Friday, April 17, 2009 8:05 PM CDT
Local Jefferson Award winners honored at banquet
By HERB MEEKER, Staff Writer
hmeeker@jg-tc.com
CHARLESTON — This year’s Jefferson Awards dinner was a family affair.
Dennis “Butch” Thompson summed up the meaning of the Jefferson Awards as he recalled that his deceased mother inspired him to pitch in.
Telling how his mother taught him the importance of helping others years ago, the Jefferson Award winner noted Thursday had special meaning for him.
“This is her birthday, today, and I’m sure she has a smile on her face,” said Thompson, who has helped 26 individuals over the last few years gain new homes through Coles County Habitat for Humanity. “Your talents come from God and when you use them to help others it is your gift back to God.”
Thompson’s wife and family members fought back tears as he spoke at the dinner at the Charleston Country Club. Other Jefferson Award winners receiving medallions and standing ovations were Pat Morgan, Carol Gapsis, Hal Nordin, Tom Niemeyer, and Brian and Mary Bower.
Morgan was recognized for literally “giving the coat off her back” to the needy sometimes, and showing her patriotism with a “Red, White and Blue” attitude. She will travel to Washington, D.C. this summer as the local Jefferson Awards national nominee.
The Mattoon Journal Gazette/Charleston Times-Courier are local sponsors of the national program aimed to promote giving to others. First Mid-Illinois Bank and Consolidated Communications are corporate sponsors of the local Jefferson Awards program.
Morgan said she lives by a simple motto when she volunteers: “You honor the dead by helping the living.”
Bob Schultz, who introduced Gapsis, said she has become a spiritual healer for the Effingham community both as manager of the pastoral care program at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and also with the Effingham Cross welcome center.
Sarah Smith talked about how Niemeyer, her father, regularly borrows back a golf cart he gave to his young grandson.
“I’ll ask during the summer where the cart is and my son will say ‘Paw Paw borrowed it again.’ He uses it for Bagel Fest, the Fourth of July, festivals and fairs. The list is ongoing what he does for the community,” Smith said.
“And as every little girl does, I think my dad is the best,” the school teacher said.
The Bowers were honored for their unselfishness demonstrated by loyal support of school events through the years in their community. Todd Vilardo, who nominated them, said they regularly dragged their children to concession stands, games and other events over the years.
“They sacrificed their personal needs to help others. Most volunteers don’t want public recognition. But by doing so it serves as a reminder to us all to give,” Vilardo said.
The Bowers said they appreciate the recognition and also introduced their sons at the table.
Rick Hunt said working with Hal Nordin through Rotary Club is a lesson in community service.
Hunt detailed the retired Eastern Illinois University professor’s acts of service, including gathering supplies for the homeless shelter or assisting with Meals on Wheels.
Nordin, after introducing his family at his table, said one of the great rewards for him through the years was when he got to raise Old Glory on a new flagpole.
Contact Herb Meeker at hmeeker@jg-tc.com or 238-6869.
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