MARGARET FERGUSON

Barre City, Vermont

Margaret Ferguson has been a vital support for Barre residents (and others) for over 20 years. She has helped many go from crisis to success, from wondering how they were going to pay their rent to running their own business. No matter what time of day, Margaret was there to help. If you needed a place to live or an extra hand at 4 a.m., Margaret was there.

Mayor Cal Sheehy

Lake Havasu City, Arizona

“Going the extra mile is something that comes naturally to citizens in Lake Havasu City. Everyday we see citizens doing thoughtful and random acts of kindness, even when no one is looking.”

Beebe Medical Center

Lewes, Delaware

The COVID-19 Pandemic has created unique challenges, and the City of Lewes recognizes Beebe Medical Center for its continuing efforts to “go the extra mile” to ensure that our community and the surrounding area have access to highly competent and compassionate medical services.

Renita Marshall

Barre City, Vermont

With a passion for helping those in need, Renita founded the Renita Marshall Helping Hands Foundation, providing support to local families through volunteer and donated efforts. Projects have included free swimming lessons and pool passes for children; back-to-school clothing and supplies; holidays gifts for families in need; winter tires for safe travel to doctor’s appointments; and grocery gift cards for out-of-work parents.

Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta

Bolingbrook, Illinois

“I am so proud of the community we have built in Bolingbrook. I am constantly reminded that individuals and organizations alike go the extra mile each day. I believe this service is reflected in our words and our actions. From multiple non-profits communicating kindness, empowerment, and positivity to individuals donating their time and talents, Bolingbrook’s diversity shines through the dedication to going the extra mile.”

Ed Brazle

Virginia Beach, Virginia

As Incident Commander for “Vaccinate VB”, EMS Chief Ed Brazle led the effort unifying City of Virginia Beach departments, partner agencies and healthcare resources. Where others saw impossibilities, Chief Brazle saw opportunities. Chief Brazle set objectives and oversaw the implementation of a safe and efficient operation providing vaccinations to healthcare providers, public safety staff, city employees and volunteers, teachers, at-risk populations, senior citizens, and everyday people. He planned for the orderly transition from a drive-through clinic at EMS Station 8, where 500 people a day were vaccinated, to the mass vaccination center, where over the course of 16 weeks, an average of 7,800 Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations were administered. During the peak week, 12,425 doses were administered. He also oversaw the transition of the mass vaccination clinic to community vaccination centers. In 2021, Chief Brazle was awarded the EMS Medal of Merit for leadership during the pandemic, and Virginia Beach EMS was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to EMS Emergency Preparedness and Response from the Tidewater EMS Council.

Mayor Jan Kulmann

Thornton, Colorado

“Being a force for positive change in the world is a challenge far too many people are unwilling or unable to accept to take on. But, there are those in our community who are indeed up to becoming that force – that person that people can not only look up to but rely upon. Today, we honor those people and thank them for the difference they make in our lives.”

Mayor Richard Strick

Huntington, Indiana

“Going the ‘Extra Mile’ by volunteering is one way we can meet our neighbors and get to know our neighborhoods better. It’s how we move from ‘good intentions’ to positive actions that help us learn to love the place we call home. I want to personally thank Huntington’s ‘Extra Mile’ recipients for their dedication and commitment to making our community a great place to live, work and play.”

Jessica Sandgren

Thornton, Colorado

Jessica’s commitment to her community is nothing short of amazing. As an elected official, Jessica has made it her mission to support seniors with housing and food needs across the city. As a board member with Maiker Housing, she works to ensure affordability of senior housing needs are met. And she tirelessly connects residents with services that are designed with aging support in mind.

Mayor John Reddington

Ocean View, Delaware

“Having served our Country and therefore having been exposed to and humbled by numerous acts of ‘going the extra mile’ both then and in the years that followed, I can share that its meaning to me is quite simple as its caring more for the greater good than for oneself. “Going the extra mile” to improve, support, lighten the load, or raise the bar for any effort one is engaged in, to me, is what ‘Extra Mile Day’ is celebrating,” said Ocean View Mayor John Reddington.”

PA Philadelphia Extra Mile Heroes

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In this extraordinary year on Extra Mile Day, the City of Philadelphia is recognizing a coalition of over 150 local food service organizations, organized by the City’s Office of Homeless Services, who shared best practices for safe delivery models during the pandemic. Through their collective efforts, over a million residents were safely provided meals and food boxes by over 23,750 volunteers in less than six months.

