March, 2010 Calendar

MON  March 1  Mendon Lions, 7 p.m., Wellness Program

TUE  March 2  OUR Home, 12 noon at Doctor’s Care, Senior Citizens, 12 noon,  Commissioners, 9 a.m., Fair Board, 7 p.m.

THUR  March 4, Ag Breakfast, 7:30 a.m.; Commissioners 9 a.m.; DARE Boosters, 4 p.m.

MON March 8  Coldwater Council, 7 p.m.

TUE March 9  Commissioners, 9 a.m.; Coldwater BOE, 6 p.m.

THUR March 11 Commissioners, 9 a.m.; Red Cross Banquet, 6 p.m. Celina Eagles; Rockford Chamber, 7:30 a.m. ; COLT 9 a.m.

SUN  March 14  Fort Recovery Chamber, Middle School, 6 p.m.

MON March 15  Mendon Lions, 7 p.m.; Eggs decoration; Fort Recovery BOE, 6 p.m.

TUE March 16 Commissioners, 9 a.m.

THUR March 18   Commissioners, 9 a.m.; Fair Sponsorship Meal

MON  March 22 Coldwater Council, 7 p.m.

TUE  March 23 Commissioners, 9 a.m.

THUR March 25  Commissioners, 9 a.m.; St. Marys Chamber,6:15 p.m.  St. Marys Eagles

SAT March 27  Mendon Lions Soup&Sandwich/Auction 4:30 p.m.

SUN  March 28 Mercer County Harness Horsemen Banquet

TUE  March 30 Commissioners, 9 a.m.

ST. MARYS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CHAMBERGRAM

KELLY KILL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NEWS UPDATE FOR JANUARY 22, 2010

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

State Representative Jim Zehringer is introduced

by Lion Jerry Rolsten at Mendon Lions Club

January 18, 2010

Commissioner Jerry Laffin reviews finances

with County Officials on January 19, 2010

Randy Fisher, Executive Director of United Way of

Auglaize County recognizes Gail Walter at Volunteer

Luncheon on January 14, 2010

Wanda Dicke, Executive Director of Homeland Security

and EMA discusses infectious animal diseases at

the Ag Breakfast on January 7, 2010

NEWS UPDATE FOR JANUARY 20, 2010

                Celina Insurance Group Welcomes Jacob Eilerman

Jacob Eilerman
Celina, Ohio/USA – (1/18/10) Vince Franz, Vice President of Actuarial Services, is pleased to announce that Jacob Eilerman has joined Celina Insurance Group.

Jacob graduated summa cum laude from the University of Toledo in 2008. In addition to earning both a Mathematics and Economics degree, he was tapped as the Economic Department's outstanding graduating senior and earned a spot on the University of Toledo's elite President's list. He is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Actuarial Science from Ball State University and expects to graduate in May of 2011. In his new role as an Actuarial Analyst Trainee, he is responsible for delivering business intelligence data on a regular and on-request basis including providing maintenance, training and enhancements on Celina's data warehouse. Jacob's other responsibilities involve producing business projections, predictive modeling applications and pricing reviews of Personal, Commercial, and Farm lines of business.

Franz comments, "Jacob's stellar college performance attracted us to him immediately. He is an example of talent returning to Mercer county, and I know he will be a valuable resource for our department."

Jacob currently resides in his hometown of Coldwater, Ohio.  

Founded in 1914, Celina Insurance Group is a family of mutual property and casualty insurance companies.  Celina underwrites auto, non-standard auto, home, commercial auto, commercial property and casualty, umbrella and farm coverages in eight Midwestern states.  Celina Insurance Group is represented by some 600 agencies and employs 168 people.

ARC Kart Racing
Presents the:
2010

Bowling Fund Raiser

At
Miracle Lanes
1848 Union City Road Ft. Recovery, Ohio
Phone # 419-375-4274

Cost $25.00 per person   5 people per team

Total 125.00 per team

Registration forms are attached or they may be downloaded from www.arckartracing.com

Dates & Times

Friday       February 26, 2010 7:00 p.m.  9:00 p.m.

Saturday   February 27, 2010 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m.

We the Bowling committee, would like to take this opportunity to invite you to participate in the upcoming 2010 Mercer County Go-Kart Racing Fund Raiser.  This year it will be held at Miracle Lanes in Ft. Recovery. Come and enjoy an afternoon or evening of fun with us in Ft. Recovery along with Cliff Wendel, the proprietor of Miracle Lanes.

Send Entries to:

Alan Siefring    542 Spruce St. St. Henry, Ohio 45883   Phone 419-678-8363

Shaun Everman   611 Woodland Ave. St. Henry, Ohio 45883   Phone 419-763-4063

Greg Uhlenhake   512 Spruce St St. Henry, Ohio 45883   Phone 419-678-1098

St. Henry Nite Club                                                                 Phone 419-678-2296

- Bowl two games

-Two-hour shifts

-30 drink tickets and/or food tickets per team

-50 / 50 drawing per shift

-Door Prizes

- Raffle Drawing will take place following the last shift bowling on Saturday back at the St Henry Nite Club (approx 11:00 p.m.)

Free Bus Ride from St Henry Nite Club –Bus Leaves 30 Minutes before Bowling Time
 
Proceeds will go toward purchase of Equipment for Go Kart Racing, in return will raise money for the Red Cross

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Celina-Mercer County Chamber Awards Bqnquet:

The Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet is scheduled for Thursday, February 25^th at The Galleria in Celina.  Tickets are on sale now for $25 each or a corporate table of 8 for $195.  The evening will begin with a social hour with appetizers, cash bar and a delicious dinner.    Past President Janet White and 2010 President Shirley Gross will review the chamber’s activities and goals. 

The annual chamber awards will be given out at the end of the program.  Awards are given for business of the year, citizen of the year, humanitarian and achievement awards.  Nominate a business or person of your choice by calling the chamber at 419 586-2219 or by filling out the nomination form online at www.celinamercer.com.

