By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Wood County recognized eight citizens on Sunday who have made the county a better place through their work and volunteerism. They helped farmers, taught children, attracted economic growth, treated employees with respect, stood up for immigrants, preserved an historic treasure, and were backbones of their communities.
Recognized by the Wood County Commissioners as 2021 Spirit of Wood County Award recipients were Alan Sundermeier, Deb Archambo, Walter Churchill Jr., Jack Jones, Beatriz Maya, Irma Wolf, Robert Bettinger and his family, and Deb Buker.
The annual awards were first handed out in 1987 in every county in Ohio. Many counties have since discontinued the awards – but not Wood.
“Wood County has lots and lots of citizens who deserve recognition,” Wood County Commissioner Doris Herringshaw said on Sunday.
Alan Sundermeier was given the award for agricultural leadership. Throughout his tenure as Wood County’s OSU Extension agriculture and natural resources educator, Sundermeier provided leadership to the agricultural community, according to Holly Ball. His presence was vital during the 2019 planting season hardships, when he provided local farmers with direction, education and resources.
In his role he also helped farmers with land conservation and better management of their acreage, including educating on the impact of no-till practices on the environment.
“He taught sustainable practices for years to come,” Ball said. “He provided steadfast service and leadership to agriculture and conservation.”
Deb Archambo was recognized with the award for education for civic responsibility. As a teacher at Otsego since 1999, she has worked with students who have special education needs.
“Her students have a wide range of learning disabilities either cognitively or physically and, to some, are considered to be the most challenging population of students. But not to Deb,” said Kevin O’Shea, the high school principal. “She has never seen kids for their disabilities, only their abilities.”
Her students are often a forgotten population. “Deb, however, has made it her mission in life to make sure that her students are seen and heard,” O’Shea said. “Her students learn and grow alongside their peers in an inclusive environment.”
Archambo is also very involved in the community, serving on the Weston Public Library board and the Grand Rapids Historical Society.
She also spearheaded a project at Otsego to connect families with organizations in the county that can help. “Her dedication and work has impacted countless numbers of people in a positive way,” O’Shea said.
Walter Churchill Jr. was honored with the award for industrial/economic development. At 92 years old, Churchill continues to be a part of the grocery chain started by his family in 1917.
The COVID pandemic created many challenges for grocery stores, but Churchill “spared no expense to keep employees and customers safe” from COVID, said Hank Jarvie, who works in the produce department at the Perrysburg store.
Churchill, who served 30 years in the U.S. Marines, maintained his commitment to providing groceries during a difficult time.
“We have always managed to keep our shelves full and customers happy,” Jarvie said.
And he treats employees with respect, even helping young staff collect grocery carts in the rain.
“That’s all you need to know about him,” Jarvie said.
Churchill has supported many community causes and philanthropic efforts, including donating $500,000 to the building of a track at Perrysburg High School.
In accepting the award, Churchill said the Churchill Markets are now employee owned, and the tradition continues of “selling groceries and taking care of people.”
Jack Jones was also recognized with the award for industrial/economic development. As leader of Poggemeyer Design Group, Jones has been involved for years with the Wood County Economic Development Commission and the Northwestern Water and Sewer District.
“He is known throughout the economic development world for making projects happen with his unbiased, innovative project approach, creative project financing concepts, and ability to know and understand the ‘big picture’ of economic development,” said Rex Huffman.
Jones has been a leader in the development of the Home Depot, NSG Group and Peloton plants in Troy Township; the Bass Pro development area in Rossford; and the CSX rail hub near North Baltimore.
“Jack has a unique ability to help gain the consensus necessary to drive projects from the concept phase to the construction phase,” Huffman said. “His efforts have made significant contributions to growing our economy and making Wood County an even better place to live, work and do business.”
Jones’ and his company’s efforts have been involved in the development of tens of thousands of jobs, and many thousands of homes and small businesses that have come to Wood County, according to Huffman.
His firm has helped many small communities by planning, designing and constructing new roads, storm sewers, community facilities, parks, and water and sewer services.
“No client was too small in Jack’s mind and all deserved superior service,” Huffman said.
Beatriz Maya was presented the award for liberty through law/human freedom. As director of La Conexion of Wood County, Maya has worked to improve the lives of immigrants, educate the public and government officials about immigration, and effect change at all levels of public policy.
