The 2022 “Clinton County Community Champion” (C4) Awards
The Clinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CCCVB) and the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce welcomed the public to the CVB Annual Meeting and Chamber’s Clinton County Community Champions (C4) Awards ceremony on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.
A full crowd at the historic Murphy Theatre enjoyed an overview of the CVB’s accomplishments throughout 2022, and cheered on nominees as award winners were revealed live in each of the seven C4 Award categories. The evening concluded with a mind-blowing performance by Mentalist, Brent Webb.
The “Old Hollywood” theme brought out fantastic fashion, documented by red carpet photo opportunities from photographer, Dray Stewart of Draydayvideos, and an interactive photo booth by Island Brothers Productions generously sponsored by Clinton County Leadership Institute. VIPs enjoyed a pre-show reception at the Loft on Main, catered by Baker St. Culinary and hosted by the CVB. And each of the award winners went home with a custom trophy designed and created by Champion Bridge Company.
It was an amazing evening celebrating Clinton County and its many champions, and was made possible by the support of our Boards, the generous sponsors (listed below), our amazing local vendors, and the entire community!
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Congratulations to our 2022 Award Winners:
BUSINESS CATEGORY: sponsored by Bush Auto Place, Clinton County Port Authority, and Workforce Services Unlimited, Inc.
Brown Funeral Home
Nominator: Nan Muchmore, wrote:
“Brown Funeral Home isn’t just a business to respect, it is a business that pays tribute to our friends and family by showing what respect is by giving dignity to a time in life that we will all face. …As the family goes through the steps to give final parting to their loved one, it’s as though you have a constant hug around your shoulders; a sincerity to make sure everything is just how your loved one would want their final goodbye to their family and their community to be. A beautiful act that Brown’s does in honor of those deceased is to plant a tree in their memory. Trees have been placed in our community as well as out west, in the Appalachians, and in other parts of our nation. A little-known service to our families; one remembered for a lifetime. Both Kevin and Billy are an inspiration to others in their care and dedication. Their work ethic is outstanding; on call 24/7. They take time away from their own families to take care of the families in our community. It may be an old cliché, but so true; in life, we create a new normal and as we struggle to find the new beginning without our loved ones, this time is made easier with folks like Kevin, Billy, and their staff gently assisting us. That’s what community is all about, helping each other. Brown’s Funeral Home is committed to being there for Clinton County.”
The Clarksville Post Office Employees
The anonymous nominator expressed:
“I have worked at a total of 33 different offices throughout my career with the United States Postal Service, and have never found a more giving and hard working group of people. The Clarksville employees have consistently stepped up to support the Fire Department, the Friends of Clarksville, wreaths at Christmas for the cemetery, flags in the summer, and even people down on their luck in town through direct donations. Sue Fisher, a 39 year employee and million mile safety award winner; Shannon Shumaker, a 33 year employee and million mile safety award winner; Sharon Crabill, a 24 year employee; and Tom Barczak, a 17 year employee, lead the pack in trying to maintain excellent customer service to all in the Village. We have Jodie Moran and Shanin Richardson, who have both been there over ten years and always bring joy by keeping our office decorated and clean. Then our newer employees - Laura Trusty, Jennifer Dunihue, and Christina Addison. Through COVID, they have shown up for work and served our customers to the best of their abilities, and have provided consistent service for so many years. Many have traveled to other offices in Clinton County when they have been short handed, so they haven’t just served Clarksville but many neighboring offices selflessly. These co-workers have committed themselves to serving not only Clarksville, but our entire community.”
Natalie Youd, Strength & Dignity Boutique, LLC
As described by nominator Jane Newkirk:
“In 2022, a huge fundraiser for the Aging Up Facility was accomplished by Strength and Dignity's owner, Natalie Youd, sponsoring a fashion gala with all ticket proceeds going to the center. Natalie worked tirelessly on getting this event organized to make it the success that it was and will continue as an annual event. While Strength and Dignity may be a small hometown business, they excelled at contributing to an agency and orchestrated a successful event to contribute to a vital service needed in Clinton County. In addition, we know that she is responsible for ‘Kathy's Kids,’ coordinating, organizing and purchasing Christmas gifts for children in need. This is a true definition of giving back to your community.”
