Meet Our Community Heroes!

PRESENTED BY THE JENNINGS FARLEY FUNERAL HOME & WPKO/WBLL/PEAKOFOHIO.COM

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August 2010
Michael Coder

Longtime Zanesfield resident Michael was nominated for his work as an educator, coach and his community involvement. Michael was born in Bellefontaine and grew up in Zanesfield. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Urbana College and his master’s degree from Bowling Green State University.

Coder retired as a teacher and guidance counselor at Benjamin Logan Schools after 30 years at the district, but is still currently the Head Girls Cross Country and Track coach. Mike has spent plenty of time with running sports. Along with the coaching jobs at Benjamin Logan, he coached the Logan County Express track team. He ran the Columbus Marathon three times and the Kentucky Derby marathon several times.

He coached Ben Logan basketball for nine years, refereed basketball for 32 years and umpired baseball and softball. Mike is also part of many boards and clubs in the county. He is currently Zanesfield’s mayor, and served on the village’s council from 1973 to 2008. He has served on the Sloan Library board for 29 years, the Tri-Valley Fire board for seven years. Mr. Coder has been a member of he Bellefontaine Lions Club since 1973 and has held the position of president, Vice President, secretary, one-year director, chairman of eyeglass committee, education committee chairman, and youth district committee chairman.

He was also the camp dean at Camp Christian in Houston, Ohio for four years and participated in AP Techniglass’ Japan Student Exchange Program in 1991. He is a member, elder, Sunday school teacher and assistant Sunday school superintendent at the Mill Creek Church of Christ. He recently returned from his ninth missions trip to Haiti with the church, where he coaches a basketball camp for the kids on the streets.

Mike has been married to his wife, Susan, for 37 years. They have two daughters, Meredith and Rebecca, and two granddaughters, Natalie and Mallory. Coder’s assistant track coaches, Trish Hemmelgarn and Alli Reule, nominated him. Hemmelgarn said, “When you hear the words, ‘community hero,’ automatically you think of Mike Coder. A lot of people know him as a coach, but obviously his commitment to the community goes far beyond coaching. And, he’s an inspiration to all that know him.”

July 2010
Linda Hauck

Bellefontaine resident Linda Hauck was nominated for her work with Discovery Riders in Logan County. She is the executive director of the non-profit therapeutic riding and learning center located at 5850 State Route 292 South, Zanesfield.

Discovery Riders uses horses to help meet the social, cognitive, physical, and educational needs of each participant. There are five paid staff members and 85 volunteers that help serve children and adults across West Central Ohio. Hauck served on the Discovery Riders board for two years and has been the executive director the last three years.

Hauck, who’s a registered nurse, has a real passion for horses. She said the large animals helped her during her childhood years when she was very shy. Hauck said horses always accepted her, which helped her develop as a person. She said those same principles make Discovery Riders a great program for many kids and adults.

Discovery Riders volunteer Marge Hill of Belle Center nominated Hauck. She said, “I nominate Linda because she is the director for the Discovery Riders in Zanesfield. She is very dedicated to the program. She works extremely hard for the cause and has a kind heart. She will do anything to help the children overcome problems that they encounter in their lives. Linda is also involved with the Red Cross. She is involved with her own 4-H club. She will take horses to the fair for the children that are in the Discovery Riders and also a member in her 4-H club. I am happy to know Linda. I believe she deserves this award wholeheartedly.”

Linda, thank you for bringing something special to our community and to the lives you touch everyday. To volunteer, donate, join or just learn more about Discover Riders go to www.discoveryriders.com.

June 2010
Jake Jeffrey

Bellefontaine resident Jake Jeffrey was nominated for his work as an educator and elected official. The New Jersey native arrived in Logan County in 1951 while serving in the Air Force. After his time with the 664th, Jake returned home and earned his education degree at Seton Hall. He returned to Logan County and taught at Zanesfield-Monroe from ’58 to ’61.

Mr. Jeffrey left our area to teach in New Jersey for nine years (1961-69). Jake and his family then permanently returned to our county in 1969. After a brief stint at Waynesfield-Goshen, Jeffrey was a principal and coach at Ridgemont for 18 years (1970-87). Under Jake’s guidance, Ridgemont football flourished in the Seventies. Many of his teams won conference championships. He was known as a disciplinarian and a motivator.