In keeping with one of the chamber’s 2010 goal of using more local talent, goods, and services, Celina native and international business consultant Robin Elston, owner and CEO of Elston Consulting LLC will be our guest speaker.  Elston Consulting LLC specializes in improving their clients’ commitment, productivity, and results in both their personal and business lives.  They work with clients in all kinds of situations, from making continual improvement, to planning major acquisition or downsizing, to overhauling the organization’s strategic plan.  Elston Consulting’s success in helping clients comes from the rare combination of extensive experience, scientific thought processes, and the most innovative programs specifically designed to meet each client’s needs.

Open to the public but space is limited.   For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Chamber at 419 586-2219 or email info@celinamercer.com.

Parkway FFA Annual Fruit Sale a Success

By Danielle Mathews

            The Parkway FFA members throughout the month of November were selling fruit to the public. The sale consisted of apples, navels, tangelos, grapefruit, BBQ Sauce, peanuts, and many other things that appealed to many people. The fruit was received in the middle of December and was packaged in the next two days. It was then delivered to the customers within the week, or even the day. The members are still taking in their money if you have not paid for your fruit.

            As the Parkway FFA Chapter, there were 753.50 boxes sold. This amounts to approximately 19,800 dollars brought in through this fundraiser. This sale is up 64 boxes from last year, but still not the top selling year yet!

            The Parkway FFA Chapter uses these funds to pay for many activities and events that the students experience throughout the year. Some of these events are State and National Convention, CDE events, Officer Retreat, furnishing the fair food stand, and many other opportunities that teach students lessons and give them memories. The Parkway FFA Chapter would like to thank the communities for buying fruit and supporting your Parkway FFA Chapter!

Parkway FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team Competes at State

By Danielle Mathews 

     The Parkway FFA on Saturday December 19^th, 2009 sent a Varsity Parliamentary Procedure team to compete at State finals in Columbus. Within the month, the Parliamentary team had won sub-districts and placed 2^nd at districts to earn their bid to state.

            The team had practiced very hard in the mornings before school to prepare for this event. The team also went up on Friday night and stayed at a nearby hotel in order to practice and get more sleep for the event. The team bonded over supper at Mongolian Grill and practiced more meetings and questions in the hotel’s suite.

            The team consisted of Claire Burtch, Seth Houts, Stephany Hesse, Corbin Hellwarth- President, Zach Searight- Vice President, Abby Evans- Treasurer, Olivia Houts- Student Advisor, Caden Hellwarth- Sentinel, Destinee Guggenbiller- Secretary, and Danielle Matthews- Reporter.

            The team placed 4^th in their room with a score of 1048.25. This placed them at 18^th overall.

            Congratulations to the team making it to State!

Picture first row: Abby Evans, Stephany Hesse, Claire Burtch, Destinee Guggenbiller, Olivia Houts, and Seth Houts.

Second row: Danielle Matthews, Caden Hellwarth, Corbin Hellwarth, and Zach Searight.

Bowlers Needed for Big Brothers/Big Sisters Event

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer Auglaize and Van Wert Counties is gearing up for its 20^th  annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake Fundraiser, the donor-funded volunteer-supported agency wants to remind area communities that it needs funding as well as volunteers.

Each year, for more than four decades, Bowl For Kids’ Sake has supported Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies through out the country.  The premiere fundraiser provides a way for mentors and their friends and families, as well as caring people who might not have time to mentor, to support Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

Independent studies find “Littles” are more likely to be successful in school, avoid violent, harmful and illegal behaviors and activities, and have strong relationships with their families and others.  Children served through Big Brothers Big Sisters are primarily those of single, low-income or incarcerated parents.

Nationwide every year, the Big Brothers Big Sisters network raises 20 million dollars through this effort.  Those wishing to begin impacting children’s lives right in our community can participate by challenging themselves to raise money and have fun doing it by participating in Bowl For Kids Sake events taking place across the three county area.  Celina, Minster and Van Wert will host the event this year.  Celina Plaza Lanes and Minster Community Lanes will take  place on Sunday, March 14 and  Van Wert Community Lanes will take place on Sunday, March 21^st.   Be a person who can affect change now by participating and/or donating to support Bowl for Kids' Sake! You can request a packet or sign up your team by calling 419-394-2990 or visit our website at www.bbbsma.com. 

www.bbbs.org/donating/bowlforkidssake

New Bremen Senior Citizens Plan Monthly Meeting

(New Bremen) 

The New Bremen Senior Citizens regular monthly meeting will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at the Senior Citizens Center, 700 East Monroe St., New Bremen.

Grand Lake Health System will be checking blood pressures 30 minutes prior to the 2:00 meeting.  Members and guests are welcome to participate. 

Paul Hoverman from Niswonger Performing Arts Center will be discussing upcoming productions.  Matt Kovacic from Life Line Screenings will give a presentation on “Community Health Screening” which will be held on March 12, 2010 at the Senior Citizens center.  

Any senior citizen in the area 55 & older is invited to attend and join in the fellowship.  Guests are always welcome to any of the meetings.

Following the attendance drawing, a light lunch served by Irma Hoying, Helen Wissman, Joe & Marie Wendeln.

Bingo will conclude the afternoon of fun & fellowship.

For information on rentals call Lowell Quellhorst @ 419-629-3352; quilts Mary Hespe @ 419-629-0704. All other information call Suzanne Heuker @ 419-629-2206 or Rita Heitkamp @ 419-629-2877

Reminder of State of Villages Breakfast

Good morning!

I want to remind everyone that we've got the Annual State of the Villages Breakfast coming up on Thursday January 28th, 2010.  This year's event is sponsored once again by The St Marys Evening Leader and The Community Post.  Chamber member Main Street Station will cater the breakfast for us again as well. 