“Beatriz leaves no stone unturned to support immigrants, improve lives and create non-discrimination policies to benefit everyone,” said Linda Lander.
To do that, Maya has created community partnerships with the Wood County District Public Library, local churches, the hospital, health department, sheriff’s and prosecutor’s offices. She has collaborated with BGSU, the Cocoon, Brown Bag Project, plus Bowling Green city officials, police division and school district.
Maya has worked with the city on non-discrimination resolutions and to create the Welcome BG office. Known for her collaborative approach, she worked with the BG Police Division to develop new training for employees of late night establishments to prevent incidents of discrimination.
“She is a leader, a thinker, a helper, a doer and a dreamer,” Lander said.
Maya has been a driving force for public education efforts about immigrants, through community conversations, book discussions and advocacy.
“She’s willing to tackle difficult tasks of updating public policy,” Lander said.
Maya’s work for humanity, freedom and social justice is “all about ‘go’ and never about ‘show,’” Lander said.
Irma Wolf was presented with the self government award. She worked in the Wood County Auditor’s Office for 34 years, retiring in 2007 from her position of chief deputy county auditor.
“She was a well-known face in the auditor’s office,” said James Bell.
Wolf also served and continues to work with several organizations that strengthen the community, Bell said. Those groups include the Wood County Historical Society Board and the Wood County Buildings and Grounds Committee.
A resident of Perrysburg, she has served on the Way Library Levy Committee and is a member and current treasurer of First United Methodist Church in Perrysburg.
“Irma’s giving spirit and faithful commitment are worthy of admiration,” Bell said. “She brings a lightness, life, wisdom and encouragement to every room or organization she serves.”
In receiving the award, Wolf said. “I’m just a regular person.” In her role at the county auditor’s office, “when people came in and complained, I listened.”
She urged others to share their talents with their communities.
“I encourage all to give of yourself and your resources,” Wolf said.
Robert Bettinger and his family were presented with the Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award. The Bettingers rescued the majestic former boarding school near Grand Rapids and transformed it into Nazareth Hall.
Built in 1927, the all-boy Catholic boarding school was built by the Ursuline Convent of the Sacred Heart of Toledo. In 1935, the school incorporated a military format into the curriculum.
“Sadly, due to overwhelming expenses and cultural changes, the picturesque palace closed in 1982,” Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn said. “Nazareth Hall would remain vacant for nearly a decade.”
In 1991, the Bettengers drove by the building that had fallen into disrepair, and decided to buy it.
“Since this time, much blood, sweat, tears and money has been spent by the Bettingers to bring Nazareth Hall to her original grandeur,” Wasylyshyn said.
Today, the site offers a full catering facility and wedding destination, and a restored grotto built to resemble the grotto in Lourdes, France.
“The Bettinger family has not only become the caretakers of this great cultural landmark, but also friend and caretaker of the Wood County community, by readily donating space, labor and food from Nazareth Hall,” Wasyslyshyn said.
A second good citizenship award was presented posthumously to Deb Buker, former editor of the Perrysburg Messenger-Journal.
Buker’s death in 2020 left a huge hole in the Perrysburg community, said Aram Ohanian.
“If you look around our community and list the things that make our area a great place to live and raise a family, chances are that Deb Buker had a hand in it some way,” Ohanian said.
She served as leader of many organizations including the Main Street Board, Perrysburg Youth Soccer Association, Perrysburg Arts Council and American Cancer Society. She was an active member of the Perrysburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Exchange Club and Rotary Club.
“Usually behind a camera, Deb would never call attention to herself, much preferring to let others take the credit and the visibility for these events,” Ohanian said.
Buker was the recipient of the Exchange Club Book of Good Deeds Award, and was honored by the League of Women Voters of Perrysburg with the Virginia Secor Stranahan Annual Citizenship Award for her contributions and legacy to the Perrysburg area.
“There are few people that you meet in life that you can say that you are a better person for having known them, but Deb is one that I can say we are all blessed to have shared our time on earth with,” Ohanian said.
Buker’s son, Scott, accepted the award for his mother. He is frequently asked if he is Deb Buker’s son – followed by people sharing stories of how his mother impacted their lives.
“She left a hole in our family, too,” as well as a legacy of leadership and humility, he said.
