The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of the 2010 Mathiasson Award for Community Service in Andersonville: Linda Bubon and Ann Christophersen of Women and Children First Bookstore.
The award will be presented at the opening ceremonies of the Andersonville Midsommarfest street festival Saturday, June 12, at 11:30 a.m., at the south stage, located the corner of Clark and Foster.
"Andersonville, and indeed, the world of independent businesses, have been deeply supported and even transformed by Ann and Linda," said Ellen Shepard, executive director of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce.
Bubon and Christophersen moved their bookstore from Lincoln Park to Andersonville in 1990. They coordinated the move with the launch of Woman Wild, which opened next door and sold women-made arts and crafts.
According to a press release, the bookstore's arrival helped usher in a new era of vitality for the Andersonville commercial district. Besides serving the community, Bubon and Christopherson have been active in the Chamber and have volunteered for many community activities, including Midsommarfest.
The Kurt Mathiasson Award for Community Service in Andersonville was established in 2000 to honor the man known affectionately as the "Mayor of Andersonville." As the founder of the Swedish American Museum and owner of Svea restaurant, Mathiasson was the driving force behind the preservation and celebration of Andersonville's Swedish culture. After his death in January, 2000, the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce established the award in his honor. Each year, the Chamber bestows the award on an individual or organization who most exemplifies Mathiasson's devotion and commitment to the Andersonville community.
A complete schedule of Midsommarfest events is available at www.andersonville.org .