This is it, folks -- your final chance to select the 2008 Dover Post Great Person of the Year.

     The ballots have been coming in like gangbusters, but we're always happy to accept more.

    To vote for the person you feel most deserves this honor, fill out the 2008 Great Person of the Year ballot, found on page 13A of the Dec. 31, 2008, issue of the Dover Post.

   The winner will be announced Jan. 14, and will be the subject of a feature story in an upcoming issue.

    As with any contest, there are a few rules. Here they are:
    • We accept only original ballots; no faxes, emails or copies of ballots.
    • Only one ballot per person.
    • Fill out all three slots: first, second and third place; incomplete ballots will be discarded.
    • All entries must be received by noon, Wednesday, Jan 7.

    Here are the names of each Great Person nominee, and why they should be the Dover Post’s 2008 Great Person of the Year (as always, we’re keeping the names of who nominated each person to ourselves):

    • Edith M. Adkins – Mentor.
    She has helped so many through hardships with good advice. She is forever giving of herself in a loving, motherly way. Edith is full of joy and radiates the most beautiful smile that I have ever seen. She is a peacemaker and mentor to the neighborhood. Everyone loves her. She is so dear and special. She should have been commended years ago.   

    • Davina Aldridge – Toll booth operator.
    Davina always does and cares for everyone around her. She has sick friends she takes to the hospital or doctor appointments. She even goes to friends’ houses when they are ill to clean up for them, care for them or just sit and visit with them. She does so much for everyone and very rarely takes care of herself.
    She is my sister and an extremely caring person.
    Davina works nights and will get off work to sit at the hospital with sick friends. She is an active member in her church in spite of her work schedule. She teaches Tuesday school at Dover Christian Church, where she is also a member of the choir. She also plays bells for Dover Air Force Base Chapel.

    • Yvette K. Baker, MD – Psychiatrist.
    It is rare today to find a doctor who cares more about her patients than she does about money. Her relentless concern for her patients well being goes far above the regular “call of duty.” She has always given her patients the impression that life and health are the most important factors to her. Dr. Baker takes as long as each patient needs, so quite often the wait in her office is lengthy. Patience has never been a virtue of mine but I learned quickly that it was better it wait knowing that when it was my turn to be seen that I would be listened to regardless if I needed more than the general 15 minute appointment.
    I often wait in the room prior to my appointment with Dr. Baker and listen to her other patients tell their stories of how much this woman has helped them. We all have different levels of psychiatric, financial, emotional and physical needs. We become like a family because we have a doctor that we know cares about us! I have heard stories of how Dr. Baker has helped so many people get the medication, food and the mental health that they need. My problems are miniscule compared to others in that waiting room but that really doesn’t matter because when its happening to you all that matters is that there is someone who cares more about you than money. The conversation amongst us still remains to be with people of all ages, genders, and socio-economic levels discussing how Dr. Baker’s love and concern for them makes waiting for her insignificant.
    Life sometimes gives you lemons and can leave you in positions that leave you desperate. Sometimes brain injury can cause devastating changes in a person’s life. Sometimes genetics and a combination of “life’s lemons” can leave you in a position where you need help. I believe that God is the “Power” that works in our lives through people. Dr. Baker continues to work miracles in many people’s lives to save them from dying whether through suicide, medication misdiagnosis, or lack of hope. Regardless of what has brought is together in need of mental health care, we know that we can recover with the help of a physician that sincerely is by our side.
    So often the “stigmatized” psychiatric patient is as normal as you and I. I feel blessed to have found such a woman who I can also call “Doctor.” How many doctors’ offices do you know of where people rave about the person that they call doctor and tell story after story of how she has helped them? I know of no other. We sit together in Dr. Baker’s office waiting as a family. The love and laughter we share while waiting to be seen is cathartic in itself. We know that Dr. Baker will help us. In the Christian faith this time of year signifies the birth of Jesus Christ and the celebration of his life. Dr. Baker helps us all year long to find this hope of a “new life.” She truly is a healer!

