Cincinnatus honors seniors for service

The recipients of the annual Lifetime of Service Award don’t seek attention for their work in the community.

But each year at the Jay County Fair, the Cincinnatus League recognizes several senior citizens for their long records of volunteerism in the hopes of inspiring others to follow their example.

“They didn’t see what they were doing as anything special, but in fact they did. They saw a place where they could help and they stepped up,” said Rose Snow, chairperson of the Cincinnatus League. “So we’re here today to say thank you for everything you’ve done to make Jay County a better, more enjoyable place to live and raise our families.”

On Wednesday, seven Jay County residents — Dave Cramer, Cindy Denney, Nick Miller, Sharon Newman, Emilie Steveson, Jim Waechter and Mindy Weaver — were honored by Cincinnatus, a local philanthropic organization.

Steveson, a Fort Recovery native who moved to Jay County when she got married, was honored for her volunteer work with LifeStream Services, IU Health Jay’s gift shop, the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner and Immaculate Conception Church. Most recently, she helped escort people to the coronavirus vaccine clinic at the hospital.

Steveson, who retired from Jay Products after about 20 years, said she gets involved to keep herself occupied.

“My mom said if you stay busy you stay out of trouble,” Steveson said. “I’m very thankful that they honored me. I just want to stay busy. After you retire from work, you get your house cleaned, then what are you going to do?”

She said she enjoys talking to all kinds of people through her volunteer work, especially at the vaccine clinic.

“It was fun, I get my steps in walking down the hall, and you met so many people,” Steveson said. “I like to be around people.” 

Cramer, who has lived in Portland his whole life aside from two years in the Army, was recognized for his membership in Portland Morning Optimist Club, volunteering at the Limberlost State Memorial, coaching baseball, football, basketball and tennis, and a stint as the Easter Bunny.

Denney began volunteering as a candy striper at Portland Hospital, and has since been involved with Jay County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Jay County, Community & Family Services and the Tri-State Antique Tractor and Engine Show. She has also been involved in Jay County Special Olympics for 41 years, starting as a “hugger” at the finish line for races.

Miller, who moved to Jay County 10 years ago, was inspired by his late wife Helen to get involved in the community. He spearheaded fundraising for the Portland Rockets’ scoreboard, is involved in the Portland Police Department Citizens Police Academy and represents Portland on the Muncie-Portland Housing Authority Board. Miller is also the current treasurer and former chairperson of Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition.

Newman, a retired Jay School Corporation teacher who moved to Jay County from Vermillion County 44 years ago, was recognized for her involvement in many musical groups over the years. She has sung in and directed choirs at Asbury United Methodist Church and organized the former Jay County Chorus. Newman said she was proud to have driven the Jay County High School Marching Patriots trailer for two years to the band’s competitions, especially because she knew most of the members from her sixth grade classes.

Waechter moved to Jay County in 1976 to become the 4-H Purdue Extension agent for the county and was told to expect to stay for two or three years. Forty-five years later, he was recognized as a founding member of Museum of the Soldier, as well as for his involvement with Portland Optimist clubs, the Jay County 4th of July Committee, Jay County Visitors & Tourism Board and Immaculate Conception’s choir.

Weaver, a former Jay County High School physics teacher, is president of the Portland Lions Club and Jay County Humane Society. She started volunteering around 11 years ago when she joined the Arts Place board of directors. During her time on the board, she served as president twice and was chairperson of the organization’s capital campaign to fund the renovation and expansion project that is nearing completion.

“These are our friends and our neighbors. They’ve given their time and energy to make our small community a better place to live and work,” said Snow. “They bring out the best in us and they represent the best in Jay County.”