HCEF News

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Garrett Roach Honored as “Friend of Philanthropy”

Garrett Roach has been a long-time friend of the Holmes County Education Foundation. Recently he was recognized by the Foundation Board of Trustees as the recipient of the 2011 Friend of Philanthropy Award. Board Chairman John Waltman stated, "Since Garrett Roach, a Holmes County native, returned to practice law at Critchfield Law Firm, he has been a strong supporter of the Holmes County Education Foundation. Garrett not only has given his personal financial support, he has educated and encouraged his clients on the benefits of supporting The Foundation. The Holmes County Education Foundation is grateful and thankful to Mr. Roach."

Roach began his career as an attorney in 1992 with the Critchfield Law Firm. His practice areas include: Real Estate, Estate Planning and Administration, and Corporate/Business. Several scholarship funds created with the Holmes County Education Foundation over the years have been the result of Garrett matching his clients’ charitable intent with the local nonprofit. The end result has been many local youths receiving scholarships to attend college and the donors achieving satisfaction in their giving while obtaining favorable tax benefits. “We created this new award as a way to honor an individual to recognize their philanthropic support and efforts that have changed the lives of young people in our community. We are very happy to present this award to Garrett. He is extremely deserving of this designation.” stated Darla Stitzlein Foundation Executive Director.

Trustee Mike Taylor, a friend and colleague, commented, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees we would like to thank Garrett Roach for his efforts in support of the Education Foundation. It is through people like Garrett that the Foundation continues to grow and provide needed scholarships to the youth of Holmes County. Thanks Garrett for being a friend of the Foundation.”

Roach has been an active member of his community for many years. He has served on many nonprofit boards and is currently a Trustee of the Holmes County Community Foundation, Elder with First Presbyterian Church, and Board Member of the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce. He resides in Millersburg with his wife Nikki and their three children. He enjoys attending his children’s school and sporting events, fly fishing, and hunting.

Since 1991, the Holmes County Education Foundation has provided more than $5.7 million in need-based grants and scholarships to individuals and professionals pursuing higher education. To learn more about the Foundation’s scholarship program or other programs, see its website at www.hcef.net. Executive Director, Darla Stitzlein, may be reached by calling 330-674-7303.

Holmes County Education Foundation
Scholarship Application and Patterson Scholarship for Teachers Application Available Beginning January 3, 2012

HCEF Scholarship :

The Holmes County Education Foundation (HCEF) is accepting scholarship applications for academic year 2012-2013 beginning January 3, 2012.  The scholarship application can only be found on the HCEF website at www.hcef.net, under the section marked Scholarship and Grant Seekers. The scholarships are primarily financial-need based.

Graduating seniors or other individuals pursuing further education who (1) reside in Holmes County, and/or (2) have graduated from a Holmes County high school are eligible to apply.  Individuals must print the application off the HCEF website and send it to: 114 North Clay Street; Millersburg, OH 44654, with all the required information and attachments.  The application deadline is Friday, April 20, 2012, and applications must be received by 5 p.m. on that day.  Students currently receiving Education Foundation scholarships were mailed a renewal application via postal mail in mid-December.

Please visit the HCEF website to see if you are eligible.  If you have any questions, you may call the Holmes County Education Foundation at (330) 674-7303, or e-mail the HCEF at info@hcef.net.

Raymond J. & Louella F. Patterson Scholarship for Teachers:

     The 2012-2013 Raymond J. & Louella F. Patterson Scholarship for Teachers is available beginning January 3, 2012 to classroom teachers currently employed by Holmes County schools that have at least two years of classroom teaching experience.  The scholarship can be used for an advanced degree at an accredited college or graduate school, courses in specific subjects or technical training, and/or specific teacher training opportunities that enhance the teacher’s ability to work with students in the classroom.  Examples of this can be programs provided by arts organizations, research or medical organizations, or libraries or technical training organizations.  Any program that directly affects the classroom activities will be considered.

     Scholarships will be awarded for tuition, fees and books for any graduate level program that leads to a degree and program fees and expenses for other programs.  Fees for travel and living expenses will be considered for those programs of short duration for which travel is required.  It is expected that the training programs financed will occur during summer vacation, but other programs during the school year may be considered.  The maximum award for any one year will be $1,500.  A commitment for two complete years of classroom teaching in a Holmes County school system following the training will be required. 

