October 27, 2020 at 5:16 p.m.
Speechless honor
Ellis earns Lifetime Achievement Award, Houck wins for Citizen of the Year
Speechless honor
In the moment after a championship victory or a major award win, many say they are speechless.
For a while, Millie Ellis truly was.
Ellis needed to take a few moments and then a few more — enough time for a second round of applause — to gather herself after being announced as the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jay County Community Awards.
Drew Houck took the other top honor — Citizen of the Year — at the dinner and ceremony Monday at Jay County Event Center. (It had been planned for March, but it was long-delayed because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.)
Other winners Monday were Valentine Feed and Supply for Business of the Year; Jay County REMC for Industry of the Year; Jay County Humane Society for Not-for-Profit of the Year; Dr. Joseph Vormohr for Young Professional of the Year; Jack Robbins for Dunkirk Community Commitment; Mark Leavell for Small Community Commitment; and Sculpt Fitness for Innovator of the Year.
Ellis, known by many as the “Town of Pennville Cheerleader,” is the owner of Nu Beginning – Simply Feet. She serves on Pennville Town Council, is involved with Pennville Pumpkin Festival and the town’s community garden, and was part of the chamber’s board of directors for six years.
After her first long pause, she said the award was “a total surprise.”
Another pause brought her second round of applause.
“I wasn’t expecting this. There’s two ladies on here who deserve it a lot more than me,” Ellis then said, referencing fellow finalists Cindy Denney and Carol Smith. “And believe you me, I couldn’t do what I do if it wasn’t for my family and friends …
“So thank you all. This is quite and honor.”
Houck, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, has been deeply involved in the community since graduating from Indiana University East in 2015, most notably as president of the United Way of Jay County Board. He also serves on the boards for Jay-Randolph Developmental Services and Portland Rotary Club. He is a member of the Cincinnatus League and Gideon’s International, and is a deacon and Sunday School teacher at his church.
He thanked his parents, in-laws, wife Amber and infant daughter Charlotte, “who evidently get the program handout. She’s having her dinner right now,” he joked.
Valentine Feed and Supply was honored as Business of the Year after its 2019 relocation and expansion in Redkey. Thanks to additional space, the business has room to offer educational seminars in addition to its increased product lines.
Jay County REMC’s Industry of the Year honor came in part for its support of organizations including Jay County Special Olympics, Jay Community Center, the Jay County High School Marching Patriots and A Better Life – Brianna’s Hope. The corporation, which was founded in 1936, promotes safety by conducting high voltage demonstrations at schools, festivals and other events.
The award for Not-for-Profit of the Year went to Jay County Humane Society for its efforts to help animals in need of a home despite challenges of limited space and funding. The organization also offers low-cost spay and neuter programs to help control the animal population.
“We were honored just to be nominated,” said Mindy Weaver, president of the humane society board. “On behalf of all the dogs and cats that we help find forever homes, I want to thank you for this award.”
Vormohr, the Young Professional of the Year, returned home to practice medicine at IU Health Jay Family Medicine in November 2018. He was honored for his “hard work, achievements, commitment to his family and care of his patients.”
In addition to mentioning his family and co-workers, Vormohr individually thanked fellow nominees Kayla Darby (Deer Park Boutique owner), Tracy Carpenter (First Bank of Berne branch manager) and Kyle Love (Jay County High School teacher).
“Kayla, I know my mom, sisters and fiancé appreciate what you do very much,” he said, drawing an appreciative chuckle from those in attendance.
“Tracy, I can’t imagine the stress during this time of the pandemic and everything that’s going on from a financial standpoint, so thank you for shouldering that and doing what you do. …
“As many of you know, my little brother Luke has Down syndrome and … Kyle makes it a point every day to make sure Luke has his backpack and books in hand, walks him outside and releases him to my mom’s car … I appreciate that.”
Dunkirk Mayor Jack Robbins, who previously served as a city council member for eight years, was awarded for his commitment to the city. He was also instrumental in a program to eliminate blighted homes, served as the city’s health and safety officer and is involved in Dunkirk Industrial Development Corporation.
The award for small community commitment went to Leavell, the owner and operator of Redkey Junktion, who is also a member of Redkey Volunteer Fire Department. He is also president of Redkey Fun for Kidz and secretary/treasurer of Redkey Merchant Committee, and is involved in junior league, coaching, Redkey Economic Development Corporation and Jay County Visitors and Tourism.
Sculpt Fitness, owned by Darrin and Eleathia Harding, took home the Innovator of the Year honor for the efforts they have made since opening their gym — Sculpt Fitness — in 2019. Having grown to about 500 members, they seek to inspire them to their goals of weight loss, strength building and healthy lifestyles.
“We just love to help people reach their health and fitness goals,” said Darrin Harding. “It is an honor to be standing here receiving this award for a job that is already rewarding in itself.”
Other nominees in each category were:
Citizen of the Year — Vickie Daniels, Ron Laux and Janet Bantz
Business of the Year — Deer Park Boutique and Fuqua Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Industry of the Year — FCC (Indiana) and Pennville Custom Cabinetry
Not-for-profit of the Year — Meridian Health Services and Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition
Innovator of the Year — Donald Cooke II and Pennville Custom Cabinetry
Dunkirk Community Commitment — Darrin and Eleathia Harding, and Logan Nelson
For a while, Millie Ellis truly was.
