Champaign Works
  • Home
  • Jobs
    • Post A Job
    • Internships
  • News
    • Share Good News
  • Volunteer
    • Share Volunteer Opportunities
  • Students
  • About
    • Where We Work
    • Where We Learn
    • Where We Play
  • Contact
    • Champaign County on Facebook!
    • Advertisement

What's Happening in Champaign County?

Family Fall Fest

9/30/2021

 
Picture
Urbana Grace Church is having a Family Fall Fest on Saturday, October 2nd from 1pm-3pm at the Champaign Family YMCA! There will be pumpkin decorating for the kids, a huge bounce house, goodie bags to take home, s’mores, and much more! There will also be a fall-themed backdrop for a great picture with the whole family!
Picture
Everything is free, so come on out to support Urbana Grace Church and join in on the fun!

NaCL Salt Spa Re-Grand opening

9/29/2021

 
Picture
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for NaCl Salt Spa on Sunday, September 26th for their re-grand opening. NaCl Salt Spa is under new ownership and has relocated to 1472 E. U.S. HWY 36 Suite E, Urbana.
Picture
They celebrated the day with an open house to show off their services, vendors set up, and a ribbon-cutting. NaCl Salt Spa hours of operation are Tuesday-Thursday 10 am to 6 pm, Friday & Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, and closed Sunday & Monday.

If you are interested in setting up an appointment, go to naclsaltspa.com!

Graham Effort Salutes Donzil Hall

9/28/2021

 

Fund to assist Graham athletes in secondary education

Donzil Hall squinting toward camera with his hands down to his side
Donzil Hall has spent a career and most of his lifetime in the St. Paris community. An effort to fund scholarships has been launched to salute his commitment to community. John Coffman Photography.
Graham High School yearbook page from 1973 of baseball championship
A page from the Graham High School 1973 yearbook documents the year Donzil Hall coached the Falcons to a state championship in baseball. Submitted photo.
From Urbana Daily Citizen

A committee of Graham alumni has come together to establish a scholarship endowment fund in the name of local legend Donzil Hall.

The endowment committee, led by 1966 Graham graduate Ed Shell and 1967 Graham graduate Larry Baker, consists of Graham alumni Bill Dallas, Rick Campbell, Terry Howell, Bob Ward, Rich Goddard, Dwain Hollingsworth, Jay Lewis and Tim West.

Hall grew up in West Virginia, graduating from Spencer High School in 1950. Before going on to university studies, Hall entered the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War. He achieved the rank of Sergeant 1st Class and later received several awards for his service, including the Ford Oval of Honor this past July.

After leaving the military, Hall attended Marshall University, where he obtained varsity letters in both baseball and football. Hall particularly excelled in baseball, gaining first team All-Mid-American Conference honors in both 1957 and 1958 and posting impressive statistics, including a career batting average of .336. In 1993, Hall’s remarkable career earned him a spot in the Marshall Athletic Hall of Fame.
After graduating from Marshall in 1958, Hall moved to Ohio and began working at Rosewood High School. When the area schools consolidated into Graham Local Schools circa 1960, Hall continued serving for 33 years as a teacher, athletic director and coach of both baseball and football. In 1973, Hall led Graham’s baseball team to a state championship.

He retired from teaching in 1991.

“He is a very loyal and dedicated guy to helping kids as well as being an educator,” Baker said.

Despite his athletic success, Hall named teaching as his favorite part of his career at Graham. Though he never planned to remain in the area so long, the character of the community appealed to him.

“The people here are hard-working, honest people, and they appreciated things that you did for them,” Hall said. “The kids at Graham are just great.”

Baker remembers being in third grade when Hall began teaching at Rosewood in 1958. Baker played basketball, football and baseball at Graham. Baker also played baseball for the Western Ohio League, and Hall played alongside him as a teammate.
Tim West, 1974 Graham graduate, pitched for Hall’s state title-winning team and also has been greatly impacted by Hall.

“As a coach, Donzil instilled discipline and hard work ethic within our players,” West said. “He taught us how important the little things are to have success, and in our state run, we won because we did the little things.”

