Volunteering IN GRATIOT

County

2022 Volunteers

Linda Bader Spirit of St. Louis Award

Originally from Sandusky, MI, Linda Bader moved to Gratiot County in 1989 and worked as a programmer/ analyst at Alma Products for ten years. After her three children were born, she was able to become a stay-athome mom and run a website design business from home for the next 12 years. In 2011, she purchased her first residential rental property, and this was the beginning of her second business venture which is still active

In 2015, Linda started to research farmers markets in the the area as an outlet for all the extra produce she had from her garden and noticed that St. Louis did not have a market. With the support of local leaders, she became a Certified Market Manager through a training held by the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA). In 2016, the St. Louis Farmers Market was born. The market has grown much in the last six years. It is a way to support small businesses, improve access to healthy food, and provide a place in the community for people to come together. During Covid, they were able to adapt and provide a safe farmers market for vendors, volunteers, and customers. Linda has also partnered with MyMichigan Health to bring the Prescription for Health program to the market. The program provides nutrition education and free produce at the farmers market to encourage healthier eating habits. Linda has served as a member of the Gratiot Collaborative Council, Live Well Gratiot, and the MIFMA Board of Directors, where she has been President since 2020. She is also an active volunteer for the Gratiot Community Garden which provides free produce and a place where the community can come together.

Breckenridge Distinguished Service Award

Chief Durham joined the Breckenridge Police Department in May 1990 serving as a Reserve Police Officer. On July 1st, 1992, Chief Durham was hired full time working midnights and eventually served on the afternoon shift. After 18 years as a Patrol Officer with the Breckenridge Police Department, he was promoted to Chief of Police in 2010. Chief Durham retired the spring of 2022 after thirty years of service to the Village of Breckenridge. During his career, Chief Durham also served with the Breckenridge Wheeler Township Fire/Rescue as a firefighter/EMT during his off hours. Additionally, Chief Durham worked part-time with the Shepherd Police Department, Saginaw Township Police Department, and lastly, the Richland Township Police Department. For the past thirty years, Chief Durham has served the citizens of Breckenridge and other communities with respect and dignity and provided a safe

Chief Durham lives on his ranch, Ranch TW, which he operates with his wife, Mary, in Reed City. It is a forty acre farm with horses, goats, and donkeys and offers riding lessons, breeding, and boarding. Thank you, Chief Durham, for your service to the Village of

Ways to Volunteer in Gratiot County

Gratiot County is full of volunteer opportunities! Right here at the Chamber, we host several events and are always on the lookout for good volunteers. Whether it is participating on one of our planning committees, helping with registration at the Agri-Fit Challenge, or taking tickets at Rural Urban Day, we can help find the perfect fit for you!

Want to volunteer through one of Gratiot’s many non-profits? We have so many to choose from. Make a difference in our community and have an incredible impact on the people we serve. Give us a call at 989-463-5525 and TOGETHER we can figure out where your talents will best be used.