    • Thomas Barnett, MD – Physician, surgeon.
In addition to being an excellent surgeon who provides kind and compassionate care to his patients, Dr. Barnett has had the vision to look ahead to how the delivery of health care to residents of central Delaware may be improved and advanced.
    In the past few years he has not only spearheaded the development of a first class outpatient surgery center, the Delaware Surgery Center, but the opening of Eden Hill Medical Center in Dover this past August was the culmination of Dr. Barnett’s dream of a different way to deliver medical care to the community.
    For a period of over five years, Dr. Barnett worked tirelessly to bring a group of physicians and other individuals together to make Eden Hill Medical Center the center of medical excellence that it is today. Many citizens have already benefited from the many hours of work, countless meetings, numerous phone calls and conference calls and many periods of negotiation that Dr. Barnett put in to the development of Eden Hill Medical Center. Though Dr. Barnett himself would admit that he did not accomplish this feat by himself, he had the dream and the ability and leadership to bring those around him to share in that dream.
    The citizens of central Delaware are all the better because of the vision and actions of Dr. Thomas Barnett.

    • Mary Lou Beatman – Retired.
    Mary Lou was one of the founders of the Delaware Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP). She is a mentor for released prisoners and a trainer of AVP volunteers. She frequently speaks of whomever is her current mentee with admiration and respect for what they have accomplished and is very involved in helping each of them maintain that progress.
    At the age of 85, she has decided to step down as director of AVP.
    Mary Lou is also a resource for anyone who feels the need for companionship, advice, meditation. She neither seeks nor receives financial compensation for any of these activities. Intelligence, spirituality, insightfulness, decency and an amazingly generous spirit make Mary Lou Beatman a Great Person!

    • Jean H. Bracken – Retired.
    My mother, Jean Bracken, is one of the most remarkable people I know. She is my mentor and my friend. I thank God every day that I am bless with her as my mother.
    Last year we had a fire and were burned out of our home. During the three months following this devastation, Mom was sat my side helping any way she should. She brought home made, hot meals each day to feed six to 10 people. She washed, wrapped and packed whatever we could salvage, which was covered with soot. At the end of each hot, long day, she would take home several loads of sooty laundry and bring it back with her the next day, washed, dried, folded and sorted. She worked tirelessly every day and was my greatest support. I can never repay her for all she has done.
    Even though Mom retired about 10 yeas ago, she still remains a very active member of the International Order of Administrative Professionals. She was treasurer for several years and now is the civic project coordinator. For the past few years, she has won awards for the number of projects completed. In 2008, she had coordinated and completed 79 projects as of Dec. 12. This does not include the ongoing programs. Of these 79, she delivered 66 projects to the appropriate person and/or agency. From August through November, we gathered, washed and delivered more than 1,000 stuffed animals to various organizations, agencies, police departments and military personnel for the troops overseas. She also collected books to be sent to the trauma center in Iraq for our troops recovering from injuries. Even though fuel prices were outrageous earlier this year, Mom continued her selfless acts of caring and giving to the less fortunate and those in need of some kind of contribution.
    The most amazing thing is that while accomplishing all of this, she was and still is having medical problems. For the last four months, she has had numerous doctors’ appointments, testing and medical procedures.
    I always tell my friends and family that if I was one-tenth the woman my mother is, then I would be happy. Mom is truly an incredible woman.

    • Bob Brown – Retired president of Tilcon; engineer.
    Bob Brown is an outstanding individual. He is actively involved as a member of Christ Memorial Baptist Church in Dover. He is a deacon, Sunday school teacher, mentor, instructor in the Christian Life Development Center, past church moderator.
    Bob has served on the board for the Modern Maturity Center in Dover. He is a member of the American Baptist Men’s Association as well as other organizations. He is always helping others by lending a helping hand, donating to charitable organizations and by working on Habitat for Humanity projects. He is a devoted and caring husband and father. Mr. Brown is a true servant and I would like to nominate him for the Great Person Award.

   • Patricia E. Champagne – Volunteer.
    “Volunteer” and “Kindness” should be Patricia’s middle names. In addition to developing the “Wounded Warrior” program for the Dover Elks Lodge, she gives selflessly and quietly in the community, volunteering with the Dover Air Force Base Bravo (retired personnel) unit and USO, visiting shut-ins and taking the elderly and infirm to church, doctors appointments and shopping, etc.