Mayor William E. West

Georgetown, Delaware

“Going the extra mile means to me someone who is caring and enjoys helping others. Someone who has respect for all and treats people the way they want to be treated. Here in Georgetown our slogan is “we are well rounded.”

Mayor George P. Bray

Paducah, Kansas

“When people visit Paducah, they talk about the warm, welcoming atmosphere. Paducah is a friendly city, but it’s also a generous city. Citizens are generous of their time and dollars; they go the extra mile to help each other and make organizations, especially non-profits, successful. I’m proud to see fundraisers not only meet but also exceed their goals, and I’m proud of the daily effort to take care of each other. I want to thank each of Paducah’s citizens for going the extra mile. You are an inspiration.”

Friends of Green River Lake

Campbellsville, Kentucky

The Friends of Green River Lake hold several events around the lake each year for the Army Corps of Engineer, Green River Lake State Park, and the City of Campbellsville. Some events are: I’m a Dam Runner, Kids Outdoor Day-Co Sponsor, Kids Fishing Derby, Annual State Park Corn Maze, Lakeshore Cleanup, & Fishing With A Veteran. Each year with these events it brings thousands of tourists to our community from a lot of different places.

The main mission of this group is to promote the educational and recreational uses of Green River Lake, lakeshore, and associated regions while protecting and enhancing their ecological, historical, and cultural value, and to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife resources to provide opportunities for hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife education, habitat enhancement, and related activities.

Donna Beveridge

Saco, Maine

Donna Beveridge is an outstanding volunteer who goes above and beyond in serving the residents of Saco. She organized and now runs our HandyHelper program, which has provided many residents with needed home repairs and modifications. Donna also recently helped organize our Tech Handy Helper program, enabling us to give out tablets to low income seniors and help them bridge the digital divide. She is tireless in her efforts to find solutions for our residents and always shares a smile and a helping hand. Donna is a priceless member of our community.

Don Roth

Saco, Maine

Don Roth and his staff take care of numerous buildings within the City. When COVID 19 started, Don immediately got to work securing supplies and creating new procedures for sanitizing the City’s properties. When it was time to reopen City Hall, Don found creative ways to keep both members of the public and City staff safe while conducting business. Don goes above and beyond to help and is constantly offering solutions to issues that arise. Don is a valued member of the City Staff.

Chris Rizeakos

Saco, Maine

Chris Rizeakos purchased the Golden Rooster with members of his family, right after he graduated from high school in 1985. Since then, Chris has been a constant presence on Main Street. Chris is a loyal supporter of Saco Main Street and their events, working to enhance the vitality of Saco’s downtown. During COVID-19, Chris participated in the meals for seniors program, which supplied 3,000 meals to 460 residents. Chris and The Golden Rooster did not let COVID slow them down – they increased their outdoor seating on Main Street, offering a safe and friendly environment for people to gather for good food. Chris is a cherished member of the Saco Community.

Douglas, WY Extra Mile Heroes

Douglas, Wyoming

“As the Mayor of Douglas, Wyoming, I formally recognize the following community leaders for their exemplary contributions to the City of Douglas and to all of Converse County during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Dr. Paige Fenton Hughes, Superintendent of Schools, CCSD#1; Darcy Cowardin, RN, BSN, Nurse Manager for Converse County Public Health Department; and Dr. Mark Campbell, Converse County Health Officer.” – Mayor Rene’ Kemper

Donna Kerr

Campbellsville, Kentucky

Donna Kerr has served the Campbellsville Kiwanis Club for many years as a tireless volunteer, secretary and president. Donna has been instrumental through the Kiwanis Club in raising thousands of dollars for the children of Taylor County, including new coats and shoes annually for children-in-need, scholarships for graduating high school seniors, refurbishing used bicycles for children-in-need, as well as various donations to children’s projects. Donna is also a long-term volunteer for the Taylor County Homemakers, the Taylor County Extension Office and the Tebbs Bend Battlefield organization. Donna Kerr has proven herself as a vital asset for Taylor County and is worthy of consideration as an Extra-Mile Hero.

