The entire list of distinguished citizens is at the bottom of this story -
Bill and Beth Ann Bass joined an elite Ada club at this year’s Town and Gown banquet on Nov. 5. The couple received the 2019 Ada Distinguished Citizen Award. The presentation is given annually since 1957.
Their community involvement touches nearly every aspect of Ada.
The person nominating them for the honor wrote: “Bill and Beth Ann are the power couple who accurately portray the model of service through their hard work and dedicated labor to the Ada community.
“Both could be labeled as over-achievers, as they don’t know the word ‘can’t’ or ‘it won’t work.’ They epitomize the definitions of volunteering and generosity.
“While growing their trucking company, farming and serving the school and community they nurtured a family of four boys, Ian (deceased), Trent, Dalton and Levi.
“They continue to give, mentor and stand firm in their sense of servanthood to care for the Ada community.”
Here’s a thumb-nail sketch of their involvement in Ada:
The couple served as active and participating members on the Farmers and Merchants Picnic board for over 20 years. Beth Ann served as president several of those years while Bill assisted with food booths, truck and tractor pull and the greased pig contest.
Beth Ann served as treasurer of the Ada Athletic Boosters for over 10 years. Bill is an active member of the Ada Lions Club. Bass Trucking provides the location for the club’s annual spring mulch sale.
In 2017, the couple purchased Little Mexico restaurant and turned it into Tavern 101, and they continue to own and operate Bass Trucking. Tavern 101 sponsored a home football game this season.
The town and gown event was also an opportunity to introduce 10 new employees at the Ada schools, 19 new employees at Ohio Northern University, and eight new Ada professionals, businesses and business owners.
History of town and gown banquet
The Town and Gown Association was established in 1957 by a group of townspeople and university personnel whose primary interest was to develop and maintain a strong and positive relationship between the Village and the University.
