Curtis Aldrich

“Curtis Aldrich is a very dedicated member of our community. His support and commitment exemplifies the definition of a volunteer. We are very proud to have him as a part of our State Bank and Trust family.”

He volunteers for Defiance Soccer Association as a referee-coach, DCTV, Junior Achievement and is a member of Lions Club. He is also a member of Defiance City board of education, the city’s parks board, Defiance High School Band Boosters and is an athletic booster. 

Curtis Aldrich covers various sporting events for DCTV and Defiance High School. 

“Curtis was selected by the staff of DCTV because of his dedication to helping us video, produce and edit sports coverage for Defiance High School. As a DCTV volunteer, he donated about 80 plus hours in covering soccer, basketball and football for the high school. He donated an equal amount of time to edit these events and helped recruit other volunteers to cover additional sports for the high school. ÒDCTV can’t thank him enough for being such a wonderful volunteer.” 

Aldrich also is president of Defiance City School Board, past president of Defiance Lions Club and Defiance Soccer Association; is a city of Defiance Parks Division board member; a classroom volunteer for Defiance Junior Achievement and a graduate of Stephen Covey “What Matters Most” and Defiance Citizens Police Academy.  

Alma Siemet

Defiance County Chapter American Red Cross

Alma A. Siemet, Defiance, joined the local Red Cross chapter in 1944. In 58 years she has served as a nurse, CPR and first aid instructor, board member and bloodmobile volunteer. She also co-coached youth first aid competition teams for two years, worked as a disaster trained volunteer in disaster service, a cook and in registration for bloodmobiles and in canteen services.

“Alma is always willing to serve our chapter whenever her services are needed. We can always count on Alma.”

She also has volunteered as a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader and trainer for more than 40 years, receiving the St. Anne and St. George awards; volunteered to help when United Way started in Defiance, serving as a general division chairman several times; as a chartered member of Maumee Valley Archers; and instructed youth at day camp and Camp Palmer. She helped youth with their leaf collections and is known to many as the “leaf lady.” She taught CCD for 20 years at St. John’s Catholic Church and has been active as a Eucharistic minister since 1980. An officer for Catholic Ladies of Columbia and Catholic Daughters of America, she is also an associate member of the Sisters of St. Agnes, a 14-year member of Women of the Moose Chapter 1246 with a college of regents degree and a charter member of Ohio Moose Association’s Higher Degree Council, a DASH board member, serving on the recreation program, and member of Ayersville Homemakers. She also was fourth ward chairman for the American Heart Association, March of Dimes and Cancer research.

Amy Fankhauser

Zonta

Amy Zeller Fankhauser, Defiance, has been an active member in Zonta Club for three years, and assisted with its fund-raisers; a member of Lions Club, helping with its fund-raisers; and has assisted with Defiance animal shelter’s Casino Night fund-raiser for five years.

She is also a member of Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors and a past president of Ohio Rental Dealer Association, serving as director and treasurer, the national board APRO, rental organization, director and past member of leadership class of 2000.

“Amy has spearheaded the largest fund-raising initiative of the Zonta Club Defiance for several years. This takes a great amount of time before Christmas. The fund-raiser supported the tuition for two students from Jamaica to attend NWSSS.

Ann Grant

Defiance Hospital Auxiliary

Ann Grant, Defiance, has served Defiance Hospital Auxiliary for 22 years. She supervises operations at the hospital Thrift Shop, sorting and pricing clothes and miscellaneous items and operating the cash register on some sales days. She also has worked at the gift shop.

“Ann started with about 200-300 hours of volunteering a year at the Pink Geranium now known as the Thrift Shop. Beginning in 1993, she got the Thrift Shop ‘bug’ and began volunteering 500 hours and then up to 800 and 900 hours a year.

“Ann gives 110 percent to the Thrift Shop. Besides all the hours sorting and pricing merchandise, she makes sure the shop is kept clean. The shop is immaculate on Thursday morning, when the doors open to the public. She and her volunteer work force have a lot of pride and do a great job.”

She is also a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and its choir.

Betty George

St. John Lutheran School, Defiance

Betty George, Mark Center, has served St. John Lutheran School for 3 1/2 years as volunteer school librarian. She is a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Sherwood, where she plays hand bells, attends Bible class and helps with vacation Bible school.

