deserved award and thank you again.
Johnny Boersma
Congratulations to Johnny Boersma, Founder of Mission One, as our September 2021 recipient of the Making a Difference: Commitment to Community Award. Mission One is committed to serving the Heroes who selflessly protect our borders and communities. They truly go above and beyond for Active Military, Veterans and First Responders. Some examples include donating Holiday dinners to Veterans and First Responders, providing basic needs to Veterans like transportation, groceries, vehicles, housing, and even spending some much needed one and one time to keep their spirits lifted. Mission One is responsible for hosting numerous fundraisers and bike runs to raise funds for our First Responders and Veterans. Johnny says, “I will not stop helping our Heroes who didn’t think twice about helping our Country. I give 100% and always do my best to help or assist any Veteran in need.” Thank you Mission One for all you do and please accept this small token of appreciation.
Froggie Latin Kitchen
Congratulations to Froggie Latin Kitchen as our August 2021 recipient of the Commitment to Community Award. They graciously cook meals too many groups in our community including local police and fire departments. They have a special place in their hearts for Veterans and active military servicemen and also provide meals and donations to these individuals. Froggie Latin Kitchen donates all these meals expecting nothing in return. They feel this is part of their responsibility as members of our community. Congratulations and a huge thank you to Patricia Alvarez and family.
July 28 GFWC Women's Club of St. John
Congratulations to the GFWC Women's Club of St. John as our July 2021 recipient of the Commitment to Community Award. This hard-working group of women in our Town has contributed too many Town events, including the Independence Day Bike Parade, Boo Bash, and the Easter Egg Hunt. They have also held fundraisers and donated to various community organizations including Bunco for Breast Cancer Cure, Rape Crisis Center, and Haven House. This group has also created and sewn pillows for chemo patients, seat belt pads for breast cancer patients, teddy bears for the police department, lap pillows for Veterans, etc. Congratulations and thank you for all you have done for our community.
June 23 Michael Biegel
Congratulations to Michael Biegel as our June 2021 recipient of the Commitment to Community Award. Michael, a current college student, has spent his free time coaching, and more importantly mentoring, a group of 14-year old boys from our community about not only the game of baseball but life in general. He has taught them to have a strong work ethic, maintain positive self worth, uplift your teammates, celebrate the wins and embrace the losses, and always give back to the community in which you live. Some of their positive community actions include participating in a 5K for Suicide Prevention, writing letters to Veterans, raking leaves for the elderly, and sponsoring a child from an Angel tree at Christmas time. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead. Congratulations and thank you Michael Biegel.
May 26 John Quinlan
Congratulations to John Quinlan as our May 2021 recipient for the Commitment to Community Award. John was a key contributor to our Town’s Community Garden project. He donated his time, talent, and craftsmanship towards building 30 raised garden beds for the Town. His generosity of many, many hours of labor to construct the raised boxes will provide a lasting gift to the Town of St. John. Congratulations and thank you John Quinlan.
April 28 Welch's Stop & Shop
Congratulations to Welch's Stop & Shop as our April 2021 honoree for our Making a Difference: Commitment to Community award presented at tonight’s Economic Development Committee meeting. This award recognizes deserving businesses, organizations, and individuals who are making a difference in our community through their time, actions, and dedication. Stop and Shop was one of several nominations received and was selected by a panel of 6 Town employees representing all departments. I couldn’t think of a more deserving business for this award and I would like to personally thank Ed for all that he has done for our community.
