Charles Steele was awarded the Commitment to Community Award. Among other things, he was recognized for raising the flag at home football games for 63 years and has worked at the Chicken Broil since it’s second year.
Friday night, the Manchester Community Resource Center held its 29th Annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet, attended by almost 200 representatives of Manchester’s community groups and non-profit organizations. Twenty-two community members were nominated this year by their organizations to receive recognition for their outstanding volunteerism. After a night of eating, drinking, fundraising, and award presentations, seven special awards were presented. Karen Jenter and Barry Heimerdinger were each honored with the D. Little-B. Rhees Posthumous Award. Wendy Arntson was awarded the Service to Youth Award. Beth Heuser was awarded the Star Award. Charles F. (Chuck) Steele was awarded the Commitment to Community Award. And the Claire Reck Award was awarded to Peggy Allen, although she was not present to receive as she was at a different award ceremony receiving another award for her exceptional community service.
Banquet attendees raised $5,745 for the Community Resource Center bidding in silent auctions and in a fast-paced and fun live auction overseen by Dale, Rick, and Hunter Heselschwerdt of Napoleon Livestock Commission Co. Total raised including the dinner ticket sales has yet to be calculated.
Wendy Arntson was awarded the Service to Youth Award.
Beth Heuser was awarded the Star Award.
Barry Heimerdinger and Karen Jenter were awarded the D. Little- B. Rhees Posthumous Award.
Volunteer Awards (part 1):
Ray Berg accepted the recognition award from the Manchester Wellness Coalition on behalf of Jeannie Armstrong, Eileen Parker and Patty Swaney, organizers of Dance, Manchester! He also accepted Barry Allen’s award. Barry Allen had been nominated by the Manchester Area Historical Society. He and his wife Peggy Allen, who was nominated by the Manchester Lion’s Club, were unable to attend.
Wendy Arnston, nominated by the Kiwanis Club of Manchester, with most of the board of the Community Resource Center.
Rhonda Ash nominated by the Emanuel United Church of Christ.
Caitlyn Baskins nominated by Manchester Community Schools.
Meg Bourland nominated by Manchester Middle School PTSA.
Mitchell Ernst, nominated by Kiwanis Club of Manchester.
Joann Finkbeiner, nominated by Bethel United Church of Christ.
Steve Harvey, nominated by Manchester Community Fair.
Beth Heuser, nominated by Citizens Respecting Our Waters.
Live Auction:
Volunteer Awards (part 2):
Logan Huff, nominated by Kiwanis club of Manchester.
Larry Lindemann, nominated by the Freedom Township History Project.
Pat Merrill, nominated by the Klager Elementary PTO.
Kent Miller, nominated by Riverfolk Music and Arts Organization.
Charles Steele, nominated by the Manchester Athletic Boosters.
Sara Swanson, nominated by the Manchester Ladies Society.
Lyndon Uphaus, nominated by Manchester Community Schools.
Ruth VanBogelen, nominated by Manchester Village Council.
Betty “Joanne” Withrow, nominated by the Community Resource Center.
Betty “Joanne” Withrow was surprised by her whole family who attended the banquet to honor her.
Karen Jenter was nominated posthumously by the Twentieth Century Club.