If you've not RSVP'd already, please get with the Chamber of Commerce to reserve your place.  The cost is $8.00 and we can invoice you, or just send a check after you RSVP.

Thanks very much!

Scott M. Frey
Executive Director
Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce
107 West Monroe Street, Suite 2  PO Box 3
New Bremen, OH 45869
Phone (419) 629-0313  Fax (419) 629-0411
Cell (419) 204-8729
www.auglaize.org

 

Fort Recovery Chamber Awards Banquet

RE:  ANNUAL “CITIZEN OF THE YEAR” & “HALL OF FAME” BANQUET

            THE FORT RECOVERY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WILL AGAIN HONOR THE INDIVIDUALS OF OUR COMMUNITY WHO HAVE RENDERED OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE FORT RECOVERY COMMUNITY.  THE PRESENTATION OF AWARDS WILL BE HELD DURING A BANQUET ON SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2010 AT THE FORT RECOVERY MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITERIA.  THE BANQUET WILL BEGIN WITH A SOCIAL HOUR AT 6:00 P.M. FOLLOWED BY A DINNER AND PROGRAM.

            THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY FOR BOTH “CITIZEN OF THE YEAR” AND “HALL OF FAME” AWARDS:

                        THE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE PERSON                           WHO HAS GIVEN OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE FT RECOVERY                                             COMMUNITY DURING 2009.

                        THE HALL OF FAME AWARD(S) WILL BE PRESENTED TO A CITIZEN(S) WHO                          HAS GIVEN OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE FT RECOVERY COMMUNITY IN                           PAST YEARS.

            NOMINATION FORMS WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGH FEBRUARY 15, 2010 AND ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:  FT RECOVERY LIBRARY, POST OFFICE, MERCER SAVINGS BANK, SECOND NATIONAL BANK AND FIRST FINANCIAL BANK.

            TICKETS FOR THE BANQUET MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ANY CHAMBER MEMBER OR BY CALLING 375-2530.

 

Cooperstown Calls Locals for Legends Games

                 Bill Montgomery and Rob Howell

January 18, 2009, Celina, OH—The week of September 13-17, 2009 saw Celinans Rob Howell and Bill Montgomery join 130 other " Men of Good Cheer" in Cooperstown, New York, for the Legends of Baseball's World Series.

Playing on historic Doubleday Field, their team won 6 and lost 4 (by a total of 5 runs) making it to the second round of the playoffs before bowing out in a 1-0 loss.

Howell, Celina ACME Baseball's Head Coach, went 2-0 on the mound, batted over .500, and played errorless defense. Montgomery, President of Celina Insurance Group, had an on-base-percentage of  nearly .700 and caught 7 of the 10 games.

For more information, please visit: legendsofbaseball.com.

#

USDA Rural Development and Farm Service Agency’s Ohio Office to Host Forum on Jobs, Economic Growth

WHO:             Tony Logan, USDA Rural Development State Director and Steve Maurer, State Executive Director of Farm Service Agency    

WHAT:           USDA Rural Development State Director Tony Logan and Steve Maurer, State Executive Director of Farm Service Agency, will hold a community forum on job creation and economic growth. The forum is a follow-up to the Forum on Jobs and Economic Growth that President Obama hosted at the White House on December 3.

WHEN:          1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. on January  21, 2010

WHERE:        Ohio Department of Agriculture

8995 E. Main Street

                        Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

WHY:              The roundtable will give residents and business owners an opportunity to discuss ways to accelerate job growth in rural America.  The President has asked his Cabinet to gather ideas from local communities on ways to grow the economy and put Americans back to work.  The ideas collected at these roundtables will be presented to President Obama beginning in January.

CONTACT:   Michael Jones (Rural Development) at 614-255-2394 or Christina Reed (Farm Service Agency) at 614-255-2527.

NEWS UPDATE FOR JANUARY 19, 2010

 Haiti Earthquake

American Red Cross Update

January 18, 2010

We’re making progress.  The American public has reached out to help and their support is getting to Haiti.

*       More than 400 Red Cross workers from around the world as well as several thousands of local volunteers are addressing urgent needs and mobilizing a massive response operation in Haiti.
*       The Red Cross is providing a wide range of help and support in the form of food, water, relief supplies, field hospitals, emotional support, sanitation facilities and family linking services for the people of Haiti.

Relief materials are being delivered, and more help is on the way by air, land and sea.

*       American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern is in the Dominican Republic, meeting with Red Cross leadership from around the world, and will travel to Haiti on Tuesday to visit relief operations.
*       Today (Monday), American Red Cross workers are delivering basic supplies to people gathering in camps near Croix Deprez.
*       First aid posts have been set up in the streets, outside the damaged American Red Cross office, where volunteers from Haiti and other countries are working side-by-side to clean and stitch up wounds amidst the rubble.
*       In the days ahead, the American Red Cross will begin to provide supplies for temporary shelters in Haiti. Kits, containing tarps, rope and tools, as well as tents and blankets, will be made available for an initial 20,000 families.
*       Over the weekend, planes and trucks carrying Red Cross humanitarian assistance arrived in the region, delivering a field hospital and much needed materials such as tarps, blankets, hygiene items, buckets, shelter supplies and kitchen sets. Three additional shipments of relief items should arrive on Monday and Tuesday in the Dominican Republic before being trucked into Haiti.
*       The Red Cross is training dozens of Creole-speaking volunteers who will work as translators on the USNS Comfort when Haitians will be brought aboard for medical care.
*       The Red Cross spent the weekend delivering clean drinking water to survivors gathering in six different communities Latrines have also been built to help address sanitation issues.
*       The Red Cross is treating crush injuries and triaging people for surgery outside a hospital in downtown Port-au-Prince. Two additional Red Cross hospitals and three health outreach teams are expected to be operational within the day (Monday).

