Above and beyond
Thumbs up to the two employees at Big Lots in Seymour who found my purse after I left it in a shopping cart Sunday. They made the effort to take care of my purse and ensured everything was in it when it was returned to me later that day.
Jean Barkman, Seymour
Recovery coach recognized
Thumbs up to Kimberly Buck of Freetown, who recently received the Mental Health America of Indiana Recovery Coach of the Year Award for 2020. The organization’s annual recognition program celebrates the dedication and commitment of those who promote recovery of individuals in their ongoing treatment of serious and persistent mental illness and addictive disorders. There is no doubt Buck fills that bill with all of her numerous efforts to help those battling addictions, including her own son, recover. Buck now works as a peer recovery coach at Foundations Family Medicine in Austin and also is a linkage to care specialist with HIV positive patients.
Top cops
Thumbs up to Brownstown Police Department officers Ryan Cherry and John Amis, who recently were selected as Officers of the Year for 2020. The pair were recognized for their service, dedication, professionalism, positive attitudes and compassion for the citizens of Brownstown as can be seen in their daily interactions.
Lifesaver
A related thumbs up to Brownstown School Resource Officer Samuel Hughes, who received a Lifesaving Award for his actions on Nov. 1. Hughes, who was off duty and attending church that day, helped stabilize a visiting minister who had an unknown medical emergency, lost consciousness, had no pulse and was not breathing. The man recovered after some procedures and returned to the church a few weeks later for a visit.
Meeting the challenge
Thumbs up to Marty Root, who is activities/transportation director at Seymour Crossing. She was among the 87 employees of American Senior Communities who recently were honored with the ASC Quest for Excellence award for their outstanding service to patients and residents. The COVID-19 pandemic has made planning activities for the residents at long-term care facilities particularly challenging.