Rotary presents its annual Vocation Award

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The Rotary Club of Perryville presented its annual Vocation Award at its Jan. 13 meeting. This year’s recipient was Carisa Stark, the owner of Mary Jane Burgers and Brew.
“The purpose of this is to recognize a member of the community who through their vocation exemplifies the values of our Rotary International four-way test,” he said Greg Yamnitz, the Rotary Club’s membership committee chairman.
Eligibility requirements for the award are the individuals had to be a member of the Perry County community and not a Rotarian at the time.
“(They) should display characteristics in their vocation that conform to the four-way test… honesty, fairness, promotes good will and friendship and acts to benefit others,” he said.
In addition to the award, Stark was presented with a gift bag of goodies donated by local Rotary members.
Stark was nominated for the award by Rotarian Amanda Layton.

“They go above and beyond…they give back to their community,” Layton said in her nomination for the award. “…You took the Downtown Square and the vitality that you’ve brought back to that with your businesses is bar none. It’s a wonderful thing that you’ve done for your community.”
“While the COVID pandemic made a significant impact on all of our lives, very few industries were impacted as harshly as the hospitality and travel sector, but through blood, sweat and tears Carisa has managed to continue swinging for the fences with Mary Jane Burgers and Brew, Jackson Street Brew Co., Urban Lofts and other ventures. She has sparked a major revitalization to the Downtown Square in Perryville. She has put Perryville on the map with her destination eatery and serves as an ambassador to our area. She cares about our community, donating her time, money and space to a variety of local causes…
“Carisa works hard to make sure he staff is well trained in customer service, she cares about their continuing education, she fosters a team environment and sponsors retreats and networking opportunities for the people on her payroll, too,” Layton said. “…You are an innovator, a job creator and your passion is absolutely infectious and we think you are very deserving of this year’s vocational award.”
Stark was grateful to be recognized.
“It just means a lot to me that my work is translating into something that is good,” Stark said.
Mary Jane Burgers & Brew has been open for a little more than eight years.
It wasn’t Stark’s first restaurant experience. Not by a long shot. She spent time working in several other states before eventually opening what has now become a signature Perryville eatery.