Local resident Dama Burkhart, center, was recognized recently as the 2010 Austin C. Furbee Award honoree in recognition of her dedication and contribution to Ohio University and the community. Shown with Burkhart are, alumni chapter co-chairs, Martin Harper, left, and Terry Lee.

Receives Austin C. Furbee Award 

The Eastern Ohio alumni chapter of Ohio University recently honored Woodsfield resident Dr. Dama C. Burkhart as the 2010 Austin C. Furbee Award honoree in recognition of her dedication and contribution to Ohio University and the community. Fifty of her family, friends and Ohio University alumni and Ohio University Eastern Campus staff gathered in her honor at a dinner at the Belmont Hills Country Club.

“Dr. Burkhart has been a long time supporter of the Ohio University Eastern Campus serving on the Regional Coordinating Council for many years,” said Dr. Rich Greenlee, Eastern Campus dean. “She has also been a strong advocate for the need for greater access to higher education opportunities for Monroe County residents, particularly women.”

After receiving her high school diploma from Woodsfield High School in 1944, Burkhart earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Taylor University in Upland, Ind., in 1950. In the summer of 1964 she pursued clinical pastoral education at the Indiana University Medical Center, and in 1965 she completed her master’s degree in personality theory at Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind. Burkhart then continued her education by earning her doctorate in 1968 from Purdue University in Counseling and Guidance with minors in clinical psychology and sociology.

Her career was spent in the education field. She taught at Purdue University, first as an instructor, and then became a visiting assistant professor supervising practicum in counseling and guidance. She served as a human development specialist in Cooperative Extensions Service for the state of Indiana and assistant professor in the department of child development and family life at Purdue. From 1974-78 she was an associate professor in the same department before becoming the assistant dean for home economics extension in the School of Consumer and Family Sciences at Purdue. In 1980 she became the associate dean of the school.

Her other experiences have included being the director of Christian education at Central Presbyterian Church in Lafayette, Ind., serving on the National Council on Family Relations as well as the Indiana Council on Family Relations where she was a board member and president.

After moving back to the Woodsfield area upon retirement, Burkhart stayed involved in  higher education. “Dama was from Monroe County and since that was one of our service areas, the [Ohio University Eastern Campus] Regional Coordinating Council felt that we needed to make sure that the Council has representation from that county,” said Dr. James Newton, retired Eastern Campus dean. “John Kirk, who was the chairperson of the Council, knew Dama and recommended for her an appointment to the Council. After being appointed by the Ohio University Trustees, Dama instantly became a valuable member of the Council.” Burkhart served on the Council for 20 years, 1987-2007.

“During her service on the Council, she provided insightful information on various topics,” said Newton. “She served on the Third Century Campaign committee. I was particularly impressed with Dama’s work in developing a scholarship for students who came from Monroe County and attended [the Eastern Campus]. I personally valued her council, service and friendship during my tenure as the Campus Dean.”

The Austin C. Furbee award was first given in 1981 after Furbee’s wife, Gladys, established an endowed fund in memory of her husband. Each year someone who has shown dedication, commitment and service to Ohio University and to the community is given the honor. Austin Furbee, for whom the award is named, played a key role in the formation of the Eastern Campus. He was a Belmont County commissioner when the commission acquired the former Belmont County Experimental Station farmland, which was to become the home of Ohio University Eastern Campus. Furbee later served as a member of the campus’ regional coordinating council.

Burkhart is the wife of the late Judge George F. Burkhart. Her daughter is Paige Amster of Naples, Fla., and her son is Scott Cofield of Brownsburg, Ind.

Our Readers Write

Preparing the 20, 4x16 raised garden plots in the Monroe County Community Garden, located behind the Parry Museum, are, from left, Thomas Smith, Ernesto Matia, Master Gardener and instructor Mike Sechrest, Mick McKenna, Russ Pratt, OSU Extension agent Mark Landefeld, Mike Martinez and Jerik Wesley.        
Photos by Martha Ackerman  

Gardens About Ready to Plant

The Monroe County Community Gardens, located behind the Parry Museum, took root after Nan McBurney, a Master Gardener, spoke to the Woodsfield Garden Club. The project, which has developed through volunteerism, donations and support from local businesses and organizations, was given a helping hand recently by prisoners at the Belmont Correctional Institute.

Under the direction of Mike Sechrest, vocational teacher at the correctional institute, prisoners participating in the Vocational, Horticultural and Turf Landscape Management program prepared the 20, 4x12 beds for planting. The prison’s one-year program, July 1 thru June 30, is a community service oriented program in which participants help non-profit organizations with turf and landscaping projects. Last year the St. Clairsville Community Gardens, after which the local gardens are fashioned, was aided by this same Belmont Correctional Institute’s program.