“Betty George has been our volunteer head librarian for the past 3 1/2 years. She brings her grandson to our school from Mark Center every day and just stays to help. Betty is always ready to help fill in for any classroom librarian. We have recently added many books to our library along with a computerized reading program. Betty aided in the update of our library also. She is always there to lend a hand to a computer class as well.

Betty has been a wonderful asset to our school, all on her own time. Our library program would suffer without her.”

Betty has four children and a grandchild.

Bob McCullough

First Federal Bank

Bob McCullough, Defiance, has served the organization five years. He is a board member and member of the communications committees for the  Volunteer Connection for Defiance County and United Way of Defiance County, a participant in Make a Difference Day, a waiter in the PATH Center celebrity waiter fund-raising event and Junior Achievement instructor for the sixth-grade class.

He is also a member of Crossroads Church, a participant in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life for Defiance County, the American Heart Association American Heart Walk, a featured classroom speaker in area schools at various grade levels and has hosted tours of First Federal Bank for area students and groups.

“It seems as though there are several kinds of volunteers, those who are required to volunteer for activities by their employer or organization, those who volunteer for self-gratification and those who simply volunteer to bring a smile to a face, to show someone how it feels to laugh a little louder and to make sure someone’s life is filled with a little more joy. This third type of volunteer perfectly describes Bob McCullough. Bob exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism. He never hesitates to make a difference in the lives of those in the community that he’s proud to call home.”

Bonnie Shaw

Historic Homes of Defiance

Bonnie Shaw has been a member of Historic Homes of Defiance for three years, serving as chairman for the organization’s inventory project and office manager.

“The members of Historic Homes of Defiance wish to honor Bonnie Shaw as an outstanding volunteer. To preserve the history of our community, our organization agreed to inventory the historic homes and buildings of Defiance for the Ohio Historic Preservation Office. Bonnie volunteered to coordinate the effort and has worked Monday-Friday from 9-noon in the HHOD office plus many more hours in the past two years on this most worthwhile project for our community. She has made a commitment of five to 10 years to complete the inventory and deserves to be publicly recognized for her dedication.”

Connie Kelley

NOCAC — Head Start

Connie Kelley, Ney, has served NOCAC — Head Start for a year. She volunteers to help in the classroom, on field trips and as a bus monitor.

“Connie Kelley volunteers in the classroom at the Defiance Webster Street Head start every day. She helps out with our circle time, lunch, free play, art projects, gym, snack, bus monitoring and all of our other day to day activities. Connie has been a great asset to this program and there are not enough words to express how much she has helped us this year. I don’t know how in the world we could ever thank her for all of her help and support that she has given us and the program this year. Thank you from the whole Webster Street staff.”

Connie Suffel

Claude W. Henkle Middle School

Connie Suffel has served the school for four years. She served as a volunteer coordinator for two years, collects money for fund-raisers, is a reader scribe for proficiency tests, attends PRIDE monthly meeting, records attendance one day a week and collects lunch money in the mornings.

She is a member of Church of God, where she counts the church’s money, teaches 5- and 6-year-olds on Wednesdays and helps with the kindergarten and nursery-age children.

“Mrs. Suffel has given much of her time and effort to Claude W. Henkle Middle School. She has been faithful the last two years to work and represent our PRIDE parent organization. Connie has helped us in proficiency testing, collecting money, doing attendance and lunch money and helping with vision and hearing screening, school pictures and with other activities.”

Connie Zimmerman

First Call For Help

Connie Zimmerman served as a member of First Call For Help’s board of trustees since 2000 and is currently treasurer of the development committee.

“She has been a supporter of the agency for many years, promoting our mission throughout the community. She is always willing to help with any project and deserves to be recognized for her contribution to our community.”

She also serves as president of Quadco’s non-profit board, is president of South Richland Fire Department Auxiliary and is an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church, Defiance Eagles and VFW Auxiliary.

She and her husband, Robert, have a son David who is serving in the U.S. Air Force.

Dave Kroeckel

UAW Local 211

Dave Kroeckel serves as president of United Auto Workers Local 211 at Defiance General Motors Powertrain.

