WALNUT CREEK — In addition to the sentiments and memories about the old fairgrounds, the annual Holmes County volunteer recognition banquet also shared a lot of thanks — with the people who helped make the 2015 fair a success, and those who have been helping for much longer.
• Marcia Troyer was recognized for 30 years of volunteer service, followed by Mike Sprang, at 25 years. Two dozen other volunteers were recognized for five or more years of volunteering.
• The outstanding junior fairboard member award went to Jillian Gurley, who was described as a “team player,” and “enthusiastic,” and who asks what needs done — and does it.
• The friend of 4-H award went to Gail Cochran, a member of the Holmes County 4-H Committee, who has a “positive voice supporting Holmes County 4-H” by interacting with other volunteers, and the youth.
• The friend of the fair award went to Sauder’s Eggs, which donates staff and volunteer time, along with eggs, ham, and other foods, to 4-H members and fairboard members, as part of the company’s omelet breakfast.
• The partner of 4-H award went to Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen, a family restaurant in Mount Hope. Gloria Yoder and her family are strong supporters of the 4-H livestock sale, and uses those same products to offer the public a Holmes County Fair buffet — two times each September.
• The 4-H alumni award went to Helen Breitenbucher, a volunteer for more than 30 years. She is an adviser for the Kuntry Kids 4-H club, and helps lead the Nashville/Lakeville Girl Scouts program.
• The 4-H secretary award went to Anna Irwin, a nine-year member of the Nashville Jolly Farmers Club, and the daughter of Jody and Cormack Irwin. Her records were described as “well-prepared, organized, thorough and neat.”
• The 4-H treasurer’s award went to Morganne Balder, a seven-year member of Doughty Valley 4-H Club, and the daughter of Teresa and Scott Balder, of Millersburg. This is her fourth year as treasurer, and third consecutive year to receive the award.
• Awards were also give for 4-H Honor Clubs — those that excel in sharing 4-H in their family and community. This year’s honor clubs were Buckeye, Doughty Valley, Green Acres, Holmes County 4-H Shooting Sports, Nashville Jolly Farmers, OH-4H, and Variegated Clovers.
• The newly-elected members of the Holmes County 4-H Committee are Marcia Troyer, Teresa Hoxworth, Morgan Troyer, Jody Irwin, Bonnie Porter and Ella Lorentz.
• Awards were presented by OSU-Holmes County Extension educators Kate Shumaker and Hallie Rutt, Fair Board President Kerry Taylor, Holmes 4-H Committee President Cheryl Shaver, and Junior Fair Board President Morgan Troyer.
