Neighbor News
Scouts of Michigan honor local volunteer
Davisburg resident Dane Bezemek receives "Silver Beaver"
The Boy Scouts of America’s Michigan Crossroads Council honored local volunteer Dane Bezemek with the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor the regional organization can bestow, with a ceremony on July 29.
The Silver Beaver is intended to recognize Scouters of exceptional character who have provided distinguished service within a council. Candidates for the award must be nominated by fellow volunteers; moreover, each council only has a limited allotment they can award each year. While Bezemek volunteers with troops in the Holly area, fellow Scouters said he distinguished himself through giving leadership to the program across Oakland County.
“Dane has been a Scouter for 34 years,” Council Development Director Denver Laabs said during the ceremony. “His many positions have included Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, chartered organization representative, unit commissioner and assistant district commissioner.”
According to Laabs, Bezemek is a lifetime member of the National Eagle Scout Association and also holds the District Award of Merit, Commissioner Key award and the Community Service Award.
Bezemek presently serves as chartered organization representative for three units in the Holly area, Troop 43G, Troop 43B and Pack 43, all of which partner with his Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5587. Bezemek also serves with other Scouters as a member of the Commissioner Corps for Oakland County’s Pontiac-Manito District.
“Dane has provided incredible service to our scouts and to our country being a member of the military, a COR and active commissioner, and helping to lead or monthly roundtable meeting,” District Commissioner Lonny Johnson said.
Laabs and Johnson were present at the Lafayette Grande Banquet Hall in Pontiac to present the award along with Council Vice Chair of Program John Savage, District Chairwoman Jennifer Sanker and District Executive Brandon Kathman.
“Scouting doesn’t go forward without quality volunteers to provide program for the youth,” Johnson said. “That’s my humble opinion; the BSA cannot provide program to youth without the wonderful work and effort from our volunteers.”