He has been involved with United Way for Defiance County’s campaign at GM Powertrain for 15 years, during which time he served as Powertrain’s campaign co-chairman and served as a member of the UW board of directors for seven years. A member of Northwest Private Industry Council for six years, he has also worked as a volunteer for many other organizations and participated in their fund-raisers. He has also coached Little League and softball for Defiance and Tinora school districts.

Dave is always available to help an organization or individual. “He is involved with so many organizations, from ringing bells to walking for pledges.”

Dee Huston

Black Swamp Area Council, Boy Scouts of America

Dee Huston, Hicksville, has served the Boy Scouts for 24 years as unit commissioner, committee member of pack and troop, advancement chairman of troops, council commissioner, assistant council commissioner, district training chairman, commissioner training and was recipient of the James E. West and Silver Beaver awards and District Award of Merit.

She is also a member of Fraternity of Eagles, United Auto Workers and Kiwanis, as well as the safety and team-building committees at Parker Hanfin Co., where she is employed.

“Dee is extremely dedicated to the Boy Scouts of America and unselfishly devotes large amounts of time to help and serve others. She is very thoughtful of other people and respects the talents of each individual. In addition to being hard working, she is very knowledgeable and well respected by all who know her. Although able to make decisions on her own, she is a definite team-player and is always very fair. Her commitment to scouting becomes even more revealing when considering the number of years she has been involved with the organization.”

Denzel (Denny) Sines

Boy Scout Troop 76

Denzel Sines has served Boy Scouts of America for 50 years as scout master, scout ranger, committee member, merit badge counselor and in many fund-raising capacities.

“This man has dedicated his life to the Boy Scout movement. He has not only been a role model to youth, but has helped hundreds of youth when they needed an adult to talk to.”

His service began in 1951 when he helped start and served as committeeman for Cub Scout Pack 54, Fayette, as well as several other area troops through the years. Since then, he served packs 54 and 171 in various posts, became Explorer adviser, assisted in presenting Junior Leader training courses, served six years on Darke District training staff and five years as assistant district commissioner. He attended many training programs and camps and became a Ranger at Shawnee Scout Reservation, Camp Lakota, in 1963. “He dedicated 23 years of his life to being Ranger at Shawnee Scout Reservation, going from Ranger to O’l Ranger.”

He was recipient of the Paul Bunyan award for axmanship and the Golden Anniversary Philmont Training Scholarship award. He received the St. George Award in recognition of outstanding service to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in the program of Boy Scouts of America.

He is a member of First Church of Christ.

Donelda McWilliams

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program

Donelda McWilliams has served RSVP more than 10 years. Through the program she is a mentor with the Ohio Reads Program, tutoring for two weeks during the past two summers; is a member of the Defiance County Senior Services board, vice chairman of the center’s auxiliary; and is special events coordinator of TRIAD. She has been chairman of the advisory council of Ohio Department of Aging and a member of its legislative committee for seven years; and a 10-year AARP member, performing various activities for the organization.

“RSVP chose Donelda for this honor because she is a true example of volunteerism, not only on the local level but the state level as well. She encourages anyone, any age to take part in the community. This is evident in her speech to the Defiance College students regarding their opportunities to make a difference in their society. Volunteering is a two-way street. People who give of themselves always receive more in return. She is a wonderful example of volunteerism in motion. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is pleased to nominate her for this award and is truly blessed by her efforts.”

Greg Wells

Women & Family Services

Greg Wells has provided Women & Family Services with computer hardware and software support for the past year and has delivered the organization’s publication, Living Today, to dozens of businesses.

“Greg has freely volunteered 85 hours of service this past year. For a small, non-profit agency, we could not have afforded to pay someone for all the computer hardware and software support that Greg provided.”

He is a member of Continental Free Methodist Church and is a retired employee of GM Powertrain.

Jenny Derringer

The Crescent-News

Jenny Derringer, Defiance, coordinated the Project Share collection at The Crescent-News.

She also serves on the administrative board at Trinity United Methodist Church and as a committee member with the American Heart Association’s annual Home with Heart Auction.

“Jenny has managed the Project Share program at The Crescent-News for several years. She began organizing the effort entirely on her own. Not only has she single handedly raised the money, but also has done all of the shopping and gift wrapping, as well as delivering the gifts to the selected families. Jenny’s efforts have raised the awareness of the Project Share program in our plant to the point that this year The Crescent-News sponsored two families.”