Mr. Jeffrey was an elected official for 16 years. He served on Bellefontaine City Council from 1975 through1978. Jake was a Logan County Commissioner for 12 years, 1981-85 and from 1989-96. He oversaw many projects that our county still benefits from today, including the Solid Waste District and the Logan County EMA.

Former Ridgemont student Candace Watson, who is the director of the Logan County Convention and Tourist Bureau, nominated Jeffrey. She said, “Mr. Jeffrey is a community hero on so many levels. He and his wife, Jane, volunteer for the Convention and Tourist Bureau every month, helping us to bring visitors to Logan County. Any time I ask for help, he is there without fail. In addition, Mr. Jeffrey has served his community as a county commissioner and has volunteered for numerous organizations.

"However, in my opinion, Mr. Jeffrey made the greatest impact in his role as high school principal and varsity football coach at Ridgemont High School. Mr. Jeffrey used humor to diffuse most tense situations at school, but could be tough when needed and he was always fair. Mr. Jeffrey is a natural leader. He tells a great story and has a contagious positive attitude that draws people to him. He respects his students and they respect him. Mr. Jeffrey could make a student see the error of their ways while making them feel good about themselves. In my mind, Mr. Jeffrey is a legend.”

May 2010
Dick Barrett

West Liberty resident Dick Barrett was nominated for his vast community involvement. After 20-plus years of service as a trooper with the New York State Police, Barrett retired to preach the Word of God. He has been the pastor at Oak Grove Mennonite Church in West Liberty for the past seven years. Dick is also a firefighter at the West Liberty Fire Department, where he serves as chaplain.

Barrett was recognized for his heroic actions as a state trooper near Buffalo several years ago. While returning home from work, he noticed a house fire and rescued the family. Barrett helped serve on Ground Zero following 9/11. Mr. Barrett has spent countless hours serving residents from the West Liberty area and beyond. He’s done a mission trip to Guatemala and is working on a mission trip to Israel.

Barrett was nominated by his daughter, Emma Newman of Bellefontaine. She said, “My father is an amazing man that will do anything he can to help or assist anyone in need.” Dick, thank you for your humble service; you truly do lead by example.

April 2010
David Bader

David Bader, who served 20 years in the U.S. Navy Seabees (the Navy's Construction Force), was nominated for his service to our country as well as his service to the community. Mr. Bader joined the Navy during high school but made sure he received his GED in the service. Later he completed night school while stationed in Oregon to earn his actual high school diploma, which he feels is the foundation for success in life. The Seabees took him all over the world including Vietnam, Guam, Okinawa, and Thailand.

After retiring from the Navy his service to our community continued by helping with the cleanup after the tornado that hit Xenia. Mr. Bader has extended his helping hand all over America by going on several missions, including trips to Texas, Tennessee and Alabama to rebuild homes for those devastated by circumstances beyond their control.

When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, Mr. Bader went to help with the clean-up efforts nine times from 2005 - 2008 with Habitat for Humanity.

He worked several years at the Lutheran Community Services Thrift store, retiring in 2009 to devote more time to volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity/Restore, located on 68 South just outside of Bellefontaine. He says he has been blessed to help 11 families so far, through Habitat for Humanity, enjoy their piece of the American dream here in Logan County.

David Bader has been married to his wife, Patricia, for 53 years. He has four children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We salute David Bader for his continued unselfishness and dedication to making our world a better place, and making us proud to be Americans.

March 2010
Ron Pope

Ron Pope has been an example of commitment not only to his family—he has been married to his lovely bride for 36 years, helping to raise three daughters (with only one bathroom!)—but also to our entire community. Ron served the De Graff Fire Department proudly for 24 years, five as Fire Chief, where he risked his life to save others.

He was employed at Siemens Energy & Automation for 36 years until they closed their doors. He was a Deacon of the Logansville Community Church for 15 years and a member for 23 years. Ron also served as Commander of the AWANA Clubs for 20 years, coaching summer T-ball and softball.

