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Parkway Local Schools Create “Academic Alumni Hall of Fame”
Recipients Named During Parkway Academic Awards Night on Wednesday, May 11, 2011

The Academic Alumni Hall of Fame began this school year, according to high school guidance counselor, Mrs. Mickey McConahay. The goal for the Academic Alumni Hall of Fame is to recognize successful former students, who have contributed to their profession and community while practicing character qualities such as perseverance, self-discipline, curiosity, honesty, responsibility, etc. This serves as an example for current students and former graduates as well as all of the community.

Criteria for nomination are: graduate of Parkway Local Schools (including Willshire, Rockford, Mendon-Union, and Parkway); graduated at least ten years prior to nomination; give time to enhance their profession; and demonstrate leadership, citizenship, and volunteerism.

Parkway Local Schools Academic Alumni Hall of Fame Recipients for 2011  include: Mrs. Monica (Vian) Fullenkamp - Class of 1999; Mrs. Vendetta (Young) Gutshall - Class of 1969; Mr. Tom Lyons - Class of 1991; Colonel Joseph V. Schmidt - Class of 1981.

Mrs. Monica (Vian) Fullenkamp, 1999 graduate of Parkway High School, pursued these educational degrees: Lima Technical College, Associate of Applied Science in Medical Imaging Technology in 2001; Radiation Therapy Technology certificate in 2002; Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Professions in 2005; Master of Science in Allied Medicine Mgt. in 2009.

Mrs. Fullenkamp has been employed with the James Cancer Hospital & Research Institute at The Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, OH, since 2002. She is a staff Radiation Therapist & lead CT Simulation Therapist.

Her achievements include these accolades: 2010 Clinical Instructor of the Year selection by students at OSU; Captain of Quiz Bowl Team which earned 2^nd place at Chicago Area Radiation Therapy Conference; Received Academic Achievement Award for Medical Imaging Technology Class of 2001 from Lima Tech.

Mrs. Vendetta (Young) Gutshall, 1969 graduate of Parkway High School, pursued these educational degrees: Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with Social Studies Major; Psychology Minor in 1973 from Huntington University (Cum Laude); Masters in Special Education from St. Francis College in 1975; Administrative Certification from Ball State in 1993.

Mrs. Gutshall has been employed as Director of Special Services at Huntington-Whitely Special Services for 18 years & as an Adjunct Professor at Huntington University & IPFW.

Her achievements include these accolades: IN Source Administrator of the Year in 2001 and Huntington Co. Community School Corporation President’s Award in 1992 while Assistant Principal. In addition, during her 38 years in the field of education, Vendetta implemented a Student Assistance Program for students experiencing challenges with alcohol & other drugs as well as an in-school suspension program to keep students in school while serving disciplinary consequences. Her Community Service includes membership on Citizens for a Drug Free Community board, Youth Services Bureau, Easter Seals, Mental Health, United Way, First Steps, and her church. Professionally she has been an officer for the Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education & has been asked to serve on many Indiana Board of Education task forces. She has also mentored many interns working on their Director of Special Education licenses.

Mr. Tom Lyons, 1991 graduate of Parkway High School, pursued these educational degrees: Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Lima Tech; Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from BGSU; and Master’s Degree in Nurse Anesthesia from Oakland University in Rochester Hills, MI.

Mr. Lyons is currently self-employed (Lyon’s Anesthesia) and has been contracting with Van Wert County Hospital since 2004.

His achievements include these accolades: Nominated as one of top two students in MSN class for performance and academics.; has taught nursing students at the LPN level; and  is currently a member of the Parkway Local School Board as well as serving on the Governance Board for his church.

Colonel Joseph V. Schmidt, 1981 graduate of Parkway High School, pursued these educational degrees: 1985 Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies from the US Air Force Academy in Colorado; 1989 Squadron Officer School in Alabama; 1991 Outstanding Graduate at the US Air Force Fighter Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada; 1998 Air Command & Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base in AL; 2000 Master’s Degree in Aerospace Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida; 2002 Air War College in Alabama; 2009 Joint & Combined Warfighting School from Joint Forces Staff College in Virginia.

