2016 SLI Trustees Sponsor Second Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner;65 Attend at Koinonia Inn

Though it was only the second annual appreciation dinner, it already has become a hit among the hard working volunteers of the Institute community. Guests were greeted with a warm sign situated behind the Speaker's podium:

Current Vice President Pete Mairs is pictured on the left
and President Bill Schaefer is pictured on the right.

President Bill Schaefer began the evening with the following opening remarks: "Welcome everyone and thank you for coming to the second annual Silver Lake Institute Appreciation dinner. On behalf of the Board of Trustees I would like to recognize each and every one of you for your voluntary efforts in contributing to our community. This dinner is just a small way to say thank you for all you do in making SLI a special place. Kathy and I feel fortunate to have found a second home here and when we have visitors, they always mention how quaint it is and the warmth they sense here. That's because of all of you who love and care for this place."

"We will have a short program at the end of our dinner but for now, we would like you to enjoy yourselves and we will start with a prayer from Chaplain Greg Franklin." The dinner included a great variety salad bar including optional feta cheese, roasted red potatoes, varieties of summer squash, chicken breasts, and ham fresh sliced and hot. White cake was served for dessert.

The following are some of the happy faces just prior to the 6:30 hour:

Bill began the brief evening program by recognizing some of our former trustees to thank them for their service. 

Pete Mairs, left; Greg Franklin, right.

Greg Franklin was called forward and recognized for his many years as SLI Chaplain, UNYAC Trustee to the SLI board, SLI Treasurer, and for his assistance in our legal separation process from the Conference.

Lisa Schiske was recognized for her many years as a trustee and her tireless efforts in bringing Stoody Hall back to life. Lisa, not present, will receive her certificate at a later date.

Jim Blythe was recognized for his many years as a trustee representing the UNYAC and as a supporter and benefactor of the SLI. Jim, also not present, will receive his certificate from the SLI Board of Trustees at a later date.

Mike Turner was recognized for his years of service as a trustee, chairperson of the Hoag committee and bringing music to the Saturday night coffee house. Mike, not present, will receive his certificate at a later date.

Pete Mairs (left); Bill Schaefer (center); and Roger Covell (right).

Roger Covell was called forward and recognized for his decades of service to the Institute as board president, treasurer, and trustee, along with his dedication to the stewardship of Epworth Hall and his assistance in our legal separation with the Conference.

"The next part of the program," announced Bill Schaefer, "is something that I have wanted to do for awhile. Throughout the years there have been many people on the Institute who have made extra ordinary contributions to the SLI in some capacity. In their own quiet ways, without being noticed, they have preserved a piece of SLI history. Their dedication to SLI has, for the most part, gone unnoticed until now. We started this dinner last year to recognize all of you for these efforts. And now I would like to add something--a new tradition--to shine a little light on some people with the Silent Hero Award."

In the late 1970s, there were two board meetings at the Hoag in which well over 150 people attended. The topics were to consider the demolition of Hoag Memorial Art Gallery and the main dock. The residents refused to let these two go without a fight. Joanne Brocklehurst got a grant to assess the cost of a renovation for Hoag. It came back that it would cost $95,000 to rehabilitate the building.

The residents went door to door asking for donations and had many fundraisers such as bake sales. They raised close to $12,000 over a 5 year period including contributions from the Board. Contractors donated their time and materials and in the 1980's residents began the hard work of saving Hoag.

The foundation was in bad shape and the separation between the floor of the building and the foundation was so bad you could see to the outside through the large crack. Bob Murphy and his dad along with other residents such as Jack Fisher began work on the foundation, and the plumbing--laying the new sewer pipes. All equipment was donated by Bob Murphy senior and Norb Sylor and labor and money came from Bob Murphy Junior Jack Fisher and Paul Penner. The front door was stripped and refinished by Bill Gleason Senior.

When the main dock was being dismantled, Bob, along with residents Dennis Halstead, Don Smith, and others restored the whole dock to be what it is today.

The upstairs ceiling of wainscoting in Hoag was hanging down and the walls were a mess. Brad Hennig and his father, Richard, went to work restoring the upstairs ceilings, walls and floors of Hoag. They even redid some of the windows and when vandals broke one of the original windows--the one seen when going up the stairs, Brad and his dad restored that as well. They also repainted the outside of Hoag to the original yellow.

All of this took 4-5 years to complete during the 1980's and total cost would have been estimated between $40,000-$50,000. The actual cost spent out was around $12,000 with the rest done by residents' and contractors' donated time, money and materials.

"It is with great honor," announced Bill Schaefer, "that I bestow Brad Hennig, former trustee and Bob Murphy, former trustee and superintendent totaling 24 years with the Silent Hero Award for their efforts and representing the efforts of ALL who saved our beloved Hoag Memorial Art Gallery and our Blue dock."

Bob Murphy was called forward and his Certificate of Appreciation was read and Bob received a standing applause. Brad, not present, will receive his certificate at a later date.

Years ago Roger Covell recognized that Epworth Hall was deteriorating and needed serious help. He called and sent letters asking for help. With a team of people including Sharon Pratt, Roger secured Epworth being listed on the National Register and then secured a Sacred Sites grant. They organized fundraising to accomplish the needed renovations. Roger also worked tirelessly to have contractors repair or replace many of the windows and he is also responsible for the idea of a handicap accessible bathroom. As one of our residents recently described him--Roger is a lifelong Institute resident who cares very much about what happens to Epworth and without him, the hall might not be with us anymore. He saved it from the brink of disaster. 

Bill Schaefer (left); Roger Covell (center); Linda Mairs (right).

Roger was called forward and recognized for these efforts, then presented with the Silent Hero Award for his service in preserving Epworth Hall. Roger received a standing applause.

Over the past three years Craig Bateman has been serving as a trustee, chaired our grounds committee, and the past year and a half worked as our Treasurer. He has been working quietly behind the scenes purchasing and hanging blinds at Epworth Hall, making repairs to all of our buildings working closely with Dan daily on the needs of the Institute, and most recently worked constantly as the liaison for the Institute with the contractors for the new gas lines and the road repairs. His time and commitment to the Institute is extraordinary. "I am proud to call him a friend," said Bill Schaefer.

Craig Bateman (left); Bill Schaefer (right).

Craig is pictured with
his newly-presented
SLI hardhat.

Craig Bateman was called forward and recognized "for all that you do for the Institute." The certificate was then read publicly.

"In closing," said Bill, "I said earlier there are many Silent Heros that are walking among us who in some way have made a significant impact on our Institute. Tonight we recognized four of them. My hope is to recognize more Silent Heroes in the years to come. If you know of stories of people who have had a positive impact on our Institute, please let me know so that this may become a yearly tradition. I welcome your input," Bill concluded.