By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green on Friday honored those who work quietly behind the scenes, and those who speak loudly to bring about change.
During its annual dinner and awards program, held this year at Nazareth Hall, the Chamber of Commerce recognized citizens and businesses for making Bowling Green a better place to live.
Those recognized encouraged little girls that they can be anything they want, and made way for women to work in public service roles once only intended for men. They quietly worked to make the downtown bloom with beauty, they persistently advocated for healthy neighborhoods, and they served local veterans and their families.
Outstanding Female Citizen
Rose Drain was recognized for her tenacious work with BG Save Our Neighborhoods Group and for being a driving force for the BG Dog Park on Ridge. Her coordination and hands-on work ethic led to the Rock the Block and Rock Our Vets programs to help homeowners in need with household and yard improvements.
“She isn’t just a citizen. She is a catalyst for positive change and a steadfast advocate for every neighbor,” one person wrote in a nomination form for Drain.
Through BG SONG, Drain helped lead efforts to engage the community and look for improvements to housing revitalization, new housing, transportation and mobility, and climate action.
“Rose Drain is an energizer bunny who has tirelessly advocated for good changes in the Bowling Green community,” a nomination form stated. “I cannot think of anyone who has volunteered more time and energy to Bowling Green.”
“I believe Rose advocates for those who do not have a voice,” and hardly ever misses a City Council, planning or zoning meeting. “I have rarely encountered someone who really cares and knows how to make a difference. Many people are well meaning, but Rose has a unique ability to actually make change happen.”
Outstanding Male Citizen
Tom Striggow was awarded for his quiet quest to improve the community through planting, pruning, and picking up where needed.
As a former member of the BG Tree Commission, Striggow could be seen frequently trimming city street trees, using his own tools and hauling brush in his personal vehicle. For years, he has tended to the flowers downtown and picking up litter.
“His efforts are not motivated by recognition or obligation. They stem from genuine love for Bowling Green,” one nomination form stated.
“His standard has always been that the downtown should not just look good – it should look exceptional.”
“Tom Striggow is an extraordinary asset to the City of Bowling Green. He is not only a devoted volunteer, but a person whose efforts have transformed our public spaces and whose example has inspired many, including myself, to serve with more pride, care and compassion.”
He is known for helping to spark momentum in people and projects.
“Tom is one of those rare people whose impact often goes unnoticed at first glance because he moves quietly, humbly and without any expectation of recognition. Yet his fingerprints are everywhere good work is happening.”
Athena Award
Jenny Morlock, who has served more than 33 years as the Wood County 4-H program assistant, was recognized for her creative ideas for youth at the county fair, at 4-H camp programs, and farm tours for school students. She played a pivotal role in expanding the Senior Smiles initiative with the Wood County Committee on Aging, the Wood County 4-H Bake Off, and the Wood County 4-H Quilt Square Trail.
Nominators of Morlock noted her mentoring of women by creating opportunities, nurturing confidence and advocating for leadership development. “Across Wood County, her impact is evident in the voices of the women she has guided, encouraged and empowered.”
She identifies strengths and creates opportunities, “growing girls into leaders, and leaders into contributors who give back.”
“For Jenny Morlock, there is no higher honor than watching the next generation rise to meet the world with integrity, empathy and confidence.”
Zeus Award
Mayor Mike Aspacher was recognized for increasing the presence of and opportunities for women in the city’s government. “As a result, the city workforce is increasingly diverse and is a workplace that is supportive of women at all stages of their careers.”
Public service has long been dominated by males, especially in areas such as the fire service. Aspacher set a goal to change the composition of the fire division, and encourage the hiring of female firefighters/paramedics. He was supportive of physical changes to the fire stations to provide an environment where all could work comfortably.
When he took office as mayor, the city had no female firefighters.
“The fire division now has five female firefighters/paramedics and, importantly, embraces and celebrates the value that diversity of skills and strengths brings to the agency.”
There are also numerous females on the mayor’s executive staff. “Mayor Aspacher sees this diversity of high value and relies on the insights and perspectives of all members in leading the city. The City of Bowling Green is a family-friendly workplace, and Mayor Aspacher consistently encourages a work-life balance.”
I Love BG Award
Dick and Nadine Edwards, known for their motto of “It’s amazing what can get done when you don’t care who gets the credit,” were presented the “I Love BG Award” Friday evening.
“The Edwards have put their heart, time, treasures and efforts into every corner of this town,” the award nomination form stated. “Their love of BG shines through their actions – those widely publicized and the countless generous ones that happen without recognition.”
Included in their community efforts have been the creation of Simpson Garden Park and of the downtown Wooster Green, active involvement in Kiwanis, support via sponsorships to Downtown BG, and support of the Wood County Museum.
Most recently, the couple agreed to serve as co-chairs of the Wood County District Public Library fundraising campaign to ensure all community members have access to much needed resources.
“I am forever grateful to know Dick and Nadine, learn from them, and see what true hometown pride looks like. They love BG like no one else I have ever met, putting so much of their time and efforts into making it a place everyone else can love, too.”
Small Business of the Year Award
Scott and Lisa Kaminski were recognized for their business, Inspired Mindz, which started in their family home selling handmade goods, and is now located at the Woodland Mall.
Inspired Mindz is a three-part business under one roof, starting with LK Soaps, artisan soaps from goat milk. The store now features more than 50 small businesses selling handmade items. Also part of the business is the Crew Room, built around wholesale, liquidation and discount merchandise, to make everyday essentials more affordable and accessible to the community.
The store started in 2020 with two employees, and now employs 12. In the past year, the store moved, doubling its footprint from 9,000 square feet to 18,900 square feet. And the business works to support community causes.
“This growth isn’t just about square footage. It’s about impact. It’s about revitalizing a space, supporting local entrepreneurs, and proving that when a community shows up, amazing things happen,” the nomination form stated.
Outstanding Customer Service Award
The mission of Paul C. Ladd VFW Post 1148 is to foster camaraderie among U.S. veterans of overseas conflicts, to serve veterans, the military, the community, and to advocate on behalf of all veterans.
To do that, the post provides monetary services to programs like Toys for Tots, Brown Bag Food Pantry, Hope for the Holidays, BGSU Student Veterans, Honor Flight, the Cocoon, Wreaths Across America, and In a Soldiers Shoes.
Community support includes Veterans Day programs at local schools, and at the courthouse memorial, and Memorial Day services at Oak Grove Cemetery and Wood County Memory Gardens.
With the Veterans Service Commission, the post co-hosts the annual Veterans Work Fair at the fairgrounds. When asked to help families in need, the post provides gas cards or food cards. “No one is left out. Our mission is to assist the community.”
The post is a drop-off point for Toys for Tots, and boxes of homemade cookies are sent to active-duty personnel over the holidays.
The local post was awarded the National VFW Community Service Award for 2023, 2023 and 2025.
