Oakwood Arbor #759 is an extension of the Gleaner Insurance Company. Each arbor is encouraged to be community minded and give back to the community.
The guest speaker for the July 26th meeting was Paulding County Commissioner Roy Klopfenstein. Commissioner Klopfenstein was asked to share information on the Covid money that has come into our county.
He shared that along with the county receiving funds so did every village and township. It was not mandatory that the money be accepted. If declined the funds would eventually be re-distributed throughout the communities. The commissioners accepted their portion of the distribution.
He shared that they are being very careful as to how they spend the money. They hope their decisions will benefit our county for a long time. One of the priorities is to get internet coverage to the river basins to the north (Maumee River) and to the east (Big and Little Auglaize). This would be such a great help to all of the residents. in the area including the school children who have to do their work at home. It was very difficult for the students when school was closed and classes were held virtually. Another benefit would be to those who travel through this area and do not get a good reception.
Sharla Tom Young gave a presentation on non-Fatal strangulation: Receiving and Reacting to the Red Flags of a Survivors story. In just a matter of seconds someone can be strangled and unless the physician, nurse, EMT, is aware of the signs the diagnosis could be totally wrong.
August 24th speaker was David Burtch. Dave lived in California for several years and after retirement chose to come back to his hometown of Paulding. He shared that as he walked around town, he remembered how the town used to look. The store fronts were friendly and there were no empty buildings, but time and area shopping centers have changed our shopping habits. Dave proceeded to approach Paulding Village Council, Paulding County Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Community Improvement Corporation and the Vision Board and together they have come together to revitalize not only Paulding but other communities as well. Several studies have been made concerning Paulding County. There is a great need for housing. The potential for spending in Paulding County is 217 million. Studies show that we are only spending around 117 million that leaves a leakage of 110 million that could be coming into our businesses. As for restaurants the projected amount is 20 million with only 10 million being spent. Thus, we need more food establishments.
Through the efforts of these dedicated men and women Paulding has made changes for the better. As you walk around the Court house square new businesses are in place. We have a new bank coming into town. Dave shared that the first building on this corner property originally was Potters Bank. It was a wood structure and was destroyed in a fire so the town chose from that time on that all buildings would be made of brick. A committee is presently working on the who what where and when of all the buildings around the square. If information can be collected on the prior owners, the architecture of the building, the year it was built then this information will be submitted to the proper authorities and hopefully Paulding could be recognized on the National Register of historical communities. Another benefit will be the opportunity to apply for grants. Dave has a vision for Paulding and after hearing his presentation we’ve only just begun.
This is the 60th year for the Biennial Convention for Gleaner. The event will be held at the Belterra Resort Casino in Florence, Indiana October 22-24. Oakwood Arbor will be sending delegates to vote for Board of Directors and any changes in the Constitution. A Fraternalst of the year will also be honored for the work they do within the community they represent. At the last convention held in 2019 Eileen Kochensparger of Oakwood Arbor #759 had the honor of being chosen for this upstanding award.
Next meeting will be September 27th at Twin Oaks Fellowship Hall. Oakwood, Ohio. Melinda Stoller director of Hand and Hope Pregnancy center will be the Speaker. In October the speaker will be Victor Cantu administrator of the Paulding County Children’s Home. Meetings are held at the Twin Oaks Fellowship Hall, Oakwood, Ohio 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month. Guests are always welcome.
