Hometown Heroes celebrates the selfless efforts and caring attitudes of area residents from Bureau and Putnam counties who step forward to volunteer their time and talents to make their communities an even better place to live. Published by the Bureau County Republican and the Putnam County Record
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Hometown Heroes 2019
Hometown Heroes — Index Lisa Aber............................. 3 Doug Kirkpatrick.............. 4 Kelly Goetz......................... 5 Amy Thompson................. 6 Duane Jeppson................... 7 Arin Peterson..................... 8 Burt Conklin...................... 9
Elana Martinez................. 10 Jill Van Acker.................... 11 Dianne Van Drew............. 12 Julie Ann Eilers................ 13 Dominic Buchanan.......... 14 Abbie Cochran................. 15
Places where these Hometown Heroes volunteer Wondering where you might be able to volunteer your services? Check out the places where this year’s Hometown Heroes share their time and talents: • Buda Community Club • Sheffield Historical Society • Christmas For Kids • Love Princeton/Bureau County • Putnam County Schools • PROMise Dress Sale • Princeton Christian Academy • Princeton Youth Baseball Board • St. Margaret’s Hospital • Princeton Rotary • Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce • Chamber Leads Group • Bureau County Senior Center • Mobile Meals
• Perry Memorial Hospital • Wyanet Historical Society • Kids Club • Second Story Teen Center • New Hope Church of the Nazarene, Youth Group • Princeton Buddy Bags • The Closet • Friends of the Princeton Public Library • Bureau County Genealogical Society • St. Louis Catholic Church • First Lutheran Church, Worship and Prayer Committee; Church Council; Christmas Carol Sing-along • A Night to Remember — Prom for Special Needs • Gateway Services, Human Rights Committee
• Perry Memorial Hospital Auxiliary • Prairie Arts Center • Festival 56 • Bureau County Fair • Special Olympics • Hall High School Booster Organization • Spring Valley Police Pension Board • 10/33 Ambulance Board • St. Margaret’s Foundation Board • Nativity of Our Lord Church • Hall Athletic Parents Club • Nightmare on Fairgrounds Road • Bureau County United Way • Bureau County Relay for Life • Princeton Jaycees • Homestead Lawn Event • The People Church • Princeton Park District Board of Commissioners
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Lisa Aber Town of residence: Buda. How long have you lived there: 27 years. Age: 55. Family: Husband, Barry; daughter, Ashley; and our new puppies, Jack and Jill. What organizations do you volunteer for: Buda Community Club and Sheffield Historical Society. What activities do you do for the organizations: I help with community potluck, Easter egg hunt, Halloween party, Christmas party, golf outing, coat drive, dance on Main Street, the annual Christmas program at the Danish Church in Sheffield, and we’re always trying to come up with more ideas! How long have you served the organizations: Sheffield Historical Society — 10 years. Buda Community Club — We are starting our third year and going strong. Why is volunteerism so important to you: I think everyone needs to be active in their community and support the events that are offered. This is our
Shaw Media photo/Goldie Rapp
way of keeping some life in our little communities and makes the community what we want it to be. I honestly enjoy it! What do you enjoy about your community: Nothing better than living in a small community where you pretty much know everyone, feel safe and if someone needs help, there is always someone willing to help. How would you encourage others to get involved in volunteering: By example. Hopefully, they will enjoy the
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results of your work and want to join in. How did you get involved with volunteering: I was on the Buda Rescue Unit for about 10 years. I was asked to join the historical society and then in 2017, I put out the idea of forming the Buda Community Club. Why do you volunteer: I hope I’m helping to improve the community. I hope we offer something fun or something much needed to the residents. How does volunteering make your feel: I’m proud of the groups I belong to. I love sitting back and watching the people enjoy an event I’ve helped with, or know that it’s appreciated when we’ve helped a group or resident. What gaps do you see in your organizations that need to be filled: We can always use more help! What would people be surprised to know about you: I have entered a 5K every year for the last five years and that I still DVR “General Hospital” every day. What are your hobbies: Reading, long walks, listening to music.
