The Jane Bierdeman-Fike Humanitarian Award will be announced today - and while one Callaway County woman will receive it, 10 will be honored.
The award will be announced at the annual luncheon planned for noon at Fulton City Hall council chambers, 18 E. 4th St., Fulton.
This annual award honors a female resident who strives to make the county a better place to live through action, philanthropy, volunteerism and involvement.
Bierdeman-Fike was born in 1922 and died March 13, 2012. She graduated magna cum laude from Maryville College in 1944 with a bachelor of arts degree, and in 1949, she received her masters in social work from the Saint Louis University School of Social Service. She worked 50 years as a mental-health social worker, starting as a case worker for the St. Louis Welfare Office. In 1962, she became the director of Psychiatric Social Work at Fulton State Hospital where she advocated for vulnerable residents. Bierdeman-Fike also became a role model and mentor for other social workers, and her work expanded across the nation.
Bierdeman-Fike also lectured at William Woods University, the University of Missouri School of Social Work, and at Washington and Saint Louis universities. She was a pioneer in establishing the Missouri chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and served on the national board of directors. She retired in 2000 with a host of awards and a strong legacy.
The nominees are:
Connie Cashion: Cashion established the From His House to Your House free store in Fulton, where she offers necessary items like clothes and household products to those in need, free of charge. By giving freely and taking nothing in return, Cashion demonstrates to her clients how a community can come to the aid of the needy.
Carolyn Gaines: Gaines has been a persistent volunteer in the community. She currently teaches for the Guiding Light Reading Club, is a board member of the George Washington Carver Cultural Center, and volunteers for the Calvary Baptist Church Anniversary Committee. Not only does Gaines give her own time to assist those in her community, she also encourages others to do the same.
Nancy Hanson: Hanson worked hard to bring the iCan Bike camp to Fulton in order to help children and adults with disabilities learn how to ride a bike independently. She has taken a skill that most of us take for granted and brought it to those may not have otherwise achieved it. In doing so, she has given her disabled clients a sense of accomplishment.
Barb Huddleston: Huddleston has deep roots in this community. She has been involved with the Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society since 1972. She also is a Callaway Chamber Ambassador and has served on the board of the First Presbyterian Church. She has engaged with thousands of Callaway County residents through her continuing service to our community.
Danielle Kilmer: Kilmer helped to establish the Brick District into the thriving locale it is today. She co-founded the Well Read bookstore, opened Court Street Framing and was essential to the creation of the Art House, where she previously served as director and now serves as board treasurer. Kilmer has been fundamental in bringing beauty to downtown Fulton.
Susan Krumm: Krumm has served the community for many years. She worked more than 30 years for Fulton Public Schools and also served as a director of Academic Assessment for William Woods University. Krumm has been involved with numerous volunteer boards, including the National Churchill Museum Friends, Fulton Rotary Club, and the Fulton State Hospital Foundation Board, along with serving as a Chamber Ambassador. She is truly committed to public service.
Debbie LaRue: LaRue has been described as Callaway County's greatest cheerleader. She has happily involved herself in various local initiatives, such as the Brick District, Fulton Rotary Club, Central Missouri Honor Flight and the chamber's women's network. In her position at the Callaway Bank, LaRue has played a vital role in the bank's community-centered programs. LaRue is a passionate leader in our community.
Crystal Morris: Morris is a registered nurse who uses her skill to educate and serve her community. She has recently received an honorary spotlight in Health Monitor Guide to Diabetes magazine for her work with diabetic patients. Morris also enjoys her work as an RN at Fulton State Hospital and is currently attending school to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. She has made it her life's work to serve others.
Jamie Oestreich: Oestreich strives to make Callaway County a better place. She serves as a board member for the Callaway Chamber of Commerce, but her most important work is done by fundraising for Relay for Life. She helps coordinate Relay for Life events, which ultimately benefit the American Cancer Society.
Keli Tate: Tate is best known as the director for the Clothes Cupboard, where she works continually to make improvements in order to best serve the clientele. She has also worked for CARDV in the past and assists with the clean-up of 4 miles of adopted road on Missouri 94. Tate has been described as someone who is always willing to help.