CITIZEN CATEGORY: sponsored by JSL Home Repair, Paramount Commercial Roofing, Wilmington News Journal, & Wilmington Savings Bank
Kym Parks
Her anonymous nomination stated:
“Kym is committed to our community. She speaks up and out about the small and the big things that make Clinton County a great place live and work. Kym uses her social media skills to promote business and organizations, and tirelessly gives her physical presence to improve conditions and provide opportunity for the youth of our county. Outside of her work at ATSG, Kym is currently serving on the Clinton County 2040 Steering Committee, and volunteers with 4H as a local volunteer Club Advisor. Previously she served as President of the Clinton County Board of Trustees for the Ohio Farm Bureau, Board Member for the United Way, and The Emergency Food and Shelter Program for Clinton County. She has turned a modestly successful charity golf event into a $250,000 dollar fundraiser for ATSG corporate charities, which include the local food bank and ATSG Cares, for employees in need. Kym's unwavering enthusiasm and keen eye for recognizing the best and fixing the rest, exemplify why she is a Clinton County Community Champion.”
Pauline Taylor
Pauline had five submitted nominations, including Todd Vance, Wendy (Taylor) Albers, and several Anonymous, who expressed:
“Our mom’s daily routine (weather permitting) consists of picking up litter from her Kelly Drive home, down Jenny Lane, onto Prairie Road, then Lowe's Drive to the traffic light and back to her home. She has recently added North Wall Street as well. She also has taken up returning all of her neighbors trash cans to their house once the city has been by. Mom also loves to participate in the city's clean up events. I asked her one day why she does it. She replied, ‘Someone has to do it. I don't do it for glory or recognition. I'm doing my small part to keep our town the shining star that she is.’”
Elizabeth Huber
Nominator, Karen Long, described Elizabeth as:
“an unselfish, creative leader who works hard in cooperation with and in service to others. While raising a family and working full-time, Elizabeth actively supports so many local initiatives - Leadership Clinton, Leadership Clinton Youth Collaborative, the Chamber, Outstanding Women of Clinton County, Clinton County Sports Hall of Fame, Dinner in the Fields, and the Clinton County Laundromat Libraries. …She has lead community-wide campaigns, such as collecting supplies for hurricane victims in Florida, fundraising books for local preschool classrooms, and raising more than $1000 in new books for the Laundromat Libraries. She speaks out on behalf of others when she sees things that aren't right, and never seeks the spotlight for herself. Elizabeth truly loves the work that she does and her passion is contagious. Her energy for service to others and this community are unmatched.”
Joseph Robert "Bob" Wilson
Nominated by Lannae Wilson:
“Bob Wilson is a 99 year old WWII vet, a member of First Baptist Church and has been a member of the community for over 70 years. He has often volunteered at Our Father's Kitchen and is an active member in the Lions Club. Bob is an inspiration to friends, neighbors, family, and so many in the community to always keep going. He has also become a big influence in the lives of the youth at his church. His stories of his days in the war and the Depression inspire you because he shows how you can get through the toughest of times. Bob has given his time, money, and food to those in need and he still does to this today unselfishly. There really are no words to describe this 99 year old young man who may have aching bones and tired joints, but wakes up every morning with a song in his heart and a smile on his face.” Thank you Bob for your service and for your inspiration to us all.
