The Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the “Chelsea Standard,” recently announced Chelsea’s 2013 Citizen of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award Winners.
These awards are one of the most important awards our community can bestow on our residents, according to the press release, which has been edited and appears below.
Chelsea is blessed with a wealth of residents who are committed and dedicated to serving our community. This year, we’re honored to recognize two such residents.
Burrill Strong‘s presence in the community has taken him from the Chelsea High School football fields to the Chelsea District Library and everywhere in between.
A lifelong Chelsea resident, Strong has dedicated his talent and energy to our city, his church, family, and the athletes of Chelsea.
He can be seen at most athletic events, including the Chelsea Monitors Base Ball games, Sounds & Sights and the Chelsea Community Fair.
A member of the Immanuel Bible Church, he designed the church’s website and takes most of the photos featured there. Plus, he works behind the scenes to make Sunday service possible.
Father Joseph Rinaldo (Father Joe) is a very humble and pious man who has dedicated his life to caring for children and adults who are developmentally disabled.
He’s been a Chelsea resident for over 30 years and yet many aren’t aware of the tremendous work he has done and continues to do. From helping and working with the developmentally disabled young men at St. Louis School, to the poorest of the poor in the Philippines where he was instrumental in having a well built for the people living without clean water.
His compassion transcends all faiths in the community. Whether ministering to families that have experienced the death of a family member, or presiding over the celebration of a marriage, his pastoral care is unsurpassed. When he prays, be it a dinner, a funeral or any gathering, it is from the heart and truly inspiring.
Father Joe is always willing to assist, but never willing to take a stipend for his work.
The winners are selected by secret ballot during a meeting that includes past award winners and community and civic leaders. Each nominee is a deserving individual who has touched the lives of residents and improved our community in unique ways.
A banquet in the winners’ honor will take place Thursday, Oct. 17th, at the Chelsea Comfort Inn & Village Conference Center at 6:30 p.m. to honor our winners.
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