Voices heard in recognition of community involvement
Each year, the Cornell Area Betterment Association (CABA) asks for help from residents, to express their opinions on who they think should be recognized for making the Cornell and Holcombe communities, a good place to call home. Anyone can submit a nomination form about an individual, business or organization, who goes above and beyond to help their community.
The nominations are then tabulated and voted on by CABA members, with awards presented at a dinner. This year, the awards dinner took place March 21, at Eastbay Lodge in Holcombe.
“We had some wonderful nominations…and we had probably the most votes we’ve ever had, as far as within the CABA group,” said CABA president Kristine Hemenway.
New Venture of the Year – The Silver Wolff (Chris Wolff and Bri Lohadik). Although new to the restaurant business, Wolff and Lahodik jumped right in to making the former Big T’s North in Cornell, their own, whether that’s through revamping the menu, hosting fun activities or looking for ways to promote the community.
Service is important to the couple, with accommodations to customers, such as a Braille menu.
“We just do our best to provide a good product and keep everybody happy,” said Wolff.
Business of the Year – Hometown Tax & Accounting/ The Main Scoop (Harley and Lori Oemig). The Oemigs have brought life back to two businesses in Cornell, continuously looking for ways to improve their community, while raising a family. If a donation is needed or a helping hand, the duo are more than happy to pitch in.
They also give employment to many area youth, which provides them work experience.
“We weren’t expecting it, but we’re very grateful to be recognized,” said H. Oemig. “We’re very glad to be back in our home town. We just wanted to do whatever we could to make it better.”
Volunteer of the Year – Ginna Young. Although she tried to turn down the award, Young’s friends insisted she accept, for her part in volunteer efforts throughout the Cornell and Holcombe community, many of which are behind the scenes. As some pointed out, she always has encouragement for the youth in the area, so that even years later, her grown “kids” still keep in touch.
Known as the “fundraising queen,” Young’s work for non-profit organizations comes along with a smile and a tiara, in an attempt to help make the communities she works with a better place.
“I feel like I don’t deserve this, I just pitch in because I live here,” said Young. “I think that’s what you should do in a community.”
Community Leader of the Year – Tom Rocque. Rocque not only runs several business ventures, but also is a first responder and works to provide hunting opportunities for veterans, as well as those with disabilities. Along with support from his family, Rocque’s many irons in the fire bring needed variety to Holcombe.
Always willing to lend a helping hand, Rocque has quickly become a well-respected and valuable community member – even though he just feels he’s doing his part of being a decent person.
“What good are you doing, if you’re not helping your community?” said Rocque.
Civic Organization of the Year – Lake Holcombe Food Pantry. In their mission to help keep people in the community fed, the food pantry supplies staples for those who are in need, as well as items for backpacks that are sent home with students in the district. Starting from their humble beginnings in what was essentially the closet of a local church, the pantry now resides in their own building and serves many more families.
Those who give their time to the effort of keeping people fed, are always on the lookout for more resources and ways to reach those who may need a little help.
We’re just honored to serve the community in that aspect,” said food pantry volunteer Ron Plumer.
Legacy Award – Lyle Adrian. Adrian returned to Cornell, after his service to his country, quickly becoming an integral part of the community, as a member of the city council and one of the planners of the still tallked about centennial celebration more than a decade ago. Perhaps his biggest service, has been in working the Cornell American Legion, providing what help he can for the local heroes, such as transportation to medical appointments.
However, Adrian will accept no credit and is quick to mention that many Legion members do much the same as he.
“I’m going to keep doing, as long as I can,” said Adrian.