EDUCATION CATEGORY: sponsored by Great Oaks Career Campuses, Smith-Feike-Minton, Inc., Wilmington Auto Center Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and Wilmington College
JoAnne Lindsey
Nominator Shelley Bailey wrote:
“JoAnne Lindsey has given 51 years to education. She has worked as a full-time teacher in many surrounding school districts, but recently her time has focused on subbing. Over the last 16 months, she has been a staple at least twice a week at the Southern Ohio Learning Center, whose students require specialized education for their behaviors and mental health. …She works with students on-on-one, serves as a role model, and listens to their stories. She serves as a grandmother figure [and] students genuinely love and care for Mrs. Lindsey and treat her with respect. This is a lesson that is hard to teach!”
Erin Henry and Dillon Oney
The Anonymous nominator described Erin and Dillon as...
"two wonderful examples of teachers who are dedicated to bettering students holistically. Dillon is a social studies and career education teacher at Wilmington High School and Erin is an intervention specialist. Together, they teach our Career Connections courses and run the WHS Food Pantry. Through the Career Connections courses, students not only gain valuable workforce skills, but also apply those skills in the food pantry. Each pickup day, at least 20 families are able to come and get free groceries to help support them. …Erin and Dillon have put in countless hours of work and effort to serve our community and our school and introduce many students to community service through the pantry.”
Cindy Stenger
Nominated by: Matt Baker, he stated:
“As a member of the Friends of Clarksville, Cindy has kept Clinton Massie Local Schools (CMLS) connected with Clarksville community and the projects to better the area. …She has written and received grants for CMLS well over $100k for items such as AEDs, outdoor exercise equipment for senior citizens and special needs students, employee wellness items, furniture for the new school-based health clinic, just to name a few. She is always putting students and staff first in front of her own needs or wants. She is a role model for others to overcome tragedies and still forge ahead. Cindy is an asset to our school and this community.”
Mrs. Linda Larrick, posthumous
The anonymous nomination wrote:
“Linda Larrick served the Blanchester Local School District for 43 years. She began in 1979 and completed her service in 2022. Linda was an administrative assistant at Putman Elementary School. She knew students by name and their parents by name. She made sure that all students received supplies at the beginning of the year and throughout the school year. Linda made sure when it came time for field trips that all students were able to participate. During holidays, she was instrumental in making sure all families had a holiday meal. During Christmas, she assisted organizations to make sure all families and students received presents. When new students enrolled, she gladly gave the students and families a tour of the school. Parents were quite confident that Linda would keep their children safe. Linda kept the staff in line as well, making sure that they had their supplies and classroom data complete. Linda relished the role of administrative assistant; her smile and giggle warmed the hearts of everyone that she met. She loved her job and showed that love to everyone she met. Linda Larrick was an asset to Putman Elementary and the Blanchester Local School District. Linda Larrick passed away this past September a few days before she was to retire, she has been dearly missed.”
GOVERNMENT/PUBLIC SERVICE CATEGORY: sponsored by Charter Communications/Spectrum, Clinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Collett Services, Inc.
Chief Ron Fithen
Nominated by Dan Gray:
“Chief Ron Fithen is by far one of the most dedicated and hardest working men we know in the community. He is a community leader and leads the City Police Department with class and great pride. Chief also heads security for Rock the Block Wilmington and, after 4 years, we are proud to say he and his officers have kept the program safe. His continued efforts are what keeps all of us able to do events downtown.”
Annen Vance
Christina Hughes and an Anonymous nominator, expressed:
“Annen Vance was hired to be a code enforcer for the city of Wilmington. She is cleaning up this town! Little by little, things get fixed, cleaned, and people get help. …She also does a number of things in the community. Every year she builds beds for kids in need and helps recruit others to do so. …She also heads and arranges city cleanup at least once per year, finding volunteers and encouraging everyone to make this city one worth living in.”
