Janet Hartley-Colglazer, left, accepts the plaque honoring her as the 2023 Wawasee Property Owners Association Chief Award recipient, from Katie Pipp Wingard, right. Wingard will be taking over for Hartley-Colglazer as executive administrator. Earl Colglazer is shown in the middle.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — “It really means a lot to me,” said a tearful Janet Hartley-Colglazer. “I had a lot of these printed up. Never thought I’d get one.”

Hartley-Colglazer was a co-recipient of the 2022 Wawasee Property Owners Chief Award recipient, presented Saturday night, Aug. 20, at the annual WPOA dinner meeting aboard the SS Lillypad II. She recently stepped down as WPOA administrator.

Chris Campbell was the other recipient, but was not able to attend.

Bill Pipp, WPOA vice president, chaired the evening event in the absence of WPOA President Kay Young.

The Chief Award has been presented yearly since 2006 to honor individuals in the community who have given of their time and talents to the community and to help preserve Lake Wawasee.

Janet Hartley-Colglazer shed happy tears after receiving the 2022 WPOA Chief Award. Hartley-Colglazer served several terms on the WPOA Board and then in 2007 became the executive administrator, a position she has held until recently.

Pipp, in announcing Hartley-Colglazer as the co-recipient, stated, “This year’s second chief has a long history at Wawasee.” He stated Hartley-Colglazer did not grow up at the lake full time, but her history at the lake started as a child, coming to Wawasee with her parents and sister spending the day on the boat and picnicking at the Wawasee Fish Hatchery.

Her parents purchased a condominium close to the hatchery, and she eventually ended up purchasing a condominium. She later purchased a home on the water, where she still lives.

“Wanting to become active in the area and being a close friend of a WPOA board member, when an opening came up in their neighborhood the board member invited her to join the WPOA board, where they served several terms, Pipp said.

“In 2007 with an opening in the WPOA administrator executive position, a new horizon opened up. Since then, our Chief has not only managed the day-to-day duties of the association, but has been the one to ‘oil the wheels’ of the WPOA by taking the lead in most every event we have had.

“From managing years of home tours, herding over 500 people from home to home; to taking care of the annual breakfast and this dinner; stuffing and mailing annual notices and other mailings to the members; as well as tracking all 2,500 members of the organization; and producing the Neighbors book each year. All this with a friendly voice and smile on her face.

“Thank you, Janet, for the years of dedication to the association,” stated Pipp.

Campbell “was not born at Lake Wawasee but got here as fast as he could.” It was noted once Campbell was introduced to the lake, he was hooked.

Bill Pipp, vice president, chaired the annual dinner meeting in the absence of Board President Kay Young.

Campbell was born and raised in a small rural southern Illinois town, finding his way to Indiana through college at St. Joseph’s, where he graduated with honors and served as president of the student body.

His work career led him to Minneapolis, then to Indianapolis where he became director of product management for Emmis Communications.

This brought him into work contact with the person who would introduce him to Lake Wawasee. Work associates evolved into best friends, followed by many visits to Lake Wawasee as a frequent guest, then renter. His interests became known to his hosts, who recognized his dedication to tasks, organizational and management skills and his unique love of fireworks. Campbell eventually purchased a home at the lake.

“His dedication and interest in the lake prompted a recommendation to the board that he take over the vacancy created by Sally (Walker) Gindling’s departure from the WPOA board and assume Sally’s management of the biggest Fourth of July show in Indiana.”

Campbell, for over 10 years, has maintained what was established before him and has grown the show into the three-stage event seen today. “His work career, like the Fourth fireworks, has continued to expand and shine bright, taking him to Boston, Ireland and more. But every employment contract he signs always has one condition that must be met: a one-week vacation every year around the Fourth of July.”

During the business portion of the evening, Pipp announced Katie Pipp Wingard as the new administrator, taking over duties from Hartley-Colglazer and Pam Schumm, assistant administrator. He also recognized Hartley-Colglazer and Schumm for their years of service.

Additionally he announced that all current board members have agreed to continue to serve in 2023.

Pipp also briefly highlighted what the WPOA does and encouraged membership in the association.