The presentation of the Above and Beyond the Call (ABC) Award for volunteerism to Don Orris was the highlight of the Greene County Chamber and Development annual meeting Monday evening. The meeting was held at the Jefferson Elks lodge and preceded by a dinner served by the Jefferson Does.
Most recently Orris has been instrumental in the creation of the Thomas Jefferson Gardens. He was seen this fall in all types of weather and at all times of day and into the night doing manual labor at the site. 
Of the 22,700 brick pavers in the walkway, volunteer Orris laid his share alongside the paid contractors. He helped Rotarians build the pavilion and he helped install the irrigation system. The evening after receiving the award, he was back at work on the project, visiting with the Jefferson city council about whether surplus brick from the Streetscape project is available for the TJ Gardens.
Before work began on the TJ Gardens Orris worked on the Doreen Wilber statue and plaza at the corner of W. Lincoln Way and Vine. From the initial fundraising to the actual labor, Orris played important roles. Even while still in the hardware business as owner of Don’s Ace Hardware, Orris volunteered countless hours on Rotary Club service projects, particularly as chairman of the Bell Tower Festival parade for many years. His volunteerism stretches back to the 1980s.
The previous year’s recipient presents the ABC Award each year. Chris Henning, who six months ago became executive director of the Chamber, was the 2013 recipient. “Tonight’s recipient brings something to volunteerism that not many of us can claim. He probably holds the lifetime Greene County record for the number of pavers he has laid in the beautiful gardens that surround our city, and his hands-on approach to this work leads others to join in the effort,” Henning said about Orris. “His energetic and faithful leadership through example has powered this important community project,” she said, referring to the TJ Gardens.
In brief remarks after the presentation, Orris encouraged Chamber members to continue their volunteer efforts. “We live in an important time. There are so many things that are coming together… I think we have an opportunity volunteer-wise… We have a couple of years here where we have so many things going on. If we put them all together, for once, we are really going to grow.”
Prior to the ABC Award presentation, Chamber and Development 2014 president Ben Yoder recognized Milestone members. Clause Farms, Henkel & Associates and The Printer’s Box were recognized as 25-year members. Greene County Farm Bureau, MHF Engineering, Midland Realty and Tri-County Lumber were recognized as 30-year members.
Durlam Electric was honored as a 65-year member of the Chamber. The company was started in 1948 by twin brothers Wendell and Wayne Durlam. It is now operated by brothers Chris and Jeff Durlam. “Through the years we have had the privilege of serving three and sometimes even four generations of the same Greene County families. We have been honored to have a role in the construction of many homes and businesses in the area, in many cases returning for future remodels and additions. We are humbled by your trust and confidence,” the Durlams said in a prepared statement.
Executive director Henning provided a brief report with a slide show of the many activities organized by the Chamber in 2013. Of particular note was great growth in the sale of Chamber Checks. In the last two months of 2013, more than $34,000 in Chamber checks was sold. Activities included the Bell Tower Festival and many of the same promotions as previous years, along with assistance with the Jefferson/Jefferson-Scranton 10-year All-School reunion, the Market to Market Iowa Relay, the Iowa Bicycle Festival, and a visit by WHO-TV’s RVTV.
Greene County Chamber and Development board members for 2014 in addition to Yoder are Angie Pedersen, John Brunow, Keith Pedersen, Bret Durbin, Nick Foster, Omega Sang, Toni Lindberg, Rob Schultz and Nikki Uebel.