Chief Robert Houghton
The Anonymous nomination read:
In January 2022, Chief Robert Houghton was approached about applying for the Chief of Police position at Blanchester Police Department, which was soon to be vacant. He had previously worked at the Wilmington PD, where he retired as a Sergeant, and is a Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Even though he was retired, he rose to the occasion. Chief Houghton came into a department with only four officers; three with less than a year of experience, and one going out on medical leave. He also came into a department that was in need of a lot of updating, from equipment to cruisers, and everything between. …Chief Houghton took on all of the tasks, and has accomplished so much. Chief Houghton takes care of his staff and continues to lead the department in the right direction, one the community and officers can be proud of. Chief Houghton genuinely cares about the community he serves.”
HEALTHCARE CATEGORY: sponsored by CMH Regional Health System, Merchants National Bank, and Ohio Living Cape May
Janet Gick-Matrka, MD
The Anonymous nominator wrote:
“In addition to her leadership role throughout the COVID pandemic response efforts on the Board of Health, Dr. Gick also has volunteered her services in providing COVID and influenza vaccinations at nearly one clinic per week since the COVID vaccination roll out. In 2022 alone, Dr. Gick has volunteered over 130 hours of her time providing vaccinations and guidance as a physician to the citizens of Clinton County. In addition during the transition between Clinton County Health District medical directors this past year, Dr. Gick voluntarily provided her services signing standing orders and writing prescriptions as the back-up medical director. In the time of our greatest need in Public Health during this 100-year global pandemic, Dr. Gick continues to demonstrate service leadership for the Clinton County Board of Health, Health District and all of the citizens of Clinton County!”
Harold & Judith Schnatz
Nominated by: Jeff Murphy, he describes:
“Judith Schnatz become a Red Cross volunteer in 1974, when an F4 tornado struck Xenia. A life-long resident of Clinton County, Judith then had a long career as a registered nurse, retiring in 2003. She returned to her Red Cross work in 2008, which included her first deployment to Hurricane Ike. Since that time, she has been deployed to 28 to 30 responses, including hurricanes, flooding, a school shooting, and the aftermath of a mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio’s Oregon District. She is now a national level volunteer, working with the National Senior Associate Disaster Health Services as Volunteer Partner. Her husband, Harold, is also a very active Red Cross volunteer. Harold is on the local Disaster Action Team, Disaster Services Technology, Logistics, Smoke Alarm Campaigns and Sheltering, and taking more courses. He has also deployed multiple times nationally. You will find Harold and Judith, ‘The Dynamic Duo for Disasters,’ working 24/7 whether locally, virtually or as deployment where needed all hours, day and night.”
Clinton Memorial Hospital
Anonymously nominated:
“In the big picture, one could measure CMH’s commitment to the community by the quality healthcare it provides every day. Our 600+ team members work tirelessly to best serve the health and wellness needs of the community, including approximately $9 million of charity or uncompensated care each year. But those numbers don’t capture the hospitals’ many donations to local organizations or the health and wellness initiatives it coordinates beyond the hospital’s walls. For instance, our team members donated 500 filled backpacks to a school supply drive, participated with “Ho Ho Shop,” and formed “Cozy Up, Clinton County,” a glove/scarf/hat drive that provides winter gear to those in need. Additionally, more than 1,000 community members drive up for our annual “Brake for Breakfast” free to-go breakfast, that brings 15% of participants back for a mammogram. Being entrusted with the care of those in your community is an incredible responsibility but one that can also inspire others. In one example from the past year, 30 students from a local High School had the opportunity to simulate surgery using the da Vinci Xi® robot and tour our hospital as part of the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative’s Schools & Community Connections program. Five have since come to work at the hospital!”
NON-PROFIT CATEGORY: sponsored by Clinton County Leadership Institute, First State Bank, and Peoples Bank
Rich Boll
Nominated by: Dana Tomlinson and Latasha Ruddle, they write:
“Pastor Boll takes it upon himself to provide exceptional support and service to other pastors and business leaders in his community. He is quick to discern community needs and moves efficiently to provide key information, recommendations, or direction. …Rich Boll and his wife Angel Boll has founded a new transitional home for women and children in Clinton County for moms that are homeless and trying to get back on their feet. Outside of homelessness and food outreach Rich’s community service efforts are unique and far-reaching. Pastor Boll is a true champion for unity in our community and serving others first.”
