Volunteer of Excellence
2009 Recipient
Ned Owens

     "Thrivent has put $26 million into the Gulf Coast for Habitat for Humanity projects since Katrina," Thrivent Representative for the Gulf Coast Terry King noted. He had traveled from New Orleans to be present at the recognition of Ned Owens. Owens has been working with the Lutheran churches of Baldwin County to build homes with Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County.

Click each photo to enlarge.

Hank Koehler (Alligator Alley), Pastor Jack Jackson (St. Paul's Lutheran, Foley), Janice and Ned Owens, and Dave Decker (l to r) were first to greet the early guests at Thrivent's "Ned Owens Recognition Event" at the park entrance to "Alligator Alley" in Summerdale. In just a half hour, Hank was feeding 'gators with lots of Lutheran "gapers."


Ned Owens (c), advocate for the Baldwin County Thrivent program with "Habitat for Humanity," discusses afternoon events with long-time Thrivent supporter and local chapter officer Dave Decker (r). Yes, that is Janice Owens (l) taking notes!


Ned Owens (r) greeted Pete Midgarden, a Habitat volunteer from Silverhill's Zion Lutheran Church.



     Ned Owens, at the recognition event, would say, "I didn't build a house. You volunteers did, you and other volunteers--over 200 of you on each of the houses we have built so far. You can be proud you have provided two homes to folks who have qualified for this help."

Click each photo to enlarge.

Others wanted to get into the Recognition Event but were purposely excluded for obvious reasons.


Troy Newton from the "Shrimp Shack" was busy with the caterers for the Thrivent Chapter Event.


Before food, you have to have recognition. Thrivent Representative Darrell Butler (l) of Mobile began recognition events with presentation of a director's chair to Ned (r). Yes, Ned is checking out that ol' chair. Wife Janice (c) listens closely to Darrell. Ned designated a cash award on this recognition to Baldwin County Habitat for Humanity.



     You can see why the South Central Alabama Chapter of Thrivent for Lutherans with its paternal services network, would want to recognize this man for his efforts. Thrivent families and friends were invited to Alligator Alley in Summerdale for the festivities. After being recognized "Volunteer of Excellence--2009 Recipient," Owens concluded the event with brief remarks, especially recognizing his dear wife and partner, Janice.

Click each photo to enlarge.

Jim Willoughby (l) from Montgomery brought a recognition plaque for Ned Owens (r). Wife Janice (c) exercised that new director's chair just presented by Darrell Butler. Willoughby is the Thrivent Chapter Representative for Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.


Cliff Barrows (l), representative for Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County, thanked both Janice and Ned Owens (c and r) for their work in bringing the work of Habitat for Humanity to the Lutheran churches of Baldwin County.


Recognition ceremonies were concluded with Thrivent's Gulf Coast Representative Terry King (l) presenting Ned Owen (r) with a special jacket. Before concluding, Ned recognized his wife Janice (c) for her labors and support for the Thrivent building projects.




Janice Owens, Betty Inlow, Danny Inlow, and Ned Owens (l to r, foreground) enjoyed the recognition dinner served in the shade at Alligator Alley. In the background, recognition guests awaited a turn at the serving line.


How do you close off a recognition event after a big meal? You have to alligator wrestle! Wife Janice led the cheering section. The alligator was glad to see the celebration festivities end and folks heading home.


Aleda and Pete Midgarden greeted Cindi Johnson (l to r) at the Owens recognition event.




Pete Midgarden, Pastor Dave, and Charlie Canning joined about forty others for the recognition event.


Charlie Canning, Vera Avera, and Ella Kubina (l to r, foreground) rounded out the Zion contingent at Ned Owens' recognition event at Alligator Alley on August 22. Others in the background are enjoying a shrimp and chicken dinner under the shade trees of Alligator Alley..