Sylvan Township officials last week awarded its first Citizen of the Year (COTY) award to Mike Jurosek, who has spent the last 4-5 years as a township volunteer assisting the Sylvan Township Water and Sewer Authority.
Jurosek was nominated for the new award by Marc Keezer, chairman of the authority, who has worked with him for the last several years.
Both Sylvan Township Supervisor Scott Cooper and Treasurer Rod Branham said the Township Board had been looking for a way to recognize Jurosek for his efforts.
“He, easily, puts in 25 hours a week, 100 hours a month,” Cooper said, adding, “It’s amazing the time and work he puts in on this,” Cooper said.
From billing and budgets to efficiency improvements, Jurosek has devoted many hours to learning all he can about the sewer and water operation.
“Mike is the perfect example of what concerned citizens should do in a difficult situation,” Keezer said in his nomination. “Instead of complaining about the past, which gets you nowhere, Mike is doing something to improve the future. All who know Mike will agree that as a volunteer, the amount of time he has put toward the Sylvan Water and Sewer Authority is astonishing.”
Keezer’s nomination said, “Mike is always searching for new avenues to save money and improve efficiency in billing and operations of the water & sewer system. His time, energy and willingness to go the extra mile may not be seen by the residents but without him success of our authority would be difficult.”
Cooper said the COTY will be an annual award given in January for the previous year, and in addition to an individual award that’s given to the recipient, there will be a master plaque in the foyer of Township Hall with all the winner’s names engraved on it.
Bravo, Mike Jurosek!! Sylvan will have to look very hard next year to find a citizen who comes close to matching Mike’s commitment and quality of work. Mike richly deserves this award and the deep gratitude of Sylvan Township officials and residents.
I am glad that all the work I’ve been doing is appreciated, and hopefully I can make things a little better. I have had a lot of help. Thanks to Libby Brushaber for helping get organized, Multi Lake – Lloyd Lewis, Judi Paul, Bob M. & the crew as well as the MLWSA Board. Bob Halliwell has patiently answered all my questions on operations. Paul Chatfield from Leoni DPW whom I have bugged to no end about the sewer system. Keith from Booklyn DPW, and many more.
I’ve only listed a few off the top of my head, but I would like to make a point to anyone out there who might want to get involved rather than sit on the sidelines – There are a lot of great people out there willing to help anyone who wants to work. C’mon in – we need you!
The folks in Sylvan have NO IDEA how hard Mike works and the amount of time that he spends at and away from the township at various meetings and repair call outs. I simply cannot say enough about what Mike does for the township and very grateful we are to have him. He has a very difficult job trying to keep the bandaid on this water and sewer system and he does it and sometimes it is just short of miraculous. Thank you Mike for all you do!!