Batesville chamber honors local ‘stars’
AMY DAVIDSON PHOTO
Last Thursday, Jan. 25, was another spectacular night at the Batesville Area Chamber Annual Awards Dinner celebrating “A Night Full of Stars.” The event was held at The Hall-Knights of Columbus, in Batesville, with an outstanding crowd.
Melissa Tucker, Executive Director of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce stated at the opening of the ceremony, “We couldn’t do what we do without our board officers, staff and community.” There is now close to 400 partners, 38 Corporations and sponsors. The Chamber has added 47 new members.
This year’s Organization of the year went to So Loved Kids Clothing Closet. They were recognized for their value in the community for helping families in need throughout the community. Jamie Nobbe, of So Loved Kids Clothing Closet said, “Every child feels so loved by us helping them. For the last four years it has been led by volunteers. We have been able to help 1230 kids total within our business. And it all started with a couple of moms throwing around an idea of how we could help more for those in need.” After getting with the Batesville Intermediate School, Ed Krause, Lisa Haessig and Paul Ketchum, everyone made the start of the journey. Four years later growing and continuing to help families they now have moved to a solo ran building with the help of the community and churches. Jamie concluded, “Get involved with your community. Batesville is the best and giving place to live. I was a mom on a mission, and they believed in us and we believed in better. Those involved have big hearts and wanted to make a difference.”
Educator of the year award went to Jill Hollins, Fourth grade teacher from St. Louis Catholic School. She was nominated by Patty Mauer, principal of St. Louis. Mauer stated, “Jill has a passion for continuous learning and positively impacts her students every day. She is currently the STEM teacher for grades K-8 at St. Louis Catholic School. She has been an educator in the area for 21 years now. Jill has touched the lives of many, not only in what she does in the classroom, but also through her coaching of the school Robotics team and working with Genesis: Pathways for Success during the summer to provide STEM summer camps throughout Ripley County. Congratulations Mrs. Hollins! We are so proud of you and grateful for the giving spirit you share with your students, the St. Louis Catholic School staff, and your community.”
She is deserving of the award by her outstanding role in the school corporation. Jill accepted the award with emotion and with gratitude for the nomination by Mauer. She stated, “I want to thank everyone, my teachers, family, friends and especially my students. Seeing them grow more every day makes me an even a better person. Thanks everyone for believing in me and making me the teacher I am today.”
Distinguished Service Award is George Junker. George’s Service to the community makes it an honor for him to be a recipient of this award. He has contributed with helping many organizations and businesses over the years including Romweber Furniture, Clear Point Development, Southeastern Indiana YMCA and apart of the CREATE Foundation for 30 years. Junker stated, “You don’t have to be an expert to raise all levels for students and the community just make a difference.” Junker also worked with Margaret Mary Health in helping in delivering quality, volunteering and serving the community. He was very honored for his recognition and award.
Volunteers of the Year Award this year is Jim and Maureen Saner. Three sons of Jim of Maureen spoke on behalf of their parents being honored for the Volunteer Award. Jim, Jr., Andy, and Matt recognized all their parents’ volunteering efforts throughout the community. Saner stated, “The title-less efforts of our parents are true statements that they jump right in anywhere to help. They jump all in!!” Jim and Maureen helped get the Bingo program started at St. Louis School and have been doing this for 40 years. They have also been greatly involved with PTO, Batesville Kiwanis, and with the Free Clinic in Batesville. They also do Families Helping Families and help 125 families annually at Christmas with contributions of Kroger, Walmart and other local businesses. They believe in paying it forward after having a family of eight and know how hard it is sometimes to make ends meet. Jim Saner stated, “51 years together and doing all of this is rewarding to us! We have worked with the free clinic for 11 years and raised enough for an entire year each year to help others with assistance. Ask for help from the community. You really have to have a Maureen Saner in your back, she makes me look great!” Maureen Saner followed with, “Use your ideas-share your ideas and bring more to the community.”
A special thanks went out to the Knights of Columbus and volunteers for their hospitality and delicious meal served. “Your support allows the Chamber to continue working with our partners, members, and community.” Tucker thanked everyone who came out to support a great evening at the annual dinner.
