Time to pick a hero: City Pulse COVID voting begins

Three weeks ago, we asked readers to help us honor people and organizations who have emerged as COVID heroes in our community.

The nominations are in. It’s time now to vote.

You can do so starting Thursday (June 18). Voting ends July 1. The top honoree will be announced July 15.

You may vote at lansingcitypulse.com/COVIDHERO.

Here are the choices with a brief description of each. More information is available online:

— Julie Davis, Head Start teacher, nominated by Bethany Griffith: “Julie has gone above and beyond for children and families this pandemic. From resources for free food to singing and dancing on Facebook, daily story time, video chats... etc.”

— Tracey Lynn Van Duesen, physical therapist, nominated by Barbara Tate: “She has each and everyday gone out into a different ss home to provide physical therapy.”

— MSU 3D PPE Maker Team, nominated by Cindy Morgan: “The work represents a willingness to adapt to meet the evolving needs of our community, and it was founded on a culture of empathy and a commitment to contributing to our community.”

— Mike Karl, founder of Cardboard Prophets, nominated by Tammy Edgerton and Cherisse Rinard: For organizing fund-raising efforts that contributed thousands of dollars to help individuals and families pay their bills.

— Kristi Schneider, ER nurse at Sparrow Hospital, nominated by Lucas Shaw: For her work at Sparrow’s COVID tent.

— Pamela Vandervest, clinical lab scientist at Sparrow Hospital, nominated by Sarah Rodriquez: “Pam worked tirelessly to test and verify the covid19 dna test at sparrow molecular lab. She continues to expose herself everyday as well as working hard to keep that process happening.”

— Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, nominated by Phil Scarb: “Our governor stepped up and did the job, saying to hell with her political future.

— Horrocks Farm Markets’ Essential Employees, nominated by Malia Korte: “These employees have risked their lives every day of this pandemic, to serve people pf Lansing with their essential needs.”

— Scott Rolen of Lou & Harry’s: For raising funds to benefit nurses and doctors.

— Jane French, veterinary technician, nominated by Joyce Hagerman: Essential worker carinh for large animals.

— Jessy Rae, owner of SEAMS, nominated by Rebecca Froebe: “Organized an army of volunteer sewists who made thousands, yes, thousands of masks for first responders, hospitals, care facilities, etc.”

— Julie Stephenson, mental health therapist, nominated by Mary Stephenson: “The unsung heroes are the mental health workers. They deal with the fallout from COVID-19, such as people suffering from grief, domestic abuse, violence, suicide and an increase in adult and child mental illness.”