Jim and Barb are down to earth neighbors who are always willing to lend a hand. You might find them working tirelessly to raise money for the local EMS or preparing a banquet for the residents of the nearby senior housing complex. Genuine, caring, generous folks, Jim and Barb love their community, and it shows. I can always count on them to visit a ill friend, whip up dozens of cookies for a bake sale, find old chairs for our beautification project, or any other need the village may have... all without a wish for recognition. It is people like Jim and Barb that bring a community close with their kindness. Their benevolence is appreciated and deserves to be saluted.
Nicci and Tricia are the driving force behind most of the children's activities that have been held in the village for the past year and a half. Little did I realize ten to fifteen years ago that these sisters, students in my classes, would be working diligently with me on community events. They are creative and determined in their desire to host a myriad of fun learning adventures for our local kids. I am always impressed by their ideas and willingness to offer new experiences from planting seeds and making gifts for our senior citizens to offering a monthly story hour. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and their dedication to bettering our area is commendable. I own a huge thank you to Nicci and Tricia for their time and effort. Plus, they let me hang out with their sweet children which is a big bonus!
Happy Birthday to my daughter, Caitrin. Although she no longer lives in the area, she is a great example of the value of an upbringing in a rural setting. We may complain that there are few opportunities for the youth in our region, but when one takes full advantage of what is available, one can go far. As a cross country runner standout, Gold level figure skater, musician, and scholar, Caitrin participated in a variety of activities with her friends. A small community knows and supports its children, encouraging them to do their best, giving them roots and the confidence to spread their wings. We are proud of Caitrin, not only for her accomplishments, but also because she remains the sweet, caring person who grew up in Champlain and will always call it home.
Mike is the Superintendent of Public Works and we are fortunate to have him work in the village. He is a jack of all trades: plumber, electrician, carpenter, backhoe operator, ... His skills are many, and he is not one who delegates readily. You are likely to see him in the middle of every project and repair doing as much labor as the rest of the crew. This winter with our average February high temperature around 7, he has been mighty busy with water pipe breaks. Hour after hour, Mike and the other DPW employees struggle to find and fix the break, working through several feet of frozen ground and gallons of frigid water flowing out. With wind chills sub zero, they persist. Mike is as dedicated an employee as they come. It is not unusual that he responds to concerns during off hours, and he always available for advice and assistance. He loves to talk; he'll make you laugh, but above all he is dependable and conscientious. We greatly appreciate his work ethic.
When I first met Juanita over ten years ago, I knew her as Ashley's mom, and that title has remained strong in my heart because she is the mother of a dear former student. However, in addition to her mothering duties, Juanita plays a strong role in our community, and I often go to her for information and support. She is the Village Clerk which means she keeps the books and budget in fine shape. She is patient with my questions as I learn the process of expenditures, collections, and all things financial. Juanita is active in the area particularly in the EMS, and is always ready to offer a hand when someone needs assistance. We jokingly say in small communities, that "everyone knows everyone", but the truth is that Juanita does know everyone, or at least, she knows their uncle or grandmother or their cousin twice removed...... This is important information when you are dealing with local needs, and Juanita is a valuable link to reaching out to others. She is a caring and generous friend and a conscientious employee. We are lucky to have Ashley's mom living here. 
Our community is fortunate to have a beautiful senior housing development located next to banks, shopping, and the post office. These six large, white buildings, home to twenty four residents are managed by Sheila. Her ready smile always greets those who enter her office, and her bubbly nature is perfect for the job. Sheila has many roles in this position - friend, problem solver,family liaison, party planner, secretary, record keeper, and on and on. I am most impressed with her passion for helping the elderly. In today's society where youth and beauty are idolized and growing old, at least physically, is not acceptable, Sheila does her best to make certain these individuals are comfortable, appreciated, and involved. She works well with their personalities, organizes gatherings to suit their interests, and encourages them to stay active. Sheila realizes that these residents are a vital part of the community, and that their stories are the earlier chapters to the books that we are all writing as our lives move on. We are blessed to have Sheila as the advocate for our senior citizens.
I've known Erin most of her life, and I have watched her develop into a hard-working, determined young woman. Although she doesn't live full time in Champlain anymore, she is able to spend plenty of time here, and is a fantastic supporter of local happenings. Many residents know Erin through her job at the local super market where she still works from time to time when she returns. Her positive nature and outgoing personality greet customer after customer at the checkout counter. Even the most curmudgeon of shoppers must return a brief smile when Erin speaks to them. 
