ThisWeek CW 6-4-2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/06/01/motts-museum-expansion-funded-by-private-donations.html

ANDREW MILLER/THISWEEKNEWS A Vietnam War-era Huey helicopter lands at Motts Military Museum in Groveport, delivering guests invited to participate in the May 23 opening of a new wing at the museum.

After 10 years in the making, a new wing opened at Motts Military Museum over Memorial Day weekend — doubling the size of the current exhibition space.

At 10 a.m. May 23, Groveport residents living near the museum at 5075 S. Hamilton Road were treated to a fly-over and then a landing of a Vietnam War-era Huey helicopter carrying several of the dignitaries invited to participate in the ceremony.

Double Medal of Honor recipient Ron Rosser and D-Day paratrooper Don Jakeway, who was one of the first to land on the beaches of Normandy for that World War II action, joined museum founder Warren Motts to cut the ribbon in front of a crowd of more than 400.

“This ceremony is to honor people who served in the wars from Korea through Iraqi Freedom, and I tell you, all of those people are the ones who should be up here on stage,” Motts said. “You look around at this crowd, and then at what we’ve accomplished, and it is pretty fantastic.”

According to Motts, construction of the museum’s new wing was prompted by the donation of a 10-panel Ohio Vietnam Memorial Wall, upon which Barbara Wright hand-lettered the name of every Ohio soldier who was killed in the Vietnam War.

“I didn’t have anywhere to put it, so we built the museum around it,” Motts said.

Brig. Gen. Stephen Markovich, chief of staff for the Ohio Air National Guard and a physician who also serves as president of Riverside Methodist Hospital, provided the keynote address.

Markovich began by pointing to a fighter jet parked near the podium.

“When the airplane you flew is in a museum, it might be time to retire,” he said.

He looked at all of the veterans represented at the ceremony, spanning the years from WWII through the current conflicts, and added, “Even as a general, I’m in rare air with these veterans. It was their duty to serve and it is our duty to remember and honor them.”

The new 5,200-square-foot wing was totally funded by private donations, including much of the labor to build the structure and install the new exhibits. Existing exhibits focused primarily on the Civil War through WWII, so the new wing covers a significant amount of American military history that had previously been left out.

“Without my dear wife, Daisy, this wouldn’t exist,” Motts said. “She put up with me starting this museum in our basement. I can’t say enough about what the city has done for us, too … thanks to Mayor Lance Westcamp and city council for all their support.”

After the event, Westcamp said he is looking forward to what Motts does next.

“This was a wonderful weekend in city of Groveport and those of us that attended Mr. Motts’ ceremony — well, what a big asset he is to the city,” Westcamp said. “I’d estimated every bit of 400 people or more at the opening of the new wing.”

Todd Kleismit, director of community and government relations for the Ohio History Connection, invited the crowd to a July 18 event at the Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, honoring Motts for his work in preserving the history of Ohio veterans.

“Warren has dedicated his life to honoring veterans and on July 18 … we will honor Warren,” Kleismit said.

For more information about the museum and its exhibits, call 614-836-5110.

ThisWeek CW 6-4-2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/06/01/six-valedictorians-named-for-gmhs-class-of-2015.html

The Groveport Madison school district will honor six valedictorians from the class of 2015.

Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, June 7, in the Celeste Center at the Ohio Expo Center, where Steven Bower, Kara Crabtree, Emilee Downing, Emily Grim, Raquel Hawkins and Carly Larkin will be honored for their exemplary efforts inside and outside the classroom.

Bower will attend Miami University Oxford next year with plans to study computer science and business finance. He has been awarded the Miami University Redhawk Excellence Scholarship.

Bower won the Rotary Youth Leadership Award and the Honda OSU Math Medal. In addition, he earned three- and four-year academic awards, as well as the G-Award for maintaining a 3.9 grade point average from his freshman year through the third quarter of his senior year.

Bower served as a member of the student council, was president of the National Honor Society and participated on the wrestling and varsity track teams. He also worked part-time for Smith Farm Markets during his high school years.

Crabtree is another G-Award recipient. She will attend Shawnee State University with plans to major in nursing and minor in childhood development. She has received a Presidential Scholarship from the university.

Crabtree participated in symphonic and concert bands and served as squad and section leader of the marching band in her junior and senior years. She participated in track, is a member of the Thespian Society and was inducted into the National Honor Society.

Crabtree earned letters in band, academics and theater.

Downing will plans to attend California University of Pennsylvania next year to study international and homeland security and business administration. She has received a Presidential Scholarship from the university.

Downing earned both athletic and academic honors. She won the Presidential Gold Award for Educational Excellence and the Groveport Madison High School Academic Excellence Award in her freshman, sophomore and junior years. She also won the American Legion Department of Ohio Award for scoring the highest grade in the Americanism and Government program in 2013.

Downing also earned a Coaches Award for volleyball in her freshman year, was named to the All-District Second Team Division I Softball in her sophomore year and First Team All OCC Softball in both freshman and sophomore years. She was selected to play in the underclassmen softball tournament during her sophomore year. Downing has served on the student council and was co-president in her junior year.

Grim will attend Ohio State University to major in communications and minor in theater. She has received a scholarship award from the Ohio Engineers Education and Safety Fund.

During high school, Grim was a member of student council and the Academic Quiz Bowl team. She was a squad leader for the marching band, participated in symphonic band and was editor of the school yearbook.

Grim, who also served as president of the theater club, is a member of the National Honor Society and is a National Thespian President Scholar.

Hawkins also plans to attend OSU, where she will major in biomedical engineering. She has received a four-year, full tuition Morill Excellence Scholarship and the Engineering Deans Scholarship.

Hawkins has served as president and captain of the cheerleading squad and was squad leader for the marching band in her junior and senior years. She also served as secretary for the National Technical Honors Society and the Diversity Club. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Thespian Society.

Larkin will be attending Wright State University with plans to study motion picture production and women’s studies. She has received a full-tuition scholarship for four years from the university.

In addition, she has been awarded a Grand Lodge of Ohio Scholarship and a Rutland High School Alumni Scholarship. During her years at Groveport Madison, Larkin was a member of the junior high track and cross country track teams, participated on the golf team and served as the drama club publicist and vice president.

ThisWeek CW 6-4-2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/06/01/mcdorman-recalled-as-dedicated-to-his-business-community.html

By the time Bob McDorman sold a majority interest in his Canal Winchester car dealership in 2011 to Cincinnati-based Jeff Wyler Automotive Family Inc., he had sold Chevrolet vehicles for 46 years.

He retained a 15-percent stake in the dealership he bought on Sept. 7, 1965, so he could reach a milestone of 50 years in business before he retired.

McDorman, 82, died May 27 after a short illness, just a few months shy of his goal.

He never lost his loyalty to the Chevrolet brand.

“When the art layout for the 2015 Canal Winchester Visitors Guide was being developed, he made it fairly clear that the make of the cover car was going to rhyme with Chevrolet,” recalled Bruce Jarvis, executive director of Destination: Canal Winchester.

“Bob was just a few months from being recognized as a 50-year Chevrolet dealer, something he wanted so much and something we all wanted for him,” Canal Winchester Mayor Michael Ebert said.

“I don’t think there are enough words to describe what Bob has meant to Canal Winchester, as he was by far one of the most generous and giving people I have ever had the opportunity to know. His dedication to our community and beyond, and to organizations like Children’s Hospital, will not be forgotten.”

McDorman’s death was announced on the Facebook page for the Bob McDorman Automotive Museumin Canal Winchester.

More than 1,000 comments were quickly attached to the posting from competitors, customers and others.

One, from Midwestern Auto Group, said his career as a Chevrolet dealer “was an incredible run, and his legacy will continue with his museum in Canal Winchester. All of us in the automotive industry in central Ohio owe Bob a debt of gratitude for all he did for our businesses.”

Jarvis said McDorman’s support of the community “goes way back and took more forms than anybody truly knows.

“I respected the fact that he never made one feel like they were imposing on his time, even when you knew you probably were,” Jarvis added. “He had the reputation as a tough negotiator … We were lucky to have him for as long as we did and there is no doubt that Bob McDorman’s legacy will be seen and felt for generations to come.”

Canal Winchester City Councilman Joe Abbott agreed.

“His love for Canal Winchester has always shined bright in his dedication to the Corvette museum, as well as his business, personal sponsorships and other commitments,” Abbott said. “He will truly be missed.”

In 2014, McDorman achieved his dream of opening a standalone automotive museum at 45 E. Waterloo St., based around his renowned Corvette collection, while featuring other rare makes and models and his significant collection of automotive memorabilia.

McDorman began collecting in 1968 and was inducted into the Corvette Hall of Fame in 2012.

“My goal when I started was to be inducted into the Corvette Hall of Fame,” he said when the museum opened.

Also included in the museum’s collection are an antique service station McDorman displayed at his dealership on Gender Road, several model cars, neon signs, vintage gas station items, dealership items and vintage bicycles, along with awards and press recognition he received over the years.

In a 2010 interview, just before an auction of many of the cars he had collected, McDorman spoke about his enthusiasm for Chevrolet and his vehicles.

“You know, in life, you can fake enthusiasm and you can fake your attitude. But you cannot fake your passion, and I got the passion,” he said.

McDorman is survived by his wife, Alice, and children, David McDorman, Janice Hurt, Shelley (Dave) Landenburg and Jeffery Marion.

Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, June 4-5 at the Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home in Canal Winchester, as well as one hour prior to the funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6 at David Lutheran Church in Canal Winchester. Interment will follow at Union Grove Cemetery.

