The Kalkaska Citizens and Businesses of the Year for both 2020 and 2021 were honored at the Kalkaska Community Event last week. The event, held at Railroad Square and hosted by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, celebrated local residents and businesses who positively contribute to the Kalkaska area community.

Award winners for 2020 were Earth's Garden Natural Foods, owned by Christine McCool, for Business of the Year; and Patty Cox as Citizen of the Year. Award winners for 2021 included McDonald’s, owned by the Holka Family, for Business of the Year; John Roberts as Citizen of the Year; and a special one-time Memorial Award honoring Michael Ascione for his impact on the Kalkaska community.

The winners shared their reactions with the Community Foundation:

“I love my customers. I love my business. I love my community!” said Christine McCool, owner of Earth’s Garden.

“The reason I love this community is because of the people. I had a rewarding career at the schools and enjoy seeing my past students come into my son’s store, Lodi Trading, where I now work and help out at,” said Patty Cox, former Kalkaska County Commissioner for District #7.

"Over the past few years I've had the privilege to work with many Community Foundation affiliates. It's a true honor to be recognized by a group of folks and an organization I admire so much,” said John Roberts, Director of Kalkaska County Library.

“Thank you for the recognition for the Business of the Year. I am proud and honored to be selected. We will continue to do our part today and in the future,” said Tom Holka, owner of McDonald’s Kalkaska.

“One of Mike’s core beliefs was that one individual cannot create large scale improvements to a society on their own . . . Mike would have wanted this wonderful honor to be shared with the many unnamed people who worked hard and with dedication to improve the lives of the members of this community,” said Jeanne, Marina, and Alex Ascione, family of Mike Ascione, who passed away in 2020.

Pictured: Jeanne and Marina Ascione