Named for the German Village Society’s founder, the Frank Fetch Award is given to an individual for outstanding service to the German Village Community. Neighborhood leaders (and rabble rousers) Fred Holdridge and Howard Burns established the award in 1984 and it is the highest honor given by the Society to one of its members. More than a public pat on the back, this award recognizes the very best that German Village has to offer, and a look at the 28 past recipients reveals how very high the bar has been set.

This year, the German Village Society is proud to add Terri Dickey to the prestigious list of Frank Fetch Award recipients. She has lived in German Village for almost 40 years and has been involved with the German Village Society since Day One. She knew Frank Fetch and his contemporaries personally, and has no doubt pleased their legacies to no end with her steadfast volunteerism, sense of community spirit and genuine love of German Village.

Terri has been a member and officer of the Society’s elected board of trustees, was a charter member of the Village Singers, chaired the Haus und Garten Tour, chaired the first and many subsequent PreTours, volunteered extensively at Oktoberfests, offered her home for Holiday Tours and had her home on the Haus und Garten Tour in 1986 just seven months after purchasing it, then again in 2005 when the Tour showcased Beck Street.

As a realtor who focuses on German Village and other historic districts, Terri has undoubtedly introduced thousands to the German Village Society and more importantly, and has encouraged each and every one to roll up their sleeves, share their ideas and volunteer. Terri has given her all to the Society and has enjoyed every bit of it.

“I love where I live and what I do. I love when someone comes to German Village and falls in love with it the way I have,” says Terri. Her instincts have always been on target. When she told her parents in the early 70s that she was moving to German Village, she says they were mortified. Transferred to Columbus from Dallas in 1965 then bounced back to Dallas just a few years later, Terri’s family supported her decision to stay in Columbus and in doing so, shared their gem with a neighborhood that would shine brighter thanks to her energy, positive attitude, and sense of community.

Of her time in the Village she is quick to say, “it’s always been fun.” And thanks to Terri, 40-years-worth of Villagers can say the same. Thanks Terri, for all you do and have done to make German Village so much fun and the German Village Society so very proud to call you one of our own.