Ron is surrounded by elderly neighbors, and even after a long day he still finds time to check in on them and help them with whatever they might need—from a troublesome toilet to a leaky roof or a broken garage door. No matter the time or day, no matter what Ron is doing, he is always there to lend a helping hand.

Now in his retiring years, he has become his grandchildren's greatest fans by never missing a game or event. Ron Pope is truly a humble servant and one of Logan County's Community Heroes.

February 2010
Dr. Matthew Verbsky

Dr. Verbsky, who graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1982, was nominated for his community involvement and compassion as a veterinarian. Dr. Matt is a second-generation vet and owner of Southgate Veterinary Clinic in Bellefontaine. He’s been tending to area dogs and cats since ‘97. After earning his undergrad degree and working in sales for a few years, Dr. Verbsky went back to school and graduated from The Ohio State University School of Veterinary Studies. In addition, he earned a Master of Sciences degree. He is a mentor of staff members who are furthering their education in the practices of veterinary medicine and veterinary technician services. He also encourages Logan County students in grades 8-12 with job shadowing opportunities.

Dr. Verbsky is a Past President of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association. He has served the organization for the past ten years. Dr. Verbsky is also a member of the Mary Rutan Hospital Board, the Green Hills Board, and Past President of the Bellefontaine Kiwanis Club. He has served in various positions on the committees of the United Methodist Church of Bellefontaine and has been in the church choir since he was a teenager. Dr. Verbsky is also a member of the Bellefontaine Encore Summer Theater and enjoys golf. He has been married for 20 years and has three children. Dr. Verbsky was nominated by his staff. We salute Dr. Matt Verbsky for making Logan County a better place to live and being a great employer!!!

January 2010
Doug Casey

Doug, who graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 2000, was nominated for his countless hours of service to Chieftain athletics. Casey started helping manage the freshman boys basketball team for Coach Brunswick in ‘96-‘97. This year, Doug started his 14th consecutive season working as the head boys basketball manager. He has served under head coaches Collins, Furlong, and Stolly. At practice, Casey does a variety of jobs. He runs the clock, coordinates equipment and uniforms, and secures the facilities. Doug also films practices and games. He attends every game and even helps with scouting trips. Casey assists in the Spring Junior High Boys Basketball League. Finally, he helps with the Summer Basketball League and Youth Basketball Camps. Casey has also been the head manager of the football team for more than a decade. He has worked in the baseball program for a number of years, too. Henry Stolly said, “Doug has become a valuable fixture around BHS athletics and he has dedicated – through time, effort, and talents – a significant part of his life to the Bellefontaine community. Doug is a positive role model and we have always found him to be eager and selfless in his efforts to lend a helping hand to better the team/program.

He is not only an inspiration to me, but to the many people (coaches, parents, players, fans, etc.) he comes into contact with in the Bellefontaine community. Doug inspires our athletes to become champions and the Bellefontaine community to open our hearts through his example of generosity, passion, and love of sports. He teaches us that the greatest victories happen in real life! People thank me all the time for allowing Doug to be a part of the boys basketball program, but I can sincerely assure you that he gives back to me personally far more than I could ever give him. I am so happy and proud for Doug and his family for receiving the Community Hero award. We are all so blessed to know this unique young man.” Casey was recently chosen to represent Team Ohio in a Special Olympics national softball tournament in Lincoln, Nebraska in July. It’s the first time in 20 years that a representative from our county has been selected.

December 2009
Ron Rickets

Ron retired from Navistar/International Harvester where he worked to support and provide for his family for over 30 years. Ron, however, continues to serve.  Ron is a member of the Zanesfield Chamber of Commerce where he does numerous things for the village including helping maintain the parks. He is dedicated to keeping the rich history of our community alive by preparing a warm fire in the fireplace in the cabin at Helen Wonder’s Blue Park for school groups from all over the area to come and tour. Ron also helps our community by providing jobs and is a vital service to our community as the co-owner of the Me and Company Salon in downtown Bellefontaine.  Every morning you will find Ron at the salon making sure it is cleaned and ready to start the day as well as any maintenance that may need to be done.  Ron also serves as a Trustee for the Zanesfield United Methodist Church and is an active member of the East Liberty Masonic Lodge. Ron is always very giving of his time and resources, whether someone needs a couch, a ride somewhere or an odd job done.   Ron is more than willing to step in and help out. Ron evens helps the Jefferson Township Trustees almost everyday doing whatever needs done like getting graves ready for graveside funeral services, cutting trees on the roadside or whatever else that may need attention.  On top of all this Ron’s number one priority is taking care of his widowed mother and maintaining her property.  Ron, your family has honored you with this nomination and we want to honor you by saying congratulations on receiving the December Community Hero Award.

November 2009
Pat Clay

Pat has been running her own beauty salon in East Liberty for more than 45 years. Dedicated to her community and her clients, she is still styling hair from time to time and is willing to transport her customers when they need a ride. As an active member of the East Liberty united Methodist Church, Pat  is on staff as the Church Treasurer, sings in the choir and even volunteers her time at the local pantry with a group of dedicated individuals. Pat is the first to help out a friend or community member. She makes meals for neighbors who have been ill or who may not be as able as she is to cook. Pat is famous for her peach pies, baby comforters and crocheted Afghans which she has donated to community functions and has given as gifts many times over.  Pat has been an example to her family with continued support in any area needed during the most difficult times in her children lives.  They wanted to say thank you by nominating her for our November Community Hero and we couldn’t agree more.

October 2009
Phil Forsythe

Phil, second grade teacher at Southeastern Elementary, has dedicated his life to helping others. For 37 years has tried to make every student feel important, and his passion is unmatched. Phil graduated from Indian Lake in 1969 and Urbana University in 1973; he received his Masters degree from Wright State in 1978.

As a mentor for nine new teachers in the Bellefontaine City School District, Phil is an excellent example of teaching skill. Even though he has been legally blind in one eye for almost 20 years, Phil never complains about the adjustments he has had to make, accepting them with grace and dignity. Shanel Henry, a former Administrator at Pine Avenue Elementary, once said that regardless of his disabilities, challenges and uncertainties, Mr. Forsythe continues to give beyond any expectations for the improvement of our students and community.

Mr. Forsythe’s lists of accomplishments and accolades are many. He is a teacher who goes beyond that extra mile for his students. He is a church volunteer who gives of his time to ministering to others. He is a man of integrity and compassion: he has spearheaded several service projects, such as ...

• He collected and redeemed pop top tabs and six pack plastic rings to benefit the Cincinnati Children’s Burn Unit in honor of a local student, and to help add materials to the second grade classroom.
• He raised over $25,000 in grant money for 33 local teachers.
• He is currently working on Operation Christmas Shoebox, part of Social Studies (Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities), where the children are to help needy children in America and around the world. This optional activity allows the children to fill ordinary shoe boxes with small toys, school supplies, sweets, and other gifts to share.

To learn more about Phil’s exciting and innovative teaching techniques, please visit his website at www.bellefontaine.k12.oh.us/se/forsythe/

September 2009
Jerry Jones

Jerry Jones was born in West LIberty Ohio, leaving after graduation to pursue a career in nursing and receiving his degree. He worked in Springfield and at Miami Valley hospital. He eventually returned home to his roots in Logan county and West Liberty.

He has dedicated himself to his friends family acquaintances and residence of this and Champaign county for the last twenty years as a friend , coworker lifesaver and competent health care provider.

His dedication to the community has been shown by his work not only for his employer Mary Rutan Hospital but in assisting with continuing education for staff there and for the Emergency Medical services in Logan county where he serves as the county coordinator for EMS.

Jerry is a loving man. He does not show his softer side most of the time but it is there. He also was instrumental in implementing the Fair Safety 4 Just Kids chapter in our area. This is the Mac-O Chee chapter.
He started the first farm safety day camp after a tragic death in our community that was devastating to many on the EMS and the general community. His goal was to NEVER have another child die of a preventable accident.

He also is the Chief of West Liberty EMS. As a member I can tell you that this can be like baby sitting a bunch of head strong adults. Difficult to say the least. He balances the budget at home and on the squad in the same manner. Fairly and appropriately.

He is kind and gentle with our patients in and out of the hospital and many love and respect him for this.
He will always be thought of with respect and admiration for his dedication to every one in Logan County and the surrounding area.