Ellis needed to take a few moments and then a few more — enough time for a second round of applause — to gather herself after being announced as the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jay County Community Awards.
Drew Houck took the other top honor — Citizen of the Year — at the dinner and ceremony Monday at Jay County Event Center. (It had been planned for March, but it was long-delayed because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.)
Other winners Monday were Valentine Feed and Supply for Business of the Year; Jay County REMC for Industry of the Year; Jay County Humane Society for Not-for-Profit of the Year; Dr. Joseph Vormohr for Young Professional of the Year; Jack Robbins for Dunkirk Community Commitment; Mark Leavell for Small Community Commitment; and Sculpt Fitness for Innovator of the Year.
Ellis, known by many as the “Town of Pennville Cheerleader,” is the owner of Nu Beginning – Simply Feet. She serves on Pennville Town Council, is involved with Pennville Pumpkin Festival and the town’s community garden, and was part of the chamber’s board of directors for six years.
After her first long pause, she said the award was “a total surprise.”
Another pause brought her second round of applause.
“I wasn’t expecting this. There’s two ladies on here who deserve it a lot more than me,” Ellis then said, referencing fellow finalists Cindy Denney and Carol Smith. “And believe you me, I couldn’t do what I do if it wasn’t for my family and friends …
“So thank you all. This is quite and honor.”
Houck, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, has been deeply involved in the community since graduating from Indiana University East in 2015, most notably as president of the United Way of Jay County Board. He also serves on the boards for Jay-Randolph Developmental Services and Portland Rotary Club. He is a member of the Cincinnatus League and Gideon’s International, and is a deacon and Sunday School teacher at his church.
He thanked his parents, in-laws, wife Amber and infant daughter Charlotte, “who evidently get the program handout. She’s having her dinner right now,” he joked.
Valentine Feed and Supply was honored as Business of the Year after its 2019 relocation and expansion in Redkey. Thanks to additional space, the business has room to offer educational seminars in addition to its increased product lines.
Jay County REMC’s Industry of the Year honor came in part for its support of organizations including Jay County Special Olympics, Jay Community Center, the Jay County High School Marching Patriots and A Better Life – Brianna’s Hope. The corporation, which was founded in 1936, promotes safety by conducting high voltage demonstrations at schools, festivals and other events.
The award for Not-for-Profit of the Year went to Jay County Humane Society for its efforts to help animals in need of a home despite challenges of limited space and funding. The organization also offers low-cost spay and neuter programs to help control the animal population.
“We were honored just to be nominated,” said Mindy Weaver, president of the humane society board. “On behalf of all the dogs and cats that we help find forever homes, I want to thank you for this award.”
Vormohr, the Young Professional of the Year, returned home to practice medicine at IU Health Jay Family Medicine in November 2018. He was honored for his “hard work, achievements, commitment to his family and care of his patients.”
In addition to mentioning his family and co-workers, Vormohr individually thanked fellow nominees Kayla Darby (Deer Park Boutique owner), Tracy Carpenter (First Bank of Berne branch manager) and Kyle Love (Jay County High School teacher).
“Kayla, I know my mom, sisters and fiancé appreciate what you do very much,” he said, drawing an appreciative chuckle from those in attendance.
“Tracy, I can’t imagine the stress during this time of the pandemic and everything that’s going on from a financial standpoint, so thank you for shouldering that and doing what you do. …
“As many of you know, my little brother Luke has Down syndrome and … Kyle makes it a point every day to make sure Luke has his backpack and books in hand, walks him outside and releases him to my mom’s car … I appreciate that.”
Dunkirk Mayor Jack Robbins, who previously served as a city council member for eight years, was awarded for his commitment to the city. He was also instrumental in a program to eliminate blighted homes, served as the city’s health and safety officer and is involved in Dunkirk Industrial Development Corporation.
The award for small community commitment went to Leavell, the owner and operator of Redkey Junktion, who is also a member of Redkey Volunteer Fire Department. He is also president of Redkey Fun for Kidz and secretary/treasurer of Redkey Merchant Committee, and is involved in junior league, coaching, Redkey Economic Development Corporation and Jay County Visitors and Tourism.
Sculpt Fitness, owned by Darrin and Eleathia Harding, took home the Innovator of the Year honor for the efforts they have made since opening their gym — Sculpt Fitness — in 2019. Having grown to about 500 members, they seek to inspire them to their goals of weight loss, strength building and healthy lifestyles.
“We just love to help people reach their health and fitness goals,” said Darrin Harding. “It is an honor to be standing here receiving this award for a job that is already rewarding in itself.”
Other nominees in each category were:
Citizen of the Year — Vickie Daniels, Ron Laux and Janet Bantz
Business of the Year — Deer Park Boutique and Fuqua Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Industry of the Year — FCC (Indiana) and Pennville Custom Cabinetry
Not-for-profit of the Year — Meridian Health Services and Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition
Innovator of the Year — Donald Cooke II and Pennville Custom Cabinetry
Dunkirk Community Commitment — Darrin and Eleathia Harding, and Logan Nelson
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