Nancy Moon resigns from Carousel

Barbara Lawlor

Nederland

It was a long, hot summer and a busy one for volunteers at Nederland's Carousel of Happiness. The rewards of working with whimsical animals and delighted children are what attracts the volunteers. An added treat is the COH Volunteer Dinner at the Thai Restaurant in Nederland on Sunday evening, Sept. 9.

Noodles and wontons and spring rolls and all kinds of specialty items piled up on plates before finishing the buffet. It was a scrumptious dinner spiced with fun awards. The COH director, Nancy Moon, announced her resignation and also announced that, as it was her last day of being a director,  she awarded a commemorative giraffe to herself for her distinguished service, dependability, good looks and because she is a nice person.

It has been less than a year since she was hired, but she said she is not leaving the carousel, merely going to serve it in a better way. "I might take over as the puppet washer," she joked.

The leadership of the carousel will be shared by Katrina Harms and Jeff Drouet who will split the director duties between them, while the Board of Directors redesigns the job. Moon said the giraffe will stay with her.

At Sunday's gathering, the most recent board member award went to Nancy Bodner. The longest-termed volunteer award went to Scott Harrison, and the youngest volunteer award went to Asher Hughes, 6, with Aric Olson, 7, a runner-up. Each of the hard-working young men received a zebra champion badge. Olson said it was his job to clean up the puppet room and to hand tickets to people.

During the summer, 37 volunteers helped visitors have a great carousel experience. Volunteers are always welcome and encouraged to join the happiest team in town.