Colonel Schmidt is currently on active duty as a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. His job title is Director of the Joint Interoperability Division, U.S. Joint Forces Command where he is responsible for the planning, programming & conduct of the Joint Tactical Operations Interoperability Training Program for the U.S. Department of Defense. He provides graduate level training for 2,200 students annually from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, & Marine Corps & various U.S. allied countries throughout the world and maintains a deployable cell of data-link experts to support worldwide combat operations.

His achievements include these accolades: Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal; Aerial Achievement Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Air Force Achievement Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit with Valor; Combat Readiness Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and Korean Defense Service Medal.

Colonel Schmidt moved up through the air force ranks from 2^nd Lieutenant in 1985 to 1^st Lieutenant in 1987 to Captain in 1989 to Major in 1997 to Lieutenant Colonel in 2001 and finally to full Colonel in 2007.

Congratulations to all of these deserving men and women. The Parkway communities are proud to call you their own.

Once again, Miss Ohio week has shown me a fun time and given me an amazing experience. My week started on June 9th when I moved into my host home, where a wonderful family took great care of me for the week. Then on Friday I was picked up at 9 a.m. by my chaperone to head to the Mansfield Renaissance theater for rehearsal. The days following were filled with public appearances and community engagements including: luncheons; a fashion show at the Richland Mall; The Miss Ohio Festival; autograph signings; the Miss Ohio Parade; celebrity waitressing at Apple Bee's; and visits to local retirement homes. When I wasn't on the go for appearances, I was in the theater for rehearsals. Finally the day came for the start of prelims where I began with my private interviews with the judges in the morning and  swimsuit  on Wednesday evening. Thursday was evening wear and onstage question, and Friday I performed my ballet routine on pointe to "Home to Me" by artist Josh Kelley. Saturday evening was the finals, and while I unfortunately did not make the top ten, it was evident of the improvements I had made from last year and how much I  had grown as a person. The Miss Ohio experience is like no other, and although it is a week crammed with rehearsals and appearances that leave us exhausted both mentally and physically, it is an amazing journey that I would not trade for anything, and I think God for blessing me with this wonderful opportunity. 

Click here for more pictures of Devon at Miss Ohio 2011.

Ellen Bryan of Celina Crowned Miss Ohio 2011
Over $37,000 in Scholarships Awarded
By Kimberly Kanary, Miss Ohio

Mansfield, Ohio – June 19, 2011 – The Miss Ohio Scholarship Program announced today that Ellen Bryan was crowned Miss Ohio 2011 at the Renaissance Theatre in Mansfield, Ohio.  This week, over $37,000 in cash scholarships were awarded to the 26 contestants.

Bryan is is the 22-year-old daughter of Kent & Virginia Bryan of Celina.  Ellen is a graduate of Ball State University.  She is a vocalist and her platform is “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors – Promoting Lightning Awareness.”  Ellen’s hobbies include reading, singing, visiting and fundraising for Haiti, volunteering for the American Red Cross and Dayton Children’s Hospital, scrapbooking, writing, watching TV news programs, traveling, spending time with family and playing board games. She received a $10,000 scholarship and will be representing Ohio at the Miss America competition in January, where she will have the opportunity to earn even more scholarship dollars.

Cayla Hellwarth, Celina, Ohio, took the Talent Award

Click Here for full details on Ellen and Cayla ! 

Editor' note: Located back in the wilds of the St. Marys River bottom, more commonly referred to by locals in the area as the "thoroughfare", the nest is back in a dense and inaccessible area of the river with viewing of the nest difficult at best.  "The thoroughfare has been the legendary home to wild animals in the past including unconfirmed sightings of bears and coyote," said Sheila Baltzell, whose late husband Larry used to hunt raccoon regularly in the rough, thick, area and passed on the stories to her.

