BY: Haley Jones, Director of Marketing and Development
Home Health and Hospice of Dickinson County in Herington, an affiliate of Memorial Health System in Abilene, has selected the next Herington Hero Award. Congratulations to Chardy Magnett, and thank you for taking care of Herington!
The nomination had this to say about Chardy:
“Chardy has done so much for our community throughout the years. She is always trying to come up with new ideas to get the entire Herington area involved by creating and hosting various events. Chardy and a small group of various volunteers donated countless hours of their time to bring these events to our community. Here is a list of some of them. Most are gone today, but a couple of them still exist, as other volunteer groups have continued to host them.
- The Zombie Walk – Chardy would bring in a group of talented makeup artists to town, and for a small fee you could be transformed into a zombie. Then all of the zombies would go door to door and collect food items to be donated to the Family Resource Exchange.
- Witches Brew – This was something for women in the area to enjoy. They would all bring finger foods, dress up in costumes, prizes were awarded, they played games, and just had a great time.
- Father-Daughter Dance, which still exists today.
- Christmas Parade & Festival
- Broadway Block Party – Herington had not had a town festival for several years, so Chardy decided it was time to change that. With the help of a few volunteers and some financial support from the local businesses, she was able to proceed. This festival was held on a Saturday from early afternoon until 11:00 PM. The downtown area of Broadway was blocked off from traffic, so the entire festival happened in the center of town. It was free for everyone to attend. The festival included craft and food vendors from across the state, a watermelon eating contest, bounce houses, entertainers, and various talent contests, and it would end with a free street dance.
She has, and will always, continue to make our community a better place for all of us.
When Chardy had her store Backroads Gifts & Apparel, she would take a percentage of her daily sales once each month, and donate to an organization, an individual, or a family in need.
It is a very rare thing to come across someone who will put their all into a community. Someone who will help a person when they are having a bad day or buy lunch just to simply say hello. Chardy Magnett is one of those people who always has a smile on her face and is willing to do what it takes to make Herington, KS a strong and thriving place. When you think of someone being a pillar in a community, you think of one who dedicates their free time to supporting those around them and who helps people on the brink of desolation when they believe they have nowhere else to turn.
She was on the Chamber Board, where she helped create and plan the award dinners and shop small businesses, and guide community members when they needed help. This was on top of Herington Hearts, the Block Party, and the Father-Daughter Dance celebration, among others.
Chardy has never been asked to do what she has done; she simply sees the need and follows through. When it came to raising money for Herington Hearts, she would stand outside in front of the local grocery store in a hot costume and get the money that was needed to help with the program. When she needed volunteers, she would not just simply ask, but take you out for a meal and go over the details. For said volunteers, she showed her appreciation with flowers and a note. She never expected people to simply accept and just do. She always made those who volunteered to feel special and rewarded.”
This nomination should make every reader want to find Chardy and shower her with the same kind of love that she has shown the citizens of Herington. She is a shining example of a hero!
Kesa Riffel, Quality Improvement & Office Coordinator for Home Health and Hospice of Dickinson County presented Chardy with the Herington Hero Award and she responded by saying, “It’s exciting to know when people recognize the hard work and dedication you have. I’m blessed to raise my kids in my hometown and give back.”
If you know someone deserving of this award and want to share it with the Herington community, please fill out the form online at: http://mhsks.org/herington-hero-award/ or stop by the Herington office at 11 N Broadway, we’ll be happy to see you!
If you or your business would like to help sponsor a hero for a month, please contact us at 785-258-3611 or stop by our office. We not only recognize our hero by sharing their story but also give them a small token of appreciation. We would love to open this opportunity up to anyone who wants to help us award these amazing individuals.