|
Prestigious
Governor John B. Swainson Award Presented to Houghton, Wayne County Officials Contact: Casey Kremers (517)
373-5578 |
|
May
20, 2002 William
Anderson, Director of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries,
and Michigan Historical Commission President William Whitbeck today
recognized two outstanding public officials with the prestigious Governor
John B. Swainson Award. Houghton Police Chief Ralph Raffaelli and Frank
Rembisz, Director of the Wayne County Office on Aging, received the award
during the Michigan Week kickoff at the State Capitol. The
Swainson Award is presented by the Michigan Historical Commission to state,
county or municipal employees who have contributed to the preservation of
Michigan history even though such activities are not part of their primary
job responsibility. It was established in honor of John B. Swainson,
Michigan's 40th governor and a strong advocate for preserving the state's
heritage. "Police
Chief Ralph Raffaelli and Frank Rembisz have worked hard to keep important
pieces of Michigan's history alive," said Anderson. "Thanks to
their dedication, Michigan residents can enjoy learning about our state's
rich heritage well into the future." Police
Chief Ralph Raffaelli's collection of photographs of Houghton's people,
places and things has become a historical treasure for the city's residents
and visitors. Photos from his collection appear in displays at numerous local
businesses and along the city's historical walking tour and were featured
inside the city's nationally recognized snow house exhibit, sparking an
interest in the area's history. Frank
Rembisz, Director of the Wayne County Office on Aging and a Hamtramck
resident, made an extraordinary effort to preserve the memory of a former
indigent care complex in Westland, once known as Eloise. He started the
Eloise and Wayne County General Hospital Museum, as well as a Friends of
Eloise group, and has shared his knowledge of the institution's history with
many. |