Do you remember the thoroughfare? Send your experiences to editor@parkwayindependent.com

Click here for a remembrance story by Bob Van Fleet

ROCKFORD TREE COMMISSION MEMBERS AND VILLAGE OFFICIALS
ATTEND ANNUAL TREE CITY USA EVENT

On Wednesday, April 13, the Rockford Tree Commission Members, Tom Williams and Bob Ransbottom along with Mayor Amy Joseph, Village Administrator Jeff Long, and Council Representative Steve Gehle attended the Annual Tree City USA Award Event at Bowling Green, Ohio.  The Village of Rockford has been a Tree City for 22 years and will be the host of this event in 2012 along with other Mercer County Tree Cities, Coldwater and Fort Recovery.  This event includes all the Tree Cities in Northwest Ohio and involves two hundred fifty to three hundred people.  Ms. Stephanie Miller, Urban Forester, ODNR Division of Forestry presented the awards to each participating city.

Mayor Amy Joseph receives award for the Village of Rockford from Stephanie Miller.

News Release - Celina Suffers Tornado on late on Night of April 19
Mike Robbins, Director, of the Mercer County EMA stated that the National Weather Service, Wilmington has confirmed that it was a “strong F1 or possibly a F2” tornado that touched down in Celina night around 11:40 PM.

by Sheryle Kuhn
Mercer County EMA

Click on smaller thumbnail pictures below to enlarge.

Roof of Aldi's sits on the street between Aldi's Grocery and the new Goodwill Store	Aldi's - roof gone, west wall caved-in	Signs and stop light down at Wal-Mart and Aldi Intersection on Havemann Road.	Bob Evans Sign in a heap
Havemann Road damage Pictures by Sheila Baltzell	Utility poles snapped. Crews began working after midnight to restore power to Celina.	Debris in front of Walmart and Sonic	Home of Tom Rable Family crushed by a tree on Livingston Street just west of McDonalds Restaurant

Stansbury Vies for Miss Ohio
Devon Stansbury, of Rockford, Ohio is currently in Mansfield participating in Miss Ohio Week as a contestant of Miss Ohio. There are 26 contestants competing for the title of Miss Ohio. On Friday, June 10, 2011 our own Devon Stansbury, Miss Lake Festival modeled in a fashion show at Richland Mall and was introduced by the current Miss Ohio, Becky Minger. She also gave out her photo, and signed autographs for her fans. Devon is having a fun time with all of the girls, the on-lookers and activities involved!
 

Click here for a complete listing of Miss Ohio events for the rest of this week. This site includes pictures from the fashion show and autograph signing, and ticket information for the crowning of the new Miss Ohio!

Celina Moving and Storage, Inc. Make Their Own Move in Celina
Expand Services to New Branch in Bellville, Texas

Celina Moving and Storage, Inc. Celina, Ohio has relocated to their new facility at 8000 Havemann Rd, located just off State Route 29. The building includes office space of 6,500 square feet and a warehouse of 62,000 square feet.
Family owned and operated, the Atlas Van Lines Interstate Agent, is proud to be part of the Celina community since 1960. Rob Kraner, Parkway graduate of 1991, became an owner in 1998 and carries on the Atlas tradition of integrity, quality and solutions.

Grand Opening with refreshments
Friday, May 20 from 10-6, ribbon-cutting at 10 AM

Another reason for the company to celebrate is that they opened a new branch in Bellville, Texas in the fall of 2010, its first branch office and warehouse.  “As an established Atlas agent, and one of more than 500 Atlas agents across North America, we spotted an opportunity to grow our business, and we grabbed it," said Rob Kraner, owner of Celina Moving and Storage, Inc. "Being a part of the Atlas Van Lines network will give us instant name recognition in southeastern Texas, and this new branch will allow Celina Moving and Storage to serve more customers throughout the U.S." The Texas facility offers 77,800 square feet of warehouse storage space.

"Atlas congratulates Celina Moving & Storage on its expansion, especially in this challenging economy," said Steve Hermann, vice president of agency development at Atlas Van Lines. "Celina's growth is a testament to its management's good business practices, but this expansion will also help to strengthen Atlas Van Lines' reach into new markets."

Celina Moving and Storage offers free estimates and are licensed and insured with over 30 trucks on the road moving locally, long distance and internationally. They offer packing and crating services, too. For those individuals needing storage for household goods and recreational vehicles or businesses needing storage for office furniture and commercial products, the warehouse is climate controlled with continuous monitoring of sprinkler and security systems.     