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Hometown Heroes 2019
Doug Kirkpatrick
Town of residence: Princeton. How long have you lived there: 11 years. Age: 62. Family: Children living at home are Rachel, Mark and David. What organizations do you volunteer for: Christmas For Kids and Love Princeton/Bureau County. What activities do you do for the organizations: As the director of both Christmas For Kids (CFK) and Love Princeton/Bureau County (LP/BC), I am involved in or aware of every aspect of each organization. How long have you served the organizations: CFK — five years and LP/BC — one year. Why is volunteerism so important to you: There are so many needs in our communities, and I want to be a part of helping find and work for a solution to these needs. What do you enjoy about your community: I enjoy the “community” that we have — together enjoying the events the community puts on like the Homestead parade, concerts on Main Street, sporting events, dance recitals and such things. We may not know each other personally, but we have a commonality when we experience things together. These things are happy times. I remember several years ago when a straight-line windstorm blew down several trees throughout town, it seemed everyone was out helping each other clean up after the storm — community. How would you encourage others to get involved in volunteering: As I mentioned earlier, there are so many needs that no matter what skills, personality or talent someone has, there is something, some area where each of us can help or give back to the community. I would encourage everyone to find what it is that they enjoy doing and find that place to serve each other and the community. How did you get involved with volunteering: Here in Princeton, I got involved with volunteering when Christmas For Kids needed an organization to take over facilitating the program. When I became aware of the need, I went to my church board/ elders and presented the need; they
Shaw Media photo/Goldie Rapp
said “Go for it,” in so many words. That was five years ago, and we are still heading it up. Why do you volunteer: I tremendously enjoy helping others, and it is a manifestation of my commitment to God. How does volunteering make you feel: When I am volunteering, I feel joy, peace, fulfillment, a sense of accomplishment, as well as humbled. What gaps do you see in your organizations that need to be filled: As far as CFK, I want to be able to serve more families and children that
need a little help at Christmas time. I am aware that there continues to be those we cannot or have not been able to serve. We are trying to become more efficient to, hopefully, expand our services. LP/BC is a new volunteer organization, less than a year old. We are still working to communicate the vision. What would people be surprised to know about you: I hold a private pilot license. What are your hobbies: Fishing and bicycling, but I enjoy myriad other activities.
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Kelly Goetz Town of residence: Granville. How long have you lived there: Since age 3. Age: 61. Family: Wife, Megan; son, Paul; daughter-in-law, Jodie; and grandkids, Addison, Preston and Aubrey. What organization do you volunteer for: Putnam County Schools. What activities do you do for the organization: Scorebook and scoreboard for boys’ and girls’ basketball. When I first started, I also drove the bus, and I’ve also helped some with the FFA. How long have you served the organization: More than 25 years. Why is volunteerism so important to you: Volunteering keeps me connected to the community.
What do you enjoy about your community: People are so supportive of the schools. How would you encourage others to get involved in volunteering: Just reach out, there’s always some way to help. How did you get involved with volunteering: My wife works in the school district. Why do you volunteer: It keeps me active with the kids. How does volunteering make you feel: It’s rewarding to see students succeed. It’s also fun to get to know the kids. What would people be surprised to know about you: That I’ve been doing the scoreboard for more than 25 years. What are your hobbies: Rebuilding Cub Cadet mowers. Additional comments: This is a great honor.
