Extra Mile Day 2019 Recipients (l-r) Sherry Lavin, Karen Schrock, Mayor Siver, Mitchell Simon and Gwendolyn Guthery

Mayor Ken Siver recognized four residents with 2019 Extra Mile Day Certificates and Mayor’s Proclamations at the October 28 City Council meeting.

“I firmly believe that communities are made stronger through individuals and organizations who are dedicated to “going the extra mile” in volunteerism and service,” commented Mayor Ken Siver. “‘Extra Mile Day’ (November 1, 2019) honors those individuals who give so much of themselves to their communities. It celebrates the capacity that all of us have to create amazing and positive change in ourselves, our families, our organizations and our communities when we are willing to ‘go the extra mile’.

2019 Extra Mile Day Recognitions

Mitchell Simon – A long-time Southfield resident, Mitchell Simon has served on the Southfield Commission on Senior Adults since 1988.   A retired accountant, for the past five years Mr. Simon has served as the treasurer of the Southfield Non-Profit Housing Corporation and as a board member of the Southfield Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative.  In this role, he has taken on the herculean task of the cash accounting for the myriad of home restorations and reviewing the monthly financial statements for McDonnell Towers, River Park Place and Woodridge senior apartments.

Gwendolyn Guthery – Many have long admired Mrs. Guthery’s home on Jeanette Street.  Her property exudes curb appeal and is always beautifully landscaped with flowers blooming from spring until fall.  Mrs. Guthery clearly has a ‘green thumb’ and knows a great deal about gardening; however, upon closer examination of the 18700 block of Jeanette one can see her work up and down the street.  Without fanfare, she has shared gardening tips and perennials with all her neighbors.  Her quiet handiwork is evident as one drives that block of Jeanette.  This past June, Mrs. Guthery also agreed to have her home finally featured in the 2019 Southfield Garden Walk.

Sherry Lavin – Lavin’s Flowerland took over a failed nursey business ten years ago and made it into a successful Southfield small business.  Ms. Lavin is very customer friendly, helping them plan their gardens by advising what to plant in various soils as well as information on deer resistant shrubs and flowers.  She also maintains a website that offers local garden tips which has furthered her commitment to Southfield.  Ms. Lavin donated the re-landscaping of the old fire hall on Nine Mile, has participated in Southfield Flower Day offering discounts to residents and provided the landscaping for the reconfigured library fountain at cost.  For years she has also ran a haunted house, donating the proceeds to charity.

Karen Shrock – Mrs. Shrock has long been active in the community.  She supports her neighborhood association and was a very active PTA mom during the years that her children attended Southfield Public Schools.  Since 2014, Mrs. Shrock has been a member of the Southfield Commission on Senior Adults.  As chairperson of the commission, she has taken the board to new heights.  Mrs. Shrock has left an indelible mark on COSA that she still continues to develop.  Most recently, she has engaged the commission in seeking to achieve an AARP Age Friendly Community Designation for the City of Southfield.  Mrs. Shrock’s leadership style promotes teamwork and delegation of responsibilities – resulting in the release this fall of the COSA Action Plan for Age Friendly Community Designation.

About Extra Mile America

Extra Mile America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers individuals, organizations, and cities to "go the extra mile." Last year, 553 inspirational mayors and city leaders stood up and jointly recognized November 1, 2018, as Extra Mile Day…a day to recognize people and organizations who are creating positive change in our communities through their extra mile efforts in volunteerism and service.
The organization is inspired by the belief that "going the extra mile" opens doors to new possibilities, improves lives, both professionally and personally, and allows individuals to make a difference in their communities and in our world.