Columbus Dispatch reporter Dan Gearino contributed to this story.

ThisWeek CW 05/28/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/05/22/relay-for-life-dinner-annual-fundraiser-brings-community-together.html

Canal Winchester’s fourth annual Relay For Life spaghetti dinner crossed the finish line ahead of last year’s donations.

The fundraising event is named in memory of city construction manager Bill Sims’ wife, Kris, who succumbed to cancer in 2012. She previously helped organize the Canal Winchester Relay For Life cancer awareness event.

This year’s dinner was held May 30 at the Frances Steube Community Center, 22 S. Trine St.

Amanda Lemke, the city’s events and communications coordinator, said it raised more than $1,150.

The city fielded a Relay For Life team called the Village People for several years; this year, it joined forces with the 4 A Cure team, which Kris Sims headed, creating The Village People 4 A Cure team.

“When added to donations accepted online, the team has raised over $3,100 to help finish the fight against cancer,” she said. “Canal Winchester-Groveport Relay For Life teams have collectively raised nearly $12,000 so far this year.”

Lemke said last year’s dinner brought out about 95 diners while this year’s goal was 125. By 7:30 p.m., with an hour left to go, she said they were very close to reaching that.

The meals were prepared and served by members of Canal Winchester City Council, city staff members and Mayor Mike Ebert.

Raffle tickets for a 50/50 drawing were also sold. All the funds, including tips given to the servers, were donated to The Village People 4 A Cure.

According to several attendees, including Councilwoman Bobbie Mershon, the meatballs and sauce made by Councilman Steve Donahue were without compare.

Donahue said he spent two days making 260 meatballs for the dinner.

“Steve makes the best spaghetti sauce and meatballs I’ve ever had,” Mershon said. “I appreciate everyone’s support for this event. Kris was a wonderful woman who everyone loved and we all want to honor her.”

Bill Sims, who spent much of the evening washing dishes, said he felt blessed by the community.

“We have had a good turnout and I like that people have come to expect it,” he said. “The week or so leading up to it, I get stopped by people on the street mentioning how they’d be coming or asking for sure when it was.

“I think it says a lot for this city how we never have a shortage of people willing to help out — and not just for this event, but for everything. We’re really blessed.”

Sims said one special component for him is how his family, and especially his in-laws, come out and participate and how the Relay For Life itself can bring together not just family and friends, but complete strangers.

“I think the Relay For Life is especially good for bringing people together, because cancer has touched pretty much every single person’s life at some point,” Sims said. “I’m thankful for this team of people I work with and I think it is very special that we have every single elected official here participating on the team, and coworkers, and my family.

“Kris’s family all come out and help with the Relay as well. She lost her mother to cancer; her grandmother and aunt are survivors. It was something special when we had them all together on the track at once.”

Ebert said the annual fundraising dinner has become so anticipated that he wishes it happened more often.

“I just want to thank everyone who came out and had a good meal and the tips they donated,” he said. “I really like how we do this each year and it’s become this annual thing, but now I think, wouldn’t it be nice if we all came together for a meal like this more often?”

The Canal Winchester-Groveport Relay For Life will take place June 6 and 7 at Canal Winchester High School’s Mike Locke Stadium, 300 Washington St.

ThisWeek CW 05/28/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/05/22/city-post-planning-commission-spot-vacant.html

A death, a retirement and a resignation have left vacancies in three Canal Winchester posts.

It was announced at Canal Winchester City Council’s May 18 meeting that longtime Planning and Zoning Commission member Dr. Dan Konold died May 14, leaving a spot open on the commission.

Also during the meeting, Development Director Lucas Haire announced that Planning and Zoning Administrator Chad Flowers had left, accepting a position outside the community. Additionally, Water Manager Gary Schmitt announced his retirement, effective May 30.

Prior to the full council meeting, Schmitt attended the services and safety committee meeting, where he thanked council and the city staff for the opportunity to serve them.

“I want to say it’s been a great experience. I’ve enjoyed working for and with you, for these past five years,” Schmitt said.

Council members and Public Services Director Matt Peoples thanked him for his service.

Peoples said Joe Taylor, who was water manager before Schmitt, will return to Canal Winchester to fill the vacancy left by Schmitt’s retirement.

Taylor will be leaving his post as the utilities director in Granville to replace Schmitt, starting June 1. Peoples said Taylor’s salary will be about $64,000 with benefits.

Mayor Michael Ebert and Haire will be responsible for recommending a replacement for Konold on the Planning and Zoning Commission; council will then vote on that recommendation.

Haire said the city will advertise the vacant planning and zoning administrator’s job. A posting on the city’s website lists a salary range of between $48,984 and $67,547 for the position.

The person hired will report to Haire and act as the primary point of contact for the department on development projects and long-range planning projects, while working directly with residents, developers and other interest groups.

Haire said he hopes to fill the position as soon as possible.