(Marion) A community leader has been recognized for her support of employees in the Ohio Army National Guard. Evelyn Warr-Omness, executive director of the Marion County Regional Planning Commission, received the Patriot Award. Nominated by Ohio Army National Guard Member Staff Sergeant James Walker, an employee of the planning commission, nominated Warr-Omness for this honor […]
People
Cody Higley Shares Love of Local History
Cody Higley grew up on Whetstone River Road in eastern Marion County. His grandfather, Robert W. Higley, worked at Marion Power Shovel and nurtured Cody’s love of local history. “My grandfather was very much into history. He would take me up on his knee and tell stories of his childhood. He grew up in Marion […]
Quilting Tradition Stitches Hope for Cancer Survivors
Candyce Dreher of Marion remembers her grandmother quilting when she was just three years old. “I remember her putting her quilting frame up in the living room. She and her friends would quilt on it. I’ve always been a creative person but quilting really opened something in my heart,” Candy says. In 1988, Candy learned […]
Nurse Became Statewide Leader in Helping Survivors of Sexual Assault
Darlene Schoonard rises to meet challenges. In the 1980s, Schoonard cared for her beloved grandmother while she battling cancer. “My grandmother was very supportive of me becoming a nurse. She would tell everyone that I was going to become a nurse,” Schoonard recalled. After her grandmother died, the busy working mom followed her dream. Schoonard […]
World War II Veterans Among Those Honored
Two veterans of World War II were among the many Ohio veterans celebrated at the Honor Flight at Home ceremony this June in Marion at Tri-Rivers Career Center. Joe Calenda, age 100 The oldest veteran, Joe Calenda, age 100, joined the U.S. Army in 1943. The 19-year-old from Brooklyn, New York, served in France and […]
Survivor Supports Others Escaping Abuse with Turning Point Fundraisers
When Melissa Jolliff wanted to escape an abusive relationship five years ago, she turned to Turning Point. “I never had to stay at the shelter, but the people there were very helpful. They guided me, provided resources and helped me get to the next chapter,” Melissa said. POUND: Steps to Healing A friend’s invitation to […]