According to Sechrest, a Master Gardener, program participants do a lot of volunteer work in the St. Clairsville area. The program is federally funded so to supplement the monies available, Secrest started a prison greenhouse, which was approved by the warden and is located within the prison. The participants in this program raise annuals, vegetable plants and prepare hanging baskets for sale to the prison’s staff.  The profits from these sales augment the program’s funds, enabling Sechrest to purchase supplies and needed items to continue.

The program participants mixed the compost, which was donated by Bill Hoag, a local sheep farmer, with the soil and wheel barrowed it to the 20 raised beds. These beds were constructed earlier by Swiss Hills Career Center’s Construction Trades I class under the direction of their instructor Bob Dougherty. Later, program participants mulched along the walkways and built a picket fence around the perimeter. According to Sara Kraft, one of the community garden organizers, wire was placed above the fence and the bottom was secured to keep out the deer, rabbits and small animals.

There are two rain barrels and a new hydrant to provide water for the gardens. Kraft noted that the only things needed are seeds and plants. “The beds are accessible and this is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who has a desire to plant a garden and does not have the space or availability to do so,” said Kraft. She also noted that it is said that the double the amount of garden produce can be raised in a 4x12 raised garden as in an open garden double its size.

The Belmont Correctional Institute’s Vocational, Horticultural and Turf Landscape Management is a one-year voluntary program. According to Sechrest, it gets participants outside and gives them a sense of accomplishment when they complete a project such as the community gardens. Participants study, learn and test for the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association’s Test, which most of the men who worked on the Monroe County Community Garden have already passed. After the participants complete the program and pass the test, they are considered Ohio Certified Nursery Technicians, which gives them a major plus when they are released and looking for employment.

This partnership with the Belmont Correctional Institute was a win-win situation for everyone. The raised gardens are now ready to plant after the danger of frost. Organizers appreciate all the help they have received in developing this community garden project.  Packets are available at the Extension Office, located in courthouse. There are three plots left. The Beacon will continue to check the progress of the project as the planting season begins. 

Members of the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce welcomed Cameron Carry Out to the business community. The carry-out was reopened by Tim and Carol Ollom. Shown, from left, are Miranda Ollom, Lisa Tiber, Carol Ollom, and representing the Chamber, Ruth Workman and Tom Scott.

Cameron Carry Out Reopens

The Cameron Carry Out has reopened. It had been the hub of the little town for more than 35 years, but had closed a few years ago. Tim and Carol Ollom and their two children, Tylor, 19, and Miranda, 15, decided Cameron needed a little store again. Located along Sunfish Creek between Woodsfield and Clarington, the store carries necessary staples and is the town meeting place for residents to hear the latest news.

Carol Ollom worked at the Cameron Carry Out for eight years and loved working there. When it closed, she worked for a year at a department store. People kept telling her that she should buy the carry out and the family decided to try it. They know it requires long hours, but it is a venture they decided to pursue.

Tim is a coal miner, a township trustee and does a lot of the running and shopping for the carry out. Carol has worked at the carry out and knew the daily workings of the business, which prepared her for the venture. Tylor does some of the running for the carry out and Miranda and her friend Lisa Tiber help Carol in the daily operation of the carry out.

The carry out inventory includes milk, bread, eggs, cereal, canned goods, sodas, beer, wine, household basic needs and tobacco items. A variety of fresh sandwiches are available in the restaurant side of the store. Burgers are made from Headley’s meats and the quarter pounder makes a  great sandwich. Fresh cut Fench fries and other deep fried sides are available to complete a tasty lunch or dinner. Pasco pizza is available in three sizes and seven toppings from which to choose.

 ”Everyone loves our pizza,” says Carol, who decided when you have something that has been a success, why change it.

Cameron Carry Out also has movies available for rent.

The ice cream shop, located within the carry out, has soft serve vanilla, chocolate and twist cones, along with a variety of milkshakes, sundaes and other ice cream treats.

It is a clean, neatly arranged little store which continues to be the hub of this little town. Cameron Carry Out is open Monday thru Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can call and have your food or pizza ready when you arrive. Call in orders to 740-458-1808.

Around the Burnside  

A pessimist is one who is seasick during the entire voyage of life.

Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

It’s strange sometimes how things happen or work out. For example, last Wednesday I traveled to Zanesville Hospital for an inside inspection which worked out great as I have a choice of going through another inspection in three years. As a result I did not pick up our copy of the Beacon. I messed around on Thursday and didn’t get our Beacon until I took my blurb in Friday a.m.

