UP Volunteers, Employees Honored at Summer Celebration

University Park employees and volunteers were honored with a summer celebration and barbecue at the Riverdale Presbyterian Church on Friday evening.

Sarah Moseley, one of the co-chairs of the event, said the purpose was to thank them for their years and hours of service to the community. 

Local musical group Dear Creek kicked off the event with renditions of popular songs, while friends and family gathered to eat food and catch up. 

Police Chief Michael Wynnyk was one of the 14 employees who received a plaque honoring his service that evening. 

"It's very flattering," Wynnyk said. "These are all wonderful people." 

Mayor John Tabori presented a quilt made by residents that was designed in the shape of the town and will be hung at University Park Town Hall, along with a plaque honoring the town's many volunteers. 

"The quilt is a fitting symbol of all the volunteers who helped produce a spectacular 75th anniversary in 2011," Tabori said. 

Public Works Director Mickey Beall presented plaques to members of the public works department, while Wynnyk presented them to members of the police department. 

"I encourage you to get to know these men," Beall said after the plaques were presented. "Because they know all of you."