In honor of her service to the Mercer Island community, the Flash Family Inspirational Award was presented to Genny Rees at the Farmers Market Senior Day on July 4.

The annual award was started with a $6,000 gift from Phil Flash in 2009 and is designed to honor Island residents over the age of 55 who demonstrate good sportsmanship or community leadership.

This year, Rees received gift certificates for art supplies and a restaurant, rode in the Summer Celebration! parade on July 10, and will have her name added to a plaque at the Community Center, according to Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, which manages the award funds.

“Phil Flash is really inspirational,” said Cindy Goodwin, of Youth and Family Services. “He’s really a magnificent person, and the recipients of his award are, too.”

Flash, now in his 90s, has been active in the Mercer Island Historical Society and Northwest Senior Games, and has been honored by the City Council for his volunteer efforts on the Island.

The Flash Award recipient is chosen by a selection committee made up of Mercer Island seniors and city workers. The award is intended to go to optimistic people who are good role models, according to Youth and Family Services.

This year’s recipient, Rees, was chosen for her efforts in chairing the Mercer Island Visual Arts League, tutoring English to non-native speakers and working as a thrift shop volunteer, among other things.

“Congratulations, Genny,” said Goodwin in an announcement released on July 2. “You are a true gem of the Mercer Island Community.”