LIMA — Ten people will be recognized later this month for the way they used their time, effort and talents to improve their communities.
The 2023 Jefferson Awards for Public Service announced 10 winners from throughout the region, with eight adult winners and two youth winners. Adult recipients receive a $350 donation for their organizations, donated by Alberta Lee each year. Youth recipients receive a $250 donation, sponsored by Ed and Sandra Monfort.
They’ll be honored at a banquet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 28 at the City Club in downtown Lima. The awards are sponsored by Cenovus Energy Lima Refinery, Hometown Stations, The Lima News and United Way of Greater Lima.
One of the 10 winners will represent the region at the national Jefferson Awards this summer in Washington, D.C. That winner will be announced at the banquet.
The 10 local winners include:
• Joyce Buss, of Kalida, a retired nurse who volunteers with Heartbeat of Lima for 40 to 50 hours per month.
• Kyleigh Engle, of Wapakoneta, a Wapakoneta High School student who started a Students Against Human Trafficking Club.
• Isabella Etzkoirn, of Lima, a middle-school student who launched “Bella’s Buddies” online groups to give back to the community.
• Luann Everett, of Cridersville, who sends cards to veterans and shut-ins and sewed more than 5,000 masks during the pandemic.
• Deb Helser, of Lima, who helps care for stray animals and educate the community about them.
• Charlotte Howbert, of Lima, an early childhood education teacher who also volunteers to watch children of foster parents during their trainings.
• James “Eddie” Monfort, of Lima, who spends his time and money on many activities, including roller hockey at the outdoor rink along Jameson Avenue.
• Michael Ritchie, of Lima, who volunteers his time and his equipment at the Schoonover Observatory with the Lima Astronomical Society.
• James Slough, of Findlay, a longtime Findlay councilman who helps with Big Brothers, SAFY and Children’s Mentoring Connection.
• Aaron David Spar, of Ada, who has Down syndrome and recently completed his Eagle Scout project, lighting up Ada Memorial Park with solar lights on a flag pole.
The Lima News will profile each of the 10 winners starting Thursday, March 16.