Call Celina Moving and Storage, Inc. toll free at 800-535-3613 or 419-586-7731 to get an estimate or set-up a visit of their brand new state of the art facility.  Their website is www.celinamovingandstorage.com and you will find them on Facebook under Celina Moving & Storage.

By Sheila Baltzell, editor

      Grand Opening with refreshments Friday, May 20 from 10-6, ribbon-cutting at 10 AM

Rockford American Legion Hosts Digital Bowling League
Story and photos submitted by Chip (Dinnes) Grant – Thanks for sharing!

The American Legion has stepped up with the times and created a bowling league that takes place every Friday night. The teams consist of two members and roll on the high tech alleys with the use of Nintendo's Wii game. This next Friday will be their fifth week competing. I had the pleasure of filling in last week, and I had never played it before. By the third game I was hanging pretty good and we actually won the third game. I started with an 89, a 124, then a whopping 224. I can’t wait for the next time I get to fill-in; it was a blast! It's a great way for members to mingle, shoot the bul,l and share some spirits. The game has the feeling of being in and sounding like a real bowling alley thanks to the audio Wii bowling provides. The team rolling the highest series for the night is awarded a prize. Some teams even had team colors and shirts designed.  Are bowling shoes and maybe a wrist band in order for Wii bowling in the future? We don't think so but, hey, ya never know. When Chip asked him, Sons of Legion Commander Tom Beahrs said, “The way this got started was we were playing it one night, and Deb Temple thought what a great idea it would be to start a League at the legion, and the rest is history.  If more people show an interest we could possibly open up another night for League play.”

Join the Zumba Fitness Fun!
by Stacie Ford
The Zumba Fitness rage has reached the Midwest. Classes are now being taught in several locations- Celina, Rockford, and St. Henry, Ohio and Portland, Indiana by certified licensed instructor Josie Hemmelgarn. 

Hemmelgarn welcomes students to come and join the party! Students simply follow Josie’s lead in this Latin-inspired, dance –fitness class, get a cardio-based workout, and have a great time!

More about Josie Hemmelgarn: Hemmelgarn resides in Celina, Ohio with her husband Adam and their three children- Paige, Alek, and Anna. She has lived there all her life.

Hemmelgarn is not new to fitness training. She started out teaching Land and Step Aerobics at the YMCA in Celina, Ohio, when she was twenty-two years of age for four years, added cardio classes for two years, then became certified in Zumba. Her teaching licenses and certifications include Group Exercise, Rubber Resistance Training, CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard.

Becoming certified has changed her life dramatically. A combination of aerobic exercise and Zumba fitness has resulted in Josie losing a total of 75 pounds overall, while others report that they have lost up to 45 pounds on Zumba alone. Changes noticed are toned arms, core, and legs.

Her interest in Zumba developed after enrolling in a class and having such a positive experience.  Josie said, “I had so much fun that I decided to get certified in it. I was inspired by the people at Studio Zumba who worked full time teaching Zumba, so I decided that I wanted to add it to my other certifications, which include Zumba Basics 1, Zumba Basics 2, Zumbatomic for Kids, and Zumba Gold for Seniors."

When she is not teaching in the area, she continues her personal workout schedule in Dayton, Ohio at Studio Zumba to learn more about Zumba and to get fresh ideas to bring back and share with her students. In February, 2011 Josie will enroll in a class for Zumba Toning Training, while at the same time, working toward a personal trainer certification and with plans underway to complete the training by March 2011.

More about Zumba: What many students notice when taking the class is that it’s fun!  Zumba is “Exercise in Disguise.” Most people say that they are having so much fun that they don’t even realize they are exercising. It’s different! The music, the steps, the moves, the class, the feel- are all like no other. It’s easy! Zumba is for participants of any age, background or fitness level. They learn new dance steps in an easy-to-follow, unintimidating, fun and party-like format. It’s effective! The class offers an aerobic cardio-based workout that tones and sculpts the entire body. The high level of activity burns calories which may result in weight loss.  All of these reasons promote a positive self image and motivates the individual to actively and continuously train. Students say, “I can’t wait to go to class.”

