Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
On Thursday night, Kosciusko County saluted some of its finest people.
Beginning what is hoped will become a tradition, Kosciusko County Foundation awarded 100 Hearts of Gold pins to people nominated for good deeds during ceremonies at Center Lake Pavilion Thursday.
Among those recipients were eight finalists who were given cash prizes that will be directed to the charity of their choice.
Among the 100 nominees were community leaders, policemen, teachers, volunteers and youth leaders, many of whom were nominated by co-workers, family members - and in one instance an entire church.
All of the nominees were recognized during the event, and were nominated along several guidelines such as going out of the way to help somebody or a lengthy record of volunteerism.
But stories behind the two top recipients - Janet Warren and Kevin Masur - made their Hearts of Gold shine even brighter.
The top two finalists were given $1,000 to direct to a local charity.
Warren is active in the Claypool bloodmobile, the Boys and Girls Club of Kosciusko County, and for years, has made dolls for Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis. She delivers Mobile Meals, makes cookies and delivers notes of encouragement to those who are ill and even shovels snow off sidewalks.
Warren said the driving force behind her willingness to help is the ongoing need in the community.
"I've just been helped by so many people in my life that I wanted to pass it on," she said.
Masur has volunteered in the soup kitchen, participated in a life chain and is active in his church.
"Frankly, this only scratches the surface of this young man's volunteering accomplishments," said Steve Grill, who introduced Masur.
Masur is a senior at Warsaw Community High School and has been a DARE role model for four years. He said he was encouraged to become involved in the program after getting to know one of the Warsaw DARE officers.
"I really enjoy going in and answering questions and hopefully being a good role model," Masur said.
Other finalists were Priscilla Rhode, a longtime volunteer in Syracuse; Judy Reneker, a volunteer who's active in Hospice and is chairwoman of the United Way campaign; Naomi Floor, a Sunday school teacher who has donated nearly 15 gallons of blood; James Heaton, who helped establish the Happy Wanderer Van program and is an active volunteer; Janelle Sommers, a longtime 4-H'er who stays busy helping Riley Children's Hospital; and Jane Eherenman, whose involvement extends to the Cardinal Center, a group home and Mobile Meals.
