As has been the tradition of the Indiana Township Association for decades, the association bestowed awards during its annual educational conference.  For 2009, the winners are: “Harold “Gene” Stofer” Trustee of the Year - Marilyn “Kay” Walker, Center Township, Delaware County (Mucie); Township of the Year - Pleasant Township, Johnson County (Mary Ann Powell, Trustee); and “Charles Bogden Memorial” Township Board Member of the Year - Jerry Wooldridge, Taylor Township, Howard County.

From left to right: Mary Ann Powell, Kay Walker, Jerry Woodridge.

Another nomination included a partial listing of the organizations in which Trustee Walker is involved.  They include:  Vice President of Prevent Child Abuse of Delaware County, Delaware County Coordinating Council to Prevent Alcohol and other Drug Abuse, Treasurer of the Civic Center Authority Board and a member of Hearts and Hands United.
 
In March, 2009, Kay received the Red Cross’s Hero of the Heartland Award and in May, 2009, she received the Mental Health America’s Community Service Award.
 
The Township of the Year was awarded to Pleasant Township in recognition for the prescription drug program it administers under the leadership of Trustee Mary Ann Powell.  “Trustee Powell has a proven record of setting a high standard for township government and I believe Mary Ann was ahead of her time in working for the people of her township”, reads the nomination letter.
 
Pleasant Township’s Trustee is very involved with the Salvation Army, Partnership with Johnson County, and the Indiana Township Association as the Central Area Director.
 
Jerry Wooldridge was selected as the Township Board Member of the Year.  One of the nominations stated that “Mr. Wooldridge’s desire to help his community extends beyond his position on the Township Board…the Boy Scouts/ Cub Scouts, Taylor High School Athletic Boosters, and Howard Bounty Civil Defense…”
 
Jerry has been a member of the Taylor Township Board (Kokomo) for more than twenty-two years and has held office in every position.