Amy Burk is the Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Northwest Michigan whose mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Amy has a Master’s Degree in Science Administration with a focus on leadership. She has over 25 years of experience working in the nonprofit industry and serves on multiple boards and committees including Community Resource Development, The Antrim Foundation and the Antrim County Community Collaborative. Amy has resided in Mancelona for 27 years.
Since 2001, CIS of Northwest Michigan has partnered with Mancelona Public Schools to address barriers for student success. Through her leadership with CIS of Northwest Michigan, the organization has become an accredited affiliate through National CIS and grown from partnering with a single school district (Mancelona) to expanding to five school districts. Amy is passionate about the work of CIS and empowering students to achieve.
In addition to her involvement with CIS and the work on boards and committees, Amy enjoys running and exercising, music, and spending time with her husband, four children, and three grandchildren.
ROD VESEY - Rod became a Police Officer in 1979 and served his entire Law Enforcement Career serving the citizens of Mancelona. He was a volunteer firefighter and retired after many years service. Rod currently serves as a Mancelona Township Trustee, and on the Planning Commission for the future development of Mancelona. During his time as Police Officer, Rod volunteered at several children’s programs at Mancelona Schools - fingerprinting, Santa’s Secret Workshop, and many educational programs and PR opportunities. Whether he was on duty or off, Rod responded to any call for help. He worked mostly the afternoon and night shifts. Business owners could rest assured that when Officer Vesey was on duty, he kept watchful eye on their properties. Rod is very approachable. He responds well to people with concerns, questions or troubles. He is well known and trusted by many parents in the community, some of whom call and ask for his help when their children struggle and need encouragement. Rod retired from Mancelona Police Department in 2016, but continued serving on a part-time basis for six years. He officially retired full time on January 1, 2023.
HERB TIPTON - Herb Tipton is a life-long resident of Mancelona. He worked for what began as Mount Clemens Metal Products and retired 39 years later from Dura Automotive. Herb has been involved with the the American Legion George Puckett Post #264 for 60 years - since the time he got out of the service. He was Commander for 15 years, coordinating and participating in Memorial Day parades. With other members, Herb and the American Legion host a Veterans Dinner each fall, and host needy families at Christmas. Herb joined Mancelona Area Historical Society about five years after the organization formed, and is currently the President. He was instrumental in obtaining the former Ceramic Store in Antrim, and along with volunteers, donations and a grant, transformed the building into a museum. Although Herb is technically retired, he stays busy with the American Legion, Historical Society, and his fishing, woodworking and hunting interests. 2023
ALLEN PECAR - (1925-2014) After his semi-retirement from Pecar Electronics in Detroit in 1974, Allen Pecar moved his family north to Mancelona, where his passion for education, the environment and gardening flourished. For years, Allen and his wife, Rose, hosted elementary school student field trips in spring, teaching children about glaciers, gardening, the environment and how Maple Syrup is made. He served on the Mancelona School Board for 20 years and on the Antrim County Parks and Recreation Board for more than 30 years. Allen wrote computer programs for Antrim County, Mancelona Police Department and the Elementary School. In 2012 the Board of Commissioners adopted a Resolution of Appreciation to Allen, recognizing him for his service to Antrim County, his enthusiasm and passion that led to the preservation of natural wetlands owned by Grass River Natural Area, and his countless hours to park issues while utilizing his knowledge of computer databases to assist the County with tracking revenues and expenses. /2023
GEORGE OUVRY - (1925-2017) George lived in Mancelona for more than 70 years. He and his wife, Charlotte, owned and operated several businesses in Mancelona including an egg farm, gas station and garage, the Dairy Queen, clothing store, and a laundromat. George was an active member of the American Legion George Puckett Post #264. He carried the American Flag in countless Memorial Day parades. In 2006 he began extensive research and set out to see that the gravesites of all Antrim County veterans buried in our local cemeteries were properly identified and marked. In 2007, the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War Camp 14 presented George with an Honorary Membership in Camp 14 for the research he had done on Civil War veterans and veterans of all wars in the Antrim County area. He was the youngest member, at the time, to serve as Village Mayor. This was prior to elections and he was appointed by his peers to fill the position. He served on the Antrim Co. Board of Commissioners, Mancelona Board of Trustees, Antrim County Economic Development Corp, and the Veterans Affairs Committee. /2023