    • Lisa Chase -- Development director, St. Anne’s Episcopal School; founder and director of Delaware chapters of the National League of Junior Cotillions.
    Lisa’s tireless efforts to educate and nurture young men and women throughout the state are worthy of recognition as the Dover Post’s Great Person of the year. As a member of the leadership team at St. Anne’s Episcopal School, she works hard to ensure that students and staff have the resources they need and a caring, effective educational environment.
    Her true passion, however, is the work she does as director of the central and southern Delaware chapters of the National League of Junior Cotillions. The program has touched the lives of scores of middle-school students from all three counties, using ballroom dancing, etiquette instruction and leadership training to give them the skills and confidence they need to become tomorrow’s leaders. The fact that several youngsters who have gone through cotillion training have returned as student leaders to help teach others is a tribute not just to the program, but to the love and respect that Lisa holds for them.
    In addition to the countless hours she puts in on behalf of youngsters, Lisa serves on the board of Campus Community School, is a dedicated member of her Rotary Club, and devotes time to her church, all while serving as a devoted wife and mother.

    • Ray Clatworthy – Businessman.
    What I love about Mr. Clatworthy is the quiet good work he does. He has worked, or is working, with a prison fellowship to encourage people to get on the right track. He was a primary founder of One Church/One Family to help people on welfare get a fresh start. He has quietly helped a military family experiencing temporary difficulties and much more.

    • Kiran Clements – Insurance agency owner and member, Capital School Board.
    Kiran is great not only for her intelligence, humor and incredible sense of right and wrong, but her compassion for others.
    While still a businesswoman in the strictest sense, she still finds her days filled with other activities such as those that any single parent would encounter.
    As a member of the board for the Capital School District, she has had to adjust to the demands of this unpaid position. She relishes the challenge presented to her each day with the fervor of wanting the best for every child attending all schools.
    Kiran is someone who wants to make a difference in the lives of our children.

    • Roxanne Couzens – Social worker with Delaware Hospice, Dover.
    She is a lot more than a social worker, she is a humanitarian. My wife, Connie, was put under hospice care at home in July of this year. Roxanne was assigned to be her social worker. To this end, she came to the house several times a week and saw to Connie’s welfare. She would call us during the week for the same reason.
    In September, Connie was taken to the Hospice Center in Milford. Five days later, she unexpectedly passed away, 15 minutes before I arrived for a visit. (It was on Saturday, Sept. 20.) I was destroyed, devastated, when they told me. One of the nurses called Roxanne and even though she was off, she came over within 30 minutes. Then and in the ensuing weeks, Roxanne literally saved my life. She was my rock, my salvation, and got me through the impossibly difficult times. She didn’t have to do this because I wasn’t a hospice client, my wife was. But that didn’t matter to her. She ahs spent many hours with me, a lot of it on the phone or visiting on her own time after hours.
    She has another life also, She is a working mom, with a young son and husband. Her husband, Jim, is the pastor of a church in Magnolia and Roxanne teaches Sunday school. In between, she plays the organ/piano during Sunday services.
    Roxanne helps many, many people, both through the hospice and through the church. She is a very dedicated, giving, positive person.

    • Dean Dobbert, MD – Medical director, Christiana Care.
    Dr. Dobbert is a people-first person. He shows a genuine interest in helping others, which is driven by his love for people. He listens to his patients, always paying attention to what they are telling him about their problems. He listens with an ear for what might be contributing towards his patients’ suffering, whether its cause is physical, emotional or spiritual. He is a reference source for others in providing care: always looking things up, balancing his clinical experience with an openness to new ideas, suggestions, causes and treatments. He also has a healing sense of humor and respect for every life he touches.

    • Carolyn Forbes – “Ambassador of Good Will,” Cool Springs.
    Carolyn is one of the most kind, thoughtful, caring persons I have met in this area. She always goes the extra mile to remember people, their families, their birthdays, their anniversaries and what is important to them in their personal lives as well as their business/careers. She is always ready to jump in and lend a helping hand whenever and wherever needed.

