BENTON TOWNSHIP — During its annual volunteer appreciation dinner and reception on Tuesday, July 11, The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College named Larry and Linda Becker of St. Joseph the 2017 to 2018 Volunteers of the Year. They were recognized for their efforts from among the group of more than 100 active volunteers.

The Beckers began volunteering with The Mendel Center in 2013. They also volunteer with the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, the Silver Beach Carousel and The Soup Kitchen in Benton Harbor. During the event, Linda shared that one of her favorite memories of her time as a Mendel Center volunteer was driving Mike Love and the rest of the Beach Boys around town.

“The Beckers are rock-solid volunteers,” said Grace Kelmer, director of The Mendel Center Mainstage. “They are always willing to help wherever they are needed, and they especially excel as ticket-takers. In that position, they greet every patron who passes through their doors with the most genuine welcome. I am thrilled to have Larry and Linda as part of The Mendel Center volunteer team.”

Other’s recognized during the event included 22 volunteers being awarded service anniversary pins. They are:

5-years of service: Larry Becker, Linda Becker, Larry Frank, Ruth Ludlow, Kathy Manning, Bruce Nitz, Leanne Nitz and Carol Reidsma

15 years of service: Virginia Skibbe

20 years of service: Jean McNitt and Linda McPherson

25-years of service: Dorothea Crocker, Mary Ann Forsythe, Dee Friske, WyVonne Johnson, Kelvin Krantz, Norita Lachica, Debbie McCartney, Candace Onweller, Mabel Ott, Linda Steinke and Joyce Stockman

The annual appreciation event celebrates the work of volunteers who staff nearly 100 Mendel Center and community events each year and recognizes the thousands of hours of donated service that make performances and events possible.

Mendel Center volunteers are responsible for ensuring patron safety, ushering, patron assistance and other assignments related to day-of-show operations. The volunteer corps assists with events including Mainstage performances, the annual Lake Michigan College commencement ceremony, Fine Arts department performances, The Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan Speakers Series, Blossomtime pageants and many others.

Those interested in joining the volunteer team may contact the Mendel Center Volunteer Office at volunteers@lakemichigancollege.edu or (269) 927-8700, option 4.