According to West, Hall impacted his players’ lives on and off the field.

“I believe Donzil was a big part in the direction many of us have taken in our lives,” West said.

West, owner of Superior Painting and Restoration in Urbana for 38 years, attributes much of his success to Hall, who gave him his first painting jobs during summers to earn money for college. The pair also frequently play golf together.

Throughout the years, Hall has been honored in various ways for his impact on the Graham community. In 1991, Hall was immortalized in the Miami Valley Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. Additionally, the high school’s new baseball field was dubbed Donzil Hall Field.

In appreciation for all that Hall has given to Graham students, the Donzil Hall Scholarship Endowment Committee felt it was only fitting that a fund be instituted in Hall’s name that would provide aid for secondary education to Graham athletes.

Of his reaction to hearing about the scholarship, Hall said, “I was very surprised, but I really wasn’t surprised. The people who talked to me about it were good students at the high school and good athletes, too. They’ll make it work, I’m sure, if they set their mind to it.”

Baker and Shell, sharing a mutual respect for Hall, came up with the idea for the new scholarship. Baker, who worked as a financial estate planner for 37 years in Springfield, jumped at Shell’s suggestion, and the pair quickly put a plan in motion.

“I knew who else was well-connected and respectful of Donzil, so I asked those people to join me and Ed Shell in doing this,” Baker said.

Shell and Baker formed three committees and have held two meetings thus far.

The committee has partnered with the Springfield Foundation to handle the administrative details of the donations. Though still in the early stages of fundraising, the fund has already accumulated about $23,000 and is projected to continue growing into six figures in future years. Baker expects the scholarship to be able to continue supporting students “forever.”

On October 1, they intend to launch their support campaign with a solicitation letter, detailing the goals of the fund and how contributors can donate.

Graham offers another similar fund called the Graham Community Alumni Association Scholarship, which is filtered through the Troy Foundation and is available to all students.

However, only athletes will be eligible for the Hall scholarship, and the committee will consider components such as athletic performance, character, community service and grades. The only criteria is that the student must use the money for secondary education — a 4-year university, a trade school or any skilled training.

“We don’t want to get any more specific than (secondary education), because in today’s day and age, we’re open to trade skills as well as academic education,” Baker said. Hall himself expressed his support of the committee’s stance on this issue.

Students can apply for this award between November and February, and upon receipt of their applications, a Donor’s Selection Committee made up of Hall, Dwain Hollingsworth, Lewis, Shell and Baker will meet to choose the recipient.

Baker hopes that in the first year, the committee will be able to choose 2 or 3 students to award a one-time amount of between $1,000-$2,000.

Baker vocalized the committee’s hopes that the scholarship will make a positive impact on students’ lives for years to come.

“The committee recognizes how much tougher it’s getting to afford secondary education,” Baker said. “Couple that with everyone’s admiration for Donzil, his service and his dedication to Graham High School, and those two make an excellent marriage to help kids onward and upward.”

Hall himself looks forward to the assistance the fund will provide for students and wishes to thank the community for their support.

“I’m sure that the students that get it will be appreciative of it. I’m just glad to see it happen,” He said. “We’re just happy we’re a part of the community.”
“He’s a very humble, very quiet, confident competitor,” Baker said of Hall. “His life-long, career-long experience was at Graham High School.”
​

FFA Chapter Receives National Grant

9/28/2021

 
Graham Middle School FFA 2021
Pictured back row left to right: Madi Dunham, Maci Runkle, Jack Traylor and Payton Maurice. Front row left to right: Kole Bishop and Myles Brown. Submitted photo.
From Urbana Daily Citizen

The Ohio Hi-Point Graham Middle School FFA Chapter was recently awarded a $1,200 Living to Serve grant from National FFA. The semester-long grant allows the FFA chapter members to implement a service-learning project in their community. The Graham Middle School FFA Chapter selected Graham’s Pre-K programs to teach younger students about agriculture.
“We completed a service project with the Pre-K students last spring where we grew Marigolds for each student to have as a gift for Mother’s Day,” said Ali Peterson, the advisor and instructor for the OHP Graham Middle School FFA Chapter.

