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| Don and Lynn Darda 2025 Halleck Community Service Award recipients |
"We came for the employment and stayed for the people," said Lynn Darda when accepting the award from presenter Dan Frain.
When told of their selection for the community service award, both said their pick as a team was a surprise, and they felt “very honored and humbled.”
Chamber president Leslie Hanson noted that “whether it be working on the Winamac tree committee, volunteer reading at the school, sharing their talents and love of community countywide as active members of Pulaski County Tribe, and Winamac Main Street, their willingness to help all organizations to work together and improve their community through arts, physical labor if needed, maintaining community projects, and focusing on making Pulaski County a great place to live is exemplary.”
She added that behind the scenes, doing what needs to be done, and working with people from an array of organizations to accomplish the task is where “you find Don and Lynn - Better Together.”
The Dardas were nominated for the award by Megan Galbreath, editor of the Pulaski County Journal. She spoke at the banquet of the couple's dedication to their county community.
The couple reside in Winamac and have two grown children.
Music at the banquet was provided by Paulsen Polyphony Productions. The welcome was given by Stan Czech, VFW post commander. The flag presentation and pledge was led by Boy Scout Troop 229, and the invocation was given by Kent Wamsley.
About the Halleck Award
The Halleck award was first presented by the Chamber in 1979 to its namesake, the late Dr. Harold J. Halleck. Last year's recipient was Doug Denton of Monterey.
The Chamber notes that every town, every city is blessed with a handful of individuals who selflessly donate their time, energy, and hard work to make their community a better place for everyone to live. Such individuals often give this time and energy for years without the gratitude and recognition they deserve. In order to recognize such outstanding individuals, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce awards the H.J. Halleck Community Service Award to one deserving individual each year.
Halleck Award Recipients
Halleck Award recipients are:
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1979 - Harold J. Halleck, M.D.* 1980 - John Herbert Hoch* 1981 - Fred Russell* 1982 - Richard Dodd* 1983 - James A. Freeman* 1984 - Charles Byfield* 1985 - R. Marshall Fritz* 1986 - Janet Gorrell Meyer* 1987 - Martin T. Barco* 1988 - William R. Thompson, M.D.* 1989 - William A. Russell* (award moved from autumn to spring) 1991 - C. Paul Riggs* 1992 - Daniel Frain 1993 - Don* & Dee* Galbreath 1994 - Hank Kopkey* 1995 - Thomas P. Shank* 1996 - Bob Goble* 1997 - Brooks Roudebush* 1998 - Bill Sheppherd* 1999 - Rita Mrozinski* 2003 - Lawrence* & Elaine Parish |
2004 - Christine Smith* 2005 - Alladean Clouser* 2006 - Wayne & Mary Lou* Bonnell 2007 - Don Good 2008 - Jay Kopkey* 2009 - Judy Heater 2010 - Steve & Lin Morrison 2011 - Michael Shurn 2012- Tom Murray Sr.* 2013 - David W. Barr* 2014 - Jackie Frain 2015 - Judy Stinemetz* 2016 - Charles & Darlene* Mellon 2017 - Daniel P. Murphy 2018 - Charles McKinley* 2019 - Howard Conner 2020 - Paul & Brenda Gilsinger 2021 - Betty Kruger 2022 - Douglas Denton 2023 - Michael O'Connor 2024 - Ray Michau 2025 - Don & Lynn Darda *Deceased |
