Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Willa Henry was named recipient of the 2002 Bill Reneker Memorial Community Service Award at the annual community appreciation dinner Friday. The event was held in the remodeled Senior Center, the first community gathering held there.
Henry, a teacher for 41 years and a very active retiree now, was too touched by the presentation to say a word.
Judy Reneker has sponsored the award in her late husband's name since 1994. Town council members make the actual selection.
Henry came to Winona Lake to study education at Grace college, Reneker said. She became the first Grace graduate to be hired directly after graduation as a teacher for Warsaw Community Schools. She is a former Grace College Alumnus of the Year, a former WCS Teacher of the Year and a semi-finalist for State Teacher of the Year.
Presently she works with the Grace education department to observe student teachers, volunteers at the Reneker Museum and Mothers of Preschoolers and is active in her church, the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church.
She is a past president of the Winona Park Board and is secretary of that board. She also serves on the Fourth of July Celebration publicity committee. She and her husband, Ron, work as a team for the City of Lakes Triathlon.
Town council president David Delp served as master of ceremonies, introducing guest speaker Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh, artistic director of the Master Works Festival.
Kavanaugh brought the program to the town last year, presenting world-class musicians and their talented students to the community. The staff and students live on the Grace College campus and provide free public concerts throughout the week and on weekends during their stay.
"Winona Lake already seems like a second home," Kavanaugh said, promising to bring even more performances than last year.
He talked about his love of teenagers and urged everyone to pour themselves into today's youth.
"What better investment can you make than in these kids?" he asked during a moving speech. "That's the heart of MasterWorks."
The dinner also is an opportunity to recognize residents who have improved their homes. Polly Minear and Sherri Snow acknowledged the work of David and Deanna King, 110 Second St.; Ernesto and Carmen Flores, 200 Sixth St.; Brent and Karen Wildman, 1740 Park Ave.; Harry and Elaine Langford, 1110 Court St.; and John and Joyce Stauffer, 1104 Court St.
Town coordinator Craig Allebach talked about recognition awards received by the town from the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns. In 2002, Dr. Dane Miller was presented with IACT's Service Award for his pledge of more than $20 million toward improvements. Last year the rejuvenation of the area comprised the second largest restoration project in Indiana.
In 2001, the town received IACT's Community Achievement Award.
Allebach also congratulated town marshal Malcolm Gilbert and the police department. The staff of five full-time and four reserve officers was recognized as best in the state for a small town in handing out seat belt and DWI tickets in 2001 and in 2002. However last year the actual award was given to Syracuse for their enforcement efforts.
Brent Wilcoxson of Winona Restoration said the Village of Winona will have two new shops opening June 1: a bakery at Park and Auditorium operated by Dan and Jan Parker, with cake decorating by Hila Snyder; and James Michael Kale will run The Glass House in the building just south of The Boathouse Restaurant.
He also said the first phase of the Winona Hotel will be complete this summer, with 14 condominiums ready for sale.
This fall's Lyceum Lecture Series guest speaker will be Ken Starr.