Kirstin Harris
Nominator Eric Guindon describes Kirstin as...
"a dedicated community leader who turns ideas into action. She coordinates several youth-serving projects through her involvement with the Kiwanis Club of Wilmington, including establishing year-round affordable swim lessons in Clinton County. For five years, she has single-handedly coordinated a present-wrapping fundraiser that supports the Clinton County Youth Council. Kirstin is creative in her approach to serving others, always asking questions and presenting ideas when she encounters roadblocks or obstacles. Kirstin is a talented multi-tasking mom who always includes her children in her community service, inspiring them to also be leaders.”
Lee Sandlin
Lee also received five nominations, including Doug Jenkins, Kacie Jenkins, Jessie Thompson, and two Anonymous. As one nominator states:
“Lee truly believes in helping and loving others …unconditionally and without judgement. Lee has made a tremendous impact on many people in our city, including the hurting and broken. …He prays with them, gives them a safe place, and feeds them a hot meal. Lee also reaches out to those that are addicted and helps them get to a place of recovery by bringing them to rehab or by just simply showing them that someone cares. Lee directs the ministry in serving over 200 families every week, including those at local campgrounds.” Since his introduction to Sugartree Ministries over 15 years ago, Lee has been one of their biggest advocates. …He has weathered many storms at the ministry and continues to be steady and unwavering in his calling to our community.”
YOUTH CATEGORY: sponsored by Air Transport Services Group Inc., Alkermes, and Donatos Pizza
Kaylie Paugh
Nominator Jenny Hartman expressed:
“Kaylie shows true dedication to her school, her community, and all the organizations she is a part of. Kaylie has served as the stage manager for the Blanchester High School drama program this year, while also playing one of the lead roles in our fall production and serving as the president of the BHS thespian society. She also served as the section leader and on the leadership team for the BHS marching band. She is the captain of the BHS academic team and volunteers in the Wildcat Den Food Pantry at BHS. Kaylie does all of this while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Kaylie is upbeat, friendly, motivational, and one of the most understanding people I have ever met. …She is constantly committed to her community with ongoing activities, she leads in all capacities in service of others, and she is seen as a role model throughout Blanchester High School.”
Emma Falgner
Nominator Georgette McClain describes Emma as...
"one of the most caring and community-minded young people I have ever encountered. Aside from being a very serious and dedicated student, Emma is always the first to volunteer when there is a need. She has been a huge help to our school district by mentoring middle school volleyball players, working the concession stand at boys’ basketball games, and helping elementary students sharpen their reading skills. She is a leader in the classroom and works to help other students study in groups. As an National Honor Society member, she has volunteered to help tutor other high school students after school and at the Blanchester Community Christmas Dinner. Outside of school, she has also been very active in volunteering at her church. Emma is so caring when it comes to her community and the people around her. She sets a wonderful example for her peers and other younger students.”
Cory Kidd
The Anonymous nomination wrote:
“Cory is 13 years old, and already a leader in a lot of areas. He’s a leader on the Blanchester football field where, to my understanding, he has not missed a game in 9 years! He attends and helps out at all Varsity football games as a water boy, stats, and part of chain crew. He overcame a traumatic injury (helping on his family farm) to not only play football, but to also play up with 8th grade team. He has been in 4-H since he was 8 years old. …Cory always looks after his peers and is well-liked. He has helped other 4-H members with their goats all hours of the day and night. He’s in Honors classes and also works Saturdays at a poultry farm. He’s a role model who inspires others to follow his good behavior. Cory, when talking to him or watching him, shows passion for his work and has the capacity to infect others. He has a set of values and the ability to overcome obstacles. His parents have installed a lot of positive confidence in him. Cory is a great youth leader, and really makes a great impression of a kind and thoughtful young man.”