The public is encouraged to check out the current Zumba class schedule and try it! Josie knows that you will absolutely have a blast! She looks forward to meeting you! Word of mouth about the class is the reason Zumba is a success; students are bringing their friends because they have so much fun!  Josie Hemmelgarn can be reached for more information at jhemmelgarn4@roadrunner.com or 419.305.1075.

Celina YMCA
7590 State Route 703, Celina, Ohio 45822
Tuesday at 10:00am

 Thursday at 10:00am

Lighthouse Fellowship Church
817 N. Sugar St. Celina, Ohio 45822
Monday at 7:30pm
Thursday at 7:30pm
Friday 4:15pm
Cost: $3.00

Rockford (former Dance Studio)
197 South Main Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882
Tuesday 6:15pm, Tuesday 7:05 pm

Thursday 6:15pm

Friday 5:45pm
Saturday 10:30am
$4.00

Totally Fit
541 South Eastern Avenue, St. Henry, OH 45883
Wednesday at 7:45pm
Cost: $3.00

Jay Community Center

Rylan Lyons’ Heart Journey
By Amy Lyons, his mom, guest writer
Featured in the2010 Mended Hearts Newsletter
"On July 30, 2007 Rylan was brought into this world without any complications via a scheduled cesarean section. A bouncing 7 lb 8 oz. baby boy. We were discharged on day 3 with an innocent heart murmur that our family doctor (pediatrician) would continue to monitor for the following weeks ahead." Read on:

Click Here for the entire story (pg 9) on Rylan in pdf format in the Mended Hearts – Little Mended Hearts section of the newsletter for Wright Hearts – Dayton.

Editor’s note: This is a special and true miracle story for the Christmas Season!

Devon Stansbury Crowned Miss Crystal Lake
Devon Stansbury, 2010 Celina Lake Festival Queen and twice competitor in the Miss Ohio contest in Mansfield, Ohio won the crown of Miss Crystal Lake on Friday night, August 7, 2011  in Lima. Devon will again be headed to Miss Ohio next June 2012.

The Parkway Community congratulates her on her new title. At the event, the new Miss West Central Ohio was crowned, too, and that young lady is Elissa McCraken. 

The MC for the event (which included 2 titles given and 8 young women competing) was none other than Katie Stam, the 2009 Miss America. Devon made an appearance with Katie on Saturday at the Primrose retirement community in Marion, Ohio. 

The whole pageant will be on TV on Saturday, August 27th on NBC/Lima channel from 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m

 Shanes Crossing Historical Society Has Unique Visitor

Norm VanTilburg reports that the SCHS had a visitor recently from Kansas. Joanie Simmons, a direct descendent of Anthony Shane (founder of Shanes Crossing) and her husband Wesley stopped in in December 2010.  They toured the museum. Then Norm took them to see Anthony’s log house at Shanes Park, the site where it originally stood, and where the trading post was located. Joanie said she would send some additional information on Shane.  There are new items at the museum including a brick with an Indian arrowhead embedded in it, found at the site of the Rockford Eagles Building. The brick is from approximately 1890 and was made locally at one of the local brick kilns.  SCHS invites anyone interested to join the organization. The museum is located in the Rockford Village Office on East Columbia Street.

Dr. Sell Named 37th Recipient of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce
Citizen of the Year After Return from Mission Trip to Haiti
Story by Sheila Baltzell, Pictures by Mary Beougher and Dr. Jerry Sell

On Thursday, October 28, 2010 the Rockford Chamber of Commerce named the village’s physician, Jerry Sell, MD, as the 37^th Citizen of the Year.

“Dr. Sell has lived nearly his entire life in Rockford, serving the community, the church and those in need around the world,” said Dennis Hecht, 2009 recipient, as he introduced the surprised winner. “His presence in our community has been a blessing.”

