Ann Baglier accepts her Senior Distinguished Service Award on Wednesday, May 15. Chris Leisie/Special to the Eagle

PENN TWP — One of the official mottos for the Rotary International is “Service above Self” and on Wednesday, May 15, two Butler residents who exemplified what it means to give back to the community were awarded for their humanitarian efforts in Butler County.

“Tonight is a wonderful opportunity to recognize two people, who give of themselves” said Millie Pinkerton, co-chairwoman of the award committee and member of the Butler Rotary Club PM, “and keeping in tradition with this Distinguished Service Award, expect nothing in return.”

Ann Baglier, who has been serving the Butler County Humane Society for 36 years, and TJ McCance, an accomplished high school and collegiate wrestler who now serves a variety of organizations, were honored at the 73rd Distinguished Service Awards dinner at Butler Country Club.

“This is one of the most prestigious honors in Butler County” Pinkerton said. “For over 70 years we have recognized the people throughout Butler County who have gone out of their way to serve their community.”

Baglier was recognized as the senior winner, a category designated for nominees older than 45. McCance was recognized as junior winner, for nominees 45 or younger.

The Distinguished Service Award for Butler County was originally established in 1950 by the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Butler. This year, for the first time in the award’s 73 year history, a Butler PM Rotarian was recognized for his service posthumously.

Joe Neigh, known affectionately through the community as “Joe Neigh, the Nice Guy” and “Joe Neigh, the Plumber Guy,” was honored with the Service Above Self Award on Wednesday for his lifelong service to his community. He died in February at age 84.

His wife, Judith Neigh, accepted the award and spoke of her husband’s loving character and his enthusiasm for wanting to make the world a better place.

“He enjoyed building bridges and friendships,” Judith Neigh said. “He always sought a peaceful resolution to problems and looked to avoid arguments for arguments sake. I think Joe made everyone’s day a little bit better and a little big brighter.”

Jeff Geibel, last year’s junior recipient, introduced Baglier as a considerate and genuine person with a passion for helping those in need.

“(Baglier) is not involved in some of the things you’re going to hear about tonight because she’s looking for recognition or an award,” Geibel said. “Like so many people that have gotten this award over the years, it’s the last thing on her mind. She’s doing it because she cares about the town and she loves the people in it.”

Baglier has taken on many leadership roles at the Butler County Humane Society including president, vice president and executive board member.

“She helped start the (Human Society’s) fashion show that so many of you enjoy going to every year,” Geibel said.

Baglier’s many philanthropic efforts include helping raising money for Robin’s Home and Meals on Wheels. She has also donated to 70 different charities last year.

“She has a big, big heart,” Geibel said.

Baglier has also been active with the Women’s Leadership Program, Penn Theater, Friends of Preston Park, Golden Tornado Scholarship Foundation and Butler County Community College.

During the 31 years she worked at West Penn Power before retiring, she led the United Way’s fundraising campaigns. Her job as customer service manager at the utility has helped her raise money for organizations.

True to her introduction by Geibel, Baglier maintained that the award was a reflection of her family and friendship.

“I am so deeply … so honored to receive this award,” Baglier said as her voice started to shake. “I thank you all for being here with me and for participating in every single thing that I have ever asked you all to do.”

Dennis Baglier, last year’s senior award winner, introduced TJ McCance as a leader in the community whose lasting impact has touched many people’s lives.

“He is well respected in the community, so much so that he’s been asked to be part of the Butler Area School District Community Committee for Reorganization as they explore the impact of school consolidation and options to best service the district students,” Baglier said.

McCance, who wrestled at Butler High School and Clarion University, volunteers with the Butler high school and elementary wrestling programs and is a volunteer coach and mentor at the Legacy Wrestling Club in Butler.

In college, he was captain of the wrestling team and president of the student senate. After graduation, he served on the alumni association and students’ association boards of directors.

He went on to serve on the boards of Butler Downtown and the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. He participated in the chamber’s 2016 Leadership Butler County program and then served on the board.

During McCance’s acceptance speech, he stressed the importance of helping others, referencing his own humble beginning while describing generational poverty as a “pit” that can be almost too hard to get out of.

“The thing I want to convey tonight is really that the only thing that truly gets out of the ‘pit’ that I described earlier is the kindness and selflessness of others,” he said.

He works as a financial adviser and the manager of Baird Private Wealth Management’s Butler branch.

He lives in Butler with his wife Halee and 11-year-old son Isaac.

TJ McCance accepts his award and reflects on the value of service. Chris Leisie/Special to the Eagle

Co-host of the Distinguished Service Awards dinner, Millie Pinkerton, left, presents Judith Neigh with the “Service Above Self” award. Judy accepted if posthumously for her husband, Joe Neigh, on Wednesday. Chris Leisie/Special to the Eagle

Ann Baglier, the 2024 Senior Distinguished Service Award winner. Chris Leisie/Special to the Eagle

Last year's Distinguished Service award winner, Jeff Geibel, presented the 2024 award on Thursday. Chris Leisie/Special to the Eagle

TJ McCance was awarded the 2024 Junior Distinguished Service Award. Chris Leisie/Special to the Eagle