Annual Meeting & Awards
Join us at our Annual Meeting on: January 25th, 2023 at 6:30pm at the Best Western Falcon Plaza. At this meeting, we review the year's accomplishments; including volunteer recognition and award recipients, hold our board of directors’ election, and vote on the proposed changes to our organizational bylaws. ***If there are proposed changes to our By-Laws for members to vote on at this meeting, the proposed changes can be viewed here.***
We encourage anyone in our community (not just staff and volunteers) to consider nominating outstanding community members/partners for each of the five award categories we award annually. Fill out and submit the form below!
Our organization is governed by a Board of Directors that consists of between 11 and 15 community leaders from across many industries and segments of public life. These individuals are self-motivated, have a strong work ethic, and share a firm commitment to supporting and realizing the organizational mission through their volunteerism. Board members are elected to two-year terms; elections are held each January at the Annual Meeting. If you are interested in learning more or applying to become a board member, please also send an email to woodcountyhumanesociety@gmail.com .
MINNIEBELLE CONLEY COMMUNITY AWARD
The WCHS shelter was erected following a bequeath from the Minniebelle Conley estate upon her death. The Minniebelle Conley Community Award was established in 1997 and is presented annually to a generous community partner whose contributions have significantly assisted us in fulfilling our organization’s mission of existing to be a community leader providing services and resources that enrich the relationship between animals and humans through advocacy, education, and animal welfare.
EXCELLENCE IN ANIMAL CARE AND ADVOCACY AWARD
The Excellence in Animal Care and Advocacy Award (formerly the Special Friend of the Animals Award) was established in 2000. This award is presented annually to an individual who has shown a marked commitment not only to WCHS, but more specifically to the animals. This award recognizes those who are instrumental in creating a better quality of life for animals under our care.
ELLEN FULLER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Ellen Fuller was born on July 16, 1913. She was a local teacher and philanthropist. There is a scholarship for students at Bowling Green State University in the name of Ellen and her husband Dewey for students showing high character and professional promise through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and/or paid employment. Ellen passed away in January of 1985. Later that month, the Volunteer of the Year Award was renamed in her honor. The Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award is presented annually to one or more of our many dedicated volunteers in recognition of outstanding service to the organization.
JUNIOR VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Junior Volunteer of the Year Award was established in 2018. This award is presented to one or more of our many dedicated youth volunteers (under 18 years old for at least part of the year preceding the award) in recognition of outstanding service to the organization. In order to be eligible for this award, the junior volunteer must have attended volunteer orientation and have volunteered at least 15 volunteer hours in the year preceding the award.
WANDA LOOMIS HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Named for Wanda Elizabeth Loomis who dedicated much of her life to caring for both wild and domestic animals in Wood County. Wanda was born on November 13, 1907 in Woodside, Ohio. A lifelong resident of Wood County, Wanda established the award in 1972 as the Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award. Wanda passed away in 1989 at the age of 82. The Wanda Loomis Humanitarian Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates continuing devotion to and an active engagement in the promotion of animal welfare in Wood County. This award is specifically for an individual who demonstrates consistent commitment to animals and the community at large over a span of multiple years.
Annual Award Winners 2021:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: Joe Schroeder, Stephanie Ringler, and the Garage Sale Crew & Michelle Beaverson and the Woodland Mall
Special Friend of the Animals Award: Nikki Badman and Poco's Playhouse, Jeff Showell and Tony Mazzullo
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Katie Byers
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Dr. Vicki Frobose
Junior Volunteer of the Year Award: Ryan Cesarini & Maralissa Waterfield
Annual Award Winners 2020:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: Three Dog Bakery
Special Friend of the Animals Award: Meghan and George Bingaman, Karen Rader
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Lynne Helm
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Wood County residents who report abuse, neglect, and cruelty
Junior Volunteer of the Year Award: No award given
Annual Award Winners 2019:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: Best Western Falcon Plaza
Special Friend of the Animals Award: Jess Apodaca, Michael Bailey, Kristy Silverwood and Family
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Cathy Goddu
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Gail Franklin, Chris Riddle
Junior Volunteer of the Year Award: Patience Little
Annual Award Winners 2018:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
Special Friend of the Animals Award: Liesel Traister
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Melissa Hall
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: No Award Given
*Junior Volunteer of the Year Award: Megan Mantel
Annual Award Winners 2017:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: The Wood County Commissioners: Doris I. Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Theodore H. Bowlus
Special Friend of the Animals Award: Kathy Manley
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Jeffrey Showell, Tonya Tack
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: No Award Given
**Special Service to the Organization: Steve Kiessling, Evelyn Schwan
Annual Award Winners 2016:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: Pisanello's Pizza
Special Friend of the Animals Award: Lynne Helm
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Phyllis Chaney
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Jean Miller
Annual Award Winners 2015:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: Jarrod Demski, Heidelberg Distributing
Special Friend of the Animals Award: Kristen Grom
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: John Aleksander
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Connie Cadwallader