Jerry, when reflecting on his award and his lifelong stewardship, said, “It has always been a team effort” as he smiled at his wife of  43 years,  the former Connie Beougher. They have been together since juniors at Rockford High School.  After graduating, they married, and Connie was by his side when he attended Middletown School of Nursing, during his stint in the US Army from 1967-1970 as a preventative medicine instructor in Texas. His service led to the Army Commendation Medal for acts of heroism and extraordinary or meritorious service. When the couple returned to Ohio, he received his: bachelor in science microbiology degree - cum laude in 1970; medical degree - cum laude in 1976; and residency at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Dayton in 1979, which was for “family medicine” practice.  He completed additional training in full-range and surgical obstetrics. He explained that the whole family concept is the most efficient way to treat patients because the doctor knows their history better.

Jerry, Connie and their two young children, Jennifer and Jonathan, came to live in Rockford in 1979 and set up a practice that opened July 13, 1979. “Jerry saw 31 patients that day! We were amazed at the response,” said Connie.  Jerry explained that former Rockford physician, the late R. Duane Bradrick, had retired the month before, and the village had been without a doctor. The Rockford Medicine Associates practice quickly filled-up.  He has seen many patients over the years, but he still remembers his very first one. Although he delivered babies in his practice from the start, he was forced to quit due to the high cost of malpractice insurance and legislation that paved the way for deliveries by obstetricians only. He continues to take care of the newborns and their mothers, though, once they are released from the delivering doctor.

In the past, Jerry has served as chief of staff at Van Wert County Hospital and as team doctor for the Parkway Football Team. He offered free sports physicals, and helped open a free pre-natal health clinic in Van Wert.

The international component to this story features Dr Jerry Sell, and his wife Connie, as caring mission workers who have in the past traveled at their own expense to Honduras through the Global Health Organization. Jerry went three times; Connie went once. Jerry was part of a team surgical effort to provide free surgeries to the indigent. Connie helped register patients in the donated eye glasses project.

Most recently, Jerry felt a calling to help in Haiti. He contacted the Global Health Organization, but learned that, although they can go there, they were not serving in Haiti. He was referred to an organization he highly praised, called Samaritan’s Purse. As an established mission serving Haiti prior to the devastating earthquake in 2009, and founded by Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, Jerry found it a well-organized machine that mainly does construction work.  Builders from all over the world donate their time to build homes for the people of Haiti, which since the earthquake is a completely failed state. There are 5000-6000 new “houses” built already. They are teaching people how to use rain barrels to catch the daily rains. Their medical project is a small effort, but at least supplies were there, however meager. Jerry said, “The United Nations has taken over the country with armed military troops from Sri Lanka carrying  machine guns. They are the big reason that there is order in Haiti, although the people resent their presence.” 

Dr. Sell’s team was based out of Léogâne, the epicenter of the 2010 earthquake. He stayed in a secure compound surrounded with concertina wire which had semi-modern facilities. The team traveled by helicopter from the Port au Prince airport (only one terminal is operating) to camp and by a Land Rover to the basic medical “tent” clinic set-up for them (with supplies provided) in the community of Cupidon, an impoverished, crime-prone district. Jerry explained, “Life is basic for the people of Haiti, and we (other doctors, including Haitians were there, too) saw pediatric infectious diseases, typhoid, malaria, parasites, and skin infections. It was easy to see why there are so many health issues. In a short stretch of the mountain stream fed river: a man washed his car, a cow was defecating, a woman was washing clothes, and another woman was gathering drinking water for her family. After I left, cholera broke out.” 

There is much destruction said Dr. Sell. Roads are broken, bridges are wiped-out, bandits are everywhere. People hang onto the backs and tops of vehicles to catch- a- ride. One day on return from the medical site, the team came upon a horrible two box-truck head-on collision. They carried boxes of spaghetti and bags of flour. Compounding the problem were 22 or so people riding on or hanging in the trucks. There were deaths, serious injuries and trapped people. They improvised: the Rover driver using a truck jack handle as a jaws-of-life; and Dr Sell, spaghetti boxes to splint compound bone fractures. His interpretor helped with the native Creole language. Help was slow, though.

Ohio Rep. Jim Zehringer spoke at the banquet, as did former dean of Wright State University - Lake Campus Dr. James Sayer.

