July 7, 2006
 
LETTER TO EDITOR: Jenco Foundation of Athens, OH Seeking ‘Unsung Heroes’
 
Dear Editor: Do your readers know of "unsung heroes" in their midst, people who work hard every day to make their communities a better place to live?
 
If so, the Jenco Foundation of Athens would like to hear about these worthy individuals. The Jenco Foundation was created in 2001 to recognize and reward people who are working for the dignity and sense of worth of the people of Appalachia. The primary focus of Jenco activities is the 29 counties of Appalachian Ohio as well as all of the state of West Virginia.
 
With generous community support, over the past four years our foundation has given over $31,000 in grants to nineteen exceptional people whose direct, caring action has contributed to the quality of life of individuals living in our region—an activist for the homeless, the founder of a rural community center, and others who are making a difference. Now we are seeking nominations for the 2006 Jenco Award.
 
The Jenco Foundation does not fund project grants or organizational grants at this time. The award is intended to recognize individual work that has already been done or is ongoing. Preference is given to those remarkable people whose accomplishments are made on a volunteer basis or transcend their customary job description.
 
To nominate someone for the 2006 Jenco Award, readers should send a detailed letter to the Board of Directors, Jenco Foundation, P.O. Box 783, Athens, Ohio 45701. Letters must be postmarked by August 1, 2006. Complete information with a nomination form is available from the Jenco website: www.jencofoundation.org
 
As secretary of the Jenco board of directors, I encourage your readers to help shine the spotlight on some of our region’s most talented and deserving people.
 
Carolyn Fisk, Secretary
Jenco Foundation
New Marshfield, Ohio 45766