Winona Lake resident Greg Demopoulos was the man of the evening at the Winona Lake Community Appreciation Dinner Thursday evening. Demopoulos gave a presentation  on the community’s bike trails, received the 2014 Bill Reneker Memorial Community Service Award and then won a gift bag from The Olive Branch in a raffle.

Local Boy Scout Troop 715 led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a short performance by the Waters Edge Flute Ensemble.

This Invocation was given by Dr. John Stoll, former head of Grace College’s Bible Department.

Also recognized were this year’s recipients of the Winona Lake Home Improvement Awards. The awards were presented to Roger Crouse, 802 Sharon St., as well as Panos and Georgeann Niarchos, 202 Chestnut Ave.

Retiring Winona Lake Street Superintendent Pete O’ Connell was recognized and presented an engraved plate as a token of appreciation for all his years of service.

Limitless Park committee chair Erin Porter gave a presentation on the plans for the new interactive park and Center for Lakes and Stream director Dr. Nathan Bosch explained several of the projects recently taken on by his department (see related).

The evening came to a close with Demopoulos being presented the Reneker award for all of his involvement in Winona Lake bicycle events and his efforts in the maintenance of community trails. The award was presented by Judy Reneker Burd. Demopoulos thanked his friends and family before stating: “God put me on a bicycle, and my family gave me a push.”