The entire staff from his office in Rockford came for a picture of him with the award as did his family including, his wife, daughter Jennifer Armstrong and son-in-law Jeff, grandchildren, Riley, Claire and Jace. His mother-in-law, Romola Beougher and step-mother, Pauline Sell were not able to attend. Jonathan, the Sell’s son, from Georgia, was not able to come to the event.  Jerry’ parents are the late Carl and Martha Sell. Posted Story 11-23-2010

Click on smaller thumbnails below to enlarge them.

A patient	Street Scene	Tent Clinic	Sunsets were pretty	Finger injury
Aerial view	Helicopter Transportation	Children, with Dr Sell by a tree	Patients register and wait.	Someone cooked for him - goat meat(?), beans and rice

Two Young Women From Rockford ~ Different Paths But Same Goals

Parkway Graduates, Sarah Belna (2004) and Megan (Kimmel) Fokine (1992)  have each set a goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. Sarah is following her dream at Georgetown University in Washington DC where she pursues a Masters in Nursing in Women’s Health.  Megan remains in Ohio, choosing to pursue her dream of a Masters in Nursing in Pediatric Health at Northwest State University.

Here are their awesome stories ~ congratulations to them both:

Sarah Belna 

Sarah Belna, daughter of Rob and Nancy (Dues) Belna of Rockford graduated from Parkway in 2004. While at Parkway she trained as a gymnast at Set-10 in Fort Wayne, IN, eventually competing at the regional and state levels.  Her disciplined schedule earned her a place in  National Honor Society as the president, she was class treasurer, and academically graduated 1st in class at Parkway.

She knew at an early age that she wanted to become a nurse and systematically worked toward that goal after high school earning a B.S. Exercise Science from The Ohio State University cum laude with honors and distinction and a B.S. Nursing from the University of Cincinnati, magna cum laude. 

Sarah said, “During my undergraduate years at Ohio State I had heard about programs such as University of Cincinnati's accelerated MSN and I thought that program would be a good fit for me. I see myself in a clinic setting or private practice eventually- I really enjoy long term follow up and building relationships with patients and helping these individuals prevent disease as well as treat disease, and as a nurse practitioner I could do both.” 

Her college advisors encouraged her. Sarah said the process was very streamlined as  she did all of her pre-requisite coursework for the accelerated MSN program while she was doing her undergraduate work at Ohio State. “Many basic science classes crossed over from my degree in exercise science to my nursing degree. It was difficult to get in; I applied to a similar program at Ohio State as well and got into both Ohio State and Cincinnati's program, but Cincinnati's program seemed a better fit for me. I liked that the University of Cincinnati awarded you a Bachelor's degree in Nursing, a BSN, (in addition to your non- Nursing degree) while continuing to work on your Master's degree which Ohio State did not offer. University of Cincinnati also had many of their Master's specialty programs available for study online." commented Sarah.

Sarah is enjoying Washington DC. “I love Washington DC so far; there are so many opportunities and so much diversity within the city and surrounding areas. I actually live in Arlington VA, just across the Potomac River.  I work at Georgetown University Hospital which is within the District of Columbia on a Gynecology Oncology unit. Georgetown is the first Magnet hospital in DC. Magnet is a distinction hospitals are given through the American Nurses Association, and basically it measures the quality of nursing care at a given institution. Being a Magnet hospital means the nurses are highly valued for their work and are providing exceptional care to their patients. Only 6 % of the hospitals in the nation have achieved this honor, and institutions who have been designated Magnet status are great places to work. I feel very fortunate to be part of such a great institution and all the opportunities that go along with being at Georgetown.”

Sarah will likely take about another 3 years to finish her Masters in Nursing in Women’s Health.  

Megan (Kimmel) Fokine

Megan (Kimmel) Fokine, 1992 graduate of Parkway High School, plans to finish the Registered Nursing Bachelor Degree Program she is in plus graduate within 5 years with her Master Degree in Nursing as a Certified Nurse Practitioner. Megan’s path is a bit slower but non the less strenuous for she is wife and mother of four who commutes to her college in Archbold, Ohio at Northwest State University (which also has a south Van Wert Satellite at the shopping plaza on St. Rt. 118).