As you know, if you’ve been reading, I’ve been on a milk kick for some time. Last week I tried to let you know I think that Jersey milk is the best tasting milk.

I open the supplement regarding some farms in Monroe County and I learn that Jersey milk makes the best tasting cheese. Talk about being on the same page. I guess I’ll have to start eating Jersey cheese now. You can too, you know.

If you didn’t read the supplement last week, I’d suggest you dig it out of file 13 or wherever it might be and read it. It was excellent and proves Monroe County is not a county of rednecks, as I’m sure some think. Makes it more interesting when you’ve known one of the couples since you moved to the county.

Then we have those who think there’s no place in our schools for agriculture science or an active FFA Chapter. There is a lot of technology in agriculture.

Have you ever had something and didn’t realize it? It happens. Most of us have heard something about organic this, organic that, being so much better than what we have been using. I don’t understand. All I know about organic, however, I wonder. We used to spread a good layer of the stuff out of the barn on our garden every year. Is this organic?

At the store the other day I spotted organic eggs. I picked up a dozen for closer inspection. I read they were from free roaming hens and were brown. We had both brown and white eggs at home. We couldn’t tell the difference when they were in the skillet. I then noticed the price. It was just a few tinks less than 30 cents per egg. I put them back. I wonder where free running hens lay their eggs? Our hens were also free running.

I also read the other day we should have organic lawns. It didn’t say much about how you get or raise an organic lawn but it did have a warning about it. they said not to worry and just kind of look over it. They said not to worry because some weeds tend to come up in an organic lawn. Do you know something? I have an organic lawn and didn’t even know it.

I had some pretty yellow flowers scattered all over my lawn early this spring. Since I mowed the last time some smaller yellow flowers have started in a few spots and I have some low growing purple flowers in several places and creeping Charlie will be present. So I guess I’ll just keep mowing my organic lawn and let the clippings fall where they may. I can’t remember when it had any of that nasty fertilizer and lime so I guess maybe that might make it organic.

Talk about an obese week. Monday I attended the Monroe Retired Teachers dinner at noon and was invited to Shenandoah’s FFA banquet Monday evening. Tuesday just liquid, catch up Wednesday and Thursday and chicken cooked by the Lewisville firemen on Sunday. Finally a pepperoni roll for supper.  That did it, heartburn. A couple big slugs of Mountain Dew took care of that.

I really enjoyed the Shenandoah FFA banquet. It brought back a lot of memories. The Shenandoah FFA have a large number of members and are very active. I was impressed by the number of girls who are members. In fact, they carry out leadership as chapter officers and participate in various contests and county fair. It was a very enjoyable evening.

Have you watched the ad on TV for the egg cracker. You just put an egg in it, squeeze and out drops the egg, no fuss, no muss. It even has a little thing-a-ma-thing that scrambles the egg before it is broken. I’d eat more eggs if we had one of those things as it looks like fun to use. Works well with hard boiled eggs, too. I don’t think I’ll buy one because just about everything you can buy on TV does not work the same as they show. It only costs $10 plus probably another seven to ship and handle.

Have you ever stopped to think and not get started again?

Don’t forget church Sunday.

Classifieds
■  May 13 Classifieds
■  May 13 Garage Sales

At Woodsfield Council Don Harmon was honored at the May 3 meeting. From left are Mayor Bill Bolon, Carol Hehr, Pauline Delbrugge, Dale English, William E. Moore, Mike Cox, Don Harmon and Lance LaFollette. Not pictured was Vernon Henthorn.

Harmon Honored
by Taylor Abbott
Staff Writer

Woodsfield Village Council recently honored lifelong Woodsfield resident Don Harmon during their May 3 meeting.

Rick Schuerman, village administrator, had to get Harmon to council chambers without his knowing what awaited him. Schuerman reportedly told Harmon that council was planning to discuss issues concerning the tennis courts in town. He led Harmon to believe that this was an important meeting that he could not miss.

Around 7 p.m., council recessed briefly in preparation for Harmon’s arrival. Over 30 people filled council chambers with Harmon taking his seat in front after the guests were seated. 

Mayor Bill Bolon reconvened the meeting at 7:30 p.m.  by reading the resolution honoring Harmon.

At that point, Harmon quickly glanced at every person in the room and shaking his head as he realized that everyone in the room was aware of this prior to him. 

Bolon read the resolution aloud saying, “Don Harmon has dedicated decades of such selfless service to the citizens of our village of Woodsfield, in his tireless and devoted acts which have developed, maintained, and enhanced the aesthetic appearance and recreational opportunities offered by the village of Woodsfield.”

He went on to say that Harmon’s service and contributions to the Woodsfield Park Board, Woodsfield Youth Center, and the Woodsfield municipal swimming pool have been essential to the benefits those programs and facilities offer the citizens of Woodsfield.

It was then resolved by council after the resolution’s reading that Don Harmon be honored by proclaiming the tennis courts at Memorial Park be called, now and perpetually, “Don Harmon Tennis Courts.”

A roar of applause and standing ovation for the community leader was given. Harmon thanked those in attendance and said, “I don’t know what to say. You all have me so shook up, I’m speechless.”

Many stories and memories were shared by those who have had the honor of working with or playing tennis with Harmon. Collectively, they each echoed the same message: Thank you Don Harmon, for your hard work and dedication to the citizens of Woodsfield.

Following the conclusion of the meeting a reception was held.

In other business conducted during the meeting, the Parking Committee presented a report before council. 

Committee Chair William E. Moore spoke of the issues regarding the roadway leading out towards the airport and commerce park. 

Moore said, “We recommend an appropriate time be established for council to meet as a whole and hear from the public and formulate a plan to improve vehicle use of North Main Street from Maple Avenue to the township line.”

It was decided by council that a public hearing concerning the issue will be held May 17 at 7 p.m. in council chambers. Anyone with questions or concerns are invited to attend the meeting and voice their opinions. 

OBITUARIES 

MAE L. THOMAS
Mae L. Thomas, 98, 9390 Lattasburg Rd., West Salem, formerly of Woodsfield, died May 7, 2010 at the home of Roy D. and Doris Weaver near Wooster. She was born Dec. 11, 1911 near Jerusalem, a daughter of the late George and Laura Shaw Riser.

She was a homemaker and a Protestant by faith. She enjoyed farming and was an avid quilter.

Surviving are seven nephews, Larry Riser and Gene Riser, both of Martins Ferry, Ronald Riser, George Riser and Randy Riser, all of Jerusalem, Donald Riser of Beallsville and Harold Cronin of Pennsylvania; four nieces, Malinda Henthorn of Woodsfield, Elsie Phillips of Illinois, Becky Hubbard of Youngstown, Wanda Clark of Woodsfield; 11 great-nieces; and 14 great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Royden Thomas in 1969; two brothers, Everett and James Riser; two sisters, Dessie Cronin, Dorothy Hoff; a nephew, Paul Cronin and a brother-in-law, Roger Thomas.

Friends were received until time of services May 11 at Watters Funeral Home, with Howard Spengler officiating. Burial followed in Oaklawn Cemetery, Woodsfield.

Online condolences may be expressed at 
www.wattersfuneralhome.com

GEORGE A. FOUTTY 
George Allen Foutty, 88, 33498 SR 800, New Matamoras, (Fly Community) died May 4, 2010 at the New Martinsville Health Care Center. He was born Aug. 1, 1921 at Fly, a son of the late George Wesley and Effie West Fouty.

He was a carpenter by trade. He was a former employee of Timken in Canton; a retired employee of Olin and Consolidated Aluminum, Hannibal; a faithful member of the Pleasant Valley Church of Christ, New Martinsville; a U.S. Army veteran serving during WWII having received a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle. He loved woodworking, hunting and spent his whole life serving God and others.

Surviving are his wife of 13 years, Irene Finley Foutty, of the home; a daughter, Janet (Tim) Schwall of Woodsfield; a son, George S. (Lugene) Foutty of New Matamoras; a step-daughter, Ruth Ellen (John) Callard of St. Charles, Ill.; a sister, Kathleen Hupp of Cambridge; four grandchildren, Steve Foutty, Leslie Cisler, Jeanette Harter and Jessica Summers; nine great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Jeanette Smittle Foutty in 1994; and three sisters, Eloise, Cora and Emogene.

Friends were received May 6 until time of services at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, with Jeremy Joy officiating. Burial followed in Mehrley Cemetery, Fly.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New Martinsville Health Care Center c/o Activity Dept., 225 Russell Ave., New Martinsville, WV 26155.

Online condolences may be expressed at 
www.wattersfuneralhome.com

CONNIE M. McGEE
Connie M. McGee, 58, Akron, died May 3, 2010 in the burn unit at Akron Children’s Hospital.

Surviving are two sons, David Seladoki of Neffs, Michael Seladoki of Akron; a twin sister, Bonnie Heil of St. Clairsville; two grandchildren, Jennifer and Riley and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles F. McGee; parents, Wade and Evagene McKelvey; two brothers, David and Greg McKelvey

A memorial mass was celebrated May 6 at St. Francis de Sales, Akron. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Akron Children’s Hospital Burn Unit or Donate Life Ohio www.donatelifeohio.org. Condolences and special memories may be shared online at: 
www.heritagecremation.com