Ann Stoddard honored with national award

NORWALK — Alice Schauss, honorary regent of the Sally de Forest Chapter, NSDAR, presented Ann Stoddard, a member of the Sally de Forest DAR, with the National Society Daughters of American Revolution Award for Outstanding Women in American History. Here the speech about Ann Stoddard that was read at the presentation. Her sons, Tim and Scott Stoddard, were in the audience to see her receive the award. To celebrate Ann Stoddard was the kind of person you would like to encounter when stepping into a sterile office to tell a stranger about a personal problem. She makes you feel like you have known her all your life. This is the much-repeated lead sentence written about Ann in many of her glowing commendations over the years. We are here today to recognize her with the National Daughters of the American Revolution Women in American History Award. Ann is an exemplary candidate for this prestigious award. She has proven again and again her value to the Firelands and Norwalk community through her career as community outreach director for the Community Action Commission of Huron County. She helped community residents in need with finding food, housing, clothing, Transportation, help with domestic violence and psychiatric issues. She was a tour de force in finding funds to keep these resources funded. Ann found time to foster parent and serve on multiple boards. She is the mother of 5 children, Two of whom are with her this evening, Scott Stoddard and Tim Stoddard. (have them stand and be recognized) When macular degeneration took Ann's sight away, she did not give up, but pioneered on with new technology to help her to continue to be active in the community, in DAR and in her personal life. She has served twice as Regent of our Chapter and continues to be an inspiration to our group. A list of some of Ann's awards: State award from Gov. Celeste as one of 12 social workers recognized for extra time, effort and attention to ensure high quality case management – May 1988 Recognition from Hon. Jane Lucal from Erie County Common Pleas court — May 1988 Certificate of Commendation from Sen. Sherrod Brown for 20 plus years of inspirational service — May 2018 Certificate of Achievement from Attorney General Betty D. Montgomery's Crime Victims Assistance Office — May, 1995 Board of County Commissioners, Erie County, Ohio Certificate of Recognition — Oct 2016 Certificate of Exemplary Service from Huron County Prosecutor, Michael Fegen — May 1989 Salvation Army Bell Ringer Award — Jan 1985 Certificate of Appreciation to Ann and her husband, Walter, for Foster parenting — April 1986 Ohio Army National Guard Certificate of Appreciation as a National Guard Spouse — Dec 1993 Private Pilot License Issued October 1945 LipTak-Radden Volunteer Service award — May 2014 Huron County Community Action Action Commission Award — Jan 2011 State Senator Ron Nabakowski Recognition — March 1978 Ohio Department of Mental Health Award of Excellence — Jun 1988 Ann, it is with great pleasure that We award you with this token of appreciation for all of your accomplishments and for your dedication to the betterment of your community and our chapter. Thank you!