Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
"Ordinary people can do extraordinary things," said Grace College president and Heart of Gold keynote speaker Dr. Ronald Manahan.
Tuesday evening, 43 people were honored for extraordinary service to others at the Heart of Gold reception.
"You folks are the glue that holds the community together," said Suzie Light. "Your good works form the web of community ... making our community a great place to live."
"Those of you recognized tonight have something in common," said Craig Tidball. "Each of you has a Heart of Gold. ... You all share the spirit of giving."
"Tonight, we're celebrating doers," said Manahan, who spoke about the "Implementation Quotient" explained in a book by Mark Sandborn. Manahan said the people honored Tuesday night believe in the value of service, see what others miss, do what others don't, release their resources and are agents of change in their neighborhood.
"Thank you for setting the pace for the rest of us," Manahan said.
Each nominee received a Heart of Gold pin along with an envelope and instructions not to open it until later in the evening. After all awards were presented, the recipients learned that the envelopes contained a letter of congratulations along with a certificate for a grant in their name to the charity of their choice from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.
Once each of the 43 nominees was recognized, 10 people were recognized for their special stories. Along with the pin and the grant, these people received a plaque and special recognition.
Those receiving special recognition were:
• Allan Ross was described by those who nominated him as focused, full of energy, experienced, adaptable and relentless in his determination. He combines his passion for youth and football through Young Tiger Football. He uses football to teach area fifth- and sixth-graders dedication, perseverance, cooperation and fair play. He also put his energy and enthusiasm into building and maintaining Fribley Field, a place where young people can remember the sacrifice of a war her while developing citizenship qualities.
• Jessica Burkett began serving the community at 9 years old by volunteering with the Special Olympics. Now 13, she is a certified Special Olympics volunteer and coach, which allows her to take an active role in helping people with developmental delays and handicaps achieve personal and team victories. Burkett plans to coach by herself when she turns 18.
• Dr. Anita Kishan has been a friend to the Cardinal Center for many years. As a result of her efforts, there is a literacy program that stresses the importance of parents reading to their children today. At the end of this six-week program, families receive books to continue reading to their children. She uses her skills and knowledge to provide health screenings for children who may not otherwise see a doctor. She is a champion for children who are victims of abuse or neglect. She also has made numerous trips to Guatemala with Hands of Hope, where she offers medical help to people who are in need.
• Janet Price was nominated for the influence and values she instills to the children in her care. Not only does she teach children the ABC's and the names of all 50 states, she also teaches the importance of helping and serving others. Children in her care have helped her deliver meals to an elderly person and carry a newspaper to the person's door. On winter mornings, she shovels snowy driveways for the elderly. One of her close friends is wheelchair bound, and while her friend's husband is away on long semi hauls, Price brings her into her home. The children at the daycare learn the elderly and disabled have important gifts and talents to share.
• Robin Rovenstine took on the challenge of serving some of the people society likes the least. She provides service and ministry to female inmates at Kosciusko County Jail. She hosts Bible studies and offers mentoring and friendship to the women in the jail. She listens and gives kind advice to incarcerated mothers who are longing for their children and trying to be good parents. She has changed many lives just by showing respect and kindness to them. She also is a weekly volunteer with Our Father's House where she works in the kitchen and recently led a fundraising drive for a man with cancer.
• Delores Hearn has given to community projects and individuals for many years. Thirty-three years ago, she started Lakeland Daycare in Syracuse. Recently when the daycare reorganized and remodeled, she wrote many grants and acted as the director of the center and oversaw many administrative tasks free of charge. When she worked as a school psychologist, Hearn created a program to provide free education and support for parents. She also is involved with the Mental Health Association and has given her own furniture to someone who had none.
• Robert "Coach" Lichtenwalter began to go down the wrong path after losing his mother to cancer while his father was a Master Sergeant in World War II in the Philippines. After a local judge pulled him aside and expressed concern, he decided to give back to the community. In 1947, he started coaching football and track for Warsaw Community High School. He became a teacher in the school system in 1949 and taught for 39 years, retiring in 1988. He became a member of the Baker Youth Clubs in 1936 and began serving as a staff member there in 1950. He became executive director of the club in 1963 and served 29 years before retiring in 1992. He is still involved in the club today.
• Lois VanOsdol started a community Thanksgiving dinner in Silver Lake in 2001, and served 35 people. The response to the dinner has grown and in 2005 about 175 people were served. VanOsdol also sends inspirational cards and packet to troops overseas along with their families here in the U.S. She takes books and magazines to the inmates at the county jail and sends cards to 71 people each week. She takes her dog Pedro to visit people in area nursing homes and drives people who do not have transportation.
• Marion Gilbert was nominated by several people who described her as remarkable in her concern for others. Since her husband's death, she has helped widows adjustment to the changes they must make. She makes a point to comfort and support them. She opens her home to relatives for extended periods of time when they are ill or in need. She delivers Mobile Meals, provides regular transportation to the elderly and homebound and drives cancer patients to out-of-town treatments. She also volunteers for her church, provides meals after funerals and volunteers for Right-To-Life.
• Mary Ann Cox provides transportation to people who need to get to medical appointments or run errands. She uses her experience as a nurse and her involvement with Hospice to care for the dying. She is actively in Altrusa, the Winona Lake Senior Center and the Beaman Home. She was involved in the start of the Beaman Home and has volunteered there for 20 years. She inspires others to volunteer and help in the community.
Other Heart of Gold nominees were: Joe Baranowski, Pam Cook, Maria Cousins, Jill DeBatty, Marcia Dierks, Pastor Myron and Krista Drent, Sandra Frush, Angel Hall, Julie Hanusin, Cindy Hepler, Barbara Hetrick, Rae Hilliard, Rick Johnson, Richard Katte, Amy Kellar, Bruce Lee Kintzel, Jessica Kintzel, Cindy Knepper, Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice Staff, Kathleen Mason, Joan Meredith, Jan Miller, Patricia Mossburg, Kate Nowak, Clint Pletcher, David Riehle, Mike Saffan, Rita Savage, Ruth Schanbacher, Kathy Stanley, Steve Sudhoff, Becky Walls and Walnut Creek's Home Repair Ministry.
