By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Every year, Bowling Green honors citizens committed to making their community better. On Saturday, the Chamber of Commerce recognized people who have rolled up their sleeves to solve problems and found creative ways to support their town.
The citizens recognized with the top awards this year in the BGSU Grand Ballroom were Margie Harris, Brian Paskvan, Wendy Headley and Jason Miller.
As each accepted their award, they encouraged others to find their way to better Bowling Green.
Margie Harris – Outstanding Female of the Year
Harris is known for her “I can do that” attitude, said last year’s recipient Lee Hakel.
She has volunteered with the Jaycees, PTOs at her children’s schools, and helped run park concessions. Harris and her husband, Tim, fostered eight children over a five-year period.
Her life took a turn when she and Tim had a child with special needs. Harris pursued a career in early intervention and advocated for those with disabilities. She was executive director of the ARC of Wood County and worked for various agencies including the Wood County Health Department, WSOS, and the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities, while spreading her care and compassion for people with disabilities way beyond the workplace, Hakel said.
“My trajectory or path changed on April 29, 1997,” with the birth of their youngest child with disabilities, Harris said as she accepted her award. “It’s changed my path in life.”
Harris was a driving force behind the Wood County Plays inclusive playground recently opened in Bowling Green.
“She enthusiastically helped lead Wood County Plays ensuring all kids and families can play together on the same playground. She has a relentless drive and a creative thoughtfulness which makes any project significantly better for having had her involved,” said Ryan Wichman of the Wood County Plays program.
Harris helps out at the home for people with disabilities where their youngest child lives – planting flowers, decorating for holidays, and helping other residents as needed.
“My heart is pounding out of my chest. I really don’t have any words,” she said as she accepted the award.
Service to humanity is “the best work,” Harris said. “I couldn’t do it without the rest of the community pulling together.”
Brian Paskvan – Outstanding Male of the Year
Paskvan has led the Wood County District Public Library Board of Trustees through some challenging times, with creativity and resolve.
He joined the board in 2005 and was elected vice president in 2007 and 2008, then elected annually to be the president of the board from 2009 through 2022. Under his leadership, the library was able to weather the Great Recession, by founding the foundation’s annual Schedel Benefit (now Novel Night) in 2009, and passing the first operating levy in 2010. He was the leading effort for that levy’s renewal in 2014 and again in 2020, each time with a larger margin of support from the community.
Paskvan was also instrumental in the restoration and opening of the Carter House in 2013. He advocated for the renovation and expansion of the Walbridge Library in 2017. And he promoted the Foundation Series, most recently featuring Danny Trejo.
“His leadership through several strategic plans has challenged and inspired everyone at the library to think of new things to do to serve the community. He helped the library accomplish so much in his 18 years of service and the entire community has benefited,” said Bob Callecod, a previous recipient of the award.
Paskvan has also served the community by volunteering many years with the Holiday Parade Project Team. He has rolled up his sleeves to wash dishes at St. Mark’s Church’s weekly meals for anyone in need, and he recently volunteered to help paint a store for a non-profit organization.
“Bowling Green is better because of his unselfish dedication and commitment of time,” Callecod said.
In accepting his award, Paskvan shared his philosophy.
“I’ve lived by the mantra – if you have the ability, you have the responsibility,” he said. “You go out there and make the place better.”
“This is an incredible place to raise a family and live, and I thank you for this honor,” Paskvan said.
Wendy Headley – Athena Award
Headley began her work life as a carhop at A&W Root Beer in Fremont, and is now a role model for women in the real estate business, said Maria Simon, last year’s award recipient.
In college she worked for the BGSU Falcon Marching Band as a music librarian and after earning an education degree, went on to mentor young students.
In 1988, she received her license to serve as a Realtor in the State of Ohio.
Headley is “an amazing role model for generations of professional real estate agents,” said Diane Huffman. Her passion for mentoring those new to the profession includes sharing wisdom gleaned from a wealth of 38 years of experience. She is a straight shooter. She is always willing to share the good, the bad and the ugly, and is available to help in any way possible.
Her strong work ethic and characteristic drive have led to success in real estate and in life. In the hardscrabble competitive business world, her support for women, whether realtors, lawyers, title agents, or lenders, is distinguished by the warmth of her personal and professional interactions.
Headley’s service to the community also includes board positions with the Cocoon Shelter, Wood County Park District and Bowling Green Area Community Bands. She also contributes to the City of Bowling Green with the Revolving Loan Fund, and to the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce through the Holiday Parade Project Team and Scholarship Selection Committee.
In accepting her award, Headley expressed her love for the community, and said she and her husband Thom, who met at BGSU, believe in giving back.