Jerald Overmier

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church

Jerald (Jerry) Overmier has served the church for six years. He serves as co-chairman for the church’s building and renovation committee overseeing on-site project construction. He has participated in the Fest-for-All, teen weekends, and married couple counseling as part of the church’s orientation.

He is also a past board member for the Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce and a Defiance Rotary member.

“Jerry has been a faithful volunteer in helping to coordinate the capital fund drive to raise monies for the church renovation and parish life center building. He volunteered to oversee the construction and serves as the on-site coordinator, which has involved hours of meetings and energy. He is friendly and nothing seems to be too much for him to respond to. We are very grateful for his talent and generosity.”

Joan Price

Friends of Defiance Public Library

Joan Price has served the organization 15 years. A past membership chairman, she also deliver library materials to  homebound residents and is involved with the library’s fourth-grade project. “As membership chairman, she maintained the Friends’ membership list and prepared the annual membership renewal form and letter.

“With willing hands and heart, Joan volunteers in several programs at the library. Her willingness to ‘pitch in’ is an inspiration to other volunteers and to staff members.”

JoAn Snyder

Ability Center of Defiance

JoAn Snyder, of Defiance, has served the Ability Center for eight years.

“JoAn has been an unseen asset to our agency over the years. She weekly transports her husband, Ray, to his appointments with his consumers and then provides peer support to the family members present. She brings her husband to staff meeting at our office and then volunteers to staff the telephones so we can have an uninterrupted meeting. She helps Ray keep connected to our home office in Toledo by driving him to activities there. She provides assistance with the brain injury support group that meets monthly in our office.”

She also volunteers time at the organization’s informational booths at fairs throughout the year.

She also volunteers on the election board, visits shut-ins, counts donations at the church and is a member of United Methodist Church’s women’s group.

Jose Mora

Habitat For Humanity Defiance County

Jose Mora served Habitat for Humanity-Defiance County since the organization’s inception in 1998. He was heavily involved in the organization’s first project on Karnes Avenue.

He is also a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, Hispanic Awareness Organization and United States Ameateur Boxing Association since 1968. He is active in Latin American Club, was captain of the Defiance Police Auxiliary, receiving an award by the United states Federation of Police in recognition of his apprehension and arrest of a criminal whose acts were a danger to the public welfare, received the third annual Sertoma Service to Mankind Award and the Gold Medal Award presented by GM Powertrain for excellence in community activities. He received the Distinguished Coaching Award with 40 years of service in coaching area youth boxing. Jose is also a United States Veteran. He served his country from 1948-1951,  touring 15 months in Guam and 15 months in Korea. He was a member of the 8th Army.

“He comes from a workingman’s background and brings a unique ethnic perspective to the board, which we need to be reminded of from time to time. He sees it as his responsibility to assist in the cause of eliminating poverty housing in Defiance County.”

Judy Hancock

Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio, Defiance chapter

Judy Hancock has served the foundation’s Defiance chapter for 30 years. A past secretary, she serves as the organization’s vice president.

She is also a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, serving as vice president of WELCA, attends meetings, serves dinners, is a past Sunday school teacher and worked with Tiffin Township Fireflies 4-H group for many years.

“Judy has been a volunteer of the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio, Defiance chapter for 30 years as a pre-school teacher at Good Samaritan School and a bus driver for Northeastern Local Schools. Her family and their farm keep her busy.”

Julie Nickerson

Ace Equestrian Therapy Program

Julie Nickerson, of Defiance, has served the Ace Equestrian Therapy Program for a year. She works with handicapped riders, assisting them with mounting and dismounting as well as walks next to children and adults who are riding the horses. She is learning to groom, tack and lead horses.

“Julie is a special person who takes time out of her busy schedule to volunteer one or two days a week at the stable. She works well with our clients and the other volunteers and is willing to do what is needed. She has had no experience with horses but is using her massage therapy skills to massage the horses and wants to learn more about horse massage. She is sharing her talents to help both our clients and our horses.”

Karen Fetter

Community Pregnancy Center

Karen Fetter, Grover Hill, has served Community Pregnancy Center for seven years. She provides pregnancy counseling, Teen Mom activities, follow-up of clients and abstinence counseling.