This is a massive urban disaster of unprecedented proportions, and we know that this is going to be a costly long-term recovery operation.

*       Terrible times like these bring out the best in people, and we are grateful for the support being given to the American Red Cross.
*       People can donate in support of the relief effort in Haiti at www.redcross.org <https://arcmail2k.redcross.org/Exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.redcross.org/>  or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Mobile donors can text “Haiti” to 90999 to make a $10 contribution.

The Red Cross is helping reconnect families that have been separated by the earthquake.

*       As of Sunday morning, more than 22,000 people had registered with a special Red Cross Web site to help people search for their loved ones. The Web site of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) enables people in Haiti and abroad to search for and register the names of relatives missing since the earthquake. The web address is: www.icrc.org/familylinks <https://arcmail2k.redcross.org/Exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.icrc.org/familylinks> . People in Haiti are registering to let their loved ones know they are safe and well.

--
Deb Hemmelgarn
Executive Director
Mercer County Chapter
American Red Cross

office 419-586-2201
cell 419-852-4624
redcross.org
mercercountyredcross.org
 

My Break into Journalism at OSU

PLOWING CORN CIRCA 1922

S.E. KNAPP AND IVAN KNAPP, SR

                         The Tradition of Making Home Made Ice Cream

Kevin Schwartz, Ivan Knapp, Sr. circa 1971 

Blue Corner School, Tomlinson-Ross Roads

Union Township, Mercer County, Ohio 1929

Wilkesville, Ohio Post Office circa 1900

Vinton County, Ohio

Chapter Titles September 15, 2009

Grand Hall of London and the Coat Exchange

Don't Push Your Luck 

Paying Attention to the Signs (branch flipped them out of canoe, food spoiling, canoe overloaded ) similar to Everglades plane crash

Sensing when odds are stacked against you   

Forgive your enemies; just don't forget their names--JFK 5/60

You Come, Too

By Ivan Knapp

“I’m going out to fetch the little calf

That’s standing by its mother. It’s so young,

It totters when she licks it with her tongue,

I sha’n’t be gone long—you come too.”

                                   The Pasture—Robert Frost

    These words from Robert Frost’s “The Pasture” remind me of summers in the country that I spent with my counsins on the Farm.  And specifically of my cousin Anna Mary Jackson.

Anna Mary Jackson

            She taught me a lot about living in the country and nature and animals.  She had a pony named Betty that she let me ride while she led her down the lane and out to the road where motorcycles sped nosily by.  I held on tight to Betty, and Betty walked tightly next to Anna Mary.

            Every morning after listening to Jay Gould at “The Little Red Barn in Indiana” and eating a delicious breakfast of bacon and eggs my aunt prepared,   Anna Mary and I would walk out across the pasture to fetch the cows.  And we did the same at evening, without fail.

            It was this routine that was such an important part of life on the farm.  I often missed it in my later life.  Why couldn’t life continue to be so sure, so steady, so important that all of life was a part of it.

Anna Mary and Betty and a work horse

            I remember how my Uncle Frank talked about “the farming game” and talked to their Rat Terrier to “walk like Eleanor.”  It was not until years later that I understood my uncle was referring to Mrs. Franklin Roosevelt, who in the newsreels always seemed to sort of joust along, first one step, then another. Dottie would walk  on her back feet whenever my uncle said, “Walk like Eleanor”  I don’t recall any sense of bad humor, just Dottie matching Mrs. Roosevelt’s juggling along, first to the left, then to the right, and then uncertainly ahead.

Anna Mary and Dottie

            We meet a lot of people in a lifetime.  Some we like; some we don’t.  And some who make a positive lasting impressing on  us.  Anna Mary Jackson was a positive influence on me.  It was her gentle nature and her love of animals, all animals that become a part of me. 

            How was it so?  She never married and at her funeral, in the eulogy the preacher said that “animals were her family.”  There was always a lot of dogs around—some who had been thrown out, and others who just came of their own accord.    And cats were everywhere.  I remember at milking time, after the cream was removed by the separator, she or my uncle would pour some milk in empty can lids and the cats would come running from everywhere.

            Anna Mary was a good listener.  When Mom would drive over every week to pick up a couple dozen eggs,  I would go along and talk to Anna Mary about school.  In the late 1950’s Spencerville High School was going through a major transition, with several seasoned teachers let go and some not-so-hot replacements hired late in the summer. 

            I always felt better after talking to Anna Mary.  She showed me patience, understanding, kindness and I learned from her example.  How one treated animals went along way to building positive relationships with other people.  She never lectured, but consistently showed how to treat other beings by her examples.

            God bless this fine person who set such a fine example of how to live life and treat other beings.  I always wanted to be like Anna Mary.  Often I failed, but it wasn’t for lack of a fine example.

            Ultimately, the chickens were sold and the pony died.  Anna Mary went to work at Huffys and then both her parents passed on.  Her sister married and moved to Botkins where she had several children whom she would bring  back to the farm. 

            Kind words were said at her funeral and I take flowers to her grave each year, but her spirit lives on in all that I do.  She was and remains a big influence in my life.  God bless the memory of this fine person.

Thanksgiving in South Beach

Cardoza Hotel

Holidays, especially Thanksgiving have a way of dividing up time in your life better than the days and weeks and months in the calendar.  This year may have been our best Thanksgiving yet mainly because we stayed at home.  That’s a little misleading because we will have the family in on Saturday, so to say no Thanksgiving in 2008 is misleading.  It’s just that we stayed at home on Thursday and it was great.  Over the years (42 years married) we have done our share of traveling on or near Thanksiving including Ann Arbor, Michigan, Chicago, New York, and Washington.

