(Greensburg, IN) – The Greensburg Optimist Club presented the 2023 James E. Griewe Memorial Optimist of the Year Award Thursday morning to former Decatur County Commissioner Rick Nobbe.
Nobbe served on the board of commissioners from 2008 until 2020.
He was also honored for his years of volunteering, including work with St. Mary’s Parish and School, the Decatur County Solid Waste Board, the Decatur County United Fund, two terms on the Greensburg Community School Board, and his current service with the Decatur County Community Foundation Board of Directors.
Several speakers paid tribute to Nobbe’s volunteerism and willingness to serve, including Greensburg Mayor Joshua Marsh, Decatur County Councilman Kenny Hooten, Decatur County United Fund Executive Director Joane Cunningham, Greensburg Assistant Fire Chief Brian Wenning on behalf of St. Mary’s Parish, and St. Mary’s School Principal Nancy Buening.
Nobbe was surprised by both the award and his family attending the event.
“They did a great job of keeping it a secret. I certainly appreciate the honor and I mean that sincerely,” Nobbe said. “It is an honor to be a part of this group and I want to thank the Greiwes for all of their past support of the Optimist Club. It’s just tremendous.
“Thanks to the community for giving me all of the opportunities that they’ve given me over the years,” he added. “And I just hope we can continue those going forward.”
Thursday’s event was held at the Greensburg Community Bread of Life soup kitchen facility on Randal Street.
The award is named for the late Jim Greiwe, who received the first Optimist of the Year Award in 1977 and was posthumously honored in 1978.
