|
Highland No. 1 in state for Relay
BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER
 | | Fran Siron accepted an award from the American Cancer Society for the Highland's Relay for life top team fund-raiser on behalf of her Relay for Life team, The Extinguishers, who raised $5,483 this year. (Recorder photo by James Jacenich) |
|
MONTEREY - Highland may be the smallest county in population in Virginia, but its citizens have the deepest pockets, at least when it comes to contributions to the American Cancer Society. Highland County donated $32,017 in 2007 through the Relay for Life program - that's an average of $13.28 cents per person in the county. Highland placed first in the state for per capita donations and 11th in the nation for counties with less than 10,000 people.
At the Blue Grass Ruritan Hall Sunday, county Relay for Life organizer Mary Beth Gutshall held awards day for the participants in this year's Relay for Life. ACS area manager Tim Grove and community manager Patricia Harris joined her.
"Statistics tell us that of the three people (two sitting next to you and you) one of you will be diagnosed with cancer," said Harris. The ACS says that slightly less than one out of two men and slightly more than one out of three women in the United States will contract cancer in their lives.
 | | Cancer survivor and Highland Relay for Life coordinator Mary Beth Gutshall honored other survivors and caretakers at Sunday's Relay for Life celebration in Blue Grass. Pictured (l-r) are caretakers Curtie Gutshall, Mary Colaw, Norma Sponaugle, survivors Jim Thompson and Norma Reynolds and caretaker Fran Siron. (Recorder photo by James Jacenich) |
|
Beyond awards and warnings of the serious effects of cancer, though, was the message that the odds of surviving cancer has increased over the years due to research, early detection and appropriate treatment.
Gutshall added, reading from a poem, "With a little bit of faith a cure for all may be in sight."
Gutshall recognized cancer survivors Jim Thompson and Norma Reynolds, and caregivers Curtie Gutshall, Mary Colaw, Norma Sponaugle and Fran Siron.
Harris gave Mary Beth Gutshall an award for excellence in volunteer leadership. "She motivates people, she is an amazing woman," said Harris.
 | | Laura Warner accepted an award from the American Cancer Society for second place team fundraiser in Highland's Relay for Life on behalf of her Relay for Life team, First and Citizens Bank, who raised $5,178 this year. (Recorder photo by James Jacenich) |
|
Gutshall, in turn, presented regional awards for outstanding media partner awards went to WVLS and The Recorder.
Excellence in Corporate Support awards went to the Highland County Fair Association, Dollar General, and the Highland County Recreation Department. Missy Simmons of Dollar General held face painting at the store to contribute to the Relay for Life. She lost both parents to cancer in one year. The rec department helped out walkers at the relay, said Gutshall. "They had a refreshment stand with water and coffee, and snacks for walkers and survivors. They have been there the past two years from the time the relay starts to the time to help us shut it down. They offered us encouragement when we got tired." Jerry Rexrode of the fair association was singled out for praise for the contributions he made in workers and material to make the relay a success. The fair association donated the grounds to the Relay for Life.
 | | Karen Hiner accepted an award from the American Cancer Society for third place team fundraiser in Highland's Relay for Life on behalf of her Relay for Life team, The Bullets, who raised $3,334.17 this year. (Recorder photo by James Jacenich) |
|
Gutshall presented the excellence in collaboration award to the Mill Gap and Bolar Ruritan clubs. "We needed food," said Gutshall. "The first person I thought of was Tim Duff and the Mill Gap Ruritans. He didn't bat an eye. 'We'll do whatever you want,' he said. The first year they did it, they ran out of food. They gave me $1,000. Over the two years Mill Gap has participated they have donated more than $2,000." Excellence in mission delivery went to Norma Reynolds. "She is a cancer survivor and great advocate," said Gutshall. "She stays on top with everything to do with research."
In addition to regional awards, the top team fund-raisers for the Relay for Life this year were The Extinguishers, represented by Fran Siron, who brought in the most money with $5,483.93. First and Citizens Bank, represented by Laura Warner, was second with $5,178. Karen Hiner received the third place award for the Bullets, who brought in $3,334.17.
Gutshall acknowledged Sean Duff as top teen team captain. He was not present to accept his award.
Highland FFA had two teams at the Relay for life; combined they got the award for top youth team fundraisers.
The top individual fundraiser was Norma Reynolds who donated $1,310.
The relay creative consultant award went to Liz Prieto, who was not present to accept her award.
Mary Beth gave the indispensable relay support award to her husband, Curtie, who was also her primary support during her fight with cancer.
"Heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in Relay for Life of Highland County," said Mary Beth. "Relay is about a community that takes up the fight, and Highland County is that community. With your support, we will continue to work for a cure for cancer, to remember those lost to cancer, and to celebrate the lives of those who have beaten cancer." was also awarded a 10-year certificate and pin. Kathy Cobb was recognized for 10 years of service with the High Riders 4-H Club and her work with the county's annual 4-H horse show. Cathy Halterman was awarded her 20-year certificate and pin for her work in multiple community 4-H clubs and her service at the district and state levels.
Before club leaders acknowledged members for their individual project work, Hodges announced the 4-H programs outstanding 4- H members. Outstanding members were selected based on their involvement and leadership in their community club and activity at the local, district, and state levels. Outstanding Junior 4-H members were Samantha Blagg and Tabitha Hiner, both of Busy Bee 4-H Club. At the intermediate age level, David Leech of Highland Explorers 4-H Club earned the Outstanding 4-H Member honor. Outstanding Senior 4-H members were Kari Obaugh of Busy Bee 4-H Club and Sam Leech of High Riders 4-H Club.
The evening's program concluded with an invitation issued by Christian Herber. Herber asked all members and volunteers to join his club, Highland Explorers 4-H Club, as they host next year's achievement program. Roy Malcolm invited everyone to enjoy refreshments and watch the Highland County 4-H year-in-review slide show.
A new 4-H year just started and all Highland youth, as well as adults wishing to volunteer, are invited to join. Those interested in joining 4-H should contact the Highland Extension Office at 468- 2225. 4-H programs encourage learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills through hands-on projects and activities. 4-H is open to all youth ages 5-18.
|
)
)
)
)