As the clock winds down on 2009, it’s time to look ahead to 2010—and the naming of the next Times-Journal Star.
This will be the 18th year the T-J Star has recognized someone who’s made a positive contribution to his or her community over the past 12 months.
Deadline for nominations was Saturday; the ’10 Star will be named—and profiled—in next week’s T-J.
Until then, here’s a list of the nominees.
--Leatherstocking Honor Flight, for showing veterans they’re not forgotten.
--Tom Bowes, for his sense of humor, good nature, generosity, and willingness to help others.
--Lisa Chase, for running Schoharie Elementary’s After-School program with a smile.
--Janet Jackson, for her cheerful smile at Catholic Charities.
--Aggie Scott, a 50-year volunteer at the Cobleskill Regional Hospital.
--George Freeman, whose “passionate pursuit to live a healthy life has inspired many people allover the country.”
--Wayne and JoAnn Pfohl, for bringing their longtime Fresh Air Fund girl in to live with them when she faced a dangerous situation at home.
--Kim Vedder and Patty Bevins, for their work at the day care center in Schoharie and with Girl Scouts.
--The late Carroll Garner, a farmer who became involved in local and county governments and organizations.
--Melissa Althiser, for her dedication to the Animal Shelter of the Schoharie Valley.
--Charles Slater, “a wonderful gentleman who will do anything for anyone.”
--Bernice “Bunnie” Bates, for putting everyone ahead of herself.
--John Barlow, for countless years of service to Richmondville.
--Cindy Barber, for her community involvement and love of the land and family farm.
--William Johnson, for his work in fire prevention.
--Sarah Karker, for carrying on her father’s legacy.
--Catherine “Cappy” Santos, who, while almost 80, still serves at least three full shifts a week for Scho-Wright Ambulance.
--Marge Becker, for a lifetime of involvement with the Middleburgh and Schoharie County communities.
--Tom Putnam, for turning his love of running into a much-appreciated local fundraiser.
--Bob Nied, “a true patriot.”
--Maggie Jackman Pryor, for all the time she spends giving back to the community she grew up in.
--Vicki Swartout, an organizer and leader for the youth of Richmondville, the Summit Sno-Riders, and the Youth Bureau—for starters.
--Michael Lent, Cobleskill Fire Department Rescue Squad captain.
--Cherie Stevens, who, though retired, shows no intention of slowing down her volunteer activities.
--John Radliff, the voice of Schoharie County agriculture is these especially troubled times.
--Hope Rivenburgh, “for putting her personal pain aside to try and turn a tragedy into something good [through Jason’s Law.”
--Hope Rivenburgh and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Savage, for pushing for Jason’s Law.
--Wes Laraway of the New York Wildlife Rescue Center.
--Ethel Benninger, for a lifetime of serving seniors and putting others first.
--Darius Benson, a good neighbor, for his work in everything from Scouting to rescuing a stranded motorist during a snowstorm to, most recently, risking his own life to try to help save his neighbors’.
--Rev. Donald Klob, for returning to the ministry in Cobleskill at a time when most people would be moving into their retirement.
--Pastor Neil Irwin, the driving force behind a small but devoted North Blenheim congregation.