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Hometown Heroes 2019
Amy Thompson
Town of residence: Princeton. How long have you lived there: All my life. Age: 47. Family: Husband, Eric; and two sons, Gabe and Grady. What organizations do you volunteer for: PROMise dress sale, Princeton Christian Academy and Princeton Youth Baseball Board. What activities do you do for the organizations: As coordinator of the annual PROMise dress sale, I collect and resell the dresses and be the face of it all. I do public relations and the website for Princeton Youth Baseball. I help wherever and whenever needed at Princeton Christian Academy. How long have you served the organizations: This year will mark the seventh year for the PROMise dress sale, which gives young women the opportunity to shop new and gently used dresses at an affordable price. I’ve been on the youth baseball board for four years. I’ve helped out at Princeton Christian Academy for the last nine years. Why is volunteerism so important to you: I think volunteering is important, because there are so many people out there that have needs that are not being met. I think it’s a responsibility that God puts on us to help one another and love one another. That’s what we’re here for — to help one another and make each other better. I think today’s society is a very “me me me society,” and volunteering is even more important now because of that. When you volunteer, your eyes are more open to others. What do you enjoy about your community: It’s small-town. If you need help, there are so many organizations that can help out. When you live in a small town, people know you. People here are genuine and trusting. I also love seeing all the restaurants and shops coming to town. This is the Main Street I remember as a kid. Every store was open. On Friday nights, we would go down Main Street and they would have the popcorn on the corner. That’s the community, the town I remember, and I think it’s neat to see all that coming back. How would you encourage oth-
Shaw Media photo/Goldie Rapp
ers to get involved in volunteering: Just pick something that is near and dear to your heart, because you have to have the energy behind it. You have to have the drive for what you believe in, because that is what will push you. Volunteering is good for the soul. It makes you feel good. How did you get involved with volunteering: With the PROMise Sale, I went to my pastor and gave him the idea for the sale, because nowadays girls have a difficult time purchasing dresses. He told me, “OK, you do it.” I thought, “Wait, what did I just do?” But the idea took off. Why do you volunteer: I have a very giving heart. I was blessed with that from my mom and dad. They are very giving people. They give in different ways that, a lot of times, people don’t know. How does volunteering make you feel: It makes me feel very good. With the PROMise sale, there’s always a rewarding story. Girls walk up and they’re crying, because they found the perfect dress. Sometimes I don’t see the magnitude of what this project is or does until something like that happens.
What would people be surprised to know about you: A couple things. No. 1, I have Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It’s not something I talk about, because I function really well, but I do think it’s important to share because MS is a disease a lot of people have. It’s a disease that doesn’t get talked about very much. The second thing people would be surprised to know is that I have a law enforcement degree. What are your hobbies: Crossfit, yoga, I love to listen to books. I’d read if I had more time. Also my kids. It’s not a hobby, but I love to watch my kids play sports. Additional comments: The proceeds raised through the PROMise dress sale have been donated back to local organizations that support our youth. Over the years, more than $16,000 has been donated back to the community. Organizations that have benefited from the sale include Living Works Suicide Walk, Bureau County Food Pantry, Community Partners Against Substance Abuse (CPASA), Second Story Teen Center, Princeton Ministerial Association, and First United Methodist Church’s children and youth ministries.
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Duane Jeppson Town of residence: Spring Valley. How long have you lived there: 40 years. Age: 69. Family: Mom, Kathleen; and brother, Paul. What organizations do you volunteer for: St. Margaret’s Hospital. What activities do you do for the organizations: Volunteer in surgical waiting room, Durable Medical Equipment, flu, sport physical clinics, lower lobby reception, Hospice and Rainbows support group. How long have you served the organizations: Worked here 44 years. Volunteered for 19 years. Why is volunteerism so important to you: To help people and the organization. What do you enjoy about your community: Small-town living.
How would you encourage others to get involved in volunteering: Tell them how rewarding it is and it’s good to stay involved and busy. How did you get involved with volunteering: When I retired, I was asked to volunteer by former coordinators Lois Getty and Janyce Stuckert. I volunteer more since I retired. Why do you volunteer: To help people. How does volunteering make you feel: Good and accomplished to help people. What gaps do you see in your organizations that need to be filled: Surgical waiting room, Red Coats and gift shop are in need of volunteers. What are your hobbies: Knot blankets, ceramics and find-aword puzzles.