    • Rick Gould – Executive Director, YMCA.
    Rick is a great person because he is a servant leader with morals and values he sticks to regardless of the situation. The summers of 2005 & 2006 he gave up a week with his family and a week of vacation to chaperon the youth of his church on mission trips. The first summer they went to Florida to help families in poverty with much needed house repairs. The following summer the mission trip was to New Orleans; during this week not only did they repair a family’s home, but also they restored hope to them. On each of these trips, Rick was a role model to the teens attending. He worked hard each day on the projects and showed the kids the proper and safe way to complete the tasks. But Rick did more than hammer nails and tear down walls, he taught the teens to reach out and care for others. One day his group finished early and instead of going back to rest, he took the kids to Wal-Mart to buy Gatorade for the other group who as still hard at work. Now this may seem like a trite thing, but in this small way he was instilling the value of caring for others and putting others before you is something Rick lives on a day to day basis. Rick also encouraged the teens to reach out to the families they were helping. He wanted the kids to realize the positive impact they were having on people. At lunch Rick would eat with the family of the house they were repairing, instead of sitting with just the group. Eventually the teens would join him; the teens reported these times were the most memorable of the trip. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Rick attending these mission trips is that he did not have a child attending; he went just because he wanted to help. Rick has also volunteered on other mission trips locally with adults, as well as rang the Salvation Army bell during the holidays.
    Rick is a leader creating positive change. He leads by example. Rick was the director of a weeklong teen leadership program held at a nearby college. The teens complained of a grumpy and nasty housekeeping staff; the teens said she yelled at them and never smiled. Rick’s response to the teens: kill her with kindness and love her until she can love herself. He started leaving her notes to say thank you and went out of his way he greet her with “have a nice day” followed by a smile. The teens (and other adult staff) quickly caught on to Rick’s kindness and began mimicking his behavior. By the end of the week, the housekeeper was smiling, laughing, and positively interacting with the teens.
    Rick’s YMCA career began in northern New Jersey over 20 years ago. He chose the YMCA as his career because changing people’s lives for the better was more important to him than having a huge paycheck. Through out his career he has worked with people who really needed the YMCA. Rick taught conflict resolution and drug & alcohol prevention to teens. As the state director for YELL (Youth to Eliminate the Loss of Life, similar to SADD), he increased the quality of program, resulting in more kids participating. He fought for the rights of men living at the YMCA residence in downtown Wilmington. These men frequently had mental illness, chronic health issues, no extended family, and substance abuse. Rick made sure that they were treated with respect and that their living conditions were acceptable. While working at the YMCA downtown, Rick used CPR several times to save peoples lives. He also gave up family time on Thanksgiving to serve food to these men as well; one year he took his son to show him the importance of helping others. Now as the executive director of the Dover YMCA, he is having a positive impact here in Dover. He is encouraging his staff to reach out to the members and help them. He has enacted the 10-foot rule: staff must greet anyone who comes within 10 feet of them. Rick knows the power of a smile and a pleasant “hello.” He wants everyone to have a positive experience at the YMCA, so his staff is instructed to do what they can to make every program quality.
    Rick is a dedicated father of three young boys and a husband as well. His children jump and get all excited when they hear his car come in the driveway. He is a playful dad; you can frequently find him chasing the kids around the house, or pitching a baseball to them, or taking them to a park, or just sitting and reading to them. He has helped coach baseball, chaperoned school field trips, and had lunch at school with his son to show his kids how important they are to him. He is teaching his kids the importance of being polite, caring, honest, respectful, and responsible so they will grow up to be good people. Rick is instilling these values in his boys by living them out in his daily life. He will hold the door for people, even if it means he has to wait an extra minute or two; now his boys do the same. At the grocery store he always thanks the person who bags his groceries. On day Rick made a quick stop at the store to pick up a few things. As he left the store he realized that the cashier forgot to ring up an item; Rick went right back in the store, to the same cashier, and told her he forgot something. He put the blame on himself as not to make her feel bad or incompetent about missing the item the first time Rick was there. He has also stopped on more than one occasion at the scene of a car accident to do whatever he can to help.
    I could go on for a long time telling you all about the wonderful things Rick has done, but I hope I have given you a snap shot of the great person he is.

    • Jacob E. Hanlon, DPM – Physician.
    Dr. Hanlon has a great personality and really cares about his patients. He is the only doctor who says, “Call me any day or night, and I’ll be there for you.”
    He also works at the Wound Center at Kent General Hospital.

    • Col. Steven B. Harrison – Commander, 436th Airlift Wing.
    Col. Harrison has been an outstanding base commander for Dover Air Force Base. He was instrumental in Dover receiving the historic 2008 Commander-in-Chief’s Annual Award. Col. Harrison is a very outgoing, charismatic, friendly and open gentleman. He spends his time with the Dover community as well, including the upcoming Carolling on the Green. Dover AFB and the Dover community will be sad to see him go on to his next assignment, but we all wish him well in his endeavors.

