This past week, Youth and Family Services gave an award to an Island senior as part of the Flash Family Inspiration Award, honoring a senior adult who exemplifies the spirit of good sportsmanship or community leadership and who possesses an optimistic attitude and friendly demeanor while acting as a role model to others.

Nominations were accepted from in May and June. A review and selection committee made their determination of the award recipient in June. This year’s winner of the Flash Family Inspirational Award is Peter Tonglao.

At the core of Peter Tonglao is the heart of a volunteer. He enjoys life, is devoted to his family and his community and this is evident to all who know or work with him.

Peter is a caring, positive person who is always willing to do whatever is asked of him. Year after year, Peter has gone above and beyond as a volunteer for the Parks and Rec. Department, always the first to step up to do whatever he can for his community. Many in the community have benefited from Peter’s generous heart and kind consideration.

He currently volunteers 1-2 days/week at the CCMV with the Senior Transportation program — either driving or assisting riders. He is a long standing Summer Celebration volunteer. He actively tends to a “Pea Patch” at the CCMV with his wife, Betty. He regularly participates in a fitness program at the CCMV. Peter adds humor to any task. He truly embodies the positive spirit of this award and is a role model not only for seniors, but any human being working for the benefit of their community.

Thank you to Phil Flash and his family, as well as the MI Youth and Family Services Foundation for making this award possible.

Cindy Goodwin

Youth and Family Services