She is also a member of Calvary Bible Church, Habitat for Humanity, and provides abstinence teaching in the area schools.

“Karen is a very compassionate, caring individual who spends countless hours devoted to our clients as well as her Teen Moms. She is an outstanding volunteer with much expertise in counseling, Godly wisdom, scripture studies and parenting skills. Having been a mother and now a doting grandmother, she has a wealth of experience and information. She will never give up on anyone and will go well out of her way to visit or meet with them, regardless of the distance or time. We love having her work with us.”

Employed by Youth for Christ as Teen Moms coordinator, she and her husband, Jack, have two children, Jamie Fetter and Mande Lower, and a grandson, Tyson.

Kenneth Hahn

SPARK Tutor/Mentor Program, Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission

Kenneth Hahn, Defiance, has served the school system for six years. A student tutor/mentor for Slocum Elementary HOST program since March 6, 2000, he has mentored at Defiance Junior High School for six years and tutored at Anthony Wayne for nearly two years.

He is also a Defiance Hospital Auxiliary volunteer, accumulating 203 hours of service in the past three years.

“Ken Hahn is a SPARK volunteer who tirelessly donates his time to tutor at-risk children at Anthony Wayne, Slocum Elementary and Defiance Junior High schools. A volunteer with numerous organizations, Ken is generous with his time and talents, compassion and friendship. More importantly, he is a wonderful motivator for struggling students, encouraging them and guiding them into academic success and self confidence. Ken is an excellent mentor and role model to the students he assists and his example of community service and sincere helpfulness will prove to have a profound and long lasting impact on the younger generation he assists.”

Kenneth Kregg

Knights of Columbus

Kenneth Kregg, Defiance, has been a Knights of Columbus member for 12 years. He served as chairman for the fall charity campaign, as chairman for many charitable fund-raising activities and has volunteered countless hours as a council officer. He volunteers for Measure Up, Lollipop fund-raiser, fish fries and was guest speaker for the NAACP.

He is also an usher for St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a Eucharistic minister. He is a past Grand Knight and visitor of the sick and home bound and many other areas of service.

“It is an honor for the Knights of Columbus to select Kenneth Kregg our outstanding volunteer. Whatever the task, he can be counted upon to lend a hand and provide enthusiasm and guidance. The Knights of Columbus is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to the support of family, church, community and country and Ken has dedicated his time and talents to promote these entities. He exemplifies the dedication and tireless spirit of an outstanding volunteer.”

Larry Anderson

Horseback Haven

Larry Anderson has served Horseback Haven for a year. He grooms horses, helps riders mount and dismount, leads the horses, does barn work and helps whenever he is needed. He also attends New Beginnings Church and supports Defiance High School and college sports.

“Larry has been selected due to his enthusiasm, dedication and his compassion for people. He is enjoyed by all who are involved with this program. He has touched so many lives with his caring ways. His jokes are enjoyed by all and often asked of him to tell. Larry’s love of animals is displayed every time he is at Horseback Haven. The horses are always excited to see him (or is it the carrots they are looking for?). He has a caring and gentle touch with the people and the horses. He definitely has the American spirit.”

He and his wife, Susan, have two grown children.

Liz Mack

Claude W. Henkle Middle School

Liz Mack has served the school for five years. She is fund-raiser coordinator, teacher’s aide, proficiency reader/scribe and PRIDE, the parent-teacher organization, coordinator.

She is also a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and donates time for Little League baseball and basketball.

“Mrs. Mack has given much of her time and effort to our school. During our fund-raiser, Liz was at school practically every day collecting money and making the necessary phone calls. Liz also helps with vision screening, school pictures and other functions.”

Mae Grimes

Richland Place/PATH Center

Mae Grimes has served Richland Place/PATH Center for a year. She helps prepare and serve the daily meal at the soup kitchen and cleans up afterwards.

Marilyn Mallott

American Association of University Women

Marilyn Mallott, Defiance, has been a member of AAUW for more than 30 years. A charter member, she has served as president, vice president, public policy chairman and as a program committee member.

She is a member of St. John United Church of Christ and its choir, secretary of its women’s guild and has served as a member of Christian education, gifts and memorials, lay life and work committees and as Sunday school teacher.