            I will never forget Thanksgiving, 1962.  I spent the whole weekend writing a research paper for one of my classes at Ohio State.  I got the paper done, but it was a lousy Thanksgiving.  I could hear the family busy in the  kitchen and in the living room, enjoying the holiday.  I did stop to get a plate of food, but it was the worst Thanksgiving I had ever had up to that point.

            In 2004 we flew down to Miami to join my older son and his wife.  I remember how bluish green the bay and shore area looked as the plane circles around for the landing. 

            On Thanksgiving day we had a delicious meal at Café Cardozo, which was located on the porch area of the Cardozo Hotel.  Cardozo Hotel, 1300 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach and is owned by international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio Estefan, Jr.  Opened in 1939, the hotel was renovated in 2001.

            The Cardoza Hotel is located two blocks north of the Versace Mansion on Ocean Drive.  Designer/photographer Gianni Versace was murdered in his home on July 23, 1997.

            I have attached a copy of the menu for Thanksgiving, November, 2004 that included roasted turkey, lamb shish kebab, roasted pork, mixed green salad, rice tuna salad, and pumpkin pie.  The meal was fantastic.  What less would you expect at the Cardozo Hotel, Miami Beach, 1300 Ocean Drive.   http://miami .diningguide.net/data/d100230.htm

 Jerry Rentz Barber for 50 Years

how important things don’t get done because the barbers are too busy cutting hair.

            Jerry knows a lot of the rest of the stories.  He is reminded every year on his birthday of the young kids from Minster killed at a crossroad near Marion Local School on March 7. 

            He remembers Lovey Dickson who delivered Penny Savers all over the county from his coaster wagon.  And local poet Bob Sampson and Murv who lived at the Fort Barbee Hotel.

            He has a running account not only of what has happened in St. Marys, but what is happening now.  He is familiar with efforts being made to buy up the town and reestablish downtown events.  Probably at some time every man in the community stops by Rentz’s Barber Shop.

            Jerry Rentz likes people and people like him.  He treats his customers with respect and knows when to talk and when to shut up.  He could write a book and it would be a good one full of personal stories with insight and humor.

            His hobbies include golf, NASCAR racing, and movies.  He said his favorite movie is “Caddy Shack” with Steve Martin.  On his tombstone he recommends  the words, “I told you I was sick.”

            Finally he seldom passes out advice except when someone asked him about going into a partnership.  I recommended it was not a good idea.  I remember first hand the difficulties my brother and I had. 

            One of the people who had most influence on his life was his high school football Coach Moore, Jerry played guard on this high school football team.  Coach Moore had a way with kids.  He left the area to take a job at a high school in St. Joseph, Indiana when then went on to coach at Notre Dame with the famous Ara Parseghian.

Ron Selby praises Jerry Rentz' hair cut

            Hours at the barbershop are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m; and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Once in a while he closes the shop and takes a long weekend with his family who go to Bristol to watch the races.

            No matter where he goes, he knows people.  His son John said the same one time when they were miles away from home, “Dad, no matter where we go, you know someone.”  And not only that, he knows something about everyone and can tell you a story if you have a couple minutes.

            Customers drive hundreds of miles for a haircut from Jerry Rentz as my  bother does from Germantown, Ohio.  He’s a good barber and people like him.

We congratulate him on his 50 years as a barber and thank him for the positive impact he has had on thousands of people, including you and me.

University Hall, Ohio State University

(Photo provided)

King Henry IV Part I (photo one)

(photo two)

(photo three)

(photo four)

(photo five)

(photo six)

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NEWS UPDATE FOR AUGUST 18, 2008

Fort Recovery State Museum August, 2008 Newsletter

(Wow, Our Heads Are Spinning (So much going on!)

A. Restore the Fort Recovery Opera House!???

  Have you ever visited the old opera house above Mike Brockman’s Appliance Store on the corner of Wayne and Butler? What an impressive place it used to be!  It was there that entertainment and meeting space was provided for Fort Recovery from the 1880’s until well into the 1900’s.  According to Mark Wangler’s report in our “purple history book,” the opera house had 18 foot ceilings and could seat 300 people (250 on the floor and another 50 in the balconies.)

One of the factors that seem to make the FR opera house so unique is the type of paintings on the walls. Another is the stage floor that is slanted so the audience could see the people at the back.  (Risers were not used at that time.)  Ten tracks were built in the ceiling at the rear of the stage so scenery (painted on screens) could be pulled on and off.  Gas pipes with numerous orifices were installed at the foot of the stage and provided light.  Imagine the effect!

The questions now are, “Is this grand ole opera house worth renovating?  For what might it be used if it were restored?  How much would it cost?  Who would be responsible?  Would it be good for our community?”

Mary Ann Olding and Joan Kaup of Cincinnati are working with Project Recovery personnel to address those questions.  Those two knowledgeable gals believe this opera house could indeed be put on the National Register of Historic Places, and there could be grant money available to help.

 What’s your opinion?

B. Progress on the State Museum!

  Helen LeFevre, Chris Keller and I have been meeting throughout the summer with representatives of the Ohio Historical Society to delineate the plans for the updating of our museum.  We have been working with topnotch people who are approaching this renovation very professionally and methodically.  Our small committee of three reports back to the whole museum renovation committee (Jill Walter, Nancy Abels, Pat Hull, Neal Spencer, Mary Diller, Rich Wood, Bob Heitkamp, Steve Stone) and gets its input as we make progress toward the actual renovations.  It is really very exciting to be part of the discussions deciding who the museum’s target audience really is and/or should be, and what we, the representatives of that museum, want the outcomes of this renovation to be! 

C. Progress on the Indian Artifact Exhibits Upstairs

            Intern Archaeologist, Chris Keller and several volunteers have made great progress in getting all of the artifacts recorded on the electronic “Past Perfect” program.  Once this is done it will serve as documentation of our Indian artifacts for generations to come!  What an accomplishment.  In addition, within the month we will have on display a colorful professionally done (by OHS) timeline to accompany the points’ displays.    Also of particular interest will be the addition, within the display, of a video demonstrating how the prehistoric points and tools were actually made.  No doubt the Prehistoric Indian Artifact exhibits in our museum balcony will become a big draw for our museum!

