January 5, 2005
Humanitarian efforts
Ann Rogers and Father Ed Emenheiser receive Sara Hardy Award for their work
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Pointing to the Declaration of Independence and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights as her inspirations for social justice, Ann Rogers spoke of the homeless in the area.
Accepting the Sara Hardy Award Monday night from the Traverse City Human Rights Commission, Rogers remarked that an estimated 400 people are homeless in the community. A tireless advocate for innumerable causes, Rogers radiated commitment to those most in need. She was determined to use a moment in the spotlight to help others.
"The efforts to eliminate this [homelessness] are ongoing and the Human Rights Commission is the beacon of hope for these people in this area," Rogers said.
A retired teacher, Rogers was honored to receive the award, which she perceived as another step in her journey to serve others.
"This is also very a humbling thing because there is so much to do," she noted. "I was kind of overwhelmed; you go along doing your little job, you don't do the things to be rewarded."
Rogers was a co-recipient of this year's award with Father Ed Emenheiser, pastor of the Grace Episcopal Church for ten years. The two were honored at the beginning of Monday's weekly meeting of the City Commission, held at the Government Center. Mayor Linda Smyka bestowed the plaques signifying the award before a crowd of family, friends and supporters turned out for the ceremony.
Al Quick and Mary O'Connor, co-chairs of the Traverse City Human Rights Commission, introduced the recipients and recognized them for their outstanding work in the community. Each noted how Rogers and Emenheiser extended their sense of community from Traverse City to encompass the globe.
"She's been active in everything from global peace to curb structure," said O'Connor, who introduced Rogers.
"She has been a consistent and faithful voice for a vast array of causes," continued O'Connor. "She's been fair and listened to advocate for the voiceless of our community and our community pays close attention to her efforts."
Quick outlined the many and varied causes championed by Emenheiser, all of which center around his passion for helping the less fortunate.
"He's been a leader in the parish not only in spiritual matters but to remain downtown, to serve community meals, provide a food pantry - feed the hungry, house the homeless," said Quick of Emenheiser, who has also participated in the Circle of Twelve, Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill Industries.
Emenheiser, who has been pastor of the Grace Episcopal Church for ten years, said he was humbled and honored by the award. It was even more significant to him because Hardy had been a member of the same church and had been an inspiring advocate for peace and justice.
He briefly reflected on his childhood, saying his father sewed the seeds of his commitments today.
"I'm thankful for having a father who instilled in me the importance of the value of every human being," Emenheiser said. "I've strove to live this in my life."
The Human Rights Commission conceived of the Sara Hardy Award 12 years ago as a way to keep the memory of one of their founders alive. Hardy died in 1992 after decades of service to the community, which included founding the commission in the 1970s.
Calling Hardy a pioneer and community leader, an advocate for human rights long before it was cool, Quick lauded her many works.
"Sara Hardy always fought hard for the rights of the disadvantaged," he said. "We established the award to honor the life and human spirit of Sara Hardy, to provide you with a glimpse of this wonderful woman's work."