Recipients include Charles Youmans, recruiter and community police advocate for the Springfield Police Department, and Arnold Cox, president and founder of ADC Prevention Services.
U.S. Marshal John Gibbons, of Agawam, seen here American International College 126th Commencement last month, will be the featured speaker this weekend at the Fruits of Labor awards dinner in Chicopee.SPRINGFIELD – The 11th annual Fruits of Labor awards dinner, in honor of the memory of George “Big Will” Williams, will be held Sunday at the Castle of Knights on Memorial Drive in Chicopee.
The event will begin at 4 p.m.
U.S. Marshal John Gibbons, of Agawam, the first black federal marshal from Massachusetts, will be the keynote speaker.
The dinner was initiated by Williams to honor worthy and often overlooked or underrated citizens who have given to the Greater Springfield area.
Known for his tireless involvement in youth basketball coaching and other civic activities, Williams died at age 75 in 2009. His daughter, Joyce Calhoun, has continued the tradition. This year’s dinner falls one day prior to the two-year anniversary of his passing.
Four “Fruits of Labor” community service awards will be presented.
Recipients include Charles Youmans, recruiter and community police advocate for the Police Department, and Arnold D. Cox, president and founder of ADC Prevention Services, which deals with helping at-risk children.
Other award recipients will be Zelmon Johnson, co-owner of the Olive Tree Books-n-Voices bookstore on Hancock Street, and Joan E. Fuller, director of the urban education program at Westfield State University.
Four student scholarships will also be awarded.