“State FFA Convention was virtual last spring, so as part of our virtual trip we spent time with the Pre-K students decorating their flower pot to take home. That service project went well, so we wanted to expand this year.”
​

Read More

CO-ED Volleyball League

9/28/2021

 
Picture
Adult Recreational Volleyball at Champaign Family YMCA is open for registration beginning Friday, October 1st! Build your own team, ask your company to sponsor you, or stop in and sign up as an individual! Either way, you'll have a great time!

Don't wait, league will most likely be limited to 12!
Picture
Registration deadline is Nov. 14th (Sunday before Thanksgiving) to ensure the Y can get jerseys for everyone on time for opening games on Sunday, Nov.28

Adult and Teen Volleyball Open Gym- Thursdays from 7:30 - 9:00 PM. FREE to Members only.

Click here to register!

Train Trip- October 17, 2021

9/27/2021

 
Picture
This year's Champaign County Preservation Alliance train trip is departing from St. Paris, Ohio and traveling to Quincy, Ohio, crossing the largest trestle in the state of Ohio!

Price is $20.00 per person while children under the age of 2 sitting on a lap are free. Limit of 350 people per trip.

Train ride is approximately 75-90 minutes and water, soda, and snacks will be available for purchase on the train.
 
Arrive 45 minutes prior to your departure time to allow for check in. Board train across from the Huffman Drive Baseball Field, 316 Huffman, Dr., St. Paris, Ohio 43072. Follow signs from US Hwy 36 to free parking area and train boarding area.

Please note the train is NOT handicapped accessible.


Click here to purchase your tickets!

October Activities at Mechanicsburg Public Library

9/27/2021

 
Picture
Saturdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2021 from 11am-2pm: Anime Club, Ages 13+. Do you enjoy the art and storytelling of Japanese manga and anime? Are you looking for a group to fan girl/boy about your favorites? Looking for new series to enjoy? If you have answered yes to any of these questions then Anime Club at the Library is the group for you! Anime Club meets every Saturday from 11:00AM- 2:00PM. Hope to see you there!

Wednesdays, October 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2021 from 11am–11:45am: Story Time, Ages 2-5. These programs are intended to support early learning in a group setting. Join us for a mixture of stories and activities that provide enjoyable opportunities for the children to practice skills that prepare them for reading. Light snacks will be served. Donations of nutritional snacks are appreciated.

Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 2pm-7pm: Quilt Guild, All Ages. Bring your sewing machine and work on a project while exchanging ideas and tricks to quilting!

Monday, October 11, 2021 from 3:30pm–4:30 pm: Explorer’s Club, Ages 6 (Kindergarten)–5th Grade. Explorer’s Club meets on the second Monday of every month from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm. Each month we will explore a different topic. In October, we will explore History of Halloween!

Tuesday, October 12, 2021 from 5:30pm-6:30pm: 3D Pumpkin Craft, All Ages. Decorate your home for fall with this three-dimensional paper pumpkin craft.

Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 4:00pm-5:00pm: Lego Club, Ages 5–12. Imagine it. Build it. Legos and K'nex will be provided. Donations of new Legos or money to purchase additional Legos are welcome.

Thursdays, October 14, 21, and 28, 2021 from 4:30pm-5:30pm: Art Class with Lisa, All Ages. Come make a masterpiece with Lisa Ware!

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 from 5:30pm-6:30pm: Harry Potter Kahoot Trivia, All Ages. Show off your Harry Potter knowledge at trivia! Please download the Kahoot app before coming!

Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 2:30pm-3:30pm: Generation Next: A Very Emoji-onal Craft, Ages 11–18. Paint mason jars to look like emoji’s. Perfect for storing pencils, pens, etc.

Monday, October 25, 2021 from 4pm-5pm: Generation What’s Next, Ages 11–18. Create your very own spine tingling fun and escape from reality!

