By Crystal Thompson
Lynda Taplin, branch manager of Western Security Bank in Havre, was named "Volunteer of the Year" by the North Central Montana Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. (RC&D).
RC&D Coordinator Larry Robertson awarded Taplin with a plaque on Tuesday to honor her for her work with the RC&D's Affordable Housing Program. Taplin was set to receive the award at the RC&D Banquet held earlier this month, however she was unable to attend. Robertson surprised Taplin yesterday with the presentation of the plaque at a pre-meeting luncheon in Havre.
The Affordable Housing Program started in north central Montana with a partnership between the RC&D and the Neighborhood Housing Service (NHS) of Great Falls. Since then, the program has expanded to 52 of Montana's 56 counties. Over 160 families were placed in homes through the program since 1998. Taplin was a large part of those placements, said Robertson.
The Affordable Housing Program offers Homebuyer Education Classes to several communities in the region. Nearly thirty people attended Monday's class held in Havre.
