County Honors Local Residents, Employees

At its April 17, 2013 meeting, the Washtenaw County board of commissioners passed resolutions of appreciation honoring Rabbi Robert Dobrusin and several residents from the city of Saline, as well as the county’s chief deputy treasurer who is retiring after 41 years of service. In addition, the board declared the week of April 14-20 2013, as National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week in Washtenaw County. Several members of the county’s dispatch operations were on hand and received recognition from the board.

Dobrusin was recognized for 25 years of “providing spiritual and pastoral support” for the Beth Israel congregation in Ann Arbor, the city’s “oldest Jewish Institution.” Also cited was his work as a founding member of the Interfaith Round Table of Washtenaw County and with the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice. The resolution noted his human rights efforts, including his current position as national co-chair with T’Ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights. Former county commissioner Barbara Bergman attended the meeting to accept the resolution on behalf of Dobrusin, and indicated that this would be a surprise for him.

The board also passed a resolution of appreciation for Leila Bauer, the county’s chief deputy treasurer who is retiring after 41 years with the county. Her work included serving on the Washtenaw County Health Organization, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health board, Washtenaw County Human Services board, and the Washtenaw County Health Authority. She received a standing ovation from the board.

Several Saline residents were also recognized by the county board. Helen Martin was honored for her work with the Saline Downtown Merchants Association and Saline Main Street. Jeff Dowling was recognized for receiving the “Saline Salutes” 2013 Citizen of the Year Award, as well as for work with the American Cancer Society and various Saline community events. Joy Ely, owner of The Pineapple House, was recognized for receiving the “Saline Salutes” 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award, and for her support of downtown Saline. Also honored by the board was Sarah Chu, who received the city of Saline’s 2013 Youth of the Year Award.

This brief was filed from the boardroom of the county administration building at 220 N. Main St. in Ann Arbor. A more detailed report will follow: [link]