    • Frank Heller – Pharmacist and family man.
    One very notable reason for this nomination is due to Frank’s never-ending love and devotion to his family. He has six children, ranging from 26 years to eight months. His family’s needs always come before his own. The personal sacrifices he has made through the years, giving up some of his own dreams for the happiness of his companion and kids, are many. And yet he never complains or questions.
    He grew up to be the companion, friend and caring father he is today despite a tumultuous family life as a child.
    Not only is he amazing with his family, but also in his professional life and with the patients he cares for as a pharmacist at Safeway pharmacy in Dover.
    Many a life has he saved through his vigilance and years of knowledge and expertise. He truly cares for the well-being of these patients and goes above and beyond what is expected of his profession to ensure their safety and well-being. He is always there for them and with a warm, friendly and inviting presence.
    Those who know him, professionally or personally, know of what I speak and would truly agree.

    • Sue Harris Hunt – Financial secretary.
    Sue Hunt gives countless hours of her own time and funds to support several very worthy ongoing community projects in Dover and Kent County.
    Sue serves as the chairperson of the Board of Mission and Outreach at People’s United Church of Christ. On every Sunday throughout the entire calendar year, Sue is organizing a host of community service projects for the people of Dover who need various kinds of services and support. She not only commits her own time and money, but she motivates others to give. Her projects include work for the following organizations: Habitat for Humanity (homebuilding for needy residents); Project Angel Tree (holiday gifts for parents who are incarcerated); the Salvation Army (food and financial support); the Shepherd Place (a shelter for moms and their children); the House of Pride (people who are trying to get sober and improve the quality of their lives); Mom’s House (another support house for children and their mothers); Caring Hearts and Helping Hands (items to assist low income families in need); and Kent Ecumenical Food and Crisis Center (food bank drives and donations.) I am sure there is more, but I had a deadline to get this in, so I’m going to stop now!
    Sue also helps to lead the Emergency Winter Shelter in Dover, in cooperation with several different church congregations. She coordinates with the director of the program to make sure that homeless men are housed and fed and cared for from December 1 through March 30. Sue gets along with people of all ages, backgrounds and socio-economic situations. She makes everyone feel important and loved. When I bring my high school students to help with a charity event, she is sure to make them feel so important for giving of their own time. She is a wonderful role model for my students and for anyone who comes into her life. The men at the shelter are so appreciative of her efforts. I am writing this partially on their behalf.
    I have lived in Dover for most of my life and attended People’s Church for over 40 years. I do not know of anyone in our community who gives so much to help so many. Sue Hunt is an unsung hero: she never expects thanks for what she does. Through soup and sub sales, dinners, cake-walks, cookie drives and asking for help, Sue manages to serve as an angel to people in Dover. I cannot think of anyone more deserving than Sue Hunt.

    • Cynthia Jimenez – Home daycare owner and CNA.
    I truly think Cynthia should get this award because she is a really great person. As a single mother of three, and a home business owner and a fulltime CNA, Cynthia is one special person to me. Working two jobs to support her family, she still finds the time to help other people when needed.
    Cynthia came into my life in October 2006. It all started when I lost my mother in 2006 and became homeless. I was in and out of shelters and on the streets from the time my mother died until Cynthia came into my life. Four months passed and I finally found Cynthia. I told Cynthia about what happened to my mother four months back. I told her that I hadn’t been doing very well at all. Cynthia then did something I thought that no one did any more, she took me off the streets in August 2006.
    Cynthia took care of me for a year, she taught me things that I never did before or heard of. She taught me how to cook, to clean, and how to dress like a girl. Cynthia now is trying to get me back into school for my high school diploma, since I didn’t get to finish high school. Cynthia is even trying to find a college for me after I finish getting my high school diploma.
    Cynthia really has changed my life so much and turned it back in the right direction. She has really made a big difference in my life, and I’m proud of who I am now. She really deserves this award. She will change anyone’s life if you just believe.

