Published: November 08, 2009 10:50 pm      

3 Somerset volunteers saluted

BAKERSVILLE — Three women with a history of volunteerism were honored Friday during the 10th annual “Salute to Women” luncheon held at the Bakersville Volunteer Fire Department hall to benefit the Penn’s Woods Council of the Boy Scouts.

Lois Duppstadt and Sally Urban, both of Somerset, and Janet Susser of Meyersdale were honored.

The luncheon committee, co-chaired by Sharon Ackerman and Kerri Burtner, selected the honorees.

“It is so hard to select only three honorees each year,” Ackerman said.

“There are so many women throughout Somerset County who are influential in business and give of their time to support other organizations,” Burtner agreed.

The trio each received an iron rose crafted and donated by Dave Weimer of Somerset. Display bases were donated by Jeff Hoover of Hoover’s Custom Furniture, Berlin.

A look at the winners:

• Lois Duppstadt.

A volunteer with the American Red Cross, Duppstadt has been at countless blood drives during her 40 years of service. She became active with the Red Cross when her children were still young.

Volunteering for the Red Cross was a perfect fit for her family, as she was able to take her children with her to the blood drives.

Duppstadt became a 4-H leader when her children became involved with the group, but her commitment led her to stay active for 20 years – even after her children no longer were involved.

Additionally, she is active in her church, Faith Lutheran Church.

Duppstadt has three children, who have recruited her to assist in other community volunteer services. She has served as a race marshal for the cycling races at Seven Springs and has assisted with the winter Special Olympics.

• Janet Susser.

Susser became active with the Pennsylvania Maple Festival at an early age.

Her father and several other community and business leaders from Meyersdale were instrumental in creating and organizing the first Maple Festival in 1946. Susser has served in a variety roles with the maple festival, including serving as a director for many years.

The family connection has continued through the years, with her three children, five grandchildren and now 12 great- grandchildren taking a role in coordinating and participating in festival activities.

Susser is involved with the Maple City Garden Club. This year, the club worked as a partner to develop a farmer’s market in Meyersdale. She worked with her church, the Zion Lutheran Church in Meyersdale, to prepare breakfast and lunch for the market.

Additionally, Susser enjoys pottery, and has been teaching pottery making at Deer Valley YMCA Camp, historic festivals and to community groups. She enjoys cooking, and does some catering and makes wedding cakes in her spare time.

• Sally Urban.

During her 10 years as president of the Humane Society of Somerset County, Urban has searched to find new ways to expand the services and visibility of the group.

She has worked with the board to expand the fundraising for the Humane Society by starting the Annual Coco Chocolate Extravaganza. She has worked to develop a youth volunteer program.

Improvements achieved during her tenure include regular walking of dogs, regular check-ups for animals and grooming.

Urban worked with the Humane Society Board to complete a capital campaign for improvements to the society’s facility. The addition helped create isolation rooms for sick animals and outdoor areas for dogs.

Through her work, 11 rabies clinics now are held throughout Somerset County.

Urban also has played the organ at her church and participated in a ladies music/singing group.

Women make up 40 percent of the overall Scouting volunteers in Somerset County. The Penn’s Woods Council serves children and families in Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, Blair and Indiana counties and parts of Huntingdon, Armstrong and Westmoreland.