For the Defiance Hospital Auxiliary, she works at the gift shop, Health Answers Library and information desk, serves as “Lights of Love” chairman and is 3-year executive board member.

She serves as president of Friends of the Defiance Public Library’s executive board and has been a member for 10 years, during which time she has held vice president and secretary offices and was coordinator of fund-raising trips and Art in the Park.

She is also a member of Defiance Public Library Foundation executive board, Defiance College Women’s Commission and Women’s Club, Task Force 2003 for Ohio’s birthday, Current event Club, Defiance Society of Artists, Fairview Book Club, Defiance County Retired Teachers and is a past member of Defiance College Alumni executive board.

“Marilyn is talented, involved, committed and giving. She is one of the rare persons that, though busy, is able and willing to give more of herself. She sees a need or a chance to serve and accepts the challenge of that opportunity. By volunteering, she fulfills the saying, “The best preparation for tomorrow is to give life your best today.” Marilyn gives of her time and talents today and in so doing, makes a better tomorrow.”

Mark Ensign

Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Henry and
Defiance Counties

Mark Ensign has served Big Brothers Big Sisters for three years. The first Big Brother in Defiance County, he has served as past board member and vice president, Bowl For Kids Sake committee member and Defiance committee expansion member.

A Defiance College student, he is a member of Zion’s Lutheran Church, church council, and is chairman of the finance committee. He is also a member of American Production Inventory Control Society, Defiance Athletic Boosters, Defiance Elks, Defiance Eagles and has been a girls fast pitch team softball coach for eight years.

“In our own lives, each of us was touched by someone other than our parents who broadened our horizons and brought a little magic into our lives. By becoming a Big Brother, Mark has done the same thing for his little brother, Nick, and they are both forever changed by this experience. Mark has taught him to set goals and give life its all.

Nick has reminded Mark that sometimes it’s the little things in life that count, like when Nick asked Mark to help him dribble a basketball better. Mark has shown the community that he has a true passion for BBBS by being Nick’s Big Brother and by helping in any way he can.”

A Defiance native, Mark is production/inventory control manager for Diehl Inc. He has two daughters, De Nae, 16, and Alyssa, 14.

Mark Hall

Defiance Area YMCA

Mark Hall has served the Defiance Area YMCA for four years. He is president of the YMCA Swim Boosters Club, hosts swim meets and participates in fund-raisers.

“Mark is the first one to show up and help set up for swim meets and the last one to leave after tearing down the equipment. He coordinates all of the volunteers and officiates the meets. He leads and directs the swim boosters organizations.”

Marty and Katye Katterheinrich

Salvation Army

The Katterheinriches have been involved with the Salvation Army Corps of Defiance for more than five years.

“Katye and Marty have given outstanding service to the Salvation Army as willing volunteers. Katye served on the Salvation Army service unit committee and as chairman. They were instrumental in establishing the organization in Defiance, initiated the Christmas kettle campaign, the Christmas auction and recently the construction display project. Both Marty and Katye were leaders in conducting the area wide water lift drive in which more than 6,000 pounds of goods and $2,000 were collected to aid in the Sept. 11 World Trade disaster. Marty is a member of the Salvation Army Defiance County board and Katye works at the newly organized corps community in Defiance.

Nan Wales

General Motors Powertrain Defiance plant

Nan Wales has been employed by GM Powertrain for 25 years and volunteers for the March of Dimes fund-raiser. She also supports United Way of Defiance County.

“Nan has generously given her time to the fund-raising efforts of the local March of Dimes campaign. She has been recognized as one of the top fund-raisers several times receiving the March of Dimes Hero Award.

Nathan Guilford

Fairview NHS & FFA

Nathan Guilford, Ney, has served National Honor Society (NHS) three years and Future Farmers of America (FFA) four years. For the FFA he cleans the fairgrounds, the aquaculture tank and helps with the sausage breakfast, tractor pull and sausage stand at the fair. He is also involved in local trash pickup and NHS recycling.

A 4-H camp counselor and Defiance County Junior Fairboard member, he is involved in Make a Difference day, Central Share Christmas, DASH, Soar, the NHS concession stands and is a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Sherwood, where he is involved with its Lutheran Youth Fellowship and president of LIF.

