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Midge Connon named Zonta Woman of the Year

News Photo by Diane Speer Midge Connon, seen with her husband Bruce, was named Zonta Woman of the Year Wednesday during Zonta's annual banquet.

ALPENA — In keeping with a long-standing tradition, Zonta Club of Alpena named Midge Connon its 2017 Woman of the Year during an annual banquet Wednesday.

The honor, handed out by the club for the 51st consecutive year, recognized Connon for her quiet and generous commitment to the community. A retired elementary school teacher, over the years she has given her time and talents to many organizations, including Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpena County Library, Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan and Thunder Bay Arts Council.

“Midge Connon is the epitome of a kind, generous and caring individual who has advanced the causes of civic engagement in our community more than anyone I know,” current TBAC President Tim Kuehnlein said.

He said Connon works under the radar orchestrating ideas and people while often using her own resources, whether financial or otherwise, to accomplish goals and make things happen. She is a founding member of TBAC and served as its president for a number of years.

She also is a 40-year member of DKG, an international organization of women educators. As such, she works yearly to raise money for scholarships and grants to students planning to work in the education field.

Connon’s association with the library has involved serving as a board member, chairing children’s programs and volunteering as a READ adult literacy tutor.

“In each endeavor, she has made a difference in many ways, not the least of which is keeping organizations and projects moving forward in a quiet, intelligent, civil manner so that in the end, they are successful,” said Judi Stillion, retired Alpena County Library director. “She is always empowering, motivating, reinforcing, encouraging others to reach for the sky and make a difference. She is humble beyond belief.”

At the museum, Connon initiated the relocation of historic Green School, a one-room facility she attended as a child. She has volunteered many times to host tours of Green School and share her personal stories with museum visitors both young and old. She also has participated for many years in the museum’s Log Cabin Day and Fall Harvest Day events.

“Her cheery disposition and willingness to dedicate her time and energy to enhance the overall well-being of her community is inspiring,” said Christine Witulski, executive director of the Besser Museum. “Midge is well deserving to be recognized as Woman of the Year for her life-long contribution to her community.”

Among Connon’s other favorite pastimes is basket weaving, and she has been an active member of the Thunder Bay Basket Weaving Guild. She often donates baskets she has created for fundraising purposes.

Connon has been married to husband Bruce for 56 years. They are the parents of two children and the grandparents of five grandsons. Many of her family members and friends were in attendance Wednesday to see her receive Zonta’s prestigious award. She was presented with an engraved crystal vase and a bouquet of yellow roses, a worldwide symbol of Zonta.

Held at the Ramada Inn, the banquet was emceed by Zonta member Joyce Brilinski. Nancy Smithem, the 2012 Woman of the Year, served as guest speaker. Diane Speer can be reached via email at dspeer@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5691. Follow Diane on Twitter ds_alpenanews.

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