    • Jeanine Kleimo – Retired teacher.
    Jeanine Kleimo is a great person who saw the need for a shelter for homeless men in the city of Dover. Last year saw her leading some 300 volunteers in providing meals and sleeping accommodation at cooperating inter-faith churches, which took week-long terms.
    Now, she has developed a board of directors, called the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing. She has recently opened a new intake center on Forrest Avenue, which is able to accept 30 homeless men each night, and all seek work during the day.
    She has plans for a more permanent shelter through fundraising and grants.
    She is a community dynamo who works tirelessly to reach her goals to make Dover a better, more compassionate community.

    • Elvina Knight – Principal, Caesar Rodney High School.
    Elvina is currently principal of Caesar Rodney High School. Before entering that position she was an assistant principal for several years (winning assistant principal of the year), as well as the dean of students.
    She began her tenure as an English and Spanish teacher in the high school more than 30 years ago. Elvina has dedicated her career to making the school a wonderful place for all students. Everyone at the high school respects and admires her so much. She cannot be thanked enough for all she does for the school. She has always gone above and beyond the call of duty to make sure everything ran smoothly. She knows every student in the building and is a positive role model for each one.
    During all her years at the high school she still found time for her family. She and her husband, Gary, raised three wonderful children. Her eldest son is currently fishing the professional bass circuit. Her eldest daughter is a teacher in the Caesar Rodney District. Her youngest just entered her first year in the Delaware State University’s nursing program. Even though she puts in countless (and unknown) hours at the high school she has always been involved in every aspect of her children’s lives. She rarely takes vacation days and fights through any illness to make it to work. She goes in early and stays late. You might even see her there most weekends, doing a little extra work.
    She never says no if it involves helping out the school. All because it’s not work to her, it’s a passion. Many have said that if you were to cut her she would bleed blue and gold. You can find her at any school function whether it’s the football games on Friday nights, the plays put on by the drama department, and of course every Homecoming and prom. She has dedicated most of her life to Caesar Rodney and never asked for much in return. It is my hope that this community can thank her for her hard work, dedication, and positive influence, by nominating her for this year’s Great Person Award.

    • Sonny Kruhm – President, Monster Racing Excitement.
    I have been employed with Mr. Kruhm for almost four years now, and in that time, I have not only developed a profound respect for this man as my employer, but as a person who I consider a close friend and asset to our community. Mr. Kruhm serves our city and our county on numerous boards, from the Air Mobility Command Museum to the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce; he participates in many local fundraising and community projects, and makes his company available to the needs of community and the state. His charitable contributions have assisted more than 65 different groups and organizations.
    Mr. Kruhm not only sacrifices his time for the betterment of our city, he sets a high bar as a resident and a business owner for others to follow and emulate. As a person without many family members in the area, he is my Dad away from my Dad, my dear friend and my confidant, this at the same time being my employer. Not many people I am sure can find those kind of attributes in those they work for, and I am very blessed to be in this position.
    Mr. Kruhm started his business of Monster Racing in 1995, which welcomes over 8,000 people per year to our area. He does this with the simple style of treating the customer right and his people like an extended family. Mr. Kruhm is an example of how if you treat people with respect and with the utmost in customer satisfaction, they will return. In these dire economic times, it’s comforting to know that Mr. Kruhm’s management style allows for people to return, visiting our city that supports our local economy and its residents. Mr. Kruhm’s personal style represents what is good in Dover and in Kent County. Simply put, he cares.
    In closing , Sonny Kruhm, should be nominated as the 2008 Great Person Award for not just being a Great Person but an extraordinary one; ask his employees, his business acquaintances, local civic leaders and people who just know him in general, and they will, I am sure, convey the same sentiment. Good is defined as being positive or desirable in nature; not bad or poor; having the qualities that are desirable or distinguishing in a particular thing or serving the desired purpose or end, Mr. Kruhm is all of this and more and I am proud to nominate him for the honored title, and very proud and honored just to know him as a person of exceptional fortitude, compassion and goodwill.

    • Brian Lewis – State worker.
    What makes Brian Lewis a great person is that he is always giving back to the community he lives in. Brian is not only charitable in donating and helping the misfortunate in Dover, he volunteers to serve on various community service committees and boards. Brian even recently started a new Irish Catholic organization in Kent County because Dover has a large Irish population what wasn’t being represented. The organization, which is a non-profit, promotes Irish culture, peace, unity, and addresses human rights issues. Brian also is involved with the local parish’s food pantries and reaches out to the homeless.

