Swan Lake recognizes those making a difference

SUMNER, MO — Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) hosted the annual Refuge Awards Banquet to thank several local organizations and volunteers for their contributions to the Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Those presented with the 2012 Partnership Award were: Yellow Creek Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, for running the Greenwing Day event; Missouri Western Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society, for their help with the annual deer surveys; and the Chariton County Tours, Inc., for promoting wildlife dependent recreational opportunities on Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The following were given certificates of appreciation for their help and sponsorship of the monthly First Friday’s event: Sumner Sportsman’s Club, Grand River Audubon Society, Brunswick Lions Club, Sumner American Legion Auxiliary, Agri-Services of Brunswick, Chariton County Farm Bureau, and the Brunswick/Mendon Lions Club. Also recognized were Ruth Dougherity, Sharon Shatto, Shirley Fountain, and Dorothy Kaye as 2012 Ambassadors of Goodwill for their efforts in supporting the monthly First Friday’s at the Refuge and other refuge events. The nominees for Volunteer of Year Award were: Jeff Hill, Josie Miller, Wyatt Miller, Steve Kinder, and Bob & Donna Grimes. Jeff Hill received the 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award for his countless hours of support and behind the scenes efforts for many of the refuge events. The Friends Group Member of the Year nominees, were: Colleen Johnson, Richard Mauzey, Myrna Carlton, and Darryl Young. Colleen Johnson received the 2012 Friends Group Member of the Year for her outstanding leadership and dedication in direct support of the Friends of Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge.