ANNA MARIA – Joan Voyles and Barbara Murphy have been named the city of Anna Maria’s Distinguished Citizens of the Year.
The two were recognized in a ceremony at Anna Maria City Hall during the Jan. 27 city commission meeting. Maureen Dye nominated Voyles and Nancy Flynn nominated Murphy for the award.
Although they weren’t selected, Commission Chair Carol Carter nominated Debbie Greenspan and Christine Aaron for the work they do with their AMI Pup Rescue organization.
Selection committee members Kathy Patten and Marsha McAllister presented this year’s awards.
After noting there are many “unsung heroes” in the community and many in the commission chambers that evening, Patten said, “We’ve got two people who will no longer be unsung heroes because we’re going to sing their praises.”
When presenting Voyles’ award, McAllister said, “She’s the first person my husband and I met when we moved to the Island. I’ve known her for about four years now. She has accomplished so much in the arts community and she’s been so generally community-minded and caring and generous with her time and her talents.”
“She’s a leader in her community,” Patten added.
McAllister noted Voyles is a former president of the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, president of the Manatee County Arts Council and founder and past president of the inactive Island-based Cultural Connections organization that hosted annual artsHOP events.
“It’s amazing that she found time to paint 50 watercolor images, and so many of the Island,” McAllister said.
She noted Voyles’ “iconic paintings” hang in several homes on Anna Maria Island and around the globe, with subjects that include the Rod & Reel Pier, the City Pier, The Island Players theater and other Island landmarks and landscapes.
When accepting her award, Voyles said, “It’s a beautiful plaque. Thank you very much. I’m privileged to live in a wonderful community and work with so many people. When you’re a volunteer in the community it’s a good way to get to know people. We have such wonderful assets here; the theater, the Historical Society, the orchestra and chorus. We have the galleries. We just have a lot to make this a special place in addition to our beach and all those good things we have. I’m very pleased to have lived here. I’m a lucky person.”
After Voyles received a warm round of applause, Carter said, “We’re honored to have you as an active member of our community.”
“Your art even graces my office,” Mayor Dan Murphy added.
Before recognizing Barbara Murphy, Patten said, “This is a great community, because we didn’t have to work too hard to come up with two wonderful people.”
Patten then said, “It’s an honor to introduce our fabulous first lady. She’s well known for her commitment to our city in so many ways. Barb serves as vice president of the Anna Maria Historical Society and she visits the museum to chat with the docents and check that all is well. May through November, when most of the board members are away, she is the overseer and the operating manager of the museum. She’s always looking for innovative ways to improve the museum and historical park. She’s also the driving force behind the AMI Historical Society being nominated and winning the AMI Chamber of Commerce non-profit of the year last year, 2021.
“She’s a teacher of CCD at St. Bernard Church, an active member of the church and she’s an avid member of the garden club. She’s an integral part of the chamber. Barb has made a big difference on our Island and the city of Anna Maria. She exemplifies positivity everywhere she goes, and her willingness to help others and her dedication to our community all add up to why she should be selected as Distinguished Citizen of the Year,” Patten said.
After receiving her plaque and a round of applause, Murphy said, “Thank you so much. It’s a tremendous honor. I enjoy all my involvement with the chamber, the garden club and the historical society.”
Murphy noted Patten previously served as a mayoral first lady in New Jersey, and when Dan Murphy was first elected mayor, she sought advice from Patten on being a mayor’s wife and a city’s first lady.
“There’s times when you can be vocal and express your opinion, but there’s times when you have to zip it up,” Murphy said regarding her role as first lady.
“I don’t feel deserving of this award. There’s so many others in our community that work so hard and do so much. I thank you,” Murphy said in closing.
“Two gems of our community. Thank you both and congratulations,” Carter said.