     Interested teachers can print off an application for the Raymond J. and Louella F. Patterson Scholarship from the Holmes County Education Foundation website at www.hcef.net under the section marked Scholarship and Grantseekers.  The deadline for the applications is Friday, April 20, 2012 at 5:00 p.m..

     The Holmes County Education Foundation administers this scholarship program.  Any questions about the program should be directed to Darla Stitzlein, Executive Director of the Holmes County Education Foundation at 330-674-7303.

There’s no place like Home for the
Holidays with Friends & Neighbors Christmas gala

By Dave Mast, Holmes County Bargain Hunter

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, and a green one, and red one, and all of the other colors of the season, and you’re in the mood for the sights, sounds and smells that accompany the Yuletide season, look no further than Dec. 1-4, when the Holmes County Friends & Neighbors of Every Woman’s House presents its Home For the Holidays Tour, a sensational opportunity for patrons to not just kick-start their holiday cheer, but to support one of Holmes and Wayne County’s most important nonprofit organizations at the same time.

This year’s tour will take patrons to one of Millersburg’s most elegant and historical homes, The Cary House, located at 114 N. Clay St., and the beautiful three-story home which now serves as the offices for the Holmes County Education Foundation is sure to present a stunning portrait of Christmas.

Holmes County Friends & Neighbors of Every Woman’s House will be ushering in the Christmas season in style with its fourth biannual Home for the Holidays Christmas celebration, and the Cary House will be transformed into a glorious Christmas spectacle, complete with bright shiny lights, Christmas cookies, decorations and the sounds of Christmas carols.

“It’s just a beautiful building to begin with, and with the local businesses we have lined up to decorate the rooms, it is going to be a perfect place for people to visit and really get into the Christmas spirit,” said Beverly Chrapowicki, Friends & Neighbors president, who is coordinating the event.

As has been the case in the past, a number of area businesses will be adorning the home with Christmas cheer, showcasing many of the newest Christmas decorations on the market, as well as many of the old favorites.

The local decorators who will be giving the Cary House its elegant Christmas makeover will include Tis the Season, Posey Pad Florist, Coblentz Chocolates, The Vinery, Pomerene Midwifery Group, Route 83 Restaurant, Beauty & The Beach Tanning, Wayne Savings, Village Antique Emporium, Jackson Street Gallery and the Holmes County Humane Society.

The four-day event will feature a special Patrons’ Night on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6-8 p.m., and will present a number of items not present during the other three days, including live music by a stringed quartet and appetizers. Cost of tickets for patrons’ night are $25.

Patrons’ Night will be followed by open houses at reduced prices on Friday, Dec. 2, from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 4, from noon to 3 p.m. The public events will not include much of the regalia of the Patron’s Night, so to get the VIP treatment, make sure to get your tickets for the Dec. 1 bash.

All three levels of the Cary House will be open, including the attic, which Chrapowicki said few people have seen.

“It’s really a beautiful attic area, and we are excited to be able to open that floor up as part of the tour,” said Chrapowicki. “It’s a neat space that is conducive to decorations.”

As for the local businesses who help transform the building into a slice of Christmas joy, Chrapowicki said that they have always done a fantastic job, and are sure to delight again this year.

“Our area businesses do an unbelievable job of capturing the spirit of Christmas because they seem to take such care in getting everything just right,” said Chrapowicki. “This is such a neat way to kick off the Christmas season, because it helps get people in the spirit of Christmas and it goes for such a great cause.”

That cause is Every Woman’s House, a Wayne and Holmes County organization that aids individuals and families who are threatened with abuse. With the alleged child abuse case at Penn State creating such a huge fervor in the nation, it has brought to light an example of the ongoing battle with abuse. This event is designed to create awareness of spousal and child abuse in the Wayne and Holmes area.

Chrapowicki said that while this area may seem idyllic, there are more cases of spousal and child abuse than many people might imagine, and that is why Every Woman’s House is such a vital part of the community.

