TO:  Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen Committee--1994

CONCERNING:  Nomination of Maxine Miller (Mrs. Mack Miller) as Outstanding Woman                        of the Year

     Why should Maxine Miller be selected as Outstanding Woman of the Year?  This human dynamo is involved in so much activity that it makes a normal person tired just to hear of all she's doing!
     Maxine is a member of First United Methodist Church.  She has served on the board of trustees a number of years, teaches Sunday School and is often called upon to give presentations.  When she was on the missions committee several years ago, she began a program of giving food and gifts to needy families (e.g. coats, shoes, boots, mittens, etc.--practical items, as well as toys for children in the family).  This program seems to grow every year and now she involves the children in whichever class she's teaching along with many other members, some of whom give money and/or gifts, food or whatever is needed.  Maxine needs and gets help in delivering the boxes, as last year this program gave gifts to more than 50 families.  Maxine is also involved in the women's program of the church, which carries on mission activity (e.g.  Friendly Center in Toledo) as well as study.  She also helps distribute surplus food from the government to the needy of the community one day each month - a program picked up by the church when a local agency was no longer able to supervise it.
      Maxine is also involved in the BGSU International host family/student committee.  This group tries to promote involvement between local families and students from other countries by matching them up and having stuctured meetings several times a year.  It also encourages families to have students in their homes and to take them on outings.  At a recent gathering, Maxine's several students spoke highly of their relationship with the Miller family.
     Habitat for Humanity is another community involvement of Maxine's.  Until recently the nearest site was in Toledo; now there is a Wood County branch, and Maxine is on the family selection committee which decides who will get a home--an awesome task!  In 1993 ground was broken for the first home in Bloomdale.  Maxine was volunteer coordinator, assuring that people were present to do whatever tasks were needed as needed.  It's quite possible that without her drive and enthusiasm, the home dedicated on December 11, 1993 would still be unfinished
     Almost every Friday afternoon since the first Friday in September, 1991, you would have found Maxine at First United Methodist Church, where a meal for the needy is served--Martha's Kitchen.  Each week it is the responsibility of a different church group to prepare and serve food for the needy.  BGSU students assist with clean up, serving and preparing dessert.  Someone needs to take the ultimate responsibility for seeing that this task is accomplished each week, keeping records of what was served and to how many, notifying church groups as to when it is their turn, and making sure that the kitchen is left in tip-top shape.  Maxine has embraced this task gladly and has been involved with Martha's Kitchen from its inception.
     Both Martha's Kitchen and the local branch of Habitat for Humanity are outgrowths of the Homeless Task Force, of which Maxine is a member.


     The Woman's Club is another of Maxine's activities.  This Club encourages cultural activities, sponsors programs for the aging, and has a writing contest for public school children.  Maxine is the current Woman's Club garden club president, and is co-chairman of  the committee responsible for the physical care of the building (new roof and whatever care houses require). Maxine does a great job of seeing that the club is in good condition, often doing the cleaning herself, and of renting the facility out so as to earn some income.  She has also assisted with the highway cleanup of the section assigned to the Woman's Club.
     Another area of community involvement is Maxine's volunteer capacity at the Juvenile Detention Center.  Until recently she was there each Sunday of every other month.  She shares her Christian witness with the young people there and is available as counsellor and friend.  Surely her presence has had, and continues to have, a positive influence on the lives of these young people.
     As the mother of six children and two stepchildren, family responsibilities top Maxine's agenda.  When her son, a Bowling Green businessman, needs assistance at his store, Maxine is there to help.  If one of her children needs a babysitter, Maxine is there, changing her schedule to accomodate them to the best of her ability.  Family gatherings are frequent and fun and it's obvious that this is a family which enjoys being together and does so whenever possible.
     As a friend, Maxine is tops.  If she knows someone is sick or is having a problem with which she can help, she's ready to assist with food, child-care or just "being there".
     Does this sound like Superwoman?  Maxine's real!  If ever someone deserves to be recognized as an outstanding person with a multitude of resources and talents which she willingly shares with the community, it's Maxine Miller.  

	Thank you for your consideration,

	Lyn Long (Mrs. Cliff Long)	1005 Gustin	352-8019