Community Corner

Farmington DDA Honors Team Salon Legato with Mary Martin Service Award

The volunteers put together Alley Regalley, a music and wine tent that raised funds last year for after-school youth programs.

A team of volunteers within a community of volunteers took home this year's (DDA) Mary Martin Service Award.

Team , led by salon owner Diane Cassidy, received the award during the DDA's volunteer recognition event Tuesday at in downtown Farmington. And no one was more surprised by the honor than Cassidy, who credited her staff with giving their time to organize and present open during the Downtown Farmington Founders Festival.

Launched in 2006 as a way to give back to the community, Alley Regalley took a step in a new direction last year with a new location and partnership with the . But the Salon Legato team is the heart of the operation.

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"They're very giving, very committed to service," Cassidy said. "They're all kind and very loving ... I come up with this crazy idea, and they line right up." 

Employee Nicole Owens drives in to work from Allen Park, something she said she wouldn't do if she didn't love her job. "We have a really good dynamic ... Diane's such a great boss, she makes a warm environment for us. We all get along really well."

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Owens said she submitted a nomination for the team because of how hard everyone works to make Alley Regalley a success.

"We want to be able to give back to the community we're part of," she said. 

Volunteerism on the rise

Tuesday night's event was attended by nearly 100 of the DDA's more than 300 volunteers. DDA board member Melissa Andrade, who coordinated the event, said the number of volunteers has grown over the last several years, as has their commitment.

"People are so passionate," she said. "I don't have to ask, they see something that needs to be done and they do it." 

Presented to volunteers who exhibit "outstanding service and dedication" to downtown Farmington, the Mary Martin Service Award is named for a volunteer who was instrumental in success of the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market and the . This year's nominees included:

  • Jeff and Audrey Brown, who are responsible for making the volunteer headquarters a welcoming place and stocked with food and drinks for 200-plus Founders Festival volunteers

  • Sarah Dickey, who has single-handedly planned the daytime entertainment at the Founders Festival for the past five years.

  • Mike Kuntz, who has volunteered for six years, including countless hours coordinating the beverage service at the Harvest Moon Celebration.

  • Carol Kurth, who is best known for the time she volunteers in information booths at the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market and Founders Festival.

  • Bill McNeil is admired for his willingness to help at the Farmers Market, his selfless attitude and great smile. For the Harvest Moon Celebration, Bill also plays a big role in planning and setting up the beverage service. Holly Days is another event Bill has helped make successful.


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