The American Red Cross Lenawee County Chapter recently held their annual Volunteer Recognition dinner and Annual Meeting.  The event was held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Adrian .  Board members for the 2009 -2010 year were elected as follows:  Officers Joyce Banks, Board Chair, Karen Daugherty, Vice-Chair, Lynne Punnett, Secretary, and Jack Welsh, Treasurer. Other board members are Jim Anderson, Kirk Valentine, Eric Adams, Curtis Parsons, Laura VanSickle, and lifetime board member William Mortimer.

A presentation was given outlining all of the local chapter’s work in the community.  Alisa Risner, Great Lakes Blood Region Donor Representative spoke about some new blood drive procedures, outlining the part local volunteers will play in these new processes. 

Jennifer Weiss of Tecumseh was the recipient of the annual Volunteer of the Year award.  Jennifer has been the blood drive chairperson for the blood drives held at First United Methodist Church in Tecumseh for the past two years.  Jennifer’s dedication and enthusiasm for the mission of the American Red Cross blood services program is unmatched.  Congratulations to her on this award!

Special awards were given to recognize Marilyn Kremer, who served on the Red Cross board for more than 6 years, and Kirk Valentine, who served as the Chapter’s Heroes Campaign chair for the past two years.  Karen Daugherty was also given an award for her service as Board Chair since 2006.

Ten blood donors reached the 100+ Pints goal in the past year.  They were Ron Frenzen, Gregory Fuchs, Jacob Harding, William Hyder, Michael Jacobitz, Elizabeth Lavigne, Rose Mudrovich, Mary Pagel, Bruce Stephens, and Martha Stuttz.  Dedicated Donor awards were given to Robert Hinsdale and Robert Ostrander. 

Mike and Marlene McCann were given awards for their service as volunteers on a national level for Disaster Relief.  Marilyn Hill, Mary Ellen Loar, Maria Arellano, and Donald and Rosie Koch also volunteered in national disaster relief operations over the past year. 

The event was attended by approximately 60 local Red Cross volunteers who all give of their time and allow the Lenawee County Chapter to continue with their mission.