Temple Terrace City Councilman Ron Govin was presented the 2011 Fran Barford Award for public service by JoAnn Woodard at the GFWC Temple Terrace Woman’s Club Christmas Luncheon Dec. 15 at the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club.

A near-speechless Govin’s only remark: “Thank you for the honor.”

The award is given to recognize someone, either a past or present city employee, a current or former official of the city, or a person who is serving or has served on a board appointed by the city. The person nominated must have distinguished him or herself in public service to the Temple Terrace community.

David Long, of Business Ink Printing, nominated Govin for the award.

“I respect Ron for his dedication to Temple Terrace and his ability to put aside his personal beliefs to do what is best for the community,” Long said.

Govin was recognized for service on the Temple Terrace City Council 2004-12, Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission 1995-2003 and the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority 2004-12.

He was involved in the redevelopment of the southeast quadrant of the city and the STAR (Strategic Teamwork and Redevelopment) Committee appointed by the City Council in 2002, which kicked off the entire project. The STAR Committee disbanded in 2005 and became the Redevelopment Task Force.

Mark Master Inc., owned by Govin, was chosen Temple Terrace Business of the Year in 1998.

Barford could not be present at the luncheon. In a letter, she said Govin's most important service has been as a city council member.

“...I commend you for being willing to serve and am so proud that you represented Temple Terrace,” she wrote. “We have all benefited from your service.”

Woman’s Club 2011 President Marge Groene also presented the following awards:

• Member of the Year 2011, Member Choice: A tie with awards going to Elaine Coniglio and Maryrose Owens
• Member of the Year 2011, President’s Choice: Maryrose Owens
• Outstanding Service 2011: Elaine Coniglio

Guests attending the luncheon included GFWC Florida District VIII Director Cherry Stettin and 1978-1980 International Past President Mary Elizabeth Preston.

Groene installed the officers for 2012. They are: Maryrose Owens, president; Carol Caruso, first vice president; Elaine Coniglio, second vice president; Morgan Ehsani, third vice president; Jane Latina, corresponding secretary; Connie Smith, recording secretary; Irene Bosek, treasurer; Lynn Werner, treasurer of funding; and Georgene Perlman, member-at-large.

Owens’ theme is “Giving Hearts—Our Garden of Good Deeds.” She charged the members to collect their seeds and begin planting for 2012.

“You have opened many doors, and we invite you to plant seeds in our garden of good deeds,” she said.