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Hometown Heroes 2019
Arin Peterson
Town of residence: Wyanet. How long have you lived there: 19 years. Age: 41. Family: Daughter, Isabella. What organizations do you volunteer for: Princeton Rotary Club, Princeton Chamber of Commerce, Bureau County Senior Center, Mobile Meals. What activities do you do for the organizations: Princeton Rotary — I serve on the following committees: Greeter, Auction, the chairperson for the Public Relations Committee. I was awarded the 2018 Rotarian of the Year Award. Chamber — I serve as a Chamber Board member, Chamber Ambassador and part of the Chamber Leads group. As a board member I serve on the Special Events Committee and was part of the planning of our recent Murder Mystery event. As an Ambassador, I serve as the membership secretary, and serve on the following committees: the Golf Outing, Christmas Open House and serve as the chairperson for the Lunch in the Park. I was awarded the Ambassador of the Year in 2018. Chamber Leads group — I serve as the vice president. Bureau County Senior Center — I call bingo for the seniors monthly and volunteer for any events they may need assistance with. Mobile Meals — I deliver meals weekly to several Princeton seniors. How long have you served the organizations: Rotary: I have been a Rotarian off and on for 14 years. Chamber: I have been involved in both the Board and Ambassadors off and on for 11 years. Bureau County Senior Center, seven years. Mobile Meals, seven years. Why is volunteerism so important to you: Volunteering is important to me as it’s a way to give back to my community and help others at the same time. It’s very rewarding to know you have impacted someone’s life in some way. I try to make a difference in all of the organizations I am involved in by being an active member. What do you enjoy about your community: I enjoy the Princeton area as we have a lot of exciting things
Shaw Media photo/Dave Cook
happening and I am proud to be a part of it! We are a small community, and I enjoy seeing all of the growth that has happened and how this area is thriving. How would you encourage others to get involved in volunteering: I would encourage them by sharing some of my experiences that I have had and the love of doing something for others. How did you get involved with volunteering: It started as being a part of my job, although it continues to grow as I get more involved and meet new people to simply be a part of my life and I enjoy it very much. Why do you volunteer: I would say I volunteer for, once again, the reward of helping others. I have met some amazing people over the years of volunteering, and they all have become very important to me, and I enjoy spending time with them. How does volunteering make you feel: Volunteering makes me feel very good. It’s a great feeling knowing something you planned or helped with turns out to be a suc-
cess. And knowing I have delivered food to a senior or called bingo for them is also a great feeling as for some, I might be the only person they talk to that day during my short time at their home, and when calling bingo, it’s a great way for them to be actively involved and spend time with their friends. What gaps do you see in your organizations that need to be filled: I myself do not see any gaps although there is always room for growth and for new people to join us! What would people be surprised to know about you: That I was very quiet in school. Now I am very outgoing and talk to everybody and like to have fun and make people laugh. I feel I have a great sense of humor that has lead me to where I am today. What are your hobbies: Spending time with my daughter, family and friends. Additional comments: I would like to thank the BCR for selecting me as a Hometown Hero. I am truly honored to be recognized for all that I do for my community.
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Burt Conklin Town of residence: Wyanet. How long have you lived there: 18 years, and it’s the second time around. I left in 1963 and moved to Los Angeles, Calif., for many years and returned in 2001. Age: 81. Family: My family still lives in California. I have a daughter and son with their families and a daughter, in Texas. I have three grandkids. What organizations do you volunteer for: Perry Memorial Hospital, the Wyanet Historical Society and Kids Club. What activities do you do for the organizations: Various positions with Kids Club, such as director, educator and planning events. I’m treasurer for the Wyanet Historical Society. How long have you served the organizations: 18 years with Kids Club and three years with Perry Memorial Hospital. Why is volunteerism so important to you: I enjoy giving back to the
community. What do you enjoy about your community: I was born in Wyanet and love smalltown life. How would you Photo contributed encourage others to get involved in volunteering: I encourage everyone to get involved. The Lord will put you in front of it and will guide and direct you. I’m glad he guided me to volunteer. How did you get involved with volunteering: I had friends who were Gold Coats at Perry, however it was my experience as a patient that drew me to volunteer. Everyone I came across during my visits cared, and it inspired me to become a Gold Coat. Why do you volunteer: I didn’t
have much time when working. It provides an outlet for me and a defined purpose. How does volunteering make you feel: It makes me feel good and satisfied. What I do is so very much appreciated here at Perry, as are all the Gold Coats. What gaps do you see in your organizations that need to be filled: Perry always has openings, as many of the Perry Gold Coats graduate to heaven, the opportunities vary. What would people be surprised to know about you: I went to broadcast school in Chicago when I was young. I moved to California and received a call from the school telling me there was an opening for a disc jockey in Arizona. I took the position and discovered how hard disc jockeys work. I went back to California, settled into life and worked many years in the small explosive aerospace industry. What are your hobbies: Bowling and golf.
