ASHLAND – Bob and Jan Archer have become well known in Ashland, not only for their own philanthropic gifts but also for the way they inspire charitable giving from others.
Bob and Jan pledged a generous $1 million toward the Women’s Fund Childcare Initiative of the Ashland County Community Foundation. In typical Archer fashion, they made their $1 million pledge at the outset of the campaign, challenging the Women’s Fund to raise $2.5 million from other donors in order to receive the Archer’s “capstone” gift.
“We cannot thank the Archers enough for coming alongside us in such a major way,” Chief Program Officer Kristin Aspin said. “Their gift was one of the first we received, and it provided exceptional momentum that has carried us forward throughout this campaign.”
Jan commented, “We were impressed with the research and planning that Kristin and the Women’s Fund Steering Committee had done before approaching us. This facility and its services will be unique in the state and will meet a huge need for women and their families in our Ashland area.”
Bob added, “We like to make challenge gifts because it gets the community involved, and it’s the right thing to do!”
The Archer’s gift helped inspire many of approximately 275 businesses, individuals and funders who have contributed $4.1 million to date, putting the committee just $400,000 shy of their $4.5 million goal.
The Archers’ $1 million paved the way for Ashland County Commissioners to approve a grant of $500,000 from federal American Rescue Plan Act funding, an anonymous family foundation to provide a grant of $500,000, and State Senator Mark Romanchuk to help secure $300,000 from the State of Ohio in support of the project.
Brenda Uselton, chair of the Women’s Fund Steering Committee of Ashland County Community Foundation, noted the committee has raised enough money to ensure that the childcare center building will be constructed in 2023.
“We are celebrating the successful fundraising that has taken place, but we also want the community to know that the dollars given now in this final stretch of the campaign are what will put the center on solid footing to be the sustainable and affordable childcare facility families and businesses need it to be,” Uselton said.
Dr. JoAnn Ford Watson, past chair of the Women’s Fund Steering Committee and a board member at ACCF, has been a champion of the Childcare initiative since its inception. She contributed $375,000 to the project.
Watson now serves as chair of the board of Foundations Community Childcare, the new nonprofit owner/operator of the future childcare center.
“We are so grateful for the Women’s Fund’s leadership, and we sincerely thank every donor who has contributed to this effort,” Watson said. “As the Women’s Fund passes the baton to FCC at the conclusion of this campaign, our board looks forward to sharing the center’s progress with the community.”
In addition to the Archers and Watson, 218 individuals and families have already contributed a total of nearly $403,000, and gifts are continuing to come in as donors are making yearend charitable contributions.
Many of the gifts made to date are unrestricted and can be used for capital or endowment, so the committee is still raising money for both capital and endowment. Individuals and businesses who give now can designate their gift for either purpose, if they so choose.
Among the 37 businesses who have contributed to the initiative to date are the following corporate donors of $10,000 or more: Barbasol Foundation; SJE, Inc.; Baker Properties; BCU Electric; Chandler Systems, Inc.; Charles River Laboratories, Inc.; Park National Bank; Lippert Enterprises, Inc.; Sutton Bank; Grandpa’s Cheesebarn; Jenbratt, Inc.; Mc. B Paving and Sealcoating, Novatex North America, Inc., Packaging Corporation of America and Shawn and Nichole Aber of Valley Transportation.
For a complete list of corporate donors, visit www.ashlandforgood.org/childcare.
“We hope this impressive list will demonstrate to our friends and neighbors in Ashland County just how much this project has resonated for our community and how much of a priority childcare is for families, businesses and the local economy,” Aspin said.
To join this list, and to help meet the needs of families and businesses in Ashland County, donate online at www.ashlandforgood.org/childcare or mail a check payable to Ashland County Community Foundation with Childcare Initiative in the memo line to ACCF, 300 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805.
About Ashland County Community Foundation: Ashland County Community Foundation advances philanthropy and improves the quality of life in Ashland County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. ACCF has awarded over $22 million in scholarships, grants and distributions.
See Story Here: https://www.ashlandsource.com/news/pre-christmas-homicide-in-shiloh-under-investigation/article_d33a8fb5-abd1-5c1f-bf02-e0a96639fed1.html
COLUMBUS – According to provisional statistics, 13 people killed on Ohio roadways this Christmas holiday.
During the four-day reporting period, from Friday, December 23, at 12 a.m. until Monday, December 26, at 11:59 p.m., 13 people were killed in seven fatal crashes. Of the 13 killed this year, impairment was a factor in one crash.
Troopers removed 56 impaired drivers from Ohio’s roads during the holiday, while citing 14 for distracted driving and 21 for drugs.
In 2019, there were 12 people killed, which ran from December 24 to 25. In 2021, there were 10 fatal crashes which killed 10 people during the four-day holiday period. Last year’s reporting period ran from Thursday, December 23 through Sunday, December 26.
