The Highground’s Volunteer Appreciation Potluck was held on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the Loyal American Legion.  Approximately 100 volunteers and guests enjoyed the afternoon of food, socializing and musical entertainment provided by Pastor Doug and Sharon Bjerke.

The Gold Level President Award was presented to Kirk & Nancy Rodman for their years of volunteer service to The Highground at its Volunteer Appreciation Potluck on January 21st.  In addition to their gold pins, they received a personalized certificate of achievement, a note of congratulations from the President of the United States and a letter from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.   Kirk & Nancy also received a framed mirror depicting the Fountain of Tears statuary.   Volunteer Mary Dick hand painted this tribute mirror for the Rodman’s.

The Silver Level President Award was presented to Charlie Frey who volunteered over 250 hours during 2011.  A second Silver Level Award will be presented to Chris Edman at a later date.  Bronze Level President Award recipients were Skip Sparks, Ken Jennings, Wes Waterman, David Krause, Greg Hoppe, Dick Masanz, Mary Dick and Dave Kemp.   The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes and thanks Americans of all ages who contribute more than one hundred hours of service during one year.   Recipients of the award receive an official President’s Volunteer Service Award pin, a personalized certificate of achievement, a note of congratulations from the President of the United States and a letter from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

Volunteers JT Bonner, Cindy Boon, Bill Connelly, Fred Craig, Tom Doan, Bonnie Henchmen, Jim Henchmen, Al Johnson, Louie Kessler, Skip Klabon, Betty Nemitz, Don Quicker, Jerry Smith and Bob Solberg were awarded the Highground Award for their volunteer service.    Each of them received an etched Wilderness Woods treasure box and a certificate saluting their dedication to our mission of healing and education for volunteering between 50 and 100 hours of service in 2011.

A large amount of funds were received from the silent and crazy auctions and a 50/50 drawing and will be donated to the Clark County Aging Offices Food Pantry.

The Food Pantry received several boxes of food items collected during the potluck as well as a donation check from funds received during the potluck.

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The sun shone; but oh the WIND!!     The Highground prepared for winter as 85 brave volunteers raked pine needles and leaves, sealed the Learning Center garage floor, cut dead limbs and trees, repaired hiking trails, added new pavers to rock gardens, picnic tables and plaza benches were placed in storage and RAKED MORE LEAVES.    All of the projects were completed and still everyone enjoyed coming together on The Highground.    

Lunch was prepared and served by volunteers for everyone who came out to help.     Thank you for coming together and working to make The Highground “Our Country’s Premier Manned Veterans Park”.