Heroes and hearts

PRINCETON — At the Feb. 16 Princeton Chamber Business After Hours, Thomas Ogaard, president/CEO of Citizens First National Bank, recognized three recipients as the company’s 2012 Citizens with Heart. This award was established to allow Princeton residents to nominate “local heroes” who have stood out with their time and talent.

Citizens recognizes their responsibility extends beyond providing financial services to the communities they serve. The bank believes the ongoing success of a community involves good corporate citizenship and volunteerism. Nominations for the award were sought from local residents in the Princeton area. This award was designed to recognize people who have done something extraordinary, touched someone by lending a helping hand or made a difference in someone’s life.

Larry Johnson of Princeton has more than 60 years in Boy Scouts of America, beginning as a Cub Scout at the age of 8. He first became a Scout leader in 1967 and has been actively involved in scouting at the local, district and council levels. Johnson served on staff at three National Scout Jamborees and worked with many Eagle Scouts as Scout Master, both in Tiskilwa and Princeton.

Jim Miller, a Wyanet resident, started the ecumenical community outreach program at the First United Methodist Church in Princeton called “Our Table.” Under his leadership, the program has grown to feed more than 100 adults and children weekly on Monday nights. Nine other community churches now participate by providing food, money and volunteers to assist Miller with this service.

Lori Boekeloo has been a volunteer for many years in Princeton and the surrounding areas. In addition to being actively involved in her church with the children’s service and hospitality committee, she has given hours of her time to the March of Dimes. Boekeloo has served as site coordinator for Princeton for the past eight years, as team captain in LaSalle-Peru and as chairman of the Steppin’ Out Committee responsible for the March of Dimes Walk kickoff event. Her volunteerism goes beyond Bureau County and has touched members of the Hennepin and Magnolia communities, as well as others.

The winners of the first annual Citizens with Heart Award were selected from nominations received from the community and chosen by a committee of bank staff. The recipients received a $100 Princeton Chamber Gift Certificate and a personalized “Heart” award.