Hardin County BPW Releases Minutes of Sept 28 Meeting

Hardin County Business and Professional Women’s Club met on Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at Kenton’s Royal Buffet. Five members and two guests, Denise D’Arca and Carol Steegman, were welcomed by Pres. Sandy Moore.

Hostess Norma Frederick introduced speaker Carol Steegman, Program Assistant and Kenton Historical Courthouse District Coordinator for the Hardin Co. Chamber & Business Alliance. She began in May after working in Hancock Co. and brings 13 years of experience in the non-profit sector. With support as directed by the board, her position is to bring family activities to downtown Kenton while incorporating the revitalization of the downtown historic district.

At present, Steegman is learning what has been established as events in Kenton and is becoming familiar with the downtown business owners. Her focus is to continue Eats on the Streets in July, Window Wonderland in collaboration with Ohio’s Biggest Small Town Christmas Parade on Nov. 22, and Market on Main in warm months. She has relied on volunteers and key community partners to continue annual events in the downtown district. She invites anyone in Hardin Co. to be a volunteer to help man the events. She is looking for individuals who can sit on committees to help with event planning in 2023, too.

Steegman recognizes that Kenton and Hardin Co. can increase its revenue and shopping interest by frequenting the local businesses. She emphasized the Shopping Passport Program and stated that there are a number of businesses involved and hoped to see the program grow. The Wayfinder Signs have been added to the four corners of Kenton’s Courthouse Square to help people to locate local businesses. She welcomes any new ideas for any other events that are designed to help downtown business. Contact her at hcd@hccba.com or 419-673-4131 and her hours are Monday-Friday at 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Pres. Moore thanked Steegman for her information and began the meeting. Sec. Norma Frederick read her report from June 29. It was accepted. The two scholarship winners, Aubrey Thrush and Abigail Gerding, have expressed their thanks for the scholarships. Treas. Connie Dietz had her report filed for audit. Patty Garmon will access the Sunshine Fund after the passing of Charlotte Spencer who had cared for the fund for many years.

Director Sandy Moore of the Helen Mabrey Shoe Fund gave her report for the summer. There were no donations in June. In July, she received a donation from the Belle Center United Presbyterian Church. She received applications for 114 pairs of shoes but denied 11 pairs for children who were younger than kindergarten age. In August, she received donations from Mary Fay and Penni Smith. She received applications for 63 pairs of free shoes for needy Hardin Co. students but denied 5 pairs because the children were in pre-school. In September, Moore received donations from the Blanchard River Church of Christ and Penni Smith.

She paid for 102 pairs of shoes and is waiting for bills from Shoe Sensation for the other 75 pairs. Thank you notes have been sent to all who have donated. Discussion followed that more needy children of pre-school age are needing shoes. It was tabled for further discussion for possible inclusion of 4 year old children in pre-school starting in 2023.

Norma Frederick stated that socks and slippers will be collected for Christmas gifts for needy students at Helping Hands in Kenton. This serves all of Hardin Co., and she hopes that Home Savings and Loan will act as the usual collection site between Thanksgiving and December 12. The Christmas gifts will be distributed at Helping Hands starting on Dec. 19.

Moore suggested that members might enjoy their Christmas outing at the Elks which is working on a theatrical presentation. Further discussion and plans will be made closer to that date.

Having no other business, Patty Garmon will be hostess for Oct. 26 at the Royal Buffet at 5:30 p.m. Sandy Moore and Norma Frederick will report about their summer trips. The meeting was adjourned and all were wished safe travels.

(Story and photo submitted)