Ennis Tuesday night Flora Lions Club honored Helen Ennis as the 2008 Pete Award winner. She and her family were honored guests at the club's annual Christmas dinner.

Helen is the 25th recipient of the award that honors a member of the Flora area who demonstrates outstanding service to the community. She joins her husband, Gail Ennis, who was presented the award in 1985. They are the first husband and wife to individually receive the award.

Helen is known for her long-time involvement with 4-H and her dedication to Flora Community Park.

"Whatever needs to be done, I just volunteer when needed," said Helen.

She served as a 4-H cat project leader for 20 years and last year was presented an award from the state 4-H organization her for long-time commitment to the cat project.

Besides being a 4-H leader, Helen has traveled the state for 25 years as a judge for 4- H flower and garden projects.

She currently serves on Carroll County's Exhibit Board, a position she has held for many years.

Helen is also very active with Extension Homemakers. She has held numerous offices within the organization including president. Several years ago she initiated a county-wide Extension Homemakers project to gather supplies for the Ronald McDonald House. The project continues

today.

She has sewn hundreds of baby blankets, baby bibs, school bags and preemie gowns for Riley Children's Hospital.

Another one of Helen's volunteer activities is scheduling everything that goes on at Flora Community Park, something she has done for many years. That includes reunions, birthday parties, garage sales, etc. She and her husband Gail, who is park board president, work together to schedule the five ball diamonds.

They have also purchased supplies and operated the Little League and Girls Softball stands for a number of years.

Helen was on the original Pork Festival committee, the forerunner of the current Hog Jog Day in Flora.

Helen worked with Martha Hoffman, Sue Holmes and the late Connie Collins to plan and organize the three-day event that included running races, a long-distance bicycle race, giant flea market, special music, and the Little Miss and Mister Contest.

"We appreciate that Helen gives of her own personal time to help the community in so many ways," said town clerk-treasurer Joretta Tinsman. "Volunteerism is important and people don't always notice all that volunteers do to make the community a better place to live."

Helen and Gail have been married for 53 years. They have four children, eight grandchildren, and a greatgrandchild on the way. She is a member of the Flora United Methodist Church and babysits three of her grandchildren.

Helen plans to continue keeping busy, helping her family and her community.