Monday, October 25, 2021 from 5:30pm-6:30pm: Book Chatter, Ages 18+. Come talk about BOOKS! Either what you are currently reading or a favorite book!

Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 5pm-7pm: Youth Halloween Party, Ages 2-18. Come make spooky crafts to add to your Halloween decorations!

For more information, click here to visit Mechanicsburg Public Library's website or call (937)834-2004.

Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital Receives Donations From Field of Flags Tribute

9/24/2021

 
From Urbana Daily Citizen
Kristy Kohl-McCready and Frank Lewis posing with a check
Pictured are Kristy Kohl-McCready (Left) and Frank Lewis. Submitted photo
Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital was proud to have been the recipient of the proceeds from the third annual Honor Field, an event hosted by Walter and Lewis Funeral and Cremation Services that was held earlier this year.

In May, the hospital lawn was turned into a sea of red, white and blue during the annual event, which honored area first responders. Each 3-by-5 foot flag represented a visible reminder of the sacrifice made by our local heroes.

This year’s proceeds of more than $2,200 was given to the Mercy Health Foundation Clark and Champaign Counties to benefit Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital.
“We wanted to take this opportunity to let our local healthcare professionals know we appreciate them and all they are doing for our community,” says Frank Lewis, owner Walter & Lewis Funeral Home. “This is just a small way for us to show our appreciation and let them know we think they are heroes.”

In its first year, the proceeds from the Honor Field was used to purchase carbon masks for the Urbana Fire Department. In each of the last two years, the donation has been directed towards Mercy Heal – Urbana Hospital to support local nurses and physicians.

Since its inception, Honor Field has raised $10,000 to support those who are dedicated to serving the community.

“Honoring the heroes who, for the last 19 months have battled everyday against the COVID-19 pandemic is something in which we take great pride,” said Kristy Kohl-McCready, president, Mercy Health Foundation of Clark, and Champaign counties. “Each and every healthcare worker, first responder, and other essential employees deserve to see the gratitude we hold for them in the community.”

The organizations responsible for the donation are Medicine Shoppe, Champaign Dental Group, Jean & Lewis B. Moore Foundation, Grimes Foundation, Bundy Baking, Roby Monuments, People’s Bank, VFW Auxiliary Post 5451, VFW Post 5451, and DAV Post 31.

Kaffenbarger Nominated For National Award

9/23/2021

 
Daniel Kaffenbarger
Daniel Kaffenbarger, MCCESC Superintendent nominated for 2021-2022 national LifeChanger of the Year award.
From Urbana Daily Citizen

Dr. Daniel Kaffenbarger, superintendent of Madison-Champaign Educational Service Center (MCCESC) has been nominated for the 2021-2022 national LifeChanger of the Year award.

Dr. Kaffenbarger, also known as Dr. K, was nominated by an anonymous colleague. He has been in education for more than 40 years and is entering his final year at the MCCESC as he plans on retiring in July 2022.

MCCESC provides educational services for the counties’ most vulnerable children. Dr. Kaffenbarger has worked with his administrative team over the past several years to establish a mission of “We Work to Serve,” and the staff does just that.

Using the STAR of customer service (Serving others, Teamwork, Attitude, Reliability), supervisors within the agency work to encourage their teachers, paraprofessionals, nurses, and many others to exude a servant’s heart.

Dr. K was most recently named the Outstanding Superintendent by the Southwest Region of the Ohio School Boards Association. His excellent performance is demonstrated through the hard work he puts forth on a daily basis to support the requests and needs of the nine districts and two career-tech centers served by MCCESC. Dr. K holds monthly meetings for superintendents – one for Madison County and one for Champaign County. He holds quarterly meetings for area principals and serves on the Business Advisory Council, Kiwanis, and the Family Children First Council, along with being a leader within his church.

About LifeChanger of the Year

Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Eighteen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2021-2022 school year.

1 Grand Prize Winner – will receive $10,000 to be shared with their school/district.

4 Grand Prize Finalists – will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.

10 LifeChanger Award Winners – will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.

1 Spirit Award Winner – This award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.

1 Capstone Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee retiring at the
end of the 2019-20 school year. The winner will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school or district.

