Delaware County

Beginning as a Girl Scout in her youth, life-long volunteer Carolyn Slone donates 15 to 20 hours a week to multiple organizations, and still continues her 32-year career as a realtor. Last year she rescued Delaware City’s Fourth of July Parade when the sponsor dropped out, and she convinced the Delaware County Farm Bureau to take the lead. With Carolyn’s direction, Delaware held one of the largest parades in its history.

Nominated by:  Connections Volunteer Center

Fairfield County

Thanks to the efforts of Judge S. Farrell Jackson, the Fairfield County Foundation became a reality in 1989. Judge Jackson retired after 42 years of service but continues to support the Fairfield County Child Advocacy Center and the Lancaster Fairfield Community Action Food Pantry. In addition, he serves as a visiting judge for Domestic Relations Courts 3 days a week. 

Nominated by:  Patty Ciripompa and Michael Orlando

Fayette County

Although Dr. Robert Heiny retired from practicing medicine in 1994, he continues to ‘pay it forward’ on a daily basis.  From visiting shut-ins to assisting aging friends with their medical needs, Dr. Heiny gives advice and emotional support. He has been volunteering at the Fayette County Food Pantry for five years, also picking up donated bread and produce or giving someone a ride home.  

Nominated by:  First Presbyterian Church, Washington Court House

Franklin County

At 92, Laureen Dean is a 21st century woman, embracing change with her active Facebook page, sending and receiving emails and text messages. She discovered how to get her email on her cell phone, orders on line and can even program her DVR. This educator and life-long learner was one of three African American teachers to integrate the Columbus Public School System.

Nominated by:  The Dean / Moss Family

Franklin County

A WWII veteran and businessman, Marcus Hunt is considered a Hilltop institution for his 50+ years of barbering.  The Hilltop Civic Association honored him as Distinguished Person of the Year in 2005. His barbershop has been a tool for ministry as he mentored young men and trained some as apprentices. At 94, he is a trustee emeritus and member of the senior usher board at the Oakley Full Gospel Baptist Church. 

Nominated by:  Oakley Full Gospel Baptist Church

Franklin County

As a court-appointed volunteer guardian for two wards with no families of their own, Patricia Obert oversaw some of their health needs and signed their medical consents while she herself was in rehab in a nursing home after hip surgery. Both wards had come to trust and rely on her as a supportive friend, as she donated her personal time to ensure better care for them in nursing homes. 

Nominated by:  The Volunteer Guardian Program Staff

Licking County

A team for over 60 years, John and Annalou Campbell not only volunteer formally with their church, Hospice of Central Ohio and the Kiwanis Club of Granville, but also informally through simple acts of kindness and neighborly support. Whether it is a ride to a doctor’s appointment or a meal to support someone recovering from surgery, they continue to focus on others.

Nominated by:  Hospice of Central Ohio

Madison County

Semi-retired Jim Witwer started volunteering with the Madison County Food Pantry in 2003. Giving so much of his time and himself led to his appointment as director (a volunteer position) of the pantry in 2011. Whether delivering food to families in desperate need or encouraging volunteers to bring new ideas forward for a group decision, Jim makes people feel respected and valued.  

Nominated by:  Madison County Food Pantry Board of Directors

Pickaway County

Serving as Pickaway County Auditor from 1975 to 1999, Margaret Remy of welcomed the advancement of technology to make her office more efficient and transparent. At 72, she was undaunted by public criticism of her age when she ran for her last term and won. Today, she is a tireless volunteer for the Sunrise Rotary, Circleville Community Soup Kitchen, Circle of Caring and the Pickaway County Senior Center. 

Nominated by:  Melissa A. Betz

Union County

Since retiring from teaching, Elizabeth Grisham has become a volunteer extraordinaire. She is board president of Windsor and Community Seniors and involved with the local Retired Teachers Association, Trinity Lutheran Church, United Way, and the Red Cross. At Memorial Hospital of Union County alone, she has accumulated more than 2,224 volunteer hours. 

Nominated by:  Mary Scheiderer