City, chamber honors those who give selflessly
Vision Noblesville Manager Cindy Benedict created the Noblesville Volunteer Awards in partnership with the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce to increase volunteerism in the city and honor those unsung heroes. This is the second year the awards have been presented, which are selected by a committee from nominations made by the public.
“It was a competitive field, which is a testimony to our great community,” Mayor John Ditslear said. “I greatly enjoy these awards and the opportunity we have once a year to celebrate our caring, giving volunteers. Truly, volunteers are the heart of community and what make Noblesville such a great place to live.”
All-around volunteer – Bill Taylor
Taylor has volunteered in a number of roles over the years.
“His passion for the Boys and Girls Club, along with his work with the Noblesville Education Foundation, the chamber of commerce, Third Phase and Vision Noblesville is an inspiration to us all,” Benedict said.
Taylor was nominated by executive director Becky Terry on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club of Noblesville, where he has been the go-to man for a wide variety of jobs during the past 13 years. He and his staff at Taylored Systems make sure that Camp Crosser is always ready to welcome children and their IT experience has been invaluable. Terry said Taylor is an amazing board member having only missed two meetings in three years.
“From the board room wearing a shirt and tie to picking up a new mower in his jeans and work boots, Bill gives so much of himself. Bill does it all,” Terry wrote in her nomination.
Lifetime achievement award – Chuck Layton
“I think it’s important we remember what we receive when volunteering becomes burdensome,” Layton said. “What we do and what we receive are complimentary things. We receive probably more than we give.”
Layton is a Korean War veteran, former prisoner of war and Purple Heart recipient. But Layton’s service didn’t end with the war. He made his way back to Indiana and eventually became the state commissioner of the BMV. Along the way he volunteered with the Disabled American Veterans, Central Indiana Korean Veterans, Purple Heart Society and Kiwanis.
“At the young age of 80, he decided he wanted to keep volunteering and has continued to do so in a big way. In 2009, he began working at Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County. I say ‘work’ because he shows up five days a week for about four hours a day,” Ditslear said, adding Layton drives, trains drivers, cares for clients, and even calls bingo at Harbour Manor. “He shovels snow in the winter and mows grass in the summer for neighbors who aren’t able to do so. His care in all the little things adds up to something very big that impacts people’s lives every day of the week.”
Exemplary Service Learning Award – Ty Chilton, Griffin Janosky, Dane Jeong, David Pimley, Kai Strubel and Cameron Thompson
As freshmen, the six Noblesville High School juniors formed their own group to serve the community and have never stopped.
“They have raised more than $2,300 in grant funding, which includes writing and presenting proposals to the United Way Youth as Resources program, led 87 volunteers in 1,360 hours of service to benefit 590 Noblesville youth and seniors,” Benedict said.
In three years the students have poured into Hazel Dell Elementary through after-school program where they’ve taught kids how build something that was then donated to help others. This includes bird houses that were given to Noblesville parks and nursing homes, or fleece blankets, cards and tray favors for Riley Hospital. This year, they are constructing a model boat as part of the outdoor learning and recreation space at Head Start of Noblesville which serves 150 at-risk preschoolers.
“For all these projects the NHS juniors have created the project plan, determined a budget, secured funding and measured success. Their impact on these young children goes beyond measurement as they model determination, care and a love for volunteering,” Benedict said. “Remember these students don’t have a club, school or other organization telling them what to do – they do it on their own.”
Faith-based volunteer – Anita Beck
Anita Beck is very active at Noblesville First United Methodist Church where she has served in a number of roles for years, including being president of the United Methodist Women. While she has done her share of dinners, rummage sales and Sunday school classes, Beck’s work with the Sunshine Friends is particularly notable, according to Benedict.
“This group provides children and adults with physical and mental disabilities a place to meet and worship. Under her leadership, the group has grown to more than 100 members and involves about 20 volunteers each month. Anita nurtures both groups so both flourish,” Benedict said. “She is viewed as probably the hardest working, most consistent volunteer at First United Methodist.”
Mayor’s Volunteer Award – Greg Ayers
The only award that doesn’t require a nomination package honors the unsung hero amongst us.
“It is for the person whose dedication and consistency make a difference in Noblesville in the areas we might take for granted,” Benedict said.
Ayers, co-owner of Preferred Metals in Noblesville, was honored for his work with the Sunrisers Kiwanis. In addition to running a company, he works tirelessly making pancakes at Kiwanis events, including more than 10,000 to help raise money for Noblesville Elementary Football League.
“Greg doesn’t just feed us pancakes – he also feeds young men what they need to grow into healthy adults through his dedicated work with the Boy Scouts Troop 101,” Benedict said.
Dr. Earl Brooks Outstanding Environmentalist – Cindy Haas
Hass is a founding member of Keep Noblesville Beautiful and has served on the board of directors since its inception. She has created many of KNB’s signature events and has done much to beautify the city through annual daffodil plantings, Adopt-A-Highway clean-ups, Neighborhood Cleanup Blitzes and the annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway. This doesn’t count the work she does through the Hamilton County Master Gardener’s Association or the Grace Gardeners group at Our Lady of Grace.
“Cindy’s hand has probably been in every corner of dirt in Noblesville and her hard work shows every spring. Her passion to make our city colorful, clean and vibrant has made a huge difference in Noblesville,” Benedict said.
Corporate Volunteerism – BlueSky Technology Partners
Eric Warne, president and COO of BlueSky, an eCommerce consultancy firm, has been recognized for his company’s achievements in the business world. After starting the BlueSky Care Program, employees focused their talents on giving back to those in need in the community. Employees frequently recommend their causes and charities and over the years have grown passionate about serving Brooke’s Place, Janus Developmental Services, the Live Like Andi Foundation, American Diabetes Foundation and the Lake Country Clean Water Initiative.
“They help all these organizations with fundraising, volunteer assistance and professional advice,” Benedict said. “Their employees roll up their sleeves for the Indiana Blood Center and adopt a local family every year through United Christmas Services.”
