Tomorrow is the Jefferson Matters Community Appreciation event.

Executive Director Matt Wetrich says the program will be at 2pm at The Courtyard Wedding and Events Center. Wetrich tells Raccoon Valley Radio there will be a presentation of the 2024 review of accomplishments and achievements for Jefferson Matters, as well as what to expect for the rest of 2025. He points out a major highlight of the event are the awards and honoring the 2025 Above and Beyond the Call (ABC) Award Winner with Pat Richards. 

According to Jefferson Matters, Richards is not only heavily involved with the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower, having served as its tour guide coordinator for over ten years, but she also serves on the Bell Tower Community Foundation, the Bringing Optimism and Opportunities to Students and Teachers (BOOST) Board, the Jefferson Matters Tourism Committee, among others. 

Wetrich notes that they will also recognize this year’s Forces Under 40 group of individuals. He talks about what this kind of award is about to become a Forces Under 40 honoree.

“So we wanted to be able to recognize the people who are still busy working, and sometimes busy having a family and all of that, but still finding time to volunteer. But also with this one, unlike the ABC Award, we also allow people to acknowledge, how they’re doing in their job.”  

This year’s class includes Clancy Clawson, Bridgette Heisterkamp, Bailey Mount and Lyndsey Wathen. There will also be a dessert reception following the program. Tomorrow’s event is free and open to the public.