King & Queen
Rita & Derral Godbee nominated by Pat Madigan
Whenever something is needed to be done at the last minute Rita & Derral are there.
When there was no one to cook at the July 4th BBQ Rita stepped forward. When there
is work to be done around the Community Center Derral steps forward. The fact that
they both have been nominated for individual awards is an indication of how much
they do.
Sandra & Tony DeLucia nominated by Linda Oxley
I would like to nominate Sandra & Tony DeLucia for King & Queen. The work they have
done over the last couple of years to manage the Willow Area Seniors Inc. are
becoming obvious to those of us not in the organization. The leadership they are
providing to get more Senior Housing available for the future is excellent. I
realize they have not lived here the old rule 10 years but they deserve recognition.
I also do not know their ages... nor should we ask!
Donella Otter & Emil Stancec nominated by Twila Palmatier
You can always expect a big smile from Donella. She laughs a lot because she finds humor in everything. Donella is a very kind lady and she is always ready to help you out. In our community Donella was WACO Secretary for two years and she continues to be an active WACO volunteer. She is presently secretary of She-Mon-Sun Homemakers Club. Donella is a member of the Board of Directors of the Willow Seniors Organization and she is a member of St. Christopher’s Catholic Church. Donella is an excellent choice for Queen of the Willow Winter Carnival.
Emil Stancec is one of the true old-timers of Willow. He settled here in 1948 and began trapping. He has also worked for the Alaska Railroad in Willow as well as the Park Service and other employers.In the early years Emil owned a caterpiller that he used to clear land for people. Most of that land is part of the Willow of today. Emil even cleared the land that the Willow Elementary School sits on.
Emil is a quiet man who has always been ready to work for the community. He has done many “behind the scenes” work for WACO and the Carnival. For years he made and/or maintained all the dog sled trails for the winter activities. More recently he helped with the new “Welcome to Willow” signs. Because he is a quiet man many people don’t know Emil Stancec but he is a good man, an honest man and very deserving of the title “King of Willow”.
Rosalie White
Derral Godbee submitted by Mark Merrill
I would like to nominate Derral Godbee for the Rosilie White memorial
award. Derral has been active on the WACO board and is a volunteer fireman. He
does most of the MC’ing at the winter carnival and was auctioneer for the desert
auction. Derral also acts as security person for the Iditarod restart. He
volunteers his tractor/backhoe for WACO and the community. He does a lot of
volunteer work for people as well as for the community, including helping with
the 4th. of July parade. He is also very active in his Church and I know of no
one more deserving of this award.
Kristie Mingo submitted by Pat Madigan
Kristie Mingo has run the kitchen for WACO at the Carnival for more than 5 years and also for the Iditarod Restart more than 4 times.
These are both money makers for WACO and so she has helped to pay for
the running of the Community Center. She also serves on the Board of WACO as North-West Area Rep.
Linda Oxley submitted by Mary Shreves
For her tireless efforts for WACO during very challenging times.
Betty Douglas
Rita Godbee submitted by Donna Laffey
I’d like to nominate Rita Godbee for the Betty Douglas award. I’ve worked with
Rita on committees at the Methodist Church where her numerous contributions are
enormous. She is also a hardworking member of many area organizations where
she works tirelessly for the good of the Willow community.
Claire Fitzgaireld submitted by Pat Madigan
- Was a founding member of the Willow Area Seniors
- Was a founding member of the Willow Garden Club
- Was a founding member of the Willow Investment Club
- Has been a volunteer at the Library for 17 years
- Was Chair of the Willow Library Association for many years
- Served on the Mat-Su Library Board for over 6 years
- Has been a member of WACO for 18 years, serving as Secretary, Area Rep and now board representative for the Library Association.
- Has served on the Willow Fire Dept. Board of Supervisors for 9 years
- Served on the MEA Scholarship Committee for more than 7 years.
- Is very active in her church, including being the Chair of Parish Meetings and also served on the Planning Committee for the new Church building.
- Served as judge for the Spelling Bee at Willow Elementary School.
Enough said.
Fran Lynch submitted by Mary Shreves
For her continued good works and kindnesses throughout the community and the state.
Mike Ardaw
Mark Allen submitted by Rita Godbee
I would like to nominate Mark Allen for the Mike Ardaw Memorial award. He is a Good Neighbor in that he helps those who have special needs getting to and from doctors’ appointments and other places. He has
helped folks secure wood for the winter months. Mark is head of the
CERT organization in Willow. He has also been trained as a caseworker
in Disaster Response and Recovery with the United Methodist Core on
Relief. He has done work in Willow with the Volunteer Organization
Active in Disaster.Mark is also a licensed ham radio operator. He is
active in the United Methodist Church.
Susie Carlson submitted by Claire Fitzgaireld
Her good works are a well kept secret in Willow since they are usually on a one-to-one basis. She goes into homes of the sick to
wash and set hair. Other examples of her community service are
redoing hair and makeup at a funeral home at the request of the husband of the deceased and having mentally challenged folks to her
home for a holiday cookie baking party.
Youth Award
Alisa Cross submitted by Niki Pease
Age 17, Huston High School. Volunteers at assorted Willow Community Center Events, regularly visits the elderly, assists in the nursery at her church on Sundays, and volunteers with school athletic activities.
Courtney Springer submitted by Niki Pease
Age 15, homeschooled. Volunteers in the Willow Public Library, helps in her church, and assists and teaches dance to younger students in Anchorage and the valley.
Miranda Stitt submitted by Niki Pease
Age 15, homeschooled. Volunteers in the Willow Public Library, helps with the Junior Bowers Sleddog Race, helps groom trails for local dog mushers, helps in her church, volunteers at Judy’s Java Hut, and helps neighbors in need with babysitting and assorted tasks and needs.
Elizabeth Anderson submitted by Mary Shreves
For always being willing to tag along and help me with community projects when I ask her.