1 Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year.

For 2021-22, the Spotlight Award will be given to a school nurse. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.

Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must make a positive impact in the lives of students; enhance their school or district’s atmosphere, culture and pride; demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level; possess a proven record of professional excellence; show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning; adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards.

A resource page with ideas for how to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyear.com/showspirit/.

To view Dr. Kaffenbarger’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.

West Liberty-Salem High School September Seniors of the Month

9/23/2021

 
Hallie Johnson posing in a field smiling while looking over her should to the left of the picture
Hallie Smith, West Liberty-Salem September Senior of the Month
West Liberty-Salem High School announced their September Seniors of the Month, Hallie Smith and Owen Johnson.

Hallie Smith is the daughter of Tobin and Carrie Smith. She is involved in soccer, basketball, band, musical, drama club, show choir, National Honor Society, french club, student council, a class officer, book club and Calc club.   

 
Student of the Month Questionnaire: 
If I were principal for a day: 
If I was principal for a day, I would allow everyone to eat outside for lunch, and I would turn up the heat in the school because it’s always freezing.
Favorite school memory:
One of my favorite memories from high school has been all the late night practices for musical. 
  
People who have been an inspiration to me include:
Soccer, Basketball, Band, Musical, Drama Club, Show Choir, NHS, French Club,
 Student Council, Class Officer, Book Club, Calc Club 
  
Lately, I have been reading: 
At the moment, I am reading The Lambs Supper by Scott Hahn and Left to Tell by 
Immaculée Ilibagiza. 
  
My advice to parents:
My advice to parents would be to allow your kids to make their own decisions in high school so they can try new things. This will allow them to become their own, unique, person. 
  
My biggest regret: 
My biggest regret in high school was not becoming more involved in the arts freshman year. As a senior involved in the arts, it has been one of the best experiences of my high school career. 
 
Next year Hallie plans to attend a four year university in Ohio to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 
 
Advisor Greg Johnson, MS/HS Principal
Owen Johnson posing with crossed arms and a smile
Owen Johnson, West Liberty-Salem September Senior of the Month
Owen Johnson is the son of Crystal and Greg Johnson. Owen is the president of the Calc club, on student council, Link Crew, Key Club, and plays soccer and basketball.  
 
If I were principal for a day:
I would organize as many activities as possible for future Homeroom periods 
   
Favorite school memory: 
Football Friday Nights  
  
People who have been an inspiration to me include: 
My father because he is a very hard worker and treats everyone with respect.

Lately, I have been reading:
Lord of the Flies

My advice to parents: 
To keep doing what they’ve been doing. 
  
My biggest regret: 
I have no regrets.   

Next year Owen plans to attend college pursuing a four year degree.   
 
Congratulations to your September Students of the Month! 
<<Previous
    Champaign Works job board
    Share Your News
    Browse Jobs
    Volunteer!
    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Agriculture
    Aviation
    Education
    Food Scene
    Fun
    Fun Things To Do
    Government
    Health & Wellness
    History
    Key Industries
    Local Arts
    Non Profit
    Recreation
    Senior Citizens
    Small Business
    Sports

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019

    RSS Feed

Picture
Jobs
News
Volunteer
Champaign Works
​40 Monument Square, Suite 306
Urbana, Ohio 43078
Champaign Economic Partnership Ohio
Champaign Works is supported by the Champaign Economic Parternship. Learn more at CEPOhio.com.
​
All drone photography courtesy of Jassen Dobyns of UAVisions LLC.

​Site powered by Berry Digital Solutions, LLC
​
Champaign County, Ohio
  • Home
  • Jobs
    • Post A Job
    • Internships
  • News
    • Share Good News
  • Volunteer
    • Share Volunteer Opportunities
  • Students
  • About
    • Where We Work
    • Where We Learn
    • Where We Play
  • Contact
    • Champaign County on Facebook!
    • Advertisement