Ann Stoddard honored with national award

May 18—NORWALK — Alice Schauss, honorary regent of the Sally de Forest Chapter, NSDAR, presented Ann Stoddard, a member of the Sally de Forest DAR, with the National Society Daughters of American Revolution Award for Outstanding Women in American History.

Here the speech about Ann Stoddard that was read at the presentation. Her sons, Tim and Scott Stoddard, were in the audience to see her receive the award.

To celebrate Ann Stoddard was the kind of person you would like to encounter when stepping into a sterile office to tell a stranger about a personal problem. She makes you feel like you have known her all your life. This is the much-repeated lead sentence written about Ann in many of her glowing commendations over the years. We are here today to recognize her with the National Daughters of the American Revolution Women in American History Award.

Ann is an exemplary candidate for this prestigious award. She has proven again and again her value to the Firelands and Norwalk community through her career as community outreach director for the Community Action Commission of Huron County. She helped community residents in need with finding food, housing, clothing, Transportation, help with domestic violence and psychiatric issues. She was a tour de force in finding funds to keep these resources funded. Ann found time to foster parent and serve on multiple boards.

She is the mother of 5 children, Two of whom are with her this evening, Scott Stoddard and Tim Stoddard. (have them stand and be recognized) When macular degeneration took Ann's sight away, she did not give up, but pioneered on with new technology to help her to continue to be active in the community, in DAR and in her personal life. She has served twice as Regent of our Chapter and continues to be an inspiration to our group.

A list of some of Ann's awards:

State award from Gov. Celeste as one of 12 social workers recognized for extra time, effort and attention to ensure high quality case management — May 1988

Recognition from Hon. Jane Lucal from Erie County Common Pleas court — May 1988

Certificate of Commendation from Sen. Sherrod Brown for 20 plus years of inspirational service — May 2018

Certificate of Achievement from Attorney General Betty D. Montgomery's Crime Victims Assistance Office — May, 1995

Board of County Commissioners, Erie County, Ohio Certificate of Recognition — Oct 2016

Certificate of Exemplary Service from Huron County Prosecutor, Michael Fegen — May 1989

Salvation Army Bell Ringer Award — Jan 1985

Certificate of Appreciation to Ann and her husband, Walter, for Foster parenting — April 1986

Ohio Army National Guard Certificate of Appreciation as a National Guard Spouse — Dec 1993

Private Pilot License Issued October 1945

LipTak-Radden Volunteer Service award — May 2014

Huron County Community Action Action Commission Award — Jan 2011

State Senator Ron Nabakowski Recognition — March 1978

Ohio Department of Mental Health Award of Excellence — Jun 1988

Ann, it is with great pleasure that We award you with this token of appreciation for all of your accomplishments and for your dedication to the betterment of your community and our chapter.

Thank you!