Royal Oak's Best: Chamber Announces Community Awards

Defining the Best of the Best in Royal Oak is an annual challenge led by the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce. Each year, the Chamber turns to the community to identify businesses, residences and individuals who go to great lengths to make life in Royal Oak beautiful, fun, safe and special for all of us.

“The 65th Annual Community Awards is Royal Oak’s own People’s Choice Award program” explained Chamber Executive Director Shelly Kemp. “It is truly exciting that residents and business people in our community take time to identify those among us who stand out in our community. We host this special evening to honor businesses and residents who provide significant contributions to Royal Oak, through areas including volunteer work, service, building and residential beautification, and community spirit.”

2012 Award Winners 

Citizen of the Year: Tom Wurdock

Community Spirit: Noir Leather (Keith Howarth & Kat Fegley, owners)

Residential Beautification: James & Erin Orr, 2002 Elmhurst

Residential Landscape Beautification: Matthew Feneley & Steve Bullard, 2420 Harwood Avenue

Business Beautification: 

• Pizzeria Biga, 711 S. Main Street
• ISCG, 612 N. Main Street
• Arthur Murray Dance Studio, 30532 Woodward Avenue
• Cantina Diablo/Red Fox, 100 S. Main Street
• The Chester Street Residence, 1725 Chester Street

Police Officer of the Year: Officer Richard Chipman

Firefighter of the Year: Fire Marshall Tom Nikkila

Business Person of the Year: Michael Chetcuti

About the winners

2012 Citizen of the Year Tom Wurdock has a lifetime of volunteer work to his credit. Not only was he the driving force behind the establishment of the Royal Oak Historical Society’s museums – both the original on Churchill and the current building on Webster --  but he also has been an important contributor to the First United Methodist Church of Royal Oak. An active member of the Police Oversight Committee, Tom’s work led to a number of reforms within the department. He also serves as a leader on the Royal Oak Farmers Market Committee. Identified as one of Royal Oak’s “home-grown spirits with the deepest of advocacy roots,” Tom provides a steady voice of both reason and purpose to the various committees on which he serves – whether it be historical, school, outreach or fundraising efforts.

2012 Residential Landscaping Beautification winners Matthew Feneley & Steve Bullard took a run-down property and refined it completely. Most notable, though, is their creative landscaping design. Their tireless and seasonal landscaping work shows their commitment to continually improving their home with originality, hard work and creativity.

2012 Residential Beautification Award winners James & Erin Orr took on the challenge of a foreclosed property, literally lifting the house onto bobcats before making much needed improvements. Architects Krieger Klatt Associates incorporated a stone fireplace and extensive internal and external improvements to this once neglected property. 

The 2012 Community Spirit Award will be presented to Noir Leather owners Keith Howarth and Kat Fegley. Besides sparking the rebirth of Downtown Royal Oak with the opening of their store in 1983, Keith serves on the Commission for the Arts in Royal Oak while Kat is a Director on the DDA and Chairperson of the DDA’s Consumer Marketing Committee. Noir Leather has been active in organizing downtown events, including Snap Judgment, Ladies Night Out as well as various performance art exhibitions. The commitment and love shown by Keith and Kat for Royal Oak is exemplified by their continued participation in our community.

2012 Business Beautification Awards are presented to businesses that have either remodeled old, empty storefronts or updated businesses to reflect the creative spirit and unique energy for which Royal Oak is so well known. Pizzeria Biga opened in May, remodeling and modernizing the century-old St. Clair Edison building, which once was a power plant for streetcars that ran down Woodward Avenue. It still has skylights at the top of the 30-foot ceiling that were used to lower coal into the structure. ISCG took on the challenge of totally renovating the long-deserted Royal Oak Radio building, lightening, brightening and stylizing it. Arthur Murray Dance Studio took an empty store front, transforming space with flair into a unique and welcoming dance studio where all are welcome to learn the cha-cha, waltz and more. Cantina Diablo/Red Fox introduced Mexican and British Fare with two very different restaurant designs. One features rich color while the other incorporates ad outside dining area complete with fire-pits overlooking Main Street.  The Chester Street Residence transformed a neglected property into a lovely and well-maintained Assisted Living Community.

2012 Police Officer of the Year Officer Richard Chipman is one of ROPD’s highest performing officers.  He leads the department in arrests, is a DT instructor, SWAT Sniper and volunteers as a fitness instructor to many of our officers. On December 26th, while patrolling a parking lot, Officer Chipman was flagged down about a possible dispute over a parking spot.  Proving the old adage that nothing in police work is routine, Officer Chipman quickly found himself in a foot pursuit with one of the people involved. During the chase, the suspect reached into his pocket, causing Officer Chipman to deploy his Taser. After the suspect was handcuffed, it was discovered he possessed a loaded handgun and that the suspect had previous convictions for Murder, Assault with Intent to Commit Murder, Felony Firearm and Felonious Assault.  Officer Chipman put himself at great risk to take a very dangerous person off the streets of Royal Oak.

2012 Firefighter of the Year Fire Marshall Tom Nikkila is, according to his superiors and co-workers, one of the hardest working people in his department. As Fire Marshall, Tom works tirelessly in fire prevention, going into schools and speaking with young people about fire safety along with the dangers associated with fire. This recognition is a cumulative achievement of a long, outstanding career with the Royal Oak Fire Department. During his 26 years of service, Tom has contributed extensively to the department, serving as a model officer of consistency and performance as well as a positive influence on young staff members.

2012 Business Person of the Year Michael Chetcuti has been focused on the business and service organization developments in Royal Oak for many years. During his years within our community, he opened both Pizzeria Biga and Cloverleaf Fine Wine & Craft Beer, earning two Business Beautification awards for his efforts. In addition, in 2011 he received a Residential Beautification Award for his unique improvements and renovations to his home on Fourth Street. Michael has worked with Senator Debbie Stabenow to saw Michigan jobs by stopping counterfeit part production in China. He has also been involved with a variety of special events, including the Step Inside the Box, Royal Oak Time Capsule and Woodward Tribute Fundraising efforts. Michael’s work in fundraising efforts is well recognized within service organizations and non-profits.

If you go

What: 65th Annual Community Awards

When: Oct. 23 from 6-9 p.m.

Where: Emagine Theatre

Tickets: The $45 ticket price includes a sumptuous buffet dinner, the awards ceremony and complimentary valet parking. Reservations may be made by contacting the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce at 248-547-4000 or via email to AndreaC@RoyalOakChamber.com.

Source: Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce