Madison Messenger - May 14th, 2023

madison
May 14, 2023 www.columbusmessenger.com Vol. XXXVIII No. 20
Retiring
after 40
years with
Meals-on-
Wheels
page 5
Celebration set for May 21 in West Jeff
Legion marks its
100th birthday
with open house
By Kristy Zurbrick
Madison Editor
The American Legion hit a milestone a few years back, and West
Jefferson Post 201 is inviting the public to celebrate.
In 1919, Congress chartered the American Legion as a patriotic
veterans organization devoted to service to veterans, service members,
and communities. Today, nearly 2 million veterans are members
in over 13,000 American Legion
posts worldwide. Post 201 was chartered
in 1920.
The 100-plus members of Post 201
are marking the Legion’s and the
post’s 100th years with a belated
birthday party. (Scheduling conflicts
and the pandemic prevented them
from celebrating earlier.) An open
house will take place May 21, 2-5
p.m., at the post, 9701 W. Broad St.,
West Jefferson.
The public is invited to stop in for cake, cookies, sandwiches, and
drinks and to learn about what the American
Legion does for veterans and the community.
Representatives of Honor Flight
and the Madison County Veterans Service
Center will be on hand, as well.
PRSRT STD
ECRWSS
US POSTAGE
PAID
COLUMBUS, OHIO
PERMIT NO. 1516
EDDM
POSTAL PATRON
Service to Veterans
Post 201 got its start in a house near its
current location. The building in use today
was built in the 1960s.
“The main purpose of this building is
that it’s here for the veterans. It’s a place
they can come and feel welcome,” said Mike
O’Reilly, post commander.
In addition to providing a place where
veterans can gather for camaraderie, Post
201 keeps tabs on those who served, sending
get-well cards and lending a hand whenever
possible.
In the days leading up to Memorial Day
each year, members place flags on veterans
graves at five cemeteries around West Jefferson.
The post conducts Memorial Day
services at Pleasant Hill Cemetery and participates
in Veterans Day services at Norwood
Elementary and the Madison County
Senior Citizens Center in London.
The post provides an honor guard at veterans’
funerals. The honor guard is comprised
of a color guard, firing detail with a
rifle salute, and the playing of “Taps.” Since
See LEGION 100 page 3
A lieutenant with the Ohio State Highway Patrol sounds “Taps” at the Ohio Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony
held May 4 on the grounds of the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy in London. Behind him is a
field of flags, each bearing a ribbon with the name of a fallen Ohio peace officer.
Tribute paid to fallen officers
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost,
members of the Ohio Peace Officer Training
Commission, and law enforcement officers
from throughout the state paid
tribute on May 4 to eight Ohio peace officers
who died in the line of duty in the past
several years.
“Each of them defended our society and
its values against those who seek to steal,
kill, and destroy,” Yost said during his remarks
at the 35th annual Ohio Peace Officers
Memorial Ceremony in London.
“And everything we have today is here because
they safeguarded these things with
their lives.
“In return,” Yost continued, “we promise
them, ‘You will not be forgotten.’ And
we carve that promise in stone, as you can
see in this great ‘Circle of Heroes.’ ”
The Circle of Heroes was a reference to
the Ohio Fallen Officers Memorial Wall—a
solemn and sacred presence on the
grounds of the Ohio Peace Officers Training
Academy—which bears the names of all
829 Ohio peace officers who since 1823
have sacrificed their lives in service to the
See TRIBUTE page 2
Messenger photos by Kristy Zurbrick
Leading surviving family members to their seats at the ceremony
are Union County Sheriff Malcom “Jamie” Patton (left)
and Madison County Sheriff John Swaney.

PAGE 2 - MADISON MESSENGER - May 14, 2023
TRIBUTE
Continued from page 1
public.
“The promise that we make to fallen officers—to keep their memories
alive—is not only for them,” Yost said. “We do it for the officers
and deputies who stand and serve now. We do this so that all of them
know how much we value them, and their mission, and their courage.”
The names of 15 peace officers were added to the wall this year,
including eight who died in 2022, 2021, or 2020. The other seven
are historical honorees, including six Dayton police officers who
died of the Spanish flu in the early 1900s.
The eight officers lost in recent years and honored on May 4 are:
• Deputy Daniel J. Kin
Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office
On Dec. 15, 2022, Deputy Kin was transporting
a prisoner from southern Ohio to the
county courthouse in Wyandot when he was
fatally injured in a crash. Kin was flown to
Grant Medical Center in Columbus, where he
died of his injuries. He was 34 and had been
with the department for less than a year, but
his colleagues remember him as someone
who loved the job and showed it with his infectious
smile. He was voted Deputy of the
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• Deputy Matthew E. Yates
Clark County Sheriff’s Office
On July 24, 2022, Deputy Yates was responding
to a report of gunshots at a
Springfield area mobile home park. A
woman had been killed by her son, and, as
deputies entered the mobile home, they
were met with gunfire. Yates, a member of
the Special Operations team, was hit and
went down. He was 41 years old, a secondgeneration
law enforcement officer who enjoyed
working with young people and was involved in a local group
called Peace Keepers. Yates is remembered by his wife, Tracy, and
their three children.
• Officer Dominic M. Francis
Bluffton Police Department
On March 31, 2022, a stolen car being pursued
by Ohio state troopers struck and killed
Officer Francis as he was deploying tirepuncturing
stop strips. Francis was 42 and
had worked in law enforcement for 19 years.
He had twice been named Officer of the Year
and had received the Chief’s Leadership
Award and the Life-Saving Award. He’d been
honored as Top Cop by Mothers Against
Drunk Drivers and earned the Ohio EMS Star of Life multiple
times.
Outside of police work, Francis served as a volunteer firefighter
and worked as a coach, substitute teacher, and bus driver for Cory-
Rawson High School, his alma mater. He also had a special fondness
for helping the school’s softball coach, Ricki Francis, his wife
since 2010. Besides his wife, he is remembered by a son and a
daughter.
• Agent John D. Stayrook
Medina County Drug Task Force
Agent Stayrook died on Feb. 6, 2022,
after contracting COVID-19 while assisting
the Brunswick Division of Police a month
earlier during a drug-related traffic stop.
Stayrook, 60, found his way to law enforcement
later in life, after a career in construction
that had taken him all over the
country. His fellow task force members remember
him as someone who was passionate
about the drug-enforcement
specialization and had a unique talent for interviewing. Stayrook
loved camping and spending time with his family. He is remembered
by his wife, Pamela, two children, and two grandchildren.
• Patrolman Sean E. VanDenberg
Lawrence Township Police Department
Patrolman VanDenberg died on Dec. 25,
2021, after a weeks-long battle with
COVID-19, which he contracted after arresting
a man and transporting him to jail.
The suspect had
complained of being
sick and showed
symptoms of
COVID. VanDenberg,
who was 53,
had chased his
Deputy Yates
Officer Francis
Agent Stayrook
Patrolman
VanDenberg
dream of becoming a police officer after a career
as a mechanic, welder, and fabricator.
He entered the Stark State College Law Enforcement
Academy at age 44. His colleagues
remember him as the “dad” of the
department. He loved cycling, running, and
scuba diving, and had completed his first
ultra-marathon just six months before his
death. He is remembered by his wife,
Jeanann, their four children, and three
grandchildren.
www.madisonmessengernews.com
• Deputy Robert “Craig” Mills
Butler County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Mills retired
in June 2019
after more than 30
years in law enforcement,
only to
return several
months later to the
work he enjoyed at
the urging of Sheriff
Richard Jones. He
died on Sept. 12,
2021, after a long
struggle with COVID-19. His colleagues remember
his excellent ability to find people
named in warrants, noting how other agencies
would seek him out for that expertise.
Mills was passionate about baseball, having
played on the Detroit Tigers Triple-A team
from 1982 to 1987. Mills’s mentorship of
young athletes prompted the Hamilton City
Council to name the street leading to a local
baseball complex in his honor. He is remembered
by his wife, Anne, and two children.
• Officer Edward L. Stewart
Akron Police Department
On Feb. 12, 2021,
Officer Stewart died
at age 60 after fighting
COVID-19 for
two months. Stewart,
an Air Force
veteran, chose to
serve his entire 27-
year law enforcement
career as a
transport wagon officer
for the Akron
Police Department. His colleagues remember
his unquenchable thirst for knowledge
and his photographic memory—a gift that
aided the police department in its case
work. More than anything else, though, his
fellow officers will never forget his abundant
compassion. Stewart is remembered by his
wife, Lisa, two sons, and two grandsons.
• Officer Kenneth C. Jones
Akron Police Department
Officer Jones
died of a heart attack
on Nov. 7,
2020, the day after
he began feeling
chest pains while responding
to a domestic-assault
call.
Jones was 55 and
had served with the
Akron Police Department
for 26
Deputy Mills
Officer Stewart
Officer Jones
years, the vast majority of the time in the
patrol division. His colleagues remember
him as a “gentle giant” whose calmness had
a way of defusing tense situations on the
job. His loved ones said he was a kid at
heart who enjoyed Marvel comics, Star
Wars movies, and amusement parks. He is
remembered by his wife, Stacy, whom he
had married just six weeks before his death,
and three children.

www.madisonmessengernews.com May 14, 2023 - MADISON MESSENGER - Page 3
LEGION 100
Continued from page 1
2018, Post 201’s honor guard has served at
99 funerals around Madison County and beyond.
“We provide an honor guard in West Jefferson
mostly, but we go to other places, too,
because not many American Legions do
honor guards anymore,” said Kent Stryker,
post first vice commander.
The post also sets up a POW/MIA table
at every activity they do to honor military
personnel who are still in captivity or whose
remains were not returned.
Service to the Community
Post 201 does a lot for the community, as
well. Their most visible service includes
raising the flag at West Jefferson High
School’s home football games, marching in
parades, and attending the tree lighting ceremony
at West Jefferson’s Christmas in the
Park. They also hold fish fries at the post
from 4 to 7 p.m. the first and third Fridays
of the month, May through October.
Education plays a big role in the post’s
activities. Annually, they sponsor delegates
to Buckeye Boys’ State and Buckeye Girls’
State, an American Legion program that
immerses students in the workings of government.
This year’s delegates are West Jefferson
High School students Nathan Smith,
Timothy Leskiv, Christian Greene, Brent
Gardner, Brooke Raver, Gabbie Stanley,
and Lexi Swaney. Boys State is set for June
11-18 at Miami University. Girls State is set
for June 11-17 at Bowling Green State University.
Post 201 awards a scholarship each year
to a West Jefferson student related to someone
in military service. They also coordinate
and provide cash prizes for the American
Government Test taken by students in
grades 10-12.
The post provides new American flags
when needed to the local cemeteries, the village
of West Jefferson, and Hurt-Battelle
Memorial Library. Members hold a flag retirement
ceremony each Flag Day, disposing
of flags that are no long serviceable. The
public can drop off worn out flags in collection
boxes located outside the post and at the
gazebo next to West Jefferson’s town hall.
With residents’ health in mind, the post
has a collection of medical equipment that
anyone can borrow, whether or not they
West Jefferson American Legion Post 201 provides an honor guard
at veterans’ funerals. The honor guard is comprised of a color
guard, firing detail with a rifle salute, and the playing of “Taps.”
Every year, West Jefferson American Legion Post 201 sponsors
delegates to Buckeye Boys State and Buckeye Girls State, an
American Legion program that immerses high school students in
the workings of local, state, and national government. Post Commander
Michael O’Reilly (far right) is shown here with last year’s
Buckeye Boys State delegates from West Jefferson High School.
served in the military. They also accept donations of equipment to
add to the collection.
Two years ago, the post began furnishing invalids in the commu-
Hill joins Madison Messenger staff
The Madison Messenger is pleased to
Midwest umbrella.
welcome Denise Hill as the newspaper’s
She said she is excited to join the Madison
new advertising manager.
Messenger staff.
Denise has spent the past 22 years in
“I look forward to reconnecting with the
the newspaper business, starting as an advertising
sales representative with Brown
businesses with all of their advertising needs,”
Madison County community and helping local
Publishing in Fayette County in 2001.
she said.
Through the course of several ownership
Denise lives with her husband, Rick, in Orient.
They have been married for 20 years and
transitions, Denise served as a sales manager
and trained staff in digital advertising
together have six sons and eight grandchildren.
sales, a role that involved multiple community
newspapers across Ohio. For several Denise Hill occasional round of golf, and spending time
In her spare time, Denise enjoys gardening, the
years, she worked out of the Madison Press
with her grandchildren.
office in London as a regional digital sales manager. Denise can be reached at (740) 463-9726 or
Denise most recently served as sales manager at the dhill@columbusmessenger.com.
Delaware Gazette for five years under the AIM Media
nity with lock boxes to place on their front doors. The Jefferson
Township Fire Department installs the lock boxes and keeps a
record of the combinations.
“That way they don’t have to break down the door in an emergency,”
said Eugene F. Smith, post second vice commander, who
came up with the idea.
In addition to renting out their building for private events, Post
201 donates the building’s use to several charitable organizations
for events, including blood drives, American Cancer Society
fundraisers, and assembly space for parades.
Membership
Any person who has served at least one day of active military
duty since Dec. 7, 1941, and was honorably discharged can join the
American Legion. Eligibility also is open to anyone who is still serving
active military duty honorably. The cost to join is $35 a year.
Post 201 will have membership applications available at the
birthday party open house. Additionally, anyone who would like
more information about the post can visit https://amlegpost201.org/
or call (614) 879-9126 and leave a message.
Officers for the 2023-24 membership year are: Michael O’Reilly,
commander; Kent Stryker, first vice commander; Eugene Smith,
second vice commander; Tina Beckwith, adjutant; Terri Kovalchik,
finance officer; Bob Penry, chaplain and service officer; Gary
Heiman, sergeant-at-arms; Tina Beckwith, Skeeter Nelson, and
Andy Estep, trustees. Member Steve Holcomb is chairman of the
birthday celebration committee.

PAGE 4 - MADISON MESSENGER - May 14, 2023
community calendar
www.madisonmessengernews.com
Clothes Closet
The Clothes Closet at United Church, 30
E. Columbus St., Mount Sterling, will be
open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 19-20, weather permitting.
The Clothes Closet is located in the
garage behind the church. All are welcome.
Choose from clothes for men, women, and
children, as well as miscellaneous household
items. Social distancing is required.
There is a one-bag limit per family; bags are
provided. The church is no longer taking donations.
Call Kathy Endres at (740) 869-
3755 or Mary Alkire at (740) 604-1213.
Golf Scramble
American Legion Post 176 is hosting a
golf scramble May 20 at Locust Hills Golf
Course. Sign-in is at 1 p.m.; the scramble is
at 2 p.m. The cost is $60 per golfer or $240
per team. Door prizes, raffles, food, and
drinks are included. Lunch is provided at
the Legion Hall. Proceeds go to scholarships
for Southeastern High School students.
Madison Mills Alumni Banquet
The Madison Mills Alumni Banquet is
set for June 3 at Madison Mills Township
Hall. Registration starts at 6 p.m. Dinner is
at 6:30. Anyone who attended or worked at
the school is welcome. RSVP by May 19 to
Ruth Jenkins at (740) 505-0452.
Monroe Alumni Banquet
The Monroe Alumni Banquet will take
place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 17 at Monroe
Elementary, 5000 State Rte. 38, London
(Plumwood). Der Dutchman Restaurant will
cater a buffet dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets are
$20. Reservations are due by June 6. Send
payments to “Monroe Alumni Banquet,” c/o
Ron Smith, 8340 Lucas Pike, Plain City, OH
43064. For details, call (614) 879-9064.
Archaeology Society
The Darby Creek Chapter of the Archaeological
Society of Ohio will meet May 17 at
the Madison County Historical Society Museum,
260 E. High St., London. Doors open
at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will start at 6 p.m.
At about 6:45 p.m., George Colvin will present
a program titled “An Ammonite Fossil
from the Hopewell Mound Group: Source
and Significance.” Consider bringing artifacts
such as arrowheads, stone or bone
tools, and/or metal detecting finds to discuss.
madison
Messenger
Distribution: 9,800 • Published Sundays
Denise Hill ................Advertising Manager
Kristy Zurbrick .................................Editor
Becky Barker....................Office Assistant
78 S. Main St.
London, Ohio 43140
(740) 852-0809
madison@columbusmessenger.com
www.madisonmessengernews.com
West Jefferson Events
The West Jefferson village parks and
recreation department is hosting the following
events. For details, contact Shelton
Stanley at (614) 879-8655 or (614) 307-6543.
• Friday Night Uptown. Taking place in
uptown West Jefferson, this event is set for
May 19. Elvis impersonator Lonnie Freeman
will perform at 7 p.m. followed by
Rockhouse from 8:30 to 11 p.m. A bounce
house, facepainting, henna, balloon animals,
and treats are planned from 7 to 10
p.m. A chalk art contest is set for 7-8:30 p.m.
Touch-a-truck runs from 8 to 9:30 p.m. and
includes vehicles from the Jefferson Township
Fire Department, West Jefferson Police
Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office,
and Ohio State Highway Patrol. Four
food trucks will be on site: Fuller Flavor, JD’s
Creamery (children 12 and younger get free
ice cream, courtesy of the village), Double
Down Dogs, and 3 flame BBQ.
• Fishing Derby. The village invites families
to go fishing at the Krazy Glue pond,
1450 W. Main St., on May 20, 10 a.m.-noon.
The village provides lunch, live bait, and
poles and tackle boxes while supplies last.
Participants are encouraged to bring their
own poles and tackle.
Mt. Sterling Community Center
164 E. Main St., (740) 869-2453.
May 16—3-6 p.m., the food pantry is available
for households that are income eligible.
Distribution of pre-packed food boxes will be
delivered to your vehicle. Bring proof of residence
at first visit and picture ID every
visit. Call (740) 869-2453 for details.
5-6 p.m., Take Off Pounds Sensibly
7-8 p.m., Alcoholic Anonymous
May 17—10 a.m.-3 p.m., sewing for adults
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., senior lunch program
for 60 or older; RSVP at (740) 869-2453
5-6 p.m., all level yoga class, $10
May 20–10 a.m.-3 p.m., sewing for all
ages
May 21—6:30-7:30 p.m., Alcoholics
Anonymous
7-8 p.m., HEAT training (plyometrics,
speed, and agility) for grades K-6
8-9 p.m., HEAT training (plyometrics,
speed, and agility) for grades 7-12.
Madison County Senior Center
280 W. High St., London. Lunch is served
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Call
(740) 852-3001.
May 15—8:30 a.m., indoor walking/exercise
class; 9 a.m., chair volleyball; 9:30 a.m.,
knit, crochet and needle crafts; 10:30 a.m.,
sitting exercise/strengthening; 1 p.m., euchre
May 16—9 a.m., Franklin Park Conservatory
trip departs; 10 a.m., bowling
May 17—8:30 a.m., indoor walking/exercise;
9 a.m., chair volleyball; 12 p.m., bridge;
2 p.m., diabetes/weight loss support group
May 18—9 a.m., chair volleyball; 10:30
a.m., Mystery Lunch trip leaves
May 19—8:30 a.m., indoor walking/exercise
class; 9 a.m., painting class; 10 a.m.,
chimes; 1 p.m., free movie.
May 20: Rockin’ on the Run
By Kristy Zurbrick
Madison Editor
For the past 10 years,
the Stout family has participated
in Rockin’ on the
Run, a fundraiser benefiting
pediatric brain tumor
research and awareness.
They’ve walked or run
in the 5K. They’ve helped
with set-up, worked the
registration table, and encouraged
others to lend
their support. They’ve
done this because they
know what other families
are going through.
“Our son, Garrett, was
diagnosed with an inoperable
brain tumor when he
was two-and-a-half years
old,” said Cindy Stout who
lives in London with her
husband, Tom. They also have a younger
son, Cameron.
Doctors found the tumor after Garrett
suffered a grand mal seizure. The Grade II
astrocytoma is diffused through his optic
nerve. Full removal of the tumor would
cost him his eyesight, so part of the tumor
has been removed.
“He’s had two brain surgeries, one
when he was diagnosed and another when
he was 15 because they had newer technology.
With the second surgery, they were
able to go in and get more of the tumor,”
Cindy said.
At the time of Garrett’s diagnosis, the
prognosis was 50/50 as to whether the
tumor would grow and end up taking his
life. Since then, modern medicine has provided
potential options, including proton
therapy if the tumor grows.
Garrett, now 27, sees a neurologist and
has MRIs done yearly to monitor the
tumor. He takes anti-seizure medicine.
And he is living life. The 2014 London
High School graduate holds an English degree
from Wittenberg University, recently
moved to a small town outside of Detroit,
Mich., works in sales, and is getting married
at the end of the month.
“I say this a lot to other families going
through this: Don’t think too far ahead,
live life to the fullest, lots of prayer and
positive thinking, and that’s how we move
forward,” Stout said.
She added that she is grateful for efforts
like Rockin’ on the Run that raise
funds and awareness to move pediatric
brain tumor research forward. She praised
organizer Ashley Winebrenner and her
team for their work.
“We have tremendous respect for Ashley.
The money she and her team raises
Garrett Stout sings the National
Anthem at the 2018
Rockin’ on the Run.
through Rockin’ on the
Run all goes to pediatric
brain tumor research.
They do just a phenomenal
job,” Stout said.
This year’s Rockin’
on the Run
The 14th Annual
Rockin’ on the Run will
take place from 8 a.m. to
noon May 20 at St.
Patrick School, 226 Elm
St., London.
The run part of the
fun includes a kids’ dash
at 8:30 a.m. followed by a
one-mile run/walk and a
5K run/walk at 9 a.m.
Everyone who participates
receives a t-shirt
and medal. Visit
www.rockinontherun.org
to register. A virtual option
is included.
Family-friendly activities are planned
throughout the morning, including caricaturists,
a face painter, games, bounce
houses, and treats including sno-cones and
cotton candy. A 50/50 raffle and vendors
also are part of the day.
Four brave souls have signed up to
have pies thrown in their face. The cost is
$1 per throw or $5 for six throws:
8:15-9:15 a.m.—Marcus Stone, a fifthgrade
teacher at St. Patrick School and assistant
football coach at London High
School;
9:15-10:15 a.m.—Sgt. John Lisska from
the Madison County Sheriff’s Office;
10:30-11:15 a.m.—London Mayor Pat
Closser; and
11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.—Ellie Randall, a
sixth-grade student at St. Patrick School
and a life-long Rockin’ on the Run participant.
Additionally, a multitude of items will
be up for bid in the school gym all morning.
Among them are tickets to the Cincinnati
Reds, Zoombezi Bay, the Children’s
Museum of Pittsburgh, Snow Trails,
Cedar Point, and an Indiana animal rescue
where you can wash elephants. Visitors
also can bid on everything from a
power saw to a Cricut Explore Air 2.
Another way to participate is as a volunteer.
Helpers are needed anytime between
7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tasks include
registration, manning water stations on
the race course, supervising the bounce
house, passing out prizes at the duck pond,
manning the silent auction tables to answer
questions, sorting papers after the
silent auction, and cleanup. To volunteer,
send an email to heather@rockinontherun.org.

www.madisonmessengernews.com May 14, 2023 - MADISON MESSENGER - Page 5
Baird retires after 40 years with Meals-on-Wheels
By Kristy Zurbrick
Madison Editor
Meals-on-Wheels is celebrating its 40th year of delivering meals
to homebound residents in Madison County. At the same time, the
program is saying thank-you and goodbye to Leah Baird who has
been there through it all.
On May 2, LifeCare Alliance, the organization that oversees
Meals-on-Wheels in Madison County, paid tribute to Baird who has
retired after 40 years with the program, 33 as county coordinator.
The tribute was part of the organization’s annual Spirit Awards
ceremony which took place at London City Hall.
“The one constant here was Leah Baird, and that’s why (Mealson-Wheels)
has run so well,” said Chuck Gehring, LifeCare Alliance
president and CEO.
When Madison County Hospital (now Madison Health) turned
over Meals-on-Wheels to LifeCare Alliance in 2003, Baird was
there. When the program expanded to include food delivery for
clients’ pets and fan delivery to keep clients cool in the summer,
Baird was there. Whenever a new volunteer signed up or a client
needed help, you guessed it. Baird was there.
Don Hemmelgarn, a Madison County resident, said he sensed
Baird’s commitment right away when he signed up as a Meals-on-
Wheels volunteer years ago.
“The one thing that was instantaneous was the feeling of loyalty
that Leah had for the clients and volunteers,” Hemmelgarn said.
Those character traits shone through in the speech Baird gave at
the Spirit Awards. She thanked everyone for their service and for
making her four decades with the program memorable and fulfilling.
To the volunteers, she said, “Without all of you, many of our communities’
members would not have the opportunity to enjoy a meal,
cool off in the summer with a fan, or even have the opportunity for
human interaction on a daily basis.
“One of the greatest joys I have been able to witness in the last
four decades is watching so many serve their neighbors, from retirees
and local businesses to high school students in the summer.
It truly has been an honor to see the amount of care and compassion
each volunteer has shown.”
In retirement, Baird, a London resident, is looking forward to
spending time with family, going on vacation, and relaxing. She
plans to stay involved with the community through volunteer work.
LifeCare Alliance is taking a team approach to filling Baird’s
shoes with several departments pitching in and driver Tony Madison
serving as the face of the program in Madison County.
Anyone who would like to become a Meals-on-Wheels volunteer
can call (614) 437-2957 or send an email to volunteer@lifecarealliance.org.
Anyone interested in the services the program provides
can call the customer care department at (614) 278-3152. For general
information, visit www.lifecarealliance.org/programs/mealson-wheels/.
Spirit Awards
Several individuals and organizations were honored during the
Spirit Awards ceremony for their support of the Meals-on-Wheels
program.
This year’s Spirit Award, presented in honor of longtime volunteer
Donald Dhume, went to Steve and Sandy Craig who joined the
program’s volunteer team in Mount Sterling in 2018. They have
anks for clean-up work
letter to the editor
I would like to
thank all the groups
that helped with the
spring clean-up in Mount Sterling. There were plenty of workers,
and a lot of trimming, yardwork, and junk removal got done.
Thank you to all the citizens who took part, along with Mount
Sterling Nazarene Church, Foundation Church, and the village
council group. I appreciate the work you did to keep our community
nice and clean.
David L. Timmons, village council member
Mount Sterling
Messenger photo by Kristy Zurbrick
Chuck Gehring (right), LifeCare Alliance
president and CEO, thanks Leah Baird for
her 40 years of service to the Meals-on-
Wheels program in Madison County. Baird
was with the program since its inception
and served as county coordinator for 33 of
those years. She retired this month.
gone above and beyond in many ways, including
serving through the pandemic. Additionally,
Steve meets with new volunteers,
rides along to help them understand their
routes, and introduces them to clients. Last
year, Steve and Sandy delivered meals 50
times. So far this year, they have delivered
23 times.
This year’s Corporate Partner Spirit
Award went to Jefferson Industries. The
West Jefferson company first adopted a
Meals-on-Wheels route in 2004 and has
been a reliable partner ever since. Last year,
their team of employees delivered 24 times
and drove over 288 miles.
The Mount Sterling Community Center
received the Dining Center Spirit Award.
LifeCare Alliance partners with organizations
that can provide a place where people
Messenger photo by Kristy Zurbrick
Nicole Envid (left), community engagement manager with Life-
Care Alliance, congratulates Sandy and Steve Craig, recipients
of this year’s Donald Dhume Spirit Award for their volunteer work
as drivers for Meals-on-Wheels.
can come together for meals. The Mount Sterling Community Center
was the first to jump on board once LifeCare was permitted to
relaunch its dining centers following the pandemic. The Community
Center has served more than 260 meals since signing on in
2022.
As a whole, the volunteers who support Meals-on-Wheels in
Madison County delivered 36,483 meals in 2022, 5,490 more meals
than in 2021. In the process, they racked up a total of 17,000 miles
and 3,600 hours of service.
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PAGE 6 - MADISON MESSENGER - May 14, 2023
www.madisonmessengernews.com
Creative Recycling exhibit runs through May 21
By Kristy Zurbrick
Madison Editor
Roughly a decade ago, the London Visual
Arts Guild held an exhibit featuring art
made from recycled materials. They recycled
the idea this year and added a twist,
welcoming entries from the public. The result
is a show at the London Arts Center
featuring 62 entries created by the public
and guild members alike.
Just inside the gallery door, a piece
hangs on the wall that has the shape and
construction of a crocheted rug but is light,
airy, and undulating thanks to the materials
used: plastic grocery bags.
A giant, blue-and-green dragonfly clings
to another wall, its wings made from ceiling
fan blades.
Sitting in a basket in the center of the
room is a collection of perky faces, many
Christmas-themed, all made from lightbulbs.
Next to them are bracelets made from guitar
strings, along with former spaghetti jars and
coffee canisters transformed into gorgeous
containers adorned with painted flowers.
Many of the entries beg visitors to step in
for a closer look, as is the case with Judy
Dillon Smith’s framed streetscape scene.
From afar, it’s a picture of a collection of
buildings. Up close, one can see the buildings
are “constructed” from bits of maps,
canceled checks, dictionary pages, cancelled
George Peyton’s “Time Dialation Camera” is a mish-mash of camera and computer parts,
taking viewers back to London in 1938.
postage stamps, envelope linings, and other
scraps of paper materials.
“I was inspired by an artist whose work
I saw in a workshop. I’ve always wanted to
do something like this, and this show gave
me the opportunity to do it,” Smith said.
Smith collected the paper parts and
pieces over the span of a year, then combined
them with pen and ink and watercolors
to create the inviting scene that now
hangs in the exhibit.
George Peyton’s entry is the only one
that makes sound and has moving pictures.
His “Time Dialation Camera” combines
parts of an old camera, a video screen, a
portable flash unit, and a USB number key
pad. A series of photos flash on the video
screen, all taken by a photographer who was
commissioned by the government in 1938 to
document smalltown America during the
Great Depression. All of the scenes are from
London, Ohio.
“Since this is a community show, I
thought the photos were a good tie-in with
London,” said Peyton, who was thrilled with
the theme of the exhibit. “I used to build
things out of old stuff to make art. This was
right up my alley.”
Peyton, an artist and photographer, will
have an exhibit of his own running May 25-
June 25. An opening reception is slated for
5-8 p.m. May 27.
The Creative Recycling Exhibit runs
library events
Judy Dillon Smith created this street scene
using pen and ink, water colors, and a collage
of paper bits ranging from maps to
cancelled checks.
through May 21 at the London Arts Center,
121 E. First St. The center’s hours are:
Tuesday, 4-7 p.m.; Thursdays and Sunday,
11 a.m.-2 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Admission is free.
The public is invited to vote for their favorite
entries. People’s Choice awards will
go to the top three vote-getters in categories
for children and adults. Peyton’s time machine
won the Mayor’s Choice award as selected
by London Mayor Patrick Closser.
London Public Library
20 E. First St., (740) 852-9543.
• Technology Help Sessions. Register
for a one-on-one 45-minute help session.
Possible topics include how to search the internet,
how to use email, how to use your
phone, and how to use social media. Bring
your device to your session. To register, call
the library. Available every day by appointment
only.
• Generational Pen Pals. The library is
looking to connect different generations
through pen pals. Register to participate
through May 20. Each person or family that
registers will be paired with someone in a
different generation and write at least three
letters to their pen pal over the summer.
• Bullet Journaling. On May 16 from 6 to
7:30 p.m., Vicki Germann of Paper Boutique
will lead a class on creating a bullet journal.
Journals and supplies will be provided. Registration
is required. Participants must by
16 or older to register.
• Movie Matinee. Watch “Moana” (PG)
on the library’s big screen at 3 p.m. May 20.
The library provides popcorn.
HBMLibrary
270 Lilly Chapel Rd., West Jefferson,
(614) 879-8448
• Fishing Pole Giveaway. The giveaway
is set for May 20, 10 a.m.-noon, at the Krazy
Glue pond, 1450 W. Main St., while supplies
last. This giveaway is in partnership with
the village of West Jefferson’s fishing derby.
• Parenting Workshop: Toilet Training.
Triple P Parenting is hosting this free workshop
at 5:30 p.m. May 25. For details, email
Karen at preventionmadison@gmail.com.
Mount Sterling Library
60 W. Columbus St., (740) 869-2430.
• Pre-School Storytime. Mondays at
10:30 a.m.
• Bookmobile Visits. The bookmobile
will make rounds on May 17. Look for it at
Grace Community Church in South Solon
from 3 to 3:30 p.m. and at Sedalia town hall
from 3:45 to 4:15 p.m. Call the library ahead
to request specific items.
• Ohio Ice Cream: A Scoop of History
Book Talk. At 6:30 p.m. May 18, cookbook
author Renee Casteel Cook will talk about
her latest book, “Ohio Ice Cream: A Scoop of
History.” The books features 25 shops from
around the state, from mom-and-pop roadside
stops to household brand names that
have expanded nationwide. Mount Sterling
Friends of the Library will provide ice cream
treats. Cook will have copies of her book for
sale and autographing.
• Ladies Night Out Movie. Watch “80 for
Brady” (PG-13) at 6:30 p.m. May 22. Seating
is limited; RSVP to Melissa at (614) 315-
7939. Bring a potluck dish to share. The library
provides pizza, popcorn, and cold
drinks.
• Around Town Book Club. The club will
discuss “The Reading List” by Sara Nisha
Adams at 7 p.m. May 25 at Deercreek
Lodge, 22300 State Park Rd. 20, Mount
Sterling. The club is open to men and
women of all ages.

www.madisonmessengernews.com May 14, 2023 - MADISON MESSENGER - Page 7
West Jeff Schools finances are on target this year
By Linda Dillman
Staff Writer
At the May 8 Jefferson Local Schools
board meeting, Treasurer Mark Ingles provided
an update on the district’s five-year
forecast. The forecast is required by state law.
“It’s a financial forecast,” Ingles said. “A
television weatherman has to go out 10
days. We have to go out five years.”
The financial forecast is adjusted with
changes in the state budget, tax levies,
salary increases, and businesses moving in
and out of the district. It is a crucial management
tool that enables district leaders to
be proactive in meeting challenges, as well.
According to Ingles’s report, a revenue
overview indicates Jefferson Local is substantially
on target with original estimates at this
point in the year. Total general funds are estimated
at $17.4 million, more than 6 percent
higher than the $16.4 million that was predicted
in the November 2022 forecast.
Property taxes, estimated to be $6.87
million, are the district’s most significant
source of revenue representing 39.5 percent
of all revenues. The district received $2.13
million in income tax in fiscal year 2023,
and Ingles estimates it will receive $4.75
million in state aid.
State revenue represents almost 31 percent
of Jefferson Local’s funding resources,
however the source is subject to significant
obituaries
risk if the state economy stalls due to sustained
high inflation.
“We have projected our state funding to
be in line with the fiscal year ‘23 funding
levels through fiscal year ‘27 which we feel
is conservative and should be whatever the
state approves for FY24 to FY27 biennium
budgets,” Ingles stated in his department’s
written report.
Other revenues are up $892,381 over
original estimates, and interest revenues are
up, as well. Nevertheless, these sources are
somewhat unpredictable from year to year.
Total general fund expenditures are estimated
to be $15.97 million for the current fiscal
year, which is $12,000 higher than the original
estimate of $15.96 million in November.
Benefits and wages are approximately 70
percent of the district’s budget which Ingles
said is typical for school districts. He expects
personnel costs to go up every year.
“Labor relations in our district have been
amicable,” Ingles reported, “with all parties
working for the best interest of students and
realizing the resource challenges we face.
We believe that as we move forward, our
positive working relationship will continue
and only grow stronger.”
According to Ingles, the district has a
pair of levies that expire in a couple of years
that are critical for the district’s overall financial
health.
WHITELOW
William Milton “Chopper” Whitelow, 75,
of London, Ohio, died on May 4, 2023, in his
residence. Born on Sept. 21, 1947, in Columbus,
Ohio, he was a son of Thomas Edward
and Catherine (Winslow) Whitelow.
After graduating from London High
School in 1966, Chopper went on to serve
his country with the United States Army
during the Vietnam War. Following his time
in the service, he went on to work for Dallas
and Mavis Trucking where he drove a truck
for over 25 years before retiring in 2004.
Chopper was a past commander for Madison
Memorial Post 105 where he served in the
color guard, was a member of FOE 950, and
Teamster Local 654.