Annual Award Winners 2014:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: Jan Harr
Special Friend of the Animals Award: Nagoya; Joe Schroeder and Stephanie Ringler
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Barbara Arnold
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Erik J. Thompson, Rossford Police Department; Kyle Silvers
**Special Achievement Award for Service-Kathy Dean
**Special Recognition Certificates of Appreciation: All Board Members Past and Present; Olivia Hegedus; Pisanello’s Pizza
Annual Award Winners 2013:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: The Copy Shop
Special Friend of the Animals Award: No Award Given
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Kara Reynolds
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Sandy Lepper
**Special Service to the Organization: Mike and Esther Fabian; Tom McCurdy; Adam Herrman; Debbie Rodgers; BGSU Friends of the WCHS; Kroger; Newman’s Marathon; Organ Collision; Jones Veterinary Hospital; Pisanello’s Pizza
Annual Award Winners 2012:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: Darlene Petkwitz
Special Friend of the Animals Award: No Award Given
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Lisa Kern
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Jerry Anderson
**Special Recognition Certificates of Appreciation: Matt Skivers; Lynne Helm; Glenda Swartz; Sandy Lepper; Holiday Inn Express; Lemar; Pisanello’s Pizza; McDonald’s South Main Street; W. W. Knight Nature Preserve
Annual Award Winners 2011:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: Joe Schroeder and Stephanie Ringler
Special Friend of the Animals Award: No Award Given
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Karla Hines
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Pat McCutchan-Vernier, M.D. and Rick Vernier
**Special Recognition Certificates of Appreciation: Nan Borer; Carol Butcher; Devin Butcher; Olga Clay; Kathy Dean; Connie Donald; Rich Douglas; Jan Harr; Lynne Helm; Karla Hines; Robin Jolly; Sandy Lepper; Jacqui Nathan; Glenda Swartz; Matt Skivers; Samantha Strausbaugh; Liesel Traister
Annual Award Winners 2010:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: Pisanello's Pizza
Special Friend of the Animals Award: Kathy Eads
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: The Healing Barn
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Andrew Schuman
Annual Award Winners 2009:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: No Award Given
Special Friend of the Animals Award: No Award Given
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: No Award Given
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: No Award Given
Annual Award Winners 2008:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: L’Maries Laundromat (Duane and Lisa King)
Special Friend of the Animals Award: No Award Given
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Kathleen Newman
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Craig Lundgren, Hobby Horse Stable
**Special Achievement Award for Service: Sandy Lepper
**Foster Home of the Year: Tracy DeRan-Taylor
Annual Award Winners 2007:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: Cheryl Kubista, Bark Busters
Special Friend of the Animals Award: No Award Given
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Margaret Weinberger
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Christy Spontelli
**Special Recognition Certificates of Appreciation: Mandy Dickenson; Jill Borkowski; Matthew Manley; Buddy the Dog; Craig Lundgren; Clear Channel Communications; Deb Buker; Renee Valtin
Annual Award Winners 2006:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: Deb Buker, Perrysburg Messenger Journal
Special Friend of the Animals Award: No Award Given
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Kathy Hershberger
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Marci Skirvin
Annual Award Winners 2005:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: No Award Given
Special Friend of the Animals Award: No Award Given
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: No Award Given
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: No Award Given
Annual Award Winners 2004:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: No Award Given
Special Friend of the Animals Award: No Award Given
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: No Award Given
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: No Award Given
Annual Award Winners 2003:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: Howard Jewelers
Special Friend of the Animals Award: No Award Given
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Sue Butler
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Wood County Commissioners: James F. Carter, Tim W. Brown, and Alvin L. Perkins
Annual Award Winners 2002:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: No Award Given
Special Friend of the Animals Award: No Award Given
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: No Award Given
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Kay Chapman
Annual Award Winners 2001:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: Mid-Wood Inc.
Special Friend of the Animals Award: No Award Given
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Linda Cottrell
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Persons Who Report Cruelty
Annual Award Winners 2000:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: Dr. John Jones
*Special Friend of the Animals Award: Oldrich Jicha
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Sandy Lepper
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Sandy Rowland
Annual Award Winners 1999:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: No Award Given
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: No Award Given
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: No Award Given
Annual Award Winners 1998:
Minniebelle Conley Community Award: The Brass Key Shop
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Cathy, Russ, Megan, and Kelly Finkhousen
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Liz Gaulke
Annual Award Winners 1997:
*Minniebelle Conley Community Award: The Bowling Green Sentinel-Tribune
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Jim Jaffe
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Kristina Ehrmantraut
Annual Award Winners 1996:
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Sandy Lepper
Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Dr. Holfinger
Annual Award Winners 1995:
Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Molly Meese
*Wanda Loomis Humanitarian of the Year Award: Paula Hamman
Annual Award Winners 1994:
*Ellen Fuller Volunteer of the Year Award: Chuck and Christy Spontelli
*Indicates first year that the award was given
**Indicates a special recognition not awarded on a regular basis