“As you can see, Nathan is an extremely community-minded teen-ager. An excellent  student, Nathan provides positive leadership through his involvement in Sunday activities. Furthermore, his positive attitude is an example for all. Nathan has a variety of interests and when he volunteers to work for his group, he is an active participant, who never shirks his duties. For these reasons, the Fairview NHS and FFA proudly nominate Nathan Guilford.”

The son of Mr. and Mrs. Greg Guilford and Jennifer Diehl, he is assistant manager for Guilford Farms and Clinker Dairy.

Nicole Mansfield

Camp Libbey

Nicole Mansfield has served camp Libbey for a year. She helps with environmental programs, takes care of animals in the center and sits on the community service committee.

“Nicole has been an important asset to Camp Libbey and comes to camp once or twice a week to provide care for the critters. She feeds them, cleans cages and provides them with living attention. She has volunteered countless hours to the animals and environmental programs. She also sits on our Helping Hands committee, which organizes community service projects for Girl Scouts.”

Pamela Lively

NAACP Northwest Ohio branch

Pamela Lively, Defiance, has served the branch as an officer and executive board member for nine years, membership committee chairman, scholarship committee member for nine years and served on the 2001 state convention committee. She has also worked on all Freedom Fund banquets and participated in all branch fund-raising activities.

A member of St. John Lutheran Church, she recently served six years on the board of youth ministry and is a past president of the school’s parent teacher organizations. She was branch coordinator for Aid Association of Lutherans and in coordination with the Volunteer Connection for Defiance County serves on the youth committee for the Defiance Area Youth Service Corps.

“Pamela R. Lively is a charter member of the Northwest Ohio NAACP. She has served as an officer for nine years and is presently secretary and treasurer. She — with Mrs. Sandra Hillman — was instrumental in forming our scholarship program. Pamela has been involved with every aspect of our organization and is a very committed member. She worked on state convention committee for the convention held in Defiance in October 2001 and served on the its finance committee. Pamela helps to promote our organization throughout the community and is publisher of our newsletter.”

Rex Steffel

St. Michael’s Ridge Catholic Church

Rex “Big Al” Steffel, Defiance, has served as song leader in the church’s music ministry for 10 years.

He also volunteers for Jewell Fire and Rescue department and Catholic Correctional Ministers of Northwest Ohio.

“Rex ‘Big Al’ Steffel is someone who notices little ways to be helpful. He leads the singing for our church’s Saturday evening masses. Rex is part of the Catholic team that ministers to CCNO inmates each Thursday evening. In the community, Rex volunteers with Jewell Fire and Rescue. Our church is proud to nominate Rex because he shows how faith can inspire someone to offer his gifts in service to others.”

Employed by Koester Machine in machine assembly and maintenance, he is the son of Wilbur and Ruth Steffel and has two brothers and three sisters.

Robert Brady

Defiance Moose Family Center Lodge 2094

Robert Brady has served the Defiance Moose Lodge for 24 years. He works bingo every Wednesday night, in the kitchen as a helper and cook and is very active on all committees.

He also volunteers for the American Red Cross Defiance chapter as an instructor of all programs, and was called to New York to help during the Sept. 11 disaster at the World Trade Center.

“Robert Brady serves the Red Cross in many positions and is also very active in all Moose positions.”

Rodney Hoop

Harborside Healthcare, Defiance

Rodney Hoop has served Harborside Healthcare for five years. He keeps score for bowling and assists residents with bingo twice weekly. He also helps with various parties and social events and the annual Polka Fest.

He has also volunteered in the community for 26 years, beginning with DASH in 1976. He continues to volunteer for DASH and for the past few years also volunteers with Good Sam Senior Program.

“Rodney knows the residents as well as their diets and the type of assistance they may need. He is very dependable and has a heart as big as Texas. We consider Rodney as part of our family here at Harborside.”

Roger Gardner

Herman Hesselschwardt Detachment No. 758 Marine Corps League

Roger Gardner has served the organization for 11 years. He has participated in the Marine Corps ball, various parades and color guards, participated in organizing the war memorial committee and helped with mess night and in preparing breakfasts. He also helped with trash pickup and neighborhood collections for heart, cancer, MS and similar projects.

