Gail Yatso has been selected to receive the 2014 Harold P. Heckendorf Community Service Award.
The award, sponsored by N.E.W. Credit Union for the 12th year, pays tribute to Harold P. Heckendorf, a long-time volunteer board member who was a firm believer in the credit union philosophy of people helping people.
In addition to a plaque, Yatso received $250, and the charity of her choice, Home Respite Care Inc., received a matching donation.
“We are all very fortunate to have dedicated volunteers such as Gail Yatso active in our community,” said Laura Schenkoski, director of marketing at N.E.W. Credit Union.
As president and charter member of the Oconto Falls Lioness, Yatso has participated in many local and state projects. Some of these projects are The Avenue of Lights, Lions Camp, dictionaries for students and blood drives.
She is also the committee chair for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life at Memorial Field.
As an avid skier, Yatso understands the importance of preserving our natural resources and serves as president of the Machickanee Cross-Country Ski Club to help preserve the trails.
As president of the Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Yatso works with the city of Oconto Falls and the community to promote business interests, tourism and city beautification. A flag project added 25 American flags to the business areas of Oconto Falls. New welcome signs are almost complete for the west side of town. Yatso has been instrumental in planning the Falls Fun Fest, a chamber event.
Yatso also holds a volunteer position on the Oconto County Economic Corporation Board of Directors.
For Yatso, Hometown Veterinary Clinic is not just a place of employment, it is also an avenue for her to show community support. She stays busy with tours, job shadowing, FFA support and the American Cancer Society Bark For Life, and donates time and services to the Oconto Area Humane Society.
Professionally, she is a member of the Wisconsin Veterinary Practice Managers Association, and served as secretary and president. She was awarded the Practice Manager of the Year Award in 2008.
Yatso said she enjoys meeting new people and experiencing new challenges and hopes to promote the importance of volunteerism to maintain a strong community.
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