D. A WELCOME Video and Podcast are Coming!

            Chris and I are making plans with Fort Recovery High School CoLab teacher, Diane McClung, and fourth grade teacher/tech guru, Bob Heitkamp, to create a video which visitors can view before touring our museum grounds.  This “welcome” video would give an overview of our history and the historically interesting things there are to see in Fort Recovery.  The video would be created, designed and produced by the CoLab class, with support and assistance from our museum and historical society.  OHS has also offered to be of assistance to the class.  In addition, plans are  being made to have that class create a podcast which can be downloaded from our website and can be used by visitors for a walking tour of our historical sites.  What a wonderful cooperative activity for the students, the teachers, our museum, our historical society and our community!

E. Important People Want to Know!

John Winkler, (Winkler and Winkler Law Firm, Columbus) recently toured our museum and grounds to gather data for a series of books he is writing on different time periods of Ohio History.  Through his research and his visit here, he is now concentrating on our particular events in history and the interesting people who took part in those events.  He came back to our museum and met with several of our trustees to share information and to solicit input regarding the interest of the topics etc.  How rewarding it will be to see the importance of the history of Fort Recovery documented in Winkler’s books!  (By the way John is a graduate of Harvard in history!)

Winkler also mentioned that he is a friend of Alan Gaff, author of Bayonets in the Wilderness, (a book we carry at the museum) and that he might be of help to us as we decide how to focus our renovations.  Since that time I have spoken (by email) with Gaff, and plans are being made for him to visit our museum and perhaps to do a presentation here later this fall.  (If you’d like to read his book, do stop by and pick one up.  Remember that as a patron you receive a 10% discount!  J )

With A-B-C-D-E above all happening concurrently, life is truly exciting around the FORT!

Thank You!  To –

-Kim Niekamp and Kathy Gonzalez for organizing and managing this year’s Fort Recovery 5K run!  There was a good turnout of 260+ participants.  It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and participants eagerly took off with the firing of the cannon by Bill Bechtol.  Unlike some of the other Mercer Challenge runs, there is no one who doesn’t hear the starting shot here at FR!  Thanks to the many, many volunteers and community people who supported the race in one way or another, from sprinkling runners on the course to storing the bottled water in commercial coolers, to donating time, money, food, water, and runner’s gifts.   What great cooperation we get in a small town like FR!

- Bob Hart for power washing the windows and window frames (inside/outside) of the Walk-By Museum.

- Carol Hart and Pat Wenning for redoing the window displays of the Walk-By Museum.  Take a stroll down that beautiful and shady memory lane and enjoy the work done by those two ladies.  Very interesting picture AND spinning wheel displays.  Thanks also to Chris Kramer Ewry for her consultation and advice on the spinning wheels and providing samples of wool and flax, and to Pat Diller for making the placards!

-Jill Walter for mentioning to her sister that the museum could use the nice desk she no longer needed.  If you stop by, you will notice that not only is the desk useful, it really dresses up our entranceway!  Thanks Jill (and Mike and your sister, Jean, too!)

And the Answer is –

            Last month’s true and false quiz on the monument?  All true except the last two – More like 900 soldiers buried beneath the monument, and no – St. Clair is NOT buried with his men under the monument.  He is interred in a public park in downtown Greensburg, Pennsylvania!  

Happy Trails to You, until we meet again!        nk 

PS.  Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Historical Society Auction to be held this October 19^th!   If you have any items you’d be willing to donate, leave a message at the museum – 419-375-4649.  Thank YOU!

Parkway FFA Students Receive State Degrees

By Danielle Matthews

            The Parkway FFA would like to congratulate Travis Guggenbiller, Brett Sheets, Jenifer Thomas, Dee-Dee Knapke, and Brandon Riley for all receiving their State Degrees.

            To receive your State Degree you must complete the following requirements: earned the Chapter Degree, have completed one year in an agricultural education course, have an approved SAE, be a junior, senior, or high school graduate, assisted in the development of our FFA Chapter’s Program of Activities, grossed earning exceeding $3,000, worked more than 1,000 hours, have a GPA of 2.0, and a 93% or better school attendance record.

            Travis Guggenbiller is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Guggenbiller. Travis worked on Mullenkamp Farms and Monterey Fabrications.

            Brett Sheets is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Sheets. Brett did numerous jobs at Sheet and Sons Farms and Heritage Farm Equipment.

            Jenifer Thomas is the daughter of Deb Thomas and Larry Thomas. Jenifer did her work to earn her state degree on her family farm near Chatt doing field crops. 

            Dee-Dee Knapke is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Knapke. Dee-Dee did all her work on her family farm in Rockford where her family raises 200 Suffolk sheep.

            Brandon Riley also received his state degree by working on Roger Farms. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Riley.

            All of these students also completed numerous home improvement projects. They put an enormous amount of effort into earning their degrees. They all received their State Degrees on May 3^rd at the 80^th Ohio FFA Convention. Congratulations!

Two Members of Parkway FFA Complete Proficiency Awards

By Danielle Mathews

Danny Knapke

            The FFA offers many opportunities for students to do well at many different areas of agriculture. These are called proficiencies. There are different proficiencies such as: Forestry, Floriculture, Sheep Production, and Poultry. Parkway was very lucky to have two students do very well at the state level with their proficiency.

            To qualify you must fill out an application that tells the committee about your Supervised Agricultural Experience. The application is graded at districts and state level. The top four state qualifiers are interviewed and placed. Parkway had Danny Knapke and Brett Sheets place in the top four in their proficiency.

