Ed Vlcek arrived at the Chelsea Athletic Booster concession stand inside the Chelsea High School football stadium Thursday afternoon ready to get the food rolling for visitors to the first football scrimmage.
What he didn’t know was there was a group of people waiting to surprise him with the news that he had been chosen as the 2015 Chelsea Citizen of the Year.
“It’s certainly a surprise,” he said after receiving the proclamation, balloons, donated by GiGi’s Flowers and a key to the city.
In addition to a long history of service to the boy scouts, Vlcek said he first got involved with the boosters when his wife talked him into volunteering for the boosters after a number of board members had resigned.
“It was for one year,” he said.
And that was about 15 years ago.
“She bailed after two years,” he said with a big smile, “and I’m still here. I do it because of a love for it. I don’t golf, I do this because I love it.”
Vlcek says he’s served under eight different board presidents during his time on the board, which helps all the varsity sports at the high school. In addition, the boosters work closely with the Chelsea Community Fair Board to park cars and at the admissions gates.
The Citizen of the Year Award is presented to a Chelsea area resident who has demonstrated, over the past year, a commitment and involvement in our community with the selfless intent to improve the quality of life for all of the citizens of Chelsea.
“Your selfless support of the Chelsea Athletic Boosters, ensuring the accessibility of enriching opportunities for our students, is the true essence of this award,” the proclamation stated.
And, Vleck will have an honored position in the Chelsea Community Fair Parade on Saturday, Aug. 29.
The formal presentation of this distinguished award will take place on Thursday, Oct. 22, during a banquet to honor both the Citizen of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement winner Lynda Collins at the Chelsea Comfort Inn and Village Conference Center.
“On behalf of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce, Chelsea Update, and the citizens of Chelsea, we congratulate you and thank you for your dedication and service to our wonderful community,” the proclamation states.
