Doug Anderson, center, speaks on behalf of his wife, Carolyn, after she was presented the Director Emeritus Award. Kay Young, WPOA president, is shown on the left, with their son, Russell Anderson, shown on the right. Photo by Deb Patterson.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

LAKE WAWASEE — Carolyn Anderson and Jerry Babb were recognized for their services at the annual Wawasee Property Owners Association meeting Saturday, Aug. 17, aboard the SS Lillypad.

Anderson was presented a new and special award — Director Emeritus.

Babb was awarded the WPOA Chief Award.

Kay Young, board president, presented both awards.

Kay Young, WPOA president, left, is shown presenting the 2024 Chief Award to Jerry Babb. Photo by Deb Patterson.

Anderson has been an integral and important part of the association for numerous years. Her initial contact with the association was as the secretary of the board in the early 1990s, when she and WPOA President Dave Lichtenour worked on computerizing the list of property owners. She then became a director on the board, representing her area of the lake. Anderson and her husband, Doug, and now the next generation, have served the lake they love.

“Most recently, Carolyn, while serving on our board was also instrumental with the forming of the dam/dike conservancy board as well,” said Young. While Anderson was unable to attend, Young stated “we want her to know how much her guidance over the years has meant. To that we have implemented a new, special award of Director Emeritus, we’re presenting to Carolyn.”

The award was accepted by her husband Doug and son Russell.

The award was presented as the Lillypad passed the Anderson home, with the boat’s horn sounding several times as it passed.

“Thank you so much, Carolyn when I asked her what should I say, she said just tell them thank you, thank you for the all that they do, I do appreciate it,” said Doug Anderson. He noted Carolyn came to the lake 45 years ago and has adopted the lake. He came to the lake when he was 3. “She really appreciates it, her association to the lake has given her so much joy and all the people here … very, very gracious to her.”

The Chief Award

Babb gave his wife, Kay, a glance with a look only she would know, when he realized he was going to receive the Chief Award.

Always humble, Babb stated afterward, he was honored to be associated among the prestigious names of past recipients. Upon receiving the award Babb stated “This is certainly a surprise, I really don’t know what to say. Its been enjoyable, loved every minute of it, I love the lake. Just getting older and meaner.” He thanked the board and those who attended.

In announcing the Chief Award, Young noted “our chief has been described as … never meeting a stranger, always helpful and always has an opinion! Jerry I know this may not top the honor flight that you took to Washington, but you, Jerry Babb are the WPOA Chief for 2024.”

Babb is a born and raised Hoosier who comes from the Logansport, Walton and Bluffton areas. Following high school he was in the U.S. Air Force for four years, attended Indiana University and followed his father and brothers into the banking business.

Babb is active in the Elks Club, Masonic Lodge and the Shrine Club, volunteering many hours transporting children to the Chicago hospital of the Shriners.

Is Jerry Babb giving his wife, Kay, an evil eye when he learned he was getting the Chief’s Award. Photo by Deb Patterson.

“After 30 years in the banking business, a retirement at Lake Wawasee was on the horizon,” said Young. In 1987 they moved to Wawasee and he became interested in serving the lake that he loved. He met with Jim Tranter and joined the lake patrol.

Babb recently completed 30 years of service on the lake patrol, and has also served for 12 years on the WPOA Board of Directors. “While not patrolling any longer, he is an integral part of the patrol by seeing all the boats are serviced, installed, removed and stored each year.”

He has served the community as an officer of his neighborhood and each winter plows the street they live on when necessary, as it is a private street the county does not plow. “That is dedication,” Young added. Additionally, she noted he held a real estate license in the late 1980s and 1990s. “I had the pleasure, most of the time, in working with him at the Todd Office,” said Young.

Young also read a comment from Tranter, who could not make the event. “Jerry, I wanted to be present for this well-earned award; you worked beyond the call of duty, not only during your patrolling days, but after you retired you took over the details of preparing the boats every spring and making sure they ran when needed. You pushed hard for inside storage which came to fruition last year. Your attention to detail and prompt action are greatly appreciated. I hope both of us can continue to make sure the lake patrol program continues forward for many years.”

The Chief Award has been presented since 2006, honoring a person or persons in the community who has given of their time and talents to the community and helping preserve Wawasee … someone who over the years has shown how much they love and support the lake.

Past chiefs have included: Doug and Carolyn Anderson, Main Channel Marina, The Sudlows, The Rookstools, Dave Lichtenauer, Sen. Bob Meeks, Al Campbell, Dan Berkey, Dave Grandstaff, Spike Ford, Mike Kiley, Bob Dickinson, Dick Ruddell, Dick Green, The WACF, Jim Tranter, Tom and Holly Tuttle, Bill Pipp, essential workers during COVID, Kip Schumm, Janet Hartley Colglaser, Chis Campbell and Pam Schumm.

During a brief business meeting Young noted Tranter, Carolyn Anderson, Chris Campbell and John Kellogg had consented to continue serving on the board of directors.