It takes a village…
To keep an all volunteer, not for profit foundation like the Windham County 4-H Foundation viable and successful year after year. The organization recognized the contributions made by volunteers, on the board and in the community over the past year.
The 2025 Community Spirit awards were given to Rich Tompson, Johnson Electric, Ben Buell and Dave Sirrine. Rich is a camper parent and has contributed his time and HVAC expertise to repair air handlers in the lodge and fix the lack of heat connection to the basement. Paul Johnson of Johnson Electric has been on speed dial for many years to handle electrical emergencies. Ben Buell is a former camper, his wife is on the board and we seem to find lots of building projects and pond maintenance he can help with. That is his trailer that we use for the Dazzle Light parade every year. Dave Sirrine is another board member’s husband that pitches in. He created an online scheduling program for the camp that is a life-saver and provides tech support at all hours of the day or night. He also keeps staff morale up with his Sunday night deliveries of home made chocolate chip cookies and other sweet treats.
The Founder’s Spirit Award is given to one board member who goes “above and beyond” in their commitment to the organization, exemplifying the spirit of the original founders. This year Sandra Ahola received this recognition. Sandra has been on the board for 45 years and served as treasurer for the Foundation since 2001.
Certificates of service were presented to the following board members: For five years of service: Judy Buell, Dan and Jessica Tracey, Jane and Ron Smith, and Margaret Varga. For 10 years: Steve Curry and Susan Shanahan. For 15 years: John Dinsdale. For 30 years: Eileen Fritz and Barry and Jane Rider. For 45-plus years: Sandra Ahola and Mary Seguine. For 50-plus years: Carol Hagan. That adds up to 295 years of service just from this group alone! With support from community members as well, over 4,000 hours of volunteer service were donated last year to Foundation activities and property maintenance.
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