The 2021 Gem of the year selected by the Antwerp Chamber Gem Committee is going to a hard working, community minded, individual – Laurel Hopkins.
The Chamber received numerous nominations, and it was a difficult decision for the committee. Other nominees included Denise Coleman, Larry Ryan, Reggie Clem, Barry Delong, Wyatt Cline, Antwerp Ball Association, Antwerp Local School Staff, Administration, Students and Families.
Laurel was nominated by multiple people who recognize she is a real gem! Throughout each season you will see Laurel taking care of flowers, plants and trees in the community of Antwerp, and along Main Street.
She has been married to Kirk since 1966 and together they have three children (whose names are Matt Hopkins, Chris Hopkins, and Dawn Santilli), and nine grandchildren.
Some of her favorite hobbies are taking care of her Schnauzer dog named Sage and walking him, participating in yoga groups, and tending her flower garden. Laurel has been a master gardener since 2012 and has always been interested in plants. She completed a master garden class and is a part of the Paulding County Master Gardeners. Laurel served the community as a teacher at the Antwerp Elementary School for 24 years and retired in 2011. She taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade during her teaching career, with 2nd grade being her longest that she taught.
ACDC has the privilege of having Laurel serve as the secretary since the founding of the organization in 2006. With the help of Laurel and ACDC, 12 planters were located in town, but in 2013 that number was cut to 10 because two were destroyed by vehicles in town. ACDC is working right now with Laurel on getting these replaced with two more new planters on the way to replace the damaged ones. Laurel also enjoys attending the Fellowship Church regularly and loves to be involved in her grandchildren’s’ activities, too.
If you see Laurel congratulate her on being chosen as Antwerp’s 2021 Gem of the Year.
