Rick Guzowski: A Community Chef and Eager Volunteer

Seventeen years ago Rick Guzowski made the move to Clawson, and after experiencing the strong sense of community he decided not to leave.

Clawson satisfied his need for something new. Right away he found out how big of a celebration the was and started helping with the annual activities. Before he knew it, he was an active member of the , sitting on the Clawson Zoning Board of Appeals and dedicating time as part of the Clawson Goodfellows. 

“I came to Clawson for something to do and never left because it’s a really cool little community,” said Guzowski, 47. “I’ve found that if you’re in trouble, this community comes together like no other.”

Guzowski is known for cooking up delicious meals for Lions Club fundraisers — specifically for their monthly . He said he does 99 percent of the cooking for Lions Club events and cookouts. At the pancake breakfasts, Guzowski likes to spice up the traditional pancake by offering blueberry, strawberry, Mickey Mouse shapes and other twists.

“Mickey Alderman from the relies on me and the other Lions for a lot of the things that go on in the park on the cooking end,” Guzowski said.

Alderman said he has called on Guzowski many times over the years and that he is always eager and willing to help.

“He’s been very supportive to our activities,” Alderman said. “He’s the type of person that if you ask him a favor, even if it’s short notice, he’ll do it.”

Guzowski has mastered the art of cooking hot dogs and pancakes and even whips them up for Clawson's and is on site every year for the .

“He has been a very positive benefit for the community and specifically for our department,” Alderman said.

Guzowski, a former Clawson Lions Club president, said he continues to stay active with the organization.

“The Lions Club is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever been involved in,” Guzowski said. “You get to see what your hard work does. For example, we raise money for leader dogs and I could be anywhere and see somebody with a leader dog and know my money helped with that.”

Aside from being philanthropic, Guzowski runs the Clawson-based business Two Kids & A Goat Lawn & Snow Service which specializes in lawn maintenance. When he’s not working or volunteering Guzowski enjoys playing cards, checking out hot rods, hunting, fishing or talking about the Detroit Red Wings. 

Clawson Patch wants to feature more great volunteers in the community. We could use your help in searching for those philanthropic folk. We’re not looking for Hercules or Superman; we’re more interested in hometown heroes. If you have a volunteer in mind, e-mail Local Editor Nicquel Terry at nicquel.terry@patch.com.