Ada Kiwanis opened the first weekly meeting of the club for 2017, which begins its 93rd year, on Jan. 3.
President Tom Kier presented a brief, and at times humorous, program dealing the early history of pharmacy, beginning in ancient times up to present day. The presentation included pictures taken during his visit to the Galapagos Islands some time ago.
Heather Cox will have the club program on Tuesday, Jan. 17. She has invited a representative of Blanchard Valley Hospital to join the club to discuss planned changers for the Bluffton Hospital.
Bob McCurdy reported that an upcoming meeting has been set to discuss the possibility of chartering a new Key Club.
Ada Icon owners Fred and Mary Steiner have named Monty Siekerman editor of the online news outlet for the community.
Monty, who has been reporting and taking photographs for the Ada Icon for the past two years, joins other Ada residents in furnishing more than 40 local articles a week for viewers.
Amy Eddings reports and provides photos, Ken Collins takes feature photos, Cort Reynolds keeps readers up-to-date on local school sports, and Darlene Bowers writes features about local people and creates Ada Happenings, a caledar of Ada events.
The Icon caught up with Meri Skilliter a couple days after she accepted the superintendent position at Ada schools. She holds her principal/superintendent certification from the University of Findlay. Her superintendent certification courses are from Ohio State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Bluffton University and a master's in educational leadership from the University of Dayton.
Here’s a portion of our discussion.
When you were a student, what teacher excited you about making a career in education?
By Amy Eddings
In Dr. Suzanne Darmer’s office, there was a large pink hatbox crammed with colorful handmade cards from Ada’s 1st through 6th graders. She pulled one out and read it out loud.
“‘You did an awesome job, we will miss you,’” she said, her voice growing thick with emotion. “Merry Christmas, sincerely, Robert. Eight years old.”
Another one read, “Great job! Have fun in your retirement!” written in perfect block letters.
“My heart is just so full of joy and tenderness!” she exclaimed. “It means they’ve opened their hearts to me, and vice-versa. It means we’ve walked through the last 10 years together.”
Teachers were happy that the temperature finally moderated so that youngsters could enjoy ball and jump rope during recess at lunch on Wednesday, the last day of school until break. These kindergarteners and first graders tore about the play area, burning off some energy before heading back inside for class. (Monty Siekerman photos)