            Brett Sheets competed in the Mechanics Repair and Maintenance. He received a gold rating and was 2^nd place in his proficiency. He did his work at Heritage Farm Equipment and Sheet and Sons Farms. He has been working at Sheet and Sons Farms for four years and Heritage for one year. He would fix and repair farm equipment.

            Danny Knapke received a 1^st place in Sheep Production. He did his work at his family sheep farm. He raises around 200 Suffolk sheep each year and shows them at many different shows across state or in national shows. He has been doing this is whole life.

            Danny for receiving first place will go on to nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana to compete. Results will be told at National FFA Convention in November.

            The Parkway FFA Chapter would like to congratulate Danny and Brett for all their hard work and being one of the top in the state!

O.U.R. Home Food Pantry Needs Donations

O.U.R. Home Family Resource Center  food pantry is very low and in need of donations of soup, spaghetti, rice, canned vegetables and fruit, pasta, spaghetti sauce.  Please drop off your donations anytime Monday through Thursday 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.  If you have questions, please call O.U.R. Home FRC at 419-586-home( 4663).  Thanks for your help.  Janice

John Miller receives the ABCD Award

Celina, Ohio – Celina Manor, 1001 Myers Road, named John Miller, of Celina, the ABCD Award winner for the month of June. John began at Celina Manor on May 22, 2006 and has now been chosen for this award for his work as a State Tested Nurses Aid and Nursing Scheduler.

        He was chosen for this award through nominations from our “Helping Hands” and “Peer Pat on the Back” programs.  “Helping Hands” is a program which gives residents and their families the opportunity to nominate employees that have gone Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.  Co-workers also get the opportunity to identify great work of others through the “Peer Pat on the Back” program.

        John will be married to Ashleigh Evans in June 2009.  John has 2 cats, Marley and Maggie, a dog, Harley, a bearded dragon, Jaba, and six fish.  In John’s free time he enjoys sports and hanging out with his friends.

        John shared that Service Excellence is important to him because it holds us all to a higher standard which allows for better care for our residents.  Before working at Celina Manor, John never really saw himself working in this field.  However, since his employment began, he is now finishing his nursing degree and can’t see himself doing anything else!  He feels that nursing is a very rewarding career!  Congratulations John!  Job well done!

DARE Booster Minutes for August 5, 2008

The DARE Boosters met on the morning of August 5, 2008, at the Mercer County Educational Services Center in Celina.  The meeting was called to order by President Ken Obringer.  The following members were present:  Nancy Heppeard, Sue Miller, Ken Obringer, Shirley Pryer, Tom Pryer, Karen Sapp, and Karen Post.

TREASURER'S REPORT:  Nancy Heppeard reported that the ending balance for July was $8,404.05, with $5,606.97 being available for our use.  One scholarship recipient, at his time has asked for payment.  Shirley Pryer moved the report be accepted , Karen Sapp seconded, and the motion carried.

SECRETARY'S REPORT:  All members have received the minutes via e-mail.  The minutes were accepted.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  GARDEN TOUR:  Nancy Heppeard reported that the total profit for the Garden Tour was $925.00.  She also said that several of the homes for next year have been lined up.  Nancy no longer wishes to chair the garden tour, so we need someone to take on that responsibility.  One or two people need to step up and either chair or co-chair this program.  Nancy has done a terrific job in the past and I am sure will help the new people out.  Nancy also mentioned that Cheryl Ann is looking for some easy and simple flowers for the students to plant and maintain at their facility.

DISC GOLF:  Ken Obringer has contacted the same Disc Golf company and person that he worked with last year.  He has not heard from them at this time.  Ken will call them if he does not hear from them this week.  We are hoping to again use the fair grounds and the FOP building as we did last year.  Nancy Heppeard will contact the fair secretary concerning this.  The date for the Disc Golf outing is October 17, which is WOEA Day, and no school for the students.  It will run from 9:00 until 2:30, with a $5.00 charge per person, a 4 person team and a best ball format.  Karen Post will contact the high schools in the county and encourage them to give the event publicity such as announcements at football games, etc..

DARE DAY AT THE FAIR:  The DARE Day at the fair will be held on Wednesday, August 13, at 1:00, with many activities scheduled for the kids to enjoy.

We would like to welcome new members, Dick Sapp, Kip and Mary Wright to the DARE Boosters organization.  Welcome aboard.

The next DARE Booster meeting will be held on September 2, 2008.

Respectfully submitted,

Tom Pryer 

Mercer County Pheasants Forever #745 August 11, 2008 Minutes

Attendance:  13 members present at Bub Bomholt's. Pat Schmitt absent.

Minutes: (Brian) Distributed via email. Sean Finke made motion to approve minutes, Chris Niekamp second – motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report: (Bill in Pat's absence) Current balance - $17,685.00.  Rick Klenke motion to approve treasurer's report and  pay all bills, Jonas Foote second – motion passed. Question was asked if FBB match of $5000 was paid yet. It also was discussed that Chapter is to have funds depleted at end of fiscal year. 

Habitat: (Doug) All seed bills paid except for two.  Approximately $3820 cost share to be paid out yet on habitat projects. Doug will be working with Mercer County Sportsman Club to get some of their acreage re-enrolled into conservation programs as they have had some expire. CP33 expires October 1^st.

Farm Bill Biologist: Mitch has moved on to take a position with Indiana DNR. Discussion about expectations from next FBB. Bill Knapke to talk with Doug Bensman.

Youth Programs: (Jonas)  Jonas gave below dates for upcoming youth events. He will be mailing out applications to all youth on file tomorrow.

Youth Dove Hunt (1/2 day)

Saturday, September 6^th - morning hunt

Limited to 30 youth hunters

Hunter Education class required to apply.

