July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.

Thanks given for food drive

Letters to the editor

To the editor:

The 2009 Trick or Treat for the Food Bank was very successful thanks to the caring people who live in Jay County. The generosity of our community helped stock the shelves of the Helping Hand Food Bank with more than 650 greatly needed items. Once again it was great to see citizens of all ages working together to help others.

For their continued support, a big thank you goes out to: Jay County Chamber of Commerce, McDonald's of Portland, Dunn Family Dental Care, WPGW Radio, Jay School Corporation, The Commercial Review and the Dave Hemmelgarn family. I would also like to express my appreciation to Hollow Block Monster Cruisers, Crown City Cruisers and Arch Bridge Kroozers for their donations.

Please continue to remember the needs of the Helping Hand Food Bank and give a "treat" whenever it is possible during this holiday season.

Sincerely,

Alex Dunn

Portland

Historical year

To the editor:

At the recent annual meeting of the Jay County Historical Society Inc., we reviewed accomplishments of the past year. During this year, the Jay County Genealogy Society merged with our organization, thus uniting two groups with many of the same goals. Genealogical materials remain at the South Commerce Street office, but business matters are handled at the museum. This merger, along with other new members, has increased our membership from more than 600 a year ago to about 850, making ours among the largest historical societies in the state.

Our seventh annual Heritage Festival in October was another great success as we honored the eight former high schools of the county. A big thank you to festival co-chairs Rosie Grapner and Sandy Bubp, their committee, and all of the volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible. Thanks also to the Portland Wal-Mart Supercenter for a grant for the festival and to all from near and far who braved the cool weather to attend.

Earlier in the year, a camera surveillance system was installed to further safeguard the many non-replaceable artifacts at the museum. Thanks to The Portland Foundation for a grant that covered part of this cost. A website, www.jaycountyhistory.org, was established this year. Check it out to find tidbits of Jay County history and a schedule of happenings at the museum.

Two new books were added to the growing selection of local history publications for sale at the museum. "Through My Camera Lens," a tribute to Jay County photographer Frank Kenyon, was done in cooperation with The Graphic Printing Co. "When There Were Eight," tells the story of each of the former high schools of the county and lists all graduates of each school. We also continue to mail more than 900 copies of our monthly newsletter, containing history, genealogy and current events.

At the annual meeting board members Larry Hiatt and Judy Williamson were re-elected to serve another three-year term. Newly-elected board members are Elizabeth Hudson, Carol Leonhard and Larry Paxson. Former board members Fred Bailey and Fred Myers and outgoing members Ralph May and James Rickner were presented plaques honoring them as board members emeritus.

The museum will once again be decorated for Christmas with special Sunday hours from 1 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, 13 and 20. It is also open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We invite the community to stop by and see our decorations, a model train display and other museum exhibits, including memorabilia from the eight former high schools. As always, admission to the museum is free. But during the holiday season, we are asking those who are able to bring non-perishable food or paper items for the Helping Hand Food Bank.

We invite anyone with an interest in Jay County's past to become a member of the Jay County Historical Society. Members receive our monthly newsletter, and dues are also helping preserve our heritage. For more information, check out our website, call us at (260) 726-7168 or stop by the museum at 903 E. Main St., Portland. Thanks to all who have supported the historical society during the past year.

Sincerely,

Kay Locker, president,

Jay County

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