Red Cross honors volunteers, elects board members at annual meeting

On Tuesday, the American Red Cross Southeast Missouri Chapter presented seven Red Cross awards and recognized outstanding volunteers, supporters, partners and Heroes of the American Red Cross at its 94th annual meeting at Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau. Rhett Hendrickson of Hendrickson Business Advisors served as master of ceremonies.

Maggie Makins of Jackson received the Superior Service Award; Butler County Disaster Action Team received the Disaster Planning and Response Award; Marla Barber of Perryville, Mo., received the First Year Outstanding Award; Lou Peukert of Cape Girardeau received the Support Services Award; the city of Perryville received the Community Partnership Award; and 8-year-old Alex Peterson received the Lifesaving Award.

Red Cross volunteers donated 17,882 hours equating $381,960 in time. The following volunteers were recognized for outstanding years of service: 25 years -- Sue Brewer of Marble Hill; 10 years -- Cindie Yanow of Cape Girardeau; five years -- the Rev. Jeff Long of Cape Girardeau, Teresa Neeley of Dexter, Sue Muller of Marble Hill, Carol Smith of Jackson and Steve Sullivan of Sikeston.

A record 86 new Red Cross volunteers were recognized.

Sherri Brethold, Health & Safety director, was also recognized for 10 years of service.

New board members were also sworn in at the meeting. The 2011-2012 American Red Cross, Southeast Missouri Chapter board members serving as officers-elect are Kathy Bertrand, chairwoman; Richard Ennis, vice chairman; and the Rev. Jeff Long, secretary. Voting board members are Joel Neikirk, Paul Sander, Shirlene Hecht, Glenn Smallwood, Dr. James Schell, Marcia Ritter, Charles Puls, Sgt. Robert Bramlitt, Dan Berry, Debbie Gahan, Kate Martin, Chris Cole and Ryan Merideth.

The 2010-2011 board of directors was recognized for achieving 100 percent giving during the Red Cross Board Giving Campaign.