    • Richard Marvel – Retired state trooper.
    He doesn’t judge, he is every minute trying to better someone or something, whether it be helping his invalid wife of many years, working with his grandsons, helping at the Elks Lodge, DelVets, etc., keeping tabs on officers still working  or just lending an ear to listen. He is so many things, a good neighbor, a good friend to many. Anyone who knows him has been touched by his generosity of heart.

    • Mark McGuire – Maintenance man.
    He is always giving his all to everyone around him. He can never say no to anyone. Just for an example, instead of gathering with his family on Thanksgiving he actually stayed home and cooked for homeless people who didn’t have anywhere to go. He invited these people into his home not knowing much about them. I am so grateful that I have a chance to know this man and to be able to call him my father. He gives 100% in everything he does. He struggles day to day and lives paycheck to paycheck, but that never seems to get him down. He is “The Greatest Man I’ve Ever Known.”

    • Candice Quintero – Bus driver for disabled children.
    In all weather, she is helping children on and off of the bus. She goes beyond her expected duties to make sure the children are safe. Even though she’s a single mother of three, she remembers their Christmases. Because of her special attention, some of the children even remember her name.

    • Ray Reddington – Owner, Finish Line Collision, Felton.
    Ray is the true example of what being a small business owner is really about. He runs his business with high standards; he expects and anyone who knows him knows he has a heart of gold and has a hard time saying no to someone in need.
    Ray is just a great person to be around and I think he deserves the Great Person award.

    • Lynn Richardson – Guidance counselor.
    Lynn always has a positive attitude and a great outlook on life that she instills on students as well as fellow co-workers and friends. Lynn always has time for the students at Polytech High School. She even works with students who are not on her caseload. Many students seek her out due to her great guidance and personality. Her door is always open and she is ready with an open ear and good advice.
    Lynn has always given 110% to children and young adults. She has been a field hockey, T-ball, basketball, lacrosse and soccer coach. The coaching is not just done with Polytech but also outside organizations. She was willing to help out with youth league lacrosse and then follow the girls’ progress as years went on and then step in to help for a year coaching them at another school. When she was a field hockey coach she allowed younger girls to attend field hockey practices with her high school girls to help introduce field hockey to younger students. You should realize while coaching up until recently she was coaching other children while her son and daughter tagged along or hung out with Dad. Despite her family’s busy schedule she has always had time to make a difference for many.
    Now that Lynn’s son Sean and daughter Katie are older she is more involved in their activities along with her husband Lenny, but still offers and helps out programs at school and outside of school.
    Lynn is a person that I can truly say that I admire and everything good that happens to her she truly deserves.

    • Reese Rigby – Karate instructor.
    Sensei Rigby brings a wealth of experience as an overall superb athlete, having been a star football player for Caesar Rodney High School and a state wrestling champion. With his wife, Judy’s background in human resources and business, he runs what is truly a gem of an organization in central Delaware for all to enjoy. More importantly, he is a great teacher and a wonderful role model for young and old alike. As parents of karate students, and one of us a student herself, we can attest to the tremendous growth our families have experienced as a result of being in his karate program. We’ve seen our children grow in confidence, responsibility, respect and self-discipline.

    • Stephanie Steckel, DDS, MS – Orthodontist.
    Stephanie holds a dental degree from UCLA; did her dental practice residency at Medical College of Pennsylvania; holds a master’s degree in Oral Biology and Orthodontic Specialty Certificate from Medical College of Georgia. She gives her knowledge, time and care to:
    • The dental profession as past president of the Kent-Sussex Dental Society and current president of the Delaware State Orthodontic Society;
    • Her students by being on the dental craft advisory board at Polytech High School; helping train the dental assistants and providing co-op opportunities and scholarship awards.
    • Her community as past president of Dover Downtown Rotary; she can be found wrapping gifts to benefit the Murphey School; she sponsors several different sports teams and youth activities throughout Delaware; and visits local schools to educate students on oral hygiene and orthodontics.
    • Her neighborhood by hosting several neighborhood events and continuing to be on the welcoming committee for Northridge.
    • Her staff, as she runs her own orthodontic practice and helps her employees learn and grow by providing continuing education courses and training.
    I have been an employee since 2004 and having been learning from her ever since. She is health conscience and physically fit. She recently completed a few triathlons.