Marilyn Neumann

Campbellsville, Kentucky

Attorney Marilyn Neumann, Chair of the Campbellsville Main Street Design Committee, has organized the Campbellsville Master Gardeners under UK extension agent, Kara Back, to clean out the flower pots and planting areas downtown and plant new flowers in soil and mulch donated from Lowe’s in the spring of 2020 and has decorated the flower pots with festive items in the fall of 2020 to beautify downtown Campbellsville. She has also set up lights and seasonal decorations around the Welcome to Campbellsville entrance sign on U.S. 68/70.

Joyce Bottenberg

Sammamish, Washington

Joyce has been active in our community helping get our Community Emergency Response Team (CERTS) groups going. She is on our Human Services Commission and now is helping to start a senior’s group in our community. If there is a need Joyce is always willing to help. Joyce has dedicated hundred of hours into our community.

Claradell Shedd

Sammamish, Washington

Claradell ‘s “extra mile” is her dedication in completing the project of our utility box wraps, all over the City, memorializing our City’s history. She has also been a gem in helping our historical society gather information by interviewing people who have lived here long ago. Claradell has given hundreds of hours into our community. Claradell also serves on our Arts Commission.

Frank Walkowski

Sammamish, Washington

Frank is a City of Sammamish Advanced CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) volunteer and Eastside Fire & Rescue Fire Corps volunteer. In a volunteer capacity, Frank single-handedly undertook the construction of two emergency radio base station go-kits and 6 emergency radio handheld kits. Frankl dedicated hundreds of hours in designing, constructing, and testing the radio base station kits ensuring that the City of Sammamish will be able to maintain continuity of communication in a large emergency or disaster.

Steve Kasha

Canton, Georgia

Steve Kasha is Founder and CEO of SERV International, a nonprofit organization located in Canton that serves millions of meals to those in need, not only in our local community, but around the world in places such as Africa, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Cambodia and more. When the pandemic created a statewide sheltering situation, Steve and his team took action to provide tons of food and groceries to local families on Saturdays at their drive thru operation at the SERV Store on Marietta Hwy. To say that Steve has gone the Extra Mile is an understatement, and we are so fortunate to have him in our community.

Janice Carter

Huntington, Indiana

Throughout the summer, Janice has been our most consistent volunteer. She has brought a large (5,279 sq ft) flower bed back to life, participated in almost every public volunteer event, and watered the downtown flowers on a weekly basis. She is always the first to say yes to a project and never does anything halfway.

The Huntington County Health Department

Huntington, Indiana

While this year has not been easy on anyone, the Huntington County Health Department has indeed stepped up to serve our community and deal with hard to solve problems. We are thankful for their diligence in answering questions, communicating safety protocols and actively managing a crisis no one saw coming.

Mary Scott Buck

Murray, Kentucky

Mary Scott Buck is a long-time resident of Calloway County. When the pandemic began, she created the Calloway County Collective, a small endeavor that became a large undertaking. She started the project out using her own money and as it got bigger, she recruited volunteers, started making connections, receiving donations and continues to work today to make sure all community members have what they need to get through this global pandemic. Face masks, disinfectant, gloves, food, clothes, and money. She is making sure no one is left behind. It all started because Mary saw a need in this community and SHE made things happen. Mary is quoted, “Be Kind, and you can’t go wrong!

Murray Art Guild (MAG)/Debi Danielson, Director

Murray, Kentucky

The Murray Art Guild is our local community art organization in Murray Kentucky. Within a week of being closed down by the pandemic as well as local and state government, the Murry Art Guild created art classes/workshops online where participants could sign-up and receive all supplies in the mail. Virtual Art Making became a reality where people not only in the community but across the country participated. Students who have been homebound due to COVID have and can sign up for a weekly art education class based on their age. In addition, MAG under the leadership of Debi Danielson did two community projects.

The P3 project (Pandemic Postcard Project) encouraged residents of the community to create art on a post card expressing their feelings about COVID to be displayed by MAG. The Community Art Canvas project was the second of those projects where community members could safely participate by painting on a large canvas to be displayed at the guild bringing art to the forefront of this pandemic as a way to relieve the stress of the time.

Tim Stark

Murray, Kentucky

Tim Stark is a Vice President and Marketing Director for The Murray Bank in Murray Kentucky. Tim came up with an innovative way to support local restaurants and single handedly created programs where community members could safely participate. Take out Tuesday (purchasing employee lunches from local establishments), Gift-card giveaway where random customers would receive gift cards through the drive-through, and Drive-thru Ice cream machine (since he couldn’t travel and give away ice cream) where he would give out ice cream through the drive-thru.

