For the City Times

PORT EDWARDS — Local volunteer Kathy McGrath was recently recognized for countless hours of service to the community during a Modern Woodmen of America member event on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017 at Bull’s Eye Country Club in Wisconsin Rapids.

McGrath was honored through Modern Woodmen’s Hometown Hero Program for her volunteer work and dedication to educating our community about the decline of the monarch butterflies. Through presentations to all age groups and by educating others on how to create their very own butterfly gardens and habitats, certain to contain milkweed, Kathy is actively helping save the monarch species.

During the Spring of 2017, Kathy worked to have Port Edwards named the first ‘Monarch Village’ in the United States. The dedication sign is posted along with the ‘Welcome to Port Edwards’ sign on State Highway 54 coming into the village from Wisconsin Rapids.

As part of the Hometown Hero Program, members of the Wisconsin Rapids Modern Woodmen Chapter 8319 presented McGrath with a certificate and a $100.00 award grant to be donated to the charitable organization of the honoree’s choice. McGrath selected ‘Friends of the Monarchs’ to receive the donation.

“Volunteers form the foundation of a strong community,” said Curtis Langemeier, local Modern Woodmen volunteer leader. “Modern Woodmen’s Hometown Hero Program gives us the chance to thank those who selflessly give their time to make the world a better place.”

Coordinated by local Modern Woodmen members, the fraternal financial services organization’s Summit chapters, chapters and youth service clubs provide opportunities for members to take part in social and educational activities and volunteer projects to meet local needs.