Bugarske, Eddinger Named Marie Sparks 2011 Honorees

Longtime Healdsburg civic volunteers and were honored with the at a ceremony Monday night before Healdsburg City Council.

Dozens of residents packed the council chambers at to witness the ceremony and support the two honorees.

"Every year, it's hard to imagine how we could match the award honorees from the previous year," City Councilman Tom Chambers said. "But we do, and each one is outstanding."

Chambers was a neighbor of the late Marie Sparks, the award's namesake, and said she was a huge inspiration to him.

To read about Marie Sparks and the history of the award, click on the PDF attached.

Presenter called Mary Lou Eddinger "the backbone of the community who allows others to shine."

Studer detailed Eddinger's extensive volunteer work with such groups as Catholic Social Services, and

Eddinger, her husband Jerry Eddinger and their entire family were also key participants in the recent

"I knew Marie Sparks personally, and I'm so very honored to receive an award in her name," Mary Lou Eddinger said in accepting a plaque from Studer.

Presenter, said it was difficult to quantify all the volunteer contributions from Bugarske.

"He has been the announcer for more than 100 youth sports teams for over 20 years," Holley said. "He has been in for many years and was president last year."

Bugarske has also been member of the Healdsburg Parks and Recreation Commission for 31 years, Holley said.

"A member of which sends care packages to troops overseas], a member of the a founding member of and , and a coach of more than 100 youth sports teams," Holley said.

"I'm very thankful to my family," Bugarske said in accepting the plaque from Holley. "It's great to be able to serve this community, and I'm very thankful to be a part of it."