Cox Receives Community Service Award During Winona Lake Community Dinner
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Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
WINONA LAKE – Mary Ann Cox received the Bill Reneker Memorial Community Service Award Thursday night for her dedication to the town.
Cox received the award during the annual Winona Lake Community Dinner at the Festival of Trees. The festival began Thursday and runs through Sunday at Rodeheaver Auditorium.
The dinner was attended by approximately 150 people.
Cox assisted Winona Lake with starting its Senior Center program.
In 2008, she was named Volunteer of the Year by the Coalition Against Domestic Violence in Indiana.
She also is active with Beaman Home and Altrusa International.
The award honors Bill Reneker, former Winona Lake town council president, who died in 1993.
Judy Reneker-Byrd presents the award each year in honor of her late husband. The award is to recognize an individual who makes a contribution to the betterment of Winona Lake.
“She has allowed neither cancer or age to deter her from serving her community for it is her faith that drives her to help others,” Judy said. “She is a shining example of a servant leader.”
A photo tribute was shown to remember Rob Gast, whose parents, Rob and Nancy, own Trailhouse in Winona Lake. Gas, who died in an Oct. 5 motorcycle accident, was instrumental in starting the Fat & Skinny Tire Bike Festival in Winona Lake.
Also during the dinner, home improvement awards were presented to Andrew and Sara Royer, 108 Third St.; James and Tammie Robinson, 309 Fourteenth St.; and Kami Rhodes, 108 N. Union Drive.
New Village At Winona businesses were highlighted as well as local non-profits.
The names of the new businesses honored were: Latonia’s Unique Boutique, The Island Weaver and Ortega Gallery & Studio.
The not-for-profit groups recognized include: Kosciusko County 4-H, American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association, Kosciusko County Right to Life, Symphony of the Lakes, Kosciusko County YMCA, Remnant Trust, United Way, Victim Services, World Compassion Network, MasterWorks, Kosciusko Runners’ Association, Race for Trace and Kosciusko Velo Club.
WNIT’s “Our Town: Winona Lake” segment was shown during the dinner.
The dinner theme was “Opening Our Hearts to the Community – Caring For One Another.”
Our Father’s House catered the dinner, and entertainment was provided by MasterWorks.
Also during the dinner, outgoing Winona Lake council members Joy Lohse, Sue Gooding and Terry Howie received plaques recognizing them for their service to the town from Craig Allebach, town coordinator.