“It is a problem, even here where you don’t envision things like that happening,” said Chrapowicki. “Part of our mission is to educate and raise awareness about abuse issues, and this event is part of our effort to achieve those things.”

In addition to the decorations and festivities, another way Friends & Neighbors has chosen to raise money in support of Every Woman’s House is through a Chinese auction, in which patrons can purchase tickets to apply toward one or more of a dozen or so holiday gift baskets. Tickets, which are $1 each or six for $5, may be used to improve a patron’s opportunity of winning baskets.

“We felt that we were already asking a lot of the participating businesses decorating the home, so we wanted to find a way to get some other businesses involved,” said Chrapowicki. “It all goes to aid Every Woman’s House, so we hope people will participate, because they can win some really great baskets.”

Patron tickets can be purchased by calling Chrapowkicki at 330-763-4662 or emailing her at beverlychrap@gmail.com. Also, general admission tickets are $10 each and may be purchased at the door Friday, Saturday, & Sunday.
Published: November 10, 2011

West Holmes Class of 1976 Presents Gift to Education Foundation

The Class of 1976 recently held its thirty-fifth high school reunion.  In addition to gathering to reminisce and create new memories, the class made a $550.00 donation to the Blair Slutz Memorial Education Scholarship, held at the Holmes County Education Foundation (HCEF).  Slutz was their high school principal, and the reunion committee felt it a fitting way to honor him.  The Slutz Scholarship was established in 2006 by Blair’s family and friends to honor his commitment to students and their pursuit of education.  Blair's thirty year career in education included teaching, coaching, and administration. “It was an honor to remember Mr. (Blair) Slutz; our class was very pleased that we could pay tribute to him in this way,” Class of 1976 committee Member Kim Croft stated.

     The Foundation is reaching out to other class reunion committees in Holmes County, encouraging them to consider a class gift to the Holmes County Education Foundation.  Funds can be raised by a 50/50 raffle or as an outright gift.  A list of scholarships can be viewed on the Foundation’s website.  For more information, contact the Foundation’s Executive Director, Darla Stitzlein at (330) 674-7303.

12th Annual Frenette Golf Outing Raises $5,000

On Sunday, June 26, 2011, the 12th Annual Aimee Frenette-Rickly Golf Tournament was held at Fire Ridge Golf Course in Millersburg.  Over one hundred and forty golfers arrived for a tee off at 9:00 a.m.  The ‘tournament’ included a cool summer day for the 18-hole course.  The team consisting of Jud Menuez, Ryan Schlabach, Sam Troyer and Mitch Levengood came in at first place with a score of 57.

     The event, which lasted until 4:30 p.m., brought in over $5,000 for the Aimee Frenette-Rickly Memorial Scholarship fund, held and managed by the Holmes County Education Foundation.  Countless local businesses and community members also contributed to the cause with hole sponsorship, including Bakerwell, Buckeye Deli, Burgett Insurance, Commercial & Savings Bank, Fifth Third Investments, First Knox National Bank, Holmes County Title Company, Killbuck Savings Bank, Steve Maag, Moore’s Lawn & Garden, Pizza Parlor II, Subway of Holmes County, and Village Motors, Inc. Businesses and individuals also offered door and raffle prizes.  Members of the Frenette family and the Holmes County Education Foundation would also like to thank the Mansfield Coca-Cola Company, P & G IGA in Killbuck, as well as community members and businesses for their continued contributions toward this annual event.

     Aimee Frenette-Rickly attended West Holmes high school where she was actively involved in softball, volleyball, National Honor Society, student council and 4-H.  She graduated in 1994 and went on to study Family & Consumer Science Education at Ohio University, graduating in 1998.  Following graduation, she student taught in both the East and West Holmes school districts.  She also served as assistant softball coach for West Holmes High School.  Aimee passed away in 1999. This year’s recipient of the Frenette-Rickly Scholarship is Morgan Kiner, who will be studying nursing at Bowling Green State University.

    The Holmes County Education Foundation (HCEF) has been encouraging further education for Holmes County residents by awarding well over $5.7 million in scholarships and grants since 1991.  To learn more about the Foundation, visit our website at www.hcef.net.  Darla Stitzlein, HCEF Executive Director, can be reached by calling (330) 674-7303.