“We live in quite a community. Even though we’re not townies, it’s home,” she said.
Headley spoke of the tough times facing Bowling Green right now.
“It takes a village, and this village needs to stand together,” she said. “We need to take care of each other, and give back. It’s what we need to do. It’s what makes us tick – it’s all of us.”
Jason Miller – Zeus Award
Miller has helped women in the workplace and in the community achieve their leadership roles.
As director of human services for the Wood County Committee on Aging, he supports a culture that encourages women to achieve their full leadership potential.
“He is a critical thinker and provides creative solutions to obstacles,” said past award recipient Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn. “This is quite common in his current role due to staffing shortages, and making sure that the services to our senior community are received without interruption.”
Miller has also committed many years of active service with the Kiwanis organization. He currently is serving on the organization’s executive board, as well as holding offices as high as district governor for the Ohio District. He also serves as an adviser to the BGSU Circle K Club, where under his guidance, the club has increased membership, total service hours, and the number of projects undertaken.
Emcee for the evening, Jerry Anderson, referred to Miller as a true “servant leader.”
Miller also serves on the Bowling Green Community Foundation Board, a non-profit entity that exists to improve the quality of life in the city.
In accepting the award, Miller shared his life philosophy.
“Every day we’re faced with many choices in our day. One choice we can make is to be kind,” he said.
Miller suggested that individuals “choose to see the good in people. We have to be the bigger person.”
Cheryl Windisch – I Love BG Award
Windisch was recognized for her long history of community involvement. She served on the BG Parks and Recreation Board for 12 years, the BG Community Foundation for seven years, and on the board for Prevent Blindness of Northwest Ohio.
She is currently active in the BG Parks and Recreation Foundation Board, the University Women Literature Group, the Falcon Club, and has served with the Philanthropic Educational Organization Chapter AA for 45 years, as well as the Bowling Green Schools Foundation Board for 13 years.
Windisch has shown her passion for education by working to pass school levies. As a former teacher, guidance counselor, and supervisor of student teachers, she understands the value of an education and a united school district.
She volunteers at the Wood County Hospital, greeting visitors as well as participating in the Hospital Guild. She is a member of the Saint John XXIII Catholic Community where she spearheaded a grief support group following the untimely passing of her husband, Paul.
“This is a wonderful community,” Windisch said as she accepted her award.
Windisch announced that she will soon be moving from Bowling Green, adding that “I have had a heck of a hard time,” with that decision. So the “I Love BG Award” comes at a great time, she said.
“I deeply appreciate the honor,” she said.
Elite Collegiate Apparel – Outstanding Customer Service Award
Elite Collegiate Apparel was recognized for its quality products, wide variety of merchandise, affordable pricing and helpful staff.
The store, led by Kent Kokomoor, listens to what their customers are looking for and acts upon those suggestions – believing that customers appreciate when their suggestions are taken seriously.
The recipient frequently supports events at BGSU and BG City Schools through donations and by raising awareness and participation for their events. The store has provided specially designed promotional T-shirt giveaways for athletic events.
The business also has an exceptional presence on social media and uses this to share not only their own promotions, but events they see happening in Bowling Green and recognition of those with accomplishments.
“I am so appreciative of the town of Bowling Green, and all of you,” Kokomoor said as he accepted the award.
Kabob It – Small Business of the Year
Kabob It was recognized for helping employees succeed in the workplace and beyond. The owners, Zach and Kendra Baroudi, offer flexible schedules, competitive pay, and staff fun days to help employees have a healthy work/life balance.
The Baroudis were among the first downtown businesses to embrace the parklet project. And they are willing donors to many fundraisers for local schools, organizations, and businesses.
Kabob It was also recognized for its quality food and service to customers. The restaurant survived the COVID pandemic by being innovative. That has led to the bottling of Kabob It menu items that are now sold in five local groceries.
The Baroudis believe in the community, and used local businesses to help make their bottled products a reality.
“We may be small,” but they take service to the community very seriously, Kendra Baroudi said in accepting the award. “We have a responsibility to give back.”
Kent Kokomoor – Greg Kegler Volunteerism Award
Kokomoor was called to the stage a second time to receive the Greg Kegler Volunteerism Award. Kokomoor is active on Chamber of Commerce project teams, he chairs the Business Council, Business Expo, and the annual Golf Scramble, and serves on the AMDA and Holiday Parade project teams.
He has served on the board of directors, is currently treasurer, and he sets the bar very high for other chamber investors. Kokomoor was touched by being selected for the award.
“I knew Greg pretty well, and I don’t come anywhere close to what he represented in this award,” he said.