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Hometown Heroes 2019
Elana Martinez
Town of residence: Princeton. How long have you lived there: Since I was 3 years old. Age: 15. Family: Dad, Jarrod Markley; mom, Elisha Markley; and little brother, Mason Markley. What organizations do you volunteer for: Second Story Teen Center, youth group for New Hope Church of the Nazarene and Princeton Buddy Bags. What activities do you do for the organizations: For Buddy Bags, I pack bags for students in need. At Second Story, I do whatever is needed, like cleaning out the pantry, moving stuff around, being the tech person for the check-in/check-out system. At church, I do whatever they need help with. How long have you served the organizations: Three years at Second Story, four years with the church and I just started helping with Buddy Bags. Why is volunteerism so important to you: It boosts my confidence a little bit. I enjoy helping people. It gets me out there to actually socialize, or else I’m just in my room hanging out with my few friends and gaming. It makes me feel better, like I’m actually helping out. What do you enjoy about your community: I enjoy some of the people here. They can be really sweet at times. Some of the older people here are super nice. I work with my parents and we do pest control. Sometimes I will go out to work with my dad, and we go house-to-house, so I’ll meet a lot of people through it, and they are nothing but nice, nothing but just considerate people, and that makes it nice to be able to help them out. How would you encourage others to get involved in volunteering: It takes a lot of dedication and hard work, I guess, but if you want to do it, just go for it. There’s no point in holding back. It’s not like you’re going to be uncool for it. It’s just fun. How did you get involved with volunteering: I just started helping out. Second Story asked for volunteers, and I just started going and then I started becoming a regular person
Shaw Media photo/Goldie Rapp
doing it. So they just started asking me more often. Why do you volunteer: I enjoy it. I love helping out other people. I love going out and doing things. I don’t like being stuck at home all the time. I like physical work. How does volunteering make you feel: It makes me feel proud of myself at some points. It’s fun. I enjoy it. What gaps do you see in your organizations that need to be filled: We need more kids to get involved. They are all just sitting at home being lazy, and they need to learn how to work. The parents allow it. It’s not like they’re saying, “Go out and work” and
their kids are saying, “No.” The parents are allowing the kids to be lazy. What would people be surprised to know about you: I’ve traveled and I do like traveling, but I do enjoy being at home at some points. What are your hobbies: Cross country, I love playing chess, I love science club, playing video games — I’m a gamer. I also sketch and like to read. Additional comments: My favorite quote is, “Time waits for no one.” It tells you to just go out there and do it. Don’t wait hoping someone else pushes you. You’ve got to push yourself.
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Jill Van Acker Town of residence: Princeton. How long have you lived there: 14 years. Age: 66. Family: Husband, Lynn; grown children, Brian and Natalie; and two grandchildren. What organizations do you volunteer for: The Closet, Friends of the Princeton Public Library, the Bureau County Genealogical Society and St. Louis Catholic Church. What activities do you do for the organizations: At The Closet, I work with the toy and book areas. At the Bureau County Genealogical Society, I type up projects as needed, like cemetery records, for example. At St. Louis Catholic Church, I was a gardener for years and now I help with funeral lunches. How long have you served the organizations: Friends since 2004, The Closet since 2014, Bureau County Genealogical Society since 2016 and St. Louis Catholic Church since 2005. Why is volunteerism so important to
you: It’s a way to give back to the community, meet more people, and I enjoy helping others. What do you enjoy about your community: The activities to do in town, the friendliness and the size. How would you encourage others to get involved in Shaw Media photo/ volunteering: Dave Cook If you want to volunteer, figure out what you’re good at and match it to an organization. Also, start small with one thing rather than several because you don’t want to burn yourself out. How did you get involved with volunteering: It’s what I wanted to do after
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Hometown Heroes 2019
Dianne Van Drew
Town of residence: Princeton. How long have you lived there: I was born in Princeton. My late husband and I moved to Rochelle for 22 years. After he passed away, I moved back to Princeton. Age: 70. Family: My sister, niece, her husband and two children live in Princeton; plus my dog, Baxter. What organizations do you volunteer for and what activities do you do for the organizations: First Lutheran Church, worship and prayer committee; president of the church council; the church sponsors A Night to Remember — a prom for special needs; Christmas carol sing-along; food pantry on Friday mornings; Gateway Services, Human Rights Committee; Perry Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, treasurer; Prairie Arts Center, hostess and appetizers for receptions; Festival 56, fundraising, bartending and ushering; Bureau County Fair, usher at concerts; Special Olympics spring games, volunteer in the food tent. How long have you served the organizations: I moved back to Princeton five years ago. I’m been involved in the church for five years on down to food pantry for six months. Why is volunteerism so important to you: Volunteering is a way to give back to the place you call home and make it a better place to live. What do you enjoy about your community: It has a lot to offer, and the people of this community are caring about others.