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Photo (above):  Steve Gerber, Rich Patterson, Bruce Uhl and Troy Snyder get a team photo taken at the Frenette- Rickly golf outing, held on Sunday, June 26 (submitted photo).

Welcome, New Advisory Board Members

The Education Foundation would like to welcome Julian Coblentz, Ray Miller, and Arlene Radden to its Advisory Board! Coblentz works for Walnut Creek Foods, Miller for Eagle Machinery & Supply, and Ms.Radden recently retired from her position as director from the Holmes County District Public Library.  The Foundation is pleased to have these new members on board, and appreciative to have their insight and expertise. 

Left: Arlene Radden, Ray Miller, and Julian Coblentz

Congratulations to 2011-2012 recipients

The application review process for 2011 is complete, and we are happy to announce first-year recipients of Holmes County Education Foundation scholarships, in addition to scholarships from outside sources that were selected by the Foundation's selection committee.  Check out the list of recipients for 2011-2012 academic year here!

New & Renewing recipients-- what's next?

New Recipients

You should have received an award letter via e-mail in May at the e-mail address you provided on your scholarship application.  If you did not receive this e-mail, please contact the Foundation immediately.  The award letter contains an attachment letter from the Foundation, stating what scholarship(s) you received, the amount of the scholarship(s), and whether or not the scholarship(s) is/are renewable.  Also within the same attachment is a College Information Sheet and Media Release Form, both of which need to be completed, signed and returned to the Education Foundation by July 1, 2011.  Below both of these forms, some students received suggestions for thank you correspondence to families associated with their scholarship(s).  We highly recommend that you send a thank you to those helping make your scholarship(s) possible. Please print and/or keep the award letter from this attachment for your files.  It contains important information that you will need to know regarding your scholarship. 

Don't forget to check out the HCEF Recipients Blog at least once a month, as you agreed to do so in the College Information Sheet you sign and submit to us. You can also “like” us on Facebook and stay informed of additional scholarships and opportunities. 

Renewing Recipients

The Foundation sent an e-mail in early June letting you know whether or not your scholarship renewed for the 2011-2012 academic year.  If you were eligible to renew and submitted your renewal application by the April 1 deadline, but did not receive an e-mail from the Foundation, please call us at (330) 674-7303. 

In the e-mail sent to those whose renewal applications were complete and included all requirements (at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and at least 4 hours of community service) by the deadline, checks will be sent in mid-July, 2011 to the college or university you included on your renewal application.  You will receive a letter in the mail from the Holmes County Education Foundation verifying that the check has been mailed to the college.

Please contact the Foundation with any questions or with any changes in your school status or contact information.  Don’t forget to visit the HCEF Recipients Blog on a monthly basis.  You can also “like” us on Facebook and stay informed of additional scholarships and opportunities. 

Lions Club Scholarship

The Lions Clubs of Holmes County scholarships were created to provide financial assistance to East and West Holmes Seniors who desire to continue education beyond high school level.

Two one-time scholarships will be awarded, one to a graduating senior of East Holmes and one to a graduating senior of West Holmes. The value of each scholarship will be $500.00.

Applicants should apply at the Holmes County Education Foundation. No specific application is required for the Lions Scholarship; simply filling out a general application will ensure applicants are considered.

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.3 million members. As the charitable arm of the association, LCIF makes grants for vital community and global projects that meet a wide range of humanitarian needs. LCIF’s programs unite approximately 46,000 Lions clubs in 205 countries and geographical areas in a worldwide endeavor to significantly reduce preventable blindness.

Did you know that you can support the Holmes County Education Foundation, just by searching the internet?

Now, the Foundation can earn a penny every time you search the internet. GoodSearch is a new search engine that donates half of its revenue- about one penny per search- to the charities its users designate.  You use the Goodsearch Toolbar just as you would any search engine like Google, and it's powered by Yahoo!

How can I get the GoodSearch toolbar?

Go to www.goodsearch.com and under the section marked "Who do you GoodSearch for?" Type "Holmes County Education Foundation" and hit the enter key on your keyboard or click "verify".  Then, click on the section marked "Get the GoodSearch plug-in or toolbar," follow the directions, and start searching for good!