Additional photos below
By Paula Scott
On Monday, November 7, a ballroom full of Ada dignitaries as well as those taking on new roles in the community gathered to celebrate the “Town & Gown” synergy that is vital to the Village of Ada. The centerpiece of the annual event is the introduction of the Distinguished Citizen of the Year, with 2022 honors going to Deb Curlis, who is currently the director of Beatitudes Community Center and who stepped down as the director of the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce in March 2022.
The program was emceed by the new chamber director, Lindsay Walden–an Ada High School and ONU graduate–who introduced twelve new businesses and non-profit organizations. Twenty-seven new village and Ada Exempted Village Schools employees were introduced. (Both listed below.) Walden commended these attendees on the positive impact they have made on the Ada community.
This is the first time a Town & Gown Banquet has been held since 2019, creating a backlog of introductions. Perhaps for this reason, new faculty were not recognized at this time, as has been traditional. The event is in its 57th year.
Walden invited Ada Police officer Penny Keller-Clark to the stage to introduce the as yet unknown Citizen of the Year. Keller-Clark said that she had begun her research by looking up “distinguished” in first Webster’s dictionary and then by asking Siri. Those who know Curlis recognized her from Keller-Clark's introduction, which described an individual who is known for “helping in a spirit of compassion. During the pandemic she served as a first responder, helping those in need after receiving endless calls when most businesses were closed.” With this work, “She kept a beacon of hope lit for a lot of families during this challenging time.” This person, Keller-Clark explained, has helped provide food, shelter and clothing for those facing serious emergencies such as fires and abuse, as well as helped with “urgent” needs such as replacing a purple Bulldog shirt in time for the big game.
The overview of Curlis’s service to the Ada community includes being president/director of the chamber for six years, creation of the annual Merry on Main event, co-chair for Town & Gown, Rotary member and membership chair, Ada Community Improvement Corporation member, Buy Ada First committee, Infinity Gardens volunteer, retired from Community Health Professionals Home Care and Hospice and Hardin Co. Citizen of the Year for 2016.
In her acceptance speech, Curlis explained how she became president of the chamber to fill in for a few months but somehow couldn’t pull herself away. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Curlis commented, “so much that I convinced my husband that we needed to downsize and move to Ada…. First time that we’ve ever lived in town.” Curlis thanked her family, including her son Brian, who has been enlisted to help with every festival and event, and her husband for helping her deal with pre-event worries. Curlis also recognized collaborators and guides Jonell Hanratty, Corsie Arn, Heather Cox and Scott and Arlene Allison. She also thanked Terry Hord for becoming the 100th chamber member and helping her reach that goal. And finally, Curlis thanked the group of volunteers that has recently come to be known as the Beatitude Bees. In closing, she reminded participants of a tradition established by Bill Robinson who always told Town & Gown attendees, “remember to vote tomorrow!”
The banquet guests also heard greetings from Mayor David A. Retter and ONU President Melissa J. Baumann, who engaged in a little good natured ribbing but noted that they “agree on the important things.” An invocation was provided by University Chaplain David MacDonald.
After dinner, the Ohio Northern University Jazz Ensemble performed and guests were introduced by Walden. The program ended with a benediction made by Rev. Amber Simon of D1 Ada Campus with the Assemblies of God.
New Businesses (and new owners) and Nonprofits
Buckeye East Coffee Shop - Owners Nick and Amber Simon
The Cask Room - Owner Denise D’Arco
Circle U Waffle Co. - Owner Cindy Ulrey
John & Toni’s Restaurant and Lounge - Owner: Tammy Downing
LuElla Mae’s - Owners Sara Bryan and Brandi Purdy
MidWest BBQ Catering & More - Owners Matt Hughs and Robbie Allen
ONE MORE - Owners Nick and Amber Simon
Play It Blue - Owner Dean Altstaetter
Ruthie’s - Owner Michelle Threlkeld
The Shop Northwest Ohio Liquidations - Owner: Jamie Campbell Green
Studio 419 Dance - Owners Samantha and Sean Beck
Urban Storm Dog Foundation - Contact Rhonda Crouse
New Village of Ada Employees
Gerri Hawk, Utility Clerk
Joe Hefner, Public Works Superintendent
Eileen Peterman - Utility Clerk and Police Department Clerk
New Staff at Ada Exempted Village Schools
Aaron Acheson, STEM teacher
Sarah Anderson, Elementary Educational Aide
Katie Badertscher, School Social Worker
Carter Bivens, Instrumental Music Teacher for Grades 6-12
Kathryn Bruskotter, 4th Grade Math Teacher
Sara Bryan, Elementary Educational Aide
Joe Carl, School Resource Officer
Jeremy Clark, Elementary Principal
Tim Closson, Math Specialist
Emily Courtney, 5th Grade Science and Social Studies Teacher
Robin Creeger, Cafeteria Staff
Britton Devier, K-12 Assistant Principal and Transportation Supervisor
Cindy Dodge, Bus Driver
Neisha Hermiller, High School English Teacher
Gail Kahley, Cafeteria Staff
Bethany Kauffman, 7th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Kori Lochard, Agricultural Education Teacher
Sarah Phillips, Kindergarten Teacher
Zachary Ricker, High School Intervention Specialist K-12
Patricia Shockency, Bus Driver
Toby Smith, PHysical Education and Digital Academy Teacher
Tim Vernick, District Technology Coordinator
Alicia Wissman, Kindergarten Teacher