Applications available by contacting Jonas Foote at (419) 375 - 2907 or jonas_h_foote@hotmail.com

Youth Trap Shoot

September 7, 2008

Sponsored by Mercer County PF & Ft. Recovery Gun Club

To register contact Jonas Foote at (419) 375 - 2907 or jonas_h_foote@hotmail.com

Ringneck Day

Saturday, October 11th - 4 hours

Ohio Progressive Sportsmen Club

Ages 6 - 10

Hunting Dog Demonstration, Pellet Riffle shoot, Archery and ??

To register contact Jonas Foote at (419) 375 - 2907 or jonas_h_foote@hotmail.com

Damon Klenke Memorial Youth Pheasant Hunt

Saturday, November 15th

Hunter Education class required to apply.

Ohio Progressive Sportsmen Club

To register contact Jonas Foote at (419) 375 - 2907 or jonas_h_foote@hotmail.com

Banquet: (Gary) Gary discussed  idea of attendance drawings as well as new ideas for presale tickets. It was also suggested to check on White's for framing.

Fish Fry: Saturday, August 16^th with skeet and trap at 4:00 and dinner at 6:30. Tickets availible at the door. We can use any and all help.

Old Business: Pat received the 2 David Mass prints (Hasty Accent).

New Business: Damon Klenke Memorial Hog Roast / Sporting Clays Shoot – August 23. Gary Steinbrunner made a motion to purchase a new Chapter banner, Byron Frank second – motion passed.

Action Plan: Bill to check with Matt Vantilburg on dove field

                      Gary to check on Ted Rutchy's field for dove hunt

                      Everyone sell presale gun raffle tickets for Fish Fry

Next Meeting: September 8th – 8:00 pm at Andy Stachler's - 4878 Ft. Recovery Minster Road. 

Motion to Adjourn: Ryan Garrison made motion to adjourn, Chris Niekamp second – motion passed.

Respectfully Submitted: Brian Miller

Representative Jim Zehringer Completes Leadership Institute

Generous Gift From Owen Hall and Associates, Realtors/Auctioneers

Wright State University-Lake Campus is proud to announce that it received a $5,000 pledge from Owen Hall and Associates, Realtors/Auctioneers. The donation supports the Lake Campus Capital Campaign, which funds the construction project currently underway at the Celina campus. Shown accepting a $1,000 payment towards the pledge are, from left, Eldon Houts, Capital Campaign Committee Member; Dr. James Sayer, Dean of Wright State University-Lake Campus; Madonna and Owen Hall, Owners; and Tom Knapke, Western Ohio Educational Foundation Development Officer. Not pictured is Jon Hall, Auction Division.

           

Call for photography entries issued 

    The Wassenberg Art Center, 643 S. Washington Street, has issued a call for entries for its 31st Annual October Photography Exhibit.   This juried exhibit is open to any photographer of any age.  Entries are due at the Wassenberg Art Center on September 13 and 14 from 1-5 p.m.  Interested photographers will need a prospectus, which contains the rules and entry forms.  The prospectus may be downloaded from the art center website, www.vanwert.com/wassenberg.     Prospectuses are also available from the art center upon request:  Call 419.238.6837 or toll free 1.888.238.3837, or e-mail wassenberg@embarqmail.com and provide name and mailing address.

    Over $1,000 in awards will be presented.

    Of special interest this year is a new award, The John Flagg Award, funded by the Miller-Warner Foundation, for youth 18 years old and younger.  Any youth entry selected to be exhibited will be eligible to be judged in Color or Black and White for cash awards in addition to the other cash awards offered in the Photography Exhibit.

    For more information, contact the Wassenberg Art Center.  The October Photo Exhibit will run from October 5 through October 31.  It is sponsored by Citizens National Bank and Time Warner Cable.

News Update for August 5, 2008

Groundbreaking Held for Adult Detention Center

Sheriff Jeff Grey, Bob Nuding, John Bruns, Jerry Laffin

            Approximately 100 people, including county and city officials and members of the Jail Committee and Mercer County Sheriff’s staff gathered at the site along SR 127 for the ground breaking of the new Adult Detention Center.

           Presenters were Jerry Laffin, chairman of the Mercer County Commissioners, Sheriff Jeff Grey, and architect Rick Axline of Shamshrock Architects.  As Sheriff Jeff Grey told the media before the ceremony began, “This is the most exciting thing that has happened in his career.  He said that “89 years ago on August 4, the Mercer County Sheriff opened what was thing the new jail to 13 inmates.

            Mr. Laffin, in his fourth building project as commissioner, briefly traced the history of this project to date.  In 2003 the Commissioners and Sheriff Jeff Grey began to explore the idea of a new jail.  (At that time Representative Jim Zehringer who was on had for today’s ground breaking) was an important part of the early discussions.

            The commissioners hired Ric Axline of Sharmschock to do an initial needs study followed by a site study.  As Mr. Laffin pointed out, there was originally 7 possible sites that were eventually narrowed down to ground owned by the country near the Mercer County Home.

            In the mean time Sheriff Grey formed a Jail Committee and the Court House Committee reviewed the needs and possibilities of a new jail.  Part of the process was having the Sheriff, the Commissioners, and the Jail Committee visit all the townships and villages in the county.  Although the vote for the ½% of 1% Sales tax was close, the vote passed and the new jail started becoming a reality.  Mr. Laffin acknowledged all involved including commissioners Bob Nudling and  John Bruns; Pete Ross and Fifth Third with whom the financing for the 12 Million dollar project is completed.

John Bruns, Jerry Laffin, Bob Nuding, Sheriff Jeff Grey, RickAxline

            Sheriff Jeff Grey thanked his staff and the jail Committee.  He said thanks to his staff he can concentrate on the jail project.  He said it has taken a lot of patience.  He praised the commissioners and other county officials for their support of the project.

            Architect Rick Axline praised the efforts of Sheriff Jeff Grey and the County Commissioners and handed over the Silver-plated shovel soon to take its place on the wall in the commissioner’s office.