Shaw Media photo/Goldie Rapp
How would you encourage others to get involved in volunteering: Organizations always need volunteers. Find something you are interested in and give it a try. You may be surprised how great it makes you feel. How did you get involved with volunteering: My aunts did a lot of volunteering when I was growing up, and I could see how important it was to them. Why do you volunteer: I’ll use the special needs prom as an example. It was something that was lacking in the community, and watching how much fun they had the evening of the prom made it all worthwhile. Making a difference in someone’s life.
How does volunteering make you feel: It makes me feel hopeful I was able to make a difference, even if it was very small. What gaps do you see in your organizations that need to be filled: We could always use more volunteers in any of the organizations I volunteer with. What would people be surprised to know about you: I don’t think I have any surprises. What are your hobbies: Reading (I just joined my first book club), travel and learning how to do wool hooking. Additional comments: I also work for Grant-Johnson Funeral Home.
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Julie Ann Eilers Town of residence: Spring Valley. How long have you lived there: My whole life. Age: 56. Family: Husband, Kerry; Kids; Jacob, Matthew, Brian, Danielle. What organizations do you volunteer for: Hall High School — Hall Booster Organization since 2002, currently treasurer; Spring Valley Police Pension Board since 2010, currently president; 10/33 Ambulance Board since 2009, currently secretary; St. Margaret’s Foundation Board since 2015; Nativity of Our Lord Church, since 2017, lector (involved with church fundraisers and activities since 1998); Special Olympics — not sure how long, but it has been in conjunction with Hall Booster Organization, run concessions; Hall Athletic Parents Club since 2010, member. Why is volunteerism so important to you: I enjoy giving back to my community. Volunteering gives me the opportunity to help organizations in
Shaw Media photo/Tommy Rose
achieving their goals. What do you enjoy about your community: The people! I love the camaraderie when communities get together and unite for a specific cause. How would you encourage others to get involved in volunteering: I would encourage people to get involved in volunteering by lending a hand or doing what they do best. It can even mean volunteering to do things “behind the scenes.” Once they do it, they will feel the satisfaction that it gives you and the gratification it does
for the organization that you are volunteering for. How did you get involved with volunteering: I come by volunteering honestly. Growing up, my parents volunteered for all the events and activities that I was involved in, as well as events and needs for our community. Why do you volunteer: Because I love it! I love the feeling you get when your task is completed and you see the benefit that you have accomplished for your organization, whether it be giving back to the community or raising money for a specific cause. What gaps do you see in your organizations that need to be filled: The need for more volunteers. Volunteering has diminished in the last few years. What would people be surprised to know about you: I can be found several nights a week making raviolis and tortalach at my mom’s! What are your hobbies: My family! I love getting together with my entire family.
