Patek Named Rotary's 'Unsung Hero'

Lesley Patek, guardian of the Forrest O. Triplett Animal Shelter, received the Chillicothe Rotary Club's Unsung Hero award Friday during a luncheon held at the Chillicothe Country Club. The award is given anually to an area resident who works to better his or her community with little or no acclaim. Presenting Patek with the award is Dean Brookshier (right), city administrator.

A local woman who has dedicated her life to helping animals received recognition Friday during the Chillicothe Rotary Club's annual Community Service luncheon held at the Chillicothe Country Club.
Dean Brookshier, city administrator, presented Lesley Patek, guardian of the Forrest O. Triplett Animal Shelter, with the Unsung Hero Award and the crowd in attendance honored her with a standing ovation.

In introducing Patek, as the 2009 recipient, Brookshier said she was deserving of the recognition. The city administrator then read a biography of Patek which described her as an "unnoticed, unappreciated and even controversial individual." "Our unsung hero runs the organization she represents with a small stipend from the city, lots of her own money and what she can drum up from donations from our generous local community," Brookshier said.

Patek, who has been running the Livingston COunty Humane Society since 1991, has always had a love for animals. "We are proud of what out own Lesley Patek does for this community and county."
In receiving the award, Patek told the crowd she was "very overwhelmed."