He was selected because he “is an outstanding individual that has done many things to make the Herman Hesselschwardt Detachment a well known part of the community. He has served in a number of officer positions within our detachment and is a state Marine Corps League officer. He has worked to raise money for many good causes. One of which was this year’s Christmas for Kids campaign that we hold in conjunction with WDFM 98.1 in which under Roger’s leadership brought in over $26,000, plus toys for our five county area. Roger deserves to be recognized for his many efforts and his community service work. He is a true asset to any activity he is involved with.”

He is retired and works part-time at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home.

Roy MacDonald

City of Defiance

Roy MacDonald, of Defiance, has served the city 17 1/2 years as a patrolman. His volunteer activities include the GREAT Program, Citizens Police Academy, Junior Police Academy, Ohio’s third-grade seat belt program, Scream, Run & Tell program and Crimestopper coordinator.

He also serves on the DCTV TeenLine Communication board of directors, is a school resource officer and a mentor for Defiance Junior High School and Ohio Helps Reading Program at Slocum Elementary School.

“Roy epitomizes the phrase ‘to serve and protect’ with his work with children. He established our Junior Police Academy, which has now become an extraordinary program and a gift for the youth of Defiance. He was also instrumental in the establishment of our Citizens’ Police Academy. Officer MacDonald sees police work not just as law enforcement but also as an opportunity to serve the people and bring citizens closer to what police work is all about. The city is very fortunate to have Roy on its force.”

Sandra Hillman

Defiance College

Sandra Hillman, Defiance, has served the college for 17 years and is a campus climate committee member.

She is also a member of Second Baptist Church music ministry, Sisters United, Defiance Public Schools PTO and a NAACP board member and chairman of the scholarship fund.

“Sandra is always ready to serve others in need and does so with a perpetual smile and warm demeanor that brings comfort to those in need, particularly the students of Defiance College. She serves on the college campus climate committee, striving to make the campus a welcoming environment for all.”

Sandy Joost

GM Powertrain

Sandy Joost, Mark Center, has been employed more than 24 years by General Motors Powertrain.

“Sandy takes the lead role in the Defiance plant’s March of Dimes and Walk-a-thon fund-raisers. She not only raises money, but also actively participates in these worthy causes.”

She is also involved in the Sponsor a Family for Christmas campaign.

Tim Rockey

New Home Development Co. Inc.

Tim Rockey, Montpelier, has served seven years as a board member for New Home Development Co. Inc., a private, non-profit housing development agency.

“For the past seven years Tim has been a very loyal, active board member. He took his position on the board very seriously. Tim’s position on the board of directors expired this year.

“Tim is a very good person and we will miss his input on the board.”

Tom Wiseman

American Heart Association

Tom Wiseman has served the organization and its Home with Heart Auction for more than 20 years.

He has volunteered and participated in many other social and civic organizations in Defiance, as well as served as Defiance mayor and a Defiance County commissioner.

“Tom has an incredible dedication to volunteering with the Home with Heart Auction and has given his time to assist in planning and hosting the event for the last 20 years.

A professor at Defiance College, he is a resident of Defiance.

Tracy Nagel

United Way of Defiance County

Tracy Nagel has served United Way of Defiance County for more than five years as a member, 1997 campaign division chairman for Hicksville, a two-year member of the allocations committee, a two-year chairman of the allocations/results measurement committee, a member of the 2000 and 2001 board of trustees and executive committee.

“Under his leadership, the committee implemented the United Way results measurement program with 15 partner agencies, expanded volunteer recruitment, training and development for committee members and enhanced the partnership between the local United Way and its agencies.”

He is also a board member of Habitat for Humanity, and a member of Defiance College Purple and Gold Club and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Vicky Lieswyn

St. John Catholic School

Vicky Lieswyn, Defiance, has served the school more than 10 years. She has served as PTO president, Eucharistic minister, enrichment activity coordinator, choir member, nursing home volunteer and as a member of the March of Dimes benefit committee.

“St. John Catholic School honors Vicky Lieswyn for her true commitment to the school and to the children of St. John Catholic School. She always puts the children first, even with her hectic daily schedule. She is willing to take on numerous tasks to better the children and school. She is a lifetime member of the parish and involved in many ministries. Her faith shows in her actions and words, living what values we teach at St. John’s. Thanks Vicky for all you do.”