WILMINGTON — Two Clinton County EMA volunteers were recognized for their service to the community during the EMA’s annual advisory committee meeting — Kristin Taulbee and Chris Rapenchuk.

Both people embody the EMA spirit of “Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can” for supporting your community.

Kristin Taulbee was recognized for a second time for her service in supporting Food for All Mobile Food Pantries in both Wilmington and Blanchester during a period of significant region-wide decrease in volunteers as a result of the pandemic.

Chris Rapenchuk was recognized for his enabling of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmers-to-Families Food Distribution program, multiple Food for All Mobile Food Pantries in Wilmington, and local health district drive-in vaccination clinics.

Even though the number of volunteers has decreased due to other commitments and the pandemic, the spirit of volunteerism can be achieved with simple everyday kindness like opening the door for someone, passing on a close parking spot if you don’t mind to walk a bit, and letting someone who has a few things go ahead of you in line.

When we practice kindness, then we embody what it means to volunteer.

For more information, contact the county EMA at 937-382-6673.