The public is encouraged to continue using #677 to report dangerous or impaired drivers, as well as drug activity. A statistical analysis of the Patrol’s enforcement activity over the holiday is available at https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/static/links/Christmas2022_PIO.pdf.
Vernon Township — The Bucyrus Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two vehicle, single fatal crash that occurred at approximately 1:10 P.M. on December 23, 2022.
A 2022 Freightliner, operated by Matthew Ruth, age 36, of Bucyrus, Ohio was traveling westbound on County Road 49 (Remlinger Road) west of Township Road 47 (Baker Road). The Freightliner slowed or came to a stop in the roadway while removing snow.
A 2000 Ford Explorer, operated by Anthony Mahon, age 34, of Shelby, Ohio was traveling westbound on County Road 49 and struck the rear of the Freightliner.
Mr. Mahon was transported to Ohio Health Mansfield and was pronounced deceased.
The Bucyrus Post was assisted on scene by Jefferson Township Fire and EMS, and Lohr’s Towing.
Ashland Sheriff’s Office Deputies along with the Savannah Fire Department & EMS responded to the 800 block of Ashland County Road 801 for a two-vehicle accident around 10am this morning.
One was transported to Ohio Health in Mansfield with what is believed to be serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Ashland County Council On Aging vehicle was treated and released for minor injuries and was cited with Fail to yield the right away.
Yesterday, I sat down with Ashland County Park District Commissioner, Bob DeSanto and Park Manager, Andy McClure, to discuss the Davey McClure Outdoor Education Shelter coming soon, to the Tom Kruse Wildlife Conservation Park, on State Route 60.
“We have reached 70% of our goal.” Bob DeSanto said, “This is a final push to get enough donations to get the last 30% and make Davey’s dream a reality.”
Ashland County Park Commissioner David, “Davey” McClure, passed away in September of 2020. He was an energetic and enthusiastic volunteer and park commissioner. Davey’s passion for introducing children to outdoor education and wildlife knew no limits.
His dream was to establish this facility, and to make it, and all elements of the park accessible to Ashland residents of all ability levels. This vision, to teach children and adults about the importance of natural resources in our community, had a lasting impact on the park district. The park district celebrates his positive impact through this proposed facility.
Park Manager Andy McClure said, “The shelter will be located at Tom Kruse Wildlife Conservation Park, at the intersection of State Route 60 and County Road 1754.”
Andy McClure & Bob DeSanto talked about the Friends of Ashland County Parks, how they have helped to raise 70% of the $500,000, to make the Davey McClure Outdoor Education Shelter a reality.
“The park district needs financial assistance for this project to become a reality.” Bob DeSanto remarked, “Please consider making a gift today. Contact the park office at 419-289-3524 for more information.”
Bob DeSanto went on to say, “The primary goal of the Davey McClure Outdoor Education Shelter is to instill in children a love and understanding of their natural world, and the plants and animals that inhabit it. We hope to expose them to the diversity of environments, and how they each interact in the “web of life.” Our outdoor education shelter will do its part, in creating the next generation of conservationists, environmentalists, and nature lovers.”
“Today’s children are more indoor focused than ever.” Bob DeSanto continued, “There is a deficit of free-range nature play in the woods, creeks, and fields. Numerous studies have shown that outdoor education for children reduces childhood stress and increases academic performance, confidence, and problem-solving ability. In our day, our parents would admonish us to ‘Go out and play.’ Today, our education shelter welcomes children to get out and play, and to understand and enjoy nature.”
“Our shelter is not just for children.” Bob DeSanto concluded, “However, it will serve as a public venue for the Park District naturalist to present nature programs. Other groups and organizations can present outdoor education programs, or other public interest events. The shelter will also be available for use by families and the general public.”
Ashland Police Division Officers along with the Ashland Fire Department & EMS responded to a Vehicle versus pedestrian accident at the intersection of Main & US Route 42 this evening.
The older male was treated at the scene and released after reporting minor injuries.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center of Ashland offers Warming Centers as relief during the upcoming Winter Storm.
Ashland, OH (December 21st, 2022) – The Salvation Army Ashland Kroc Center will be opening its doors to serve as warming centers and a place to provide shelter from the bitter cold. With sub-zero temperatures and blistering winds expected over the next 3 days, The Salvation Army wants to offer a safe place for community members looking to get out of the cold.
Days and Times for Warming Centers:
Thursday, December 22nd, 2022: 8am-6pm*
Friday, December 23rd, 2022: 8am-6pm*
Saturday, December 24th, 2022: 8am-12:30pm*
The Salvation Army Ashland Kroc Center is located at 527 East Liberty Street; Ashland, OH 44805. Phone inquiries can be made to 419-281-8001.
To make a donation to assist The Salvation Army, or for more information, call (216) 861-8185 or visit www.SalvationArmyOhio.org.
Joe Lyons •
December 29, 2022