He is survived by: his beloved wife of 47
years, Bevi (Little) Whitelow of London; two
children, William Andy Whitelow (Anny
Ripley) and Billie Sheely, both of London;
grandchildren, Jordon Whitelow, Zoe Little,
Abby Ripley, Laney Whitelow, Shanice
Sheely, Malik (Lacey) Corbin; a host of
great-grandchildren; siblings, Tom
Whitelow of Grove City, Todd (Becky)
Whitelow of Belleview, Fla., Lorita (David)
Harris of London; brother-in-law, Timothy
(Jennifer) Little of Mechanicsburg; and a
host of nieces and nephews.
Chopper was preceded in death by: an infant
daughter, Erica Whitelow; granddaughter,
Cierra Sheely;
great-granddaughter, Lakeynn Corbin; sister,
Donna White; brother-in-law, Fred
Whitelow, and sister-in-law, Mel Whitelow.
A funeral service was held May 9 in
Fountain of Truth Ministries, London, with
Pastor Tyrone Artis officiating. Interment
followed in Deer Creek Township Cemetery.
Memorials in Chopper’s name can be
made to benefit the London High School
girls’ softball team: London High School
Softball, 336 Elm St., London, OH 43140.
The family was served by Eberle-Fisher
Funeral Home and Crematory, London.
Condolences may be shared online at
www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.
EVERETTS
Barbara Jo “Barb” Everetts, 75, of London,
Ohio, died on May 8, 2023, in Madison
Health, London. Born on Nov. 12, 1947, in
Columbus, Ohio, she was a daughter of Herbert
Paul and Juanita Marie (Shaw) Akers.
She had worked professionally as manager
for the former Rax and finished her career
as the office manager for Dr. Alexander
in the Madison Medical Center.
Barb was truly a one-of-a-kind lady who
made everything herself. She was a jack of
all trades, and if she did not know how to do
something, she would tinker until she figured
it out. Her favorite hobbies included
crocheting afghans, hats, blankets, and
scarves, doing alterations on homecoming
and prom dresses for countless high schoolers,
and even sewing clothes to send with
her family on vacation.
Barb was a dangerous lady when she got
ahold of a can of white paint, and you might
randomly find freshly painted white furniture
scattered around the house as a result.
She loved thrifting and purses and especially
loved visiting her favorite thrift store
that had a wall of purses displayed.
Barb was a kind-hearted woman who always
spoke her mind and would present you
with the truth, whether you wanted it or
not. She was witty, funny, and loving, and
absolutely adored her kids and grandkids.
Her family was the highlight of her life, and
she will be dearly missed by many.
Barb is survived by: two children, Billy
Everetts and Beth (Dre) Miller; grandchildren,
Saej Everetts, Trey Hunter, and
Harper Miller; great-grandchild, Roen
Everetts; siblings, Chris Bennett and Herb
Akers; step-brother, Rick Legg; sister-inlaw,
Pat Akers; nieces and nephews, Corey
Bennett, Amber Dickey, Teresa Duty, and
Jolene Akers, as well as many other nieces
and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents;
husband, William Russell Everetts in
2021; son, Scott Everetts; and brother, Jim
Akers.
The family received friends on May 12 at
Eberle-Fisher Funeral Home and Crematory,
London. Condolences may be shared at
www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.
PETERMAN
Wendell Peterman, 88, of Plumwood,
Ohio, passed away on May 6, 2023, surrounded
by his loved ones. He was the son
of Mary and George Peterman.
In his spare time, he loved his family,
livestock sales, and especially his time in
the barn with ponies. You could always
catch him driving his beloved wife and
grandchildren on the golf cart.
He is survived by: Madge, his beloved
wife of 55 years; four children, Tony (Kim)
Fraley, Kevin (Kelly) Peterman, Kim (Eric)
Peterman-Brown, Tonja Fraley, and Denise;
numerous grandchildren, Tony, Nikki,
Casey (Jenna), Chelsey (Justin), Austin
(Kristin), Jordan (Tiffany), Austin
(Mikayla), Shelby (Nate), Lex (Ryan); greatgrandchildren,
Zavey, Elizabeth, Konner,
Things just aren’t the
way they used to be.
Whatever happened to businesses,
that were eager to please? Well,
there’s one right here in our town.
We offer the same outstanding
service we offered decades ago.
Are we hopelessly out-of-style?
We certainly hope so.
E F
Since 1908
Eberle-Fisher
Funeral Home/Crematory
103 North Main Street • London, Ohio 43140 • (740) 852-2345
www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com
Carter, Addi, Ansley, Jensen, Millie, Emmett,
Madge, Lakelynn, Beckett, Peyton,
and Aiden; special niece and nephew, Brittany
and Kyle Peterman; best friend, Noah
Williford.
He was preceded in death by: his parents,
George and Mary; daughter, Louanne
Peterman; grandson, Josh Fraley; greatgreat-grandson,
Easton Fraley; and brothers
and sisters.
A funeral service was held on May 11 at
Lynch Family Funeral Home & Cremation
Service, London. An interment service followed
at Plumwood Cemetery. In Wendell’s
memory, the family has requested that memorial
contributions be made to the funeral
home. That may be done by clicking on the
“Payment Center” at the bottom of the funeral
home’s website page. Condolences
may be shared at www.lynchfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Obituary Notices
Find the latest obituary information visit our website. Updated daily.
Find out more by visiting...
www.madisonmessengernews.com/obits.html

PAGE 8 - MADISON MESSENGER - May 14, 2023
www.madisonmessengernews.com
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PAGE 16 - MADISON MESSENGER - May 14, 2023
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