By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS — Gertrude Bazner, a resident of 55 years, was honored March 24 for her civic service and community involvement throughout the city.
Each year Wayne County Commissioners select one woman in their districts to honor as part of March is Women’s History Month.
Commissioner Diane Webb said she selected Bazner as her honoree because her reputation and good deeds have ranked her among the visionary class of women.
“Gertrude’s kind and generous heart has made her a compassionate director who is sensitive to the needs of all that she works with,” Webb said. “May her example of community service resonate among future generations and serve as a positive example of what women can accomplish.”
Webb honored Bazner at the Dearborn Heights City Council meeting on March 24.
Bazner is a Meals on Wheels site manager who is dedicated to supporting senior citizens and families in the city.
“She not only serves up regular nutritious, hot meals for homebound seniors, she delivers friendship through her many volunteers,” Webb said.
Bazner accepted the honor and thanked local officials and her volunteers.
“I want to thank the mayor and the council for keeping the senior center open so that I and the volunteers that work on the Meals on Wheels program can continue to provide the critical service to the seniors of Dearborn Heights,” Bazner said.
“I appreciate this recognition but I cannot do it without the help of my volunteers.”
March was recognized as Women’s History Month in the United States in 1987 after growing from the original week-long celebration of women in California in 1978.
President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week in 1980 with Congress following the next year establishing it as a national celebration. The National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress to turn the week celebration into a month long event in 1987.
The month pays tribute and highlights the history, contributions and importance women have to society, past and present.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected].)