Jerry Flenar, of Buchanan, was nominated for the 2017 Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award last week at the Grand Upton Hall at Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center.

The Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award is presented to one volunteer from the area who demonstrates a long-standing history of volunteer contributions, diversity of volunteer experience with multiple organizations, and teamwork and leadership experience.

Flenar is a volunteer with the Buchanan Lions Club and was nominated for the award by the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club.

Flenar received $750 to donate to a nonprofit of his choice.

Arden Pridgeon, 93, was announced as the winner and received a $3,500 donation to the non-profit organization of his choice.

Pridgeon is an active member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph Lions Club and the St. Joseph Senior Center. He has served as a volunteer with Forgotten Man Ministries at the Berrien County Jail for the last 25 years and has volunteered with the Hospice for Veterans Program that honors veterans who are in hospice