    • Colleen Stone – Hypnotherapist.
    Do you need someone who will listen to you, help you in any way she can, and help with problems in your life, now or past? Colleen Stone, is a hypnotherapist, is the person you need to see.
    She is a great person to have in your ballpark. She has helped me so much in dealing with my past and present problems. I went to her first for weight loss, but have also dealt with some sexual abuse from my childhood. She has gone with me to a job fair, and lets me call her, especially if I’m having a problem dealing with a part of my life that we discussed while in session. She makes you feel right at home in her office, which is also part of her home.
    She has really helped me with my weight loss. I have lost 30 pounds in two-and-a-half months, and she also helped me with my sexual abuse. She has helped with my weight loss because I would eat to cover up pain from childhood. But by putting me under, things have come out and I can deal with them better than ever in my lifetime. Some people are afraid of hypnotists, because they don’t really understand what they do, but believe me there is nothing to be afraid of. You are very aware of what is going on and can stop it at any time. She will not make you do anything you don’t want to do. But what she does is really great and really does help you.
    I’m also a Christian and I did have some concerns at first about this procedure. But I thought how could something so good for you be bad? I feel it is “God sent.” She helps her clients in any way she can, even if it means working from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. I have had depression, off and on, for over 20 years now, and she is the first to really help me without meds from her. She has gotten me out into the world again, and feeling much better about myself and my life.
    So if you’re having problems in your life, no matter what it is, go to her, put your life in her hands; believe me, you won’t be sorry. So don’t put it off any longer, make an appointment and see her today.

    • Jonnie Green Stubbolo
    Jonnie has been living in Dover 33 years and is a graduate of Delaware Technical & Community College and Delaware State University of Wilmington. She has worked tirelessly for the improvement of the lives of children of our community.
    Anyone who has ever known  Jonnie has found that she is truly a friend. I first met Jonnie in 1980 when she hired me to work at the Elizabeth W Murphey School.
    She not only supervised and taught me about child care but about life. She has the ability to accept people and see there possibilities. As an administrator, social worker teaching child care classes or a child to read, she demonstrates the same respect and understanding rapport; She’s the busy bee that gets everything done and puts everyone else first.
    On the phone I needed a place to stay, a meal, a friend, and someone to come to my hospital bed. Jonnie is the friend indeed. Without judgment but with sincere abiding love and concern she is there to assist in anyway possible. She knows when to talk and when to listen.
    How to bring out the best in you as a person. One with whom you dare to be yourself, she wants you to be yourself. She’s the same person with politicians, educators, professionals  and common people. She has taken in children and adults who have needed a hand, advice, jobs, and a home. She can serve on a board of directors for the state Department of Child’s Services, have lunch with a senator or governor and by evening have a child in her lap, helping the parent to overcome addiction and prepare for a new life.
    Instead of dialing “O for O’Malley,” dial for “J for Jonnie.” At this time of year when children are dreaming of Santa, we look to angels. It’s time to recognized and be thankful for the angel in our community, Jonnie Green Stubbolo.

    • Mike Sullivan – Barber.
    Mike is a giving and honorable person. He gives back to the community by giving free haircuts to the needy and disadvantaged in Dover and Kent County. He helps not only the handicapped but animals at the Kent animal shelter as well. Mike himself is an ill man, walking around with an oxygen tank, but still helps others.

    • Kathryn Theodorakos – Business owner.
    Just ask any one of her customers and employees, Kathy possesses compassion for others beyond compare.

    • Sandy Wills – Caregiver.
    This is what makes Sandy Wills a great person. I have known her for a little more than three years. Since then she has proven herself to be a friend and a confident. She is a caregiver at Mom’s House of Dover. Her caring and nurturing ways give her this way with children and others, that when they meet her, they don’t want to leave. She treats every child with unconditional love. When I need encouraging, she is there, not just for me, but for whoever may need a soft word, a hug, even a tear or two.
    Sandy recently lost her mother, which was hard for her. Her mother was in a nursing home and just about very day her mission was to go and care for her mother, whom she loved with all that she is. After her mother passed, Sandy came back to work within a couple of days of the funeral. She never let the pain of losing her mother interfere with her responsibilities of being with the children here.
    She is a wife, mother and grandmother. She often speeds off from work to make doctor’s appointments. She is a very busy lady who never seems to tire. For and to me, she has been a loyal friend. I love her very much and this is some of the reasons I feel she should be the “Great Person.”