Brunswick County individuals and groups received recognition from Gov. Roy Cooper's office for their volunteer efforts, according to a news release.
 
William “Buzz” McManus; 4-H volunteers Benje Jones, Amanda Barnhill, Agnes Taylor and Dawn Britt; and the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors Center volunteers all received the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. The members of Mike’s Garage Band also received the Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service.
 
The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award is given each year to individuals and groups in North Carolina that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service, officials said in the release. The Governor’s Medallion Award is given each year to 20-25 volunteers, selected by a statewide panel.
 
McManus volunteers with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, serving as the volunteer manager for the detention center, where he is responsible for recruiting, training and scheduling volunteers.

He also serves as a Citizens Patrol VOICE Volunteer, is a certified traffic control officer and serves as the sheriff's office’s evidence technician assisting the evidence custodian. In 2016, McManus volunteered more than 1,100 hours in these roles.
 
4-H club leaders Jones, Barnhill, Taylor and Britt guide, mentor and advise the youth in their clubs, creating an environment that allows the youth to make decisions about the activities and future of the club.

This year, their efforts allowed two new 4-H clubs to form in Brunswick County. One additional club was formed for youth interested in shooting sports, and one additional club was formed specifically for younger members, to help the clubs meet the needs, attention spans and learning speeds of youth at different ages, according to the release.
 
The Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors Center volunteers greet guests at the museum and visitors center, provide orientation for visitors, assist with museum exhibits and foster an understanding and appreciation for the rich heritage of Southport. Volunteer coordinator Sharon Venis said in the release that the volunteers are often the first people visitors meet as they come into Southport.
 
Mike’s Garage Band is made up of St. James residents Mike Haase, John Staryak, Chuck Krambuhl, Tony DeFilippis, Mike Horgan, Dave Holly, Dave Reed and Katherine Weeks.

They put on concerts throughout the year to raise money for Brunswick County organizations, officials said in the release.

Since the band’s formation in 2012, the group has raised more than $750,000, benefiting local charities including, Pretty in Pink, Matthew’s Ministry, New Hope Clinic and Communities In Schools of Brunswick County.

And after a Southport teen was hit and critically injured by a drunk driver during the July Fourth festival, the group held a concert and raised $18,000 to help with the teen’s medical bills.

The band takes no money for its expenses, so that all the donations from a concert can go to area nonprofits. In nominating the group, community members spoke of the group’s dedication and commitment to Brunswick County and its residents, the officials said.