Twin Valley Council Annual Recognition Event

Council Annual Recognition Event
Sunday, April 23, 2023
4:30pm
WOW Zone, Mankato
$25 per person

Volunteers are the backbone of Scouting.  Without our volunteers, the Scouting program would be amiss.  As a thank you, let's join together for a time of celebration and let's recognize some outstanding volunteers from 2022.

Congratulations Silver Beavers

Kathy Ehlert:  Kathy has served as Assistant Cubmaster from 2004-2009, Venture Crew Advisor from 2010-2019, and Troop 41's Charter Organization Representative, Assistant Scoutmaster, and Merit Badge Counselor from 2019-present.  She has earned the District Award of Merit and is a Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow.

Kathy and her husband, Brian, have been married for 30 years and have four children:  Megan, Corey, Connor, and Melany and one grandchild, Jaxton. 

Kathy has also served as a Sunday School Teacher for 10 years at the Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Wells, MN and a counselor at the Good Shepherd Bible Camp for 5 years.  She has been an EMT for the Bricelyn Fire and Ambulance for 18 years where she saved a youth’s life who was involved in a hunting accident.

Lisa Vasquez:  Lisa has served as Cubmaster for Pack 91 and is currently Scoutmaster for Troop 4 in Mankato.  She has also served on the Twin Valley Council Executive Board as the Vice President of Membership, Training Chair, and Vice President of Program.  She served on staff at Camp Cuyuna as the Aquatics Director and attended National Camping School for Aquatics.  Lisa has serves on many committees, such as Camp-o-rees, EXPO committee, and has helped run countless camping programs.

Lisa has a love for animals and nature.  Over the past several years has found a home for over 65 pets by being a pet foster parent.  She and her family help the animals overcome their fears and transition into loving pets. 

Lisa plays the violin for various events, is a reader at St. John Catholic Church and is a Travel Leader for International Student Travels. 

District Award of Merit

Brenda Bachenberg - North Star Neighborhood:  Brenda is the Committee Chair and a Den Leader for Pack 80 in Jackson. She and her husband Tim have two children, Justice Badgley (23), an Eagle Scout, and James Bachenberg (9). She has served in many roles in Scouting including co-camp director for Fun with Son in 2008, ran programs at Cedar Point from 2008-2013 and was a Den Leader and Committee Chair for Pack 80 during that time. In the fall of 2022, she helped put together a neighborhood shooting sports event at Cedar Point. Breanda also recently joined the council membership committee.

Council Awards

Above and Beyond Award Kevin Cole:  Kevin serves as the Vice President of Properties for the Twin Valley Council and the chair of the Friends of Cedar Point.  After 2 major storms knocking down many trees, Kevin loaded up heavy equipment and helped clear trees so that camp could once again be operational. 

Committee Chair of the Year Heidi Nelson:  Heidi serves as Committee Chair for Troop 24 and is currently the Council’s Advancement Chair.  She has also served as the Council’s Cub Camping Chair and a District Commissioner.  Currently Heidi is serving as Spring Camporee Chair for the 2023 and led the planning for 2022 as well.

Cubmaster of the Year Dan Ploog:  Dan serves as Cubmaster for Pack 98 in North Mankato.  He also helps with council events such as Scout Night at the Moon Dogs,  Norseland Nightmare, Fishing event, and more.  Dan is a Wood Badge trained leader.

Popcorn Kernel of the Year Kara Lehman:  Kara serves as Popcorn Kernel for Pack 58 in St. Peter, increasing the sale from $8,000 to $17,000!  In 2023 she joined the Council Popcorn Committee.

Rookie of the Year Kevin Thomas:  Kevin is an assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 76.  Kevin is Wood Badge trained and was the chair for the 2023 Klondike Derby.  Along with other leaders from Troop 76, they provided over 75 hours of service to Camp Cuyuna after the summer storms.

Scoutmaster of the Year Paul Willaert:  Paul has served as Scoutmaster for Troop 24 for over 30 years.  Under his leadership, almost 50 youth have obtained the rank of Eagle Scout.  Paul has attended Camp Cuyuna every year since camp opened.  He has also served on the camp properties committees.

Volunteer of the Year Steve Lawrence:  In 2022, Steve joined the Executive Board for the Twin Valley Council and chaired the 2023-2027 Council Strategic Planning Committee.  He also serves on the ProGrowth Bank “On My Honor” Sporting Clay Classic Committee and the Values Event Committee.  In 2023, he accepted the position of Vice President of Marketing for the council.  Steve has a daughter who just crossed over into Troop 8.

Tickets will be available until Sunday, April 16, 2023.

Questions please contact Ray Brauer at ray.brauer@scouting.org or 507-387-0295.