Tim’s sole purpose was to support the local restaurants who was having a tough time staying open during the pandemic. Everyone in town has looked forward to his program and local restaurants were happy to receive the income to help them get through this tough time.

Tim Smith; President of Main Street Winchester Board

Winchester, Kentucky

Tim has gone above and beyond with our Board to help our Interim Director and new board members with all things downtown. He’s also a valuable asset for our community as the voice of WWKY, where he interviews community members and community officials Monday-Friday. By doing this, he shines a light on what all that our community has to offer.

Robert Blanton; Main Street Winchester Board Member, Fiscal Court Appointment

Winchester, Kentucky

Robert Blanton has gone above and beyond supporting our Main Street. He’s headed a Charitable Fund for us to create a Main Street Winchester License Plate. These license plates will in-turn, create funds for Main Street Winchester to reinvest into our downtown.

Joseph Miller, Main Street Winchester Board Member, Chamber of Commerce Appointmente

Winchester, Kentucky

Joseph Miller is a new Main Street Winchester Board Member. Along with owning the Non-Profit Rowland Arts Center on Main Street where he helps with youths in our community, he’s an active and invested member of the board. He’s assisted with many projects and continues to show initiative for our Main Street here in Winchester.

Woolly Worm Festival Committee

Beattyville, Kentucky

The Woolly Worm Festival Committee has brought this much celebrated event to Main Street Beattyville since 1988. The weekend event fills up downtown with vendors who have everything from food and artisan crafts to local authors and jewelry. Other happenings include woolly worm races, car show, parade, helicopter rides, and a weekend full of live music on the Woolly Worm Stage bringing thousands of people to our City.

Every year as part of the Festival promotion, the committee decorates the entire town with fall decor. This year, even though the Festival was canceled due to COVID, was no different. Chairperson Linda Smith led the efforts and the committee members volunteered their time the first weekend in October to decorate town as usual and made it shine with pride. We appreciate their efforts very much as they went the “extra mile” to bring a bit of joy to our community in these uncertain times.

JORTC

Huntington, Indiana

This is a high school program that teaches the students in the high school to contribute to their local community. Each student in the program has to put in 40 hours of service per year. When you consider there are 80+ students, that is a huge impact! Even though this program is only a few years old, we have already witnessed the impact they have on our community. We cannot wait to see how they continue to change Huntington for the better.

Georgetown Fire and Medical Services Department (GFD)

Georgetown, Texas

GFD had approximately twenty-five members that selflessly served the community on their “off days” to assist the community during their COVID response. This involved the staffing of COVID test clinics, and a task force dedicated to assisting vulnerable elderly care facilities. They continued to make themselves available throughout the weeks and months of testing. They were willing to help even when we received short notice that a facility needed testing or were given last-minute rescheduling of a test site. Of this elite group of folks, the GFD had seven that made additional commitments to serve above and beyond the call of duty, giving of their time and care: Mikey Braff, Matthew Brown, Priscilla Coffman, Colby Lyons, Taylor Stewart, Spencer Wood, and Rick ZuaZua

Bob Weimer, Helping Hands

Georgetown, Texas

This individual and organization has provided to the community during this pandemic year, over 178 night stays at emergency housing; paid 37+ medical and prescription bills; paid 34 phone bills and provided over $4,863 in rent assistance and $1059 in utility assistance.

Mickie Ross

Georgetown, Texas

Mickie Ross, at her expense and time, sewed over three hundred reusable, personal COVID-19 masks and donated 100% of the proceeds to BIG, The Caring Place and Helping Hands – all local non-profits who were impacted financially during this time.

Jorge Chamorro

Salt Lake City, Utah

Jorge serves as our Compliance Division Director at Salt Lake City Corporation, but as 2020 has given us new challenges, Jorge has risen above and beyond his on multiple occasions. At the beginning of the pandemic, Jorge came up with alternative work for compliance officers as park ambassadors.

When Salt Lake City was hit with a severe windstorm, he was called upon to lead the Operations Division in our Public Services department and was absolutely essential in coordinating the recovery response. Salt Lake City is lucky to have him as a member of our staff.