Jim Farrell, a Biloxi lawyer who is involved in a host of civic groups and has been instrumental in environmental issues, has been named the city’s Distinguished Volunteer of the Year.
Farrell and a host of individuals, businesses and civic groups were recognized during the city’s 28th annual Volunteer Recognition Awards, held at the Frank G. Gruich Sr. Community Center
Farrell’s accomplishments included securing a grant from Keep American Beautiful and Coca-Cola to establish a recycling program for public events and at high-profile locations in Biloxi, he helped develop the Biloxi Bay Chamber’s commemorative Lighthouse project and he has worked on the Miramar beach restoration project in west Biloxi. He is also working to establish a rain garden at the Farmers Market and a downtown bike route.
Others recognized by Mayor A.J. Holloway on Tuesday:
— Community volunteer: Kearn Cherry.
— Youth volunteer: Alex Waldrop, St. Patrick Catholic High School.
— Health volunteer: Biloxi Regional Medical Center Auxiliary.
— Arts and history volunteer: Deborah Holstein.
— Sports volunteer: Tom Stanley.
— Education volunteer: Lisa Wold.
— Adult group volunteer: Fishbowl Student Ministry Center White Rope Program.
— Youth volunteer group: Keystone Club, East Biloxi unit of the Boys & Girls Club of the Gulf Coast.
— City of Biloxi employee volunteer: Tonya Hebert.
— Business volunteer: South Mississippi Living magazine, Michael and Mary Sunderman.
— Non-profit organization: Mississippi Renaissance Garden Foundation.
— Military volunteer: Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit at Keesler.
See the photos: To see dozens of photos from the ceremony, click here.
News and notes
Prayer: The City of Biloxi will observe the 60th National Day of Prayer on Thursday with a public ceremony on the front steps of City Hall, beginning at noon. This year’s theme: “A Might Fortress is Our God.” A one-block section of Lameuse Street, from Water to Jackson streets, will be closed during the ceremony, which will run about an hour.
Boat show: The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum is seeking historic, antique, classic and contemporary wooden boats for the Billy Creel Memorial Gulf Coast Wooden Boat Show. This year’s event takes place May 28-29 at the Schooner Pier Complex on the beachfront in east Biloxi. Call 228 435-6320 or go online at www.maritimemuseum.org to print an application to be a part of the show.
