LeAnn Senter received the “Youth Service” award.

By Carol Anders Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — Every year the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce seeks nominations for outstanding volunteers who are devoted to the community.
Those chosen for 2009 are clearly examples of some of the best.
During the 85th Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting Tuesday night at Christos’ Banquet Center, four individuals were honored.
Doug Anspach, executive director, said, this year’s theme was “Flying Below the Radar.”
He went on to explain that often people can go through life without any recognition. “We try to change that,” he said.

Sharon Anderson was named “Volunteer of the Year” at the annual Chamber meeting.

The “Volunteer of the Year” was Sharon Anderson. According to the many letters received by the Chamber, Anderson volunteers particularly with Habitat for Humanity not only in Plymouth and Indiana, but in other states as well.
She has traveled as far as Kentucky, Florida, Mississippi, and Illinois.
LeAnn Senter received the “Youth Service” award.
Among other activities, Senter is the head coach of the Plymouth Sharks swim team, a dance teacher and choreographer for number of plays and pageants.
Anspach said, “LeAnn has given significant and important contributions to the community.”
The “Distinguished Citizen Award” winner, Sam Schlosser, could not attend the event, but was told prior that he had been chosen.
Anspach referred to Schlosser as an unusual individual, successful businessman and a dedicated family man.
“He is a decent human being,” he said. “For many years, Schlosser has been very involved in the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.”
Melody Kruger was chosen as the “Public Servant of the Year.” Kruger was not able to be at the meeting, but the award was accepted for her by Michelle Livinghouse and Tom Kruger.
Livinghouse is a board member of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), where Kruger has  served as the director for the last three years.
Livinghouse said, “Melody has devoted her entire life to children.”
Kruger is a former teacher and principal.
“She always has a smile on her face even though some days are pretty sad,” Livinghouse said of Kruger.
Speaker for the evening was Patrick McMahon, executive director of Project Future, an economic development agency serving all of Saint Joseph County.
McMahon, a Notre Dame graduate, focused much of his comments on the research endeavors of Notre Dame. McMahon said, “They (Norte Dame) are seeking the top minds in a cross-disciplinary way.”
He said some of the research is focused on nanotechnology; biomedical, especially  imaging diagnostics; communication technology; and pharmaceuticals.