VACC Banquet Recognizes Deb Pohl & The Versailles Garden Club

Jim Buchy, Debra Pohl & Eric Paulus

Monday evening the Versailles Area Chamber of Commerce (VACC) held its annual banquet. Chamber Director, Eric Paulus presented Mrs. Debra Pohl the Citizen of the Year Award. Deb was nominated by her sister, Pam Groff who was on hand with the rest of the Mrs. Pohl’s family, with the exception of son Brian who was ill the evening of the banquet.

Deb’s life long volunteering in the community and local organizations, as well as, her involvement with school functions won her the title of Citizen of the Year.

Sue Leugers, Karen Mescher, Chris Lennon (VP), Ruth Pierron,
Marge Prakel & Carol Frey

Mrs. Pohl has been affiliated with the Poultry Days festival, Modern Mother’s Club, Serendipity Moms, Versailles Rescue Squad, Versailles Alumni Association, St. Denis Parish Council, Meals on Wheels, Versailles Alumni Association, Friends of Worch Memorial Library, Versailles Council of Churches, Versailles Swim Team, Band Boosters, Versailles FFA, Rhythm Company, Towne & Country Players, Athletic Boosters, the Versailles Historical Society and Operation Christmas Child. Deb’s motivating and optimistic personality is enjoyed by many young athletes, actors and musicians because she attends many of the local youth’s extra curricular events.

Deb is a lifelong resident of Versailles and graduate of Versailles. She and her husband Harold raised four children, David Christa, Brian, & Rebecca and now have five grandchildren. They are the owners of Harold J. Pohl, Inc., Pohl Transportation and Pohl Logistics.

During the banquet the Versailles Garden Club was also recognized and honored with the People-Pride-Progress Award. The Garden Club was founded in 1961 since its inception the club has always been an active organization committed to making Versailles beautiful.

The Garden Club has won numerous awards on the district, state and national level during its 52 years of existence. The award was presented by Chamber President Brian Wagner and received by the Garden Club Vice President Chris Lennon.

The 2013 Officers and Members are; Hattie Knapke (President), Chris Lennon (Vice President), Shirley Schlater (Secretary), Joan Ruschau (Treasurer), Rebecca Ahlers, Barb Akina, Susan Ballinger, Terri Bey, Susan Browder, Kathy Bertke, Jenny Condon, Michelle Dircksen, Esther Eiting, Carol Frey, Sue Leugers, Bev Garrison, Karen Mescher, Ruth Pierron, Marcia Rhoades (founding member), Judy Shappie, Shirley Subler, Marge Prakel, and Dena Wuebker.