Franks a lot!

Hundreds of volunteers put in thousands of hours to help Lucas County move forward --- and a good percentage of them turned out at Carpenters Hall between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday for "Franks a lot," an annual volunteer appreciation luncheon put on by Chariton Area Chamber-Main Street in cooperation with partners that include Lucas County Health Center Volunteer Services.

That agency, headed by Linda Baynes, coordinates many volunteer efforts in our communities and also logs volunteer hours --- useful totals to have available when non-profits are calculating local matches while applying for grants. All volunteers in the county were invited to attend.

Thelma Saxton provided the hall, Hy-Vee provided the franks (served with potato chips, soft drinks and ice cream for dessert) and the various Chamber-Main Street divisions staffed tables that offered macaroni and cheese plus a big variety of toppings --- sauerkraut, chopped onion, cheese, chili, relish and fresh vegetables in addition to the usual condiments. 

That's Miriam Hibbs adding catsup to her frank at the Organization Division table, where I was sitting --- although my division is Design. Miriam is a regular volunteer at the Lucas County Historical Society and elsewhere.

Russell's Bud Moody (right) was honored during the luncheon with presentation of a President's Volunteer Service Award in recognition of years of volunteerism involving thousands of hours. The award was presented by Dan Minkoff, interim CEO at the health center.

Entertainment during the event was provided by student musicians from Chariton High School, who also joined the rest of the volunteers for lunch.

All in all, it was a great event --- and an opportunity to give a little credit where credit is due and say "thanks!"