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Hometown Heroes 2019
Dominic Buchanan
Town of residence: Dover. How long have you lived there: Nine years. Age: 16. Family: Stepdad, Adam Odell; Mom, April Buchanan; sister, Addilynn Odell; and stepbrother, Adam Odell. What organizations do you volunteer for: Nightmare on Fairgrounds Road, Second Story Teen Center, and I used to do Princeton Buddy Bags. What activities do you do for the organizations: For Nightmare on Fairgrounds Road, I scare the living crap out of people. My character’s name is Psycho Jack. At Second Story, I do whatever is needed. How long have you served the organizations: I packed bags for Buddy Bags for two years. This will be my third year with Nightmare on Fairgrounds Road. I’ve been with Second Story for three years. Why is volunteerism so important to you: It gets your name out there, and it shows that people like me,
Shaw Media photo/Goldie Rapp
who seem scary and all, aren’t that bad of people. They actually go out of their way to help. What do you enjoy about your community: We have a lot of activities that we do around town. We have Festival 56, we have the Apollo Theater, we have the fairgrounds. Sometimes we have carnivals and parades. How would you encourage others to get involved in volunteering: I would say, you’re going to have to do something sooner or later to make a change. You can’t make a change sitting down. How did you get involved with volunteering: Jeff VanAutreve from Second Story. He came up to me and I think the first job he asked me to do was to help him make a run to Walmart. Later on, I helped him with moving stuff, building stuff and making more Walmart trips. Why do you volunteer: Before I started helping Jeff at Second Story, I was already thinking about helping with Nightmare on Fairgrounds
Road. With the haunt, I’d actually like to get out and make a name for myself and move on with bigger haunts. How does volunteering make you feel: It helps me get a lot of things off my chest. Usually, I’m a very stressful man, because I’ve had bad experiences in my life. What would people be surprised to know about you: Who I really am. At school, I stay silent and hide in the corner. I don’t like talking to people at all, but really, I’m just a big teddy bear. What are your hobbies: Gaming, the haunt, I listen to music a lot and I work at a junk yard. Additional comments: When I was little, I didn’t have a father, because he left. I was discussing with Jeff (VanAutreve) about it, and he told me I do have a father. When I asked who, he said, “I’m your father.” He has basically helped me through everything since I’ve been at Second Story. That man has helped hundreds of kids.
Hometown Heroes 2019
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Abbie Cochran
Town of residence: Princeton. How long have you lived there: Most of my life. Age: 36. Family: Husband, Matt; and sons, Bryce, 8, and Eli, 5. What organizations do you volunteer for: Bureau County United Way, Bureau County Relay for Life, Princeton Jaycees, Homestead Lawn Event, The People Church, and I serve on the Princeton Park District Board of Commissioners. What activities do you do for the organizations: Campaign chair for the United Way, Survivor chair for Relay for Life, Children’s Team for The People Church and a couple for the Homestead Lawn Event. Also, I volunteer at numerous events and fundraisers for the above organizations. How long have you served the organizations: About four years. Why is volunteerism so important to you: Volunteers are vital in giving back to those in need, worthwhile causes and the community. Shaw Media photo/Becky Kramer Many organizations rely on Abbie Cochran (right) and her husband Matt (not pictured) were awarded the Volunteers of the Year volunteers to carry out their Award for the 2017 Bureau County United Way campaign by Sue Spratt, president of the local United missions. Way, in this file photo from 2017. What do you enjoy about your community: I love the I love the connections and relationand I’m a night owl. I also always look feeling of support and community ships built with both the organizaat a menu online before I go to restauthat you get from a small town. tions and people I’m serving. I believe rant to see what I may want to order. How would you encourage others in the organizations/causes I volunHobbies: Dancing has been my life to get involved in volunteering: I’d teer for and want to see them succeed and a passion I enjoy sharing with share my experiences with them, and in their mission. Being a part of that is others. I also enjoy working out, going talk about the missions these organipriceless. to the movies with my family and zations have. Committing to volunteer How does volunteering make being outside. for something can be overwhelming, you feel: When I see the joy or feel Additional comments: I’m fortuespecially for those already busy, so the gratitude of those I am serving, nate to live in this community and I’d suggest only do what you can, and it reminds me that the hours, days, have the ability to volunteer. I love we need to remember — every little months I give are important. All that giving back to this amazing combit helps. time is worth it when you make a difmunity. Princeton has grown and it How did you get involved with ference in someone’s life. continues to grow. That’s because volunteering: My parents are volWhat gaps do you see in your the people who live in this town truly unteers, and I always saw the work organizations that need to be filled: care about Princeton. Thank you to they did as important and selfless. I With some organizations, the problem the BCR for highlighting the work admired their willingness to serve. is finding volunteers. people do in our community, and I’m Why do you volunteer: I want to What would people be surprised honored and humbled to receive this make a difference, and I want to help. to know about you: I LOVE coffee recognition.
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Hometown Heroes 2019
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