On Wednesday, June 17, Struthers Parkinson's Center honored three 2009 Paul M. Silverstein, MD, Community Service Award winners. The Silverstein awards recognize those who have provided outstanding service to the Parkinson's community throughout the Upper Midwest. Honorees are chosen by a committee of medical professionals, philanthropists and community members. The awards are named in honor of Paul M. Silverstein, MD, founding medical director of Struthers Parkinson's Center.

One of the three award winners was Local 30-73 member Kristin Kemper, the originator and guiding force behind the popular, annual "Awakenings" concerts benefiting Struthers Parkinson's Center. As a violinist with the Minnesota Orchestra and a person living with Parkinson's, Kristin has worked hard to raise Parkinson's disease awareness, participating in newspaper and radio interviews with her neurologist Martha Nance, MD, on several occasions. She has used her influence and connections in the musical community to coordinate outstanding talent for the Awakenings concerts each year, and has generously donated her own time and talents on behalf of the center.