Megan started her college career at the University of Toledo in 1992-1993 with an intended program to attain a pharmacological degree  in chemistry research. After a year she set-aside that goal and decided to see the United States as a flight attendant with United Express out of Chicago. She took her training with the airlines and worked with them for one year, meeting her husband Timothy while there. She then went to work for Continental Airlines based in Newark, New Jersey and has been with them for 14 years. She currently flies 3 days a week on International flights to Central and South America.

Through it all, she never gave up her desire to move into the medical field, and two years ago (2008), she made the decision to attend school for a Registered Nursing degree (RN) which is a Bachelor Degree program. She will then continue and combine that degree with a Master Degree that will certify her as a Nurse Practitioner in the Pediatric environment.

Her earlier year at University of Toledo helped her tremendously when she took her college placement tests at North West State Univeristy even though it had been 18 years since she had been in college. Her credits also transferred and with these two academic helps in place, and what Megan calls, “a mindset to accomplish her goal”, she began working on what has become part of her’s and her family’s  life every semester  (except summer). The degree itself eventually will be certified through the nursing program at University of Toledo, where she started long ago.

An admittedly super-organized person, who credits her mom, Connie Brigner, and grandmother Donna Caffee, for instilling those qualities, Megan is raising 4 school-age children: Reese, 10, 4^th grade; Remi 7, 2^nd grade; and twins Colin and Skyler, 5, Kindergarten, along with her husband, Tim, a pilot with USAir. They are an active couple, involved in the Rockford community. Megan, has been a scout leader for 5 years, ever since Reese took up cub scouting as a five year old.   She is a den mother and followed he and many other youngsters in the Parkway-area District, to his current ranking in Webelos II. Recruiting plus Family and Day camp organizing (involving 185 children) are just a few of the activities in which she takes great satisfaction.

Megan was recently inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa, national honorary society which recognizes students who have carried a 4.0 through-out their chosen program. She is particularly pleased with this designation as she goes into her clinicals in the Spring of 2011. She was a good student at Parkway, but once again she credits her mind-set of achieving her goal that spurs her on  excellent grades and accomplishments. The clinical program at University of NWOhio involves placement of nursing students in local hospitals and nursing homes for rounds in maternity, pediatrics, and surgical.

Sarah and Megan are valued Parkway graduates and just two of the many positive role-models coming from this community. Congratulations to them, and please contact Sheila Baltzell, writer of this story, for suggestions on others  who are doing great things.

Travis Bates and Joy (Gamble) Koch were recently inducted into the Huntington University Hall of Fame.

Travis Bates and Joy (Gamble) Koch were both 1986 Parkway graduates where they played in the band together ~ Travis on the baritone and Joy on the clarinet. For several years both attended the same church in the Parkway community. Parkway is where Joy and Travis got their start in athletics as well. As parkway Panthers, Travis participated in football and track, and Joy participated in volleyball and basketball.  Both chose to attend Huntington College in Huntington, IN to continue their education and athletic careers.  At Huntington Travis continued his track and field career and Joy played both volleyball and basketball for the Foresters. The following are news releases on their inductions:

Bates Inducted into Huntington’s Hall of Fame
Press Release from Huntington University

HUNTINGTON, IN—Travis Bates was inducted into the Huntington University Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 13, 2010.  Travis Bates was honored for his significant contribution to the Forester track and field program during the years of 1986-1990.

Travis quickly made a name for himself not only at the conference level but the national level as well.  As a thrower for the Foresters, Travis excelled in discus.  He helped lead the team to four MCC team championships, was a four-time MCC All-Conference selection and two-time team MVP.  In his first Mid-Central Conference Championship competition, he took the discus title and followed that up with a fifth place finish in discus at the NAIA District 21 meet and the NCCAA National Championships.  With a year of experience under his belt, Travis continued to build on his success.  He returned to the NAIA District 21 and NCCAA Championships and came away with a second and third place finish respectively.  

As a junior, Travis dominated his competition.  He claimed the NAIA District 21 discus title. His toss of 162’5” at the NCCAA Championships not only earned him first place honors but also broke the Huntington University and NCCAA meet record in discus. In his final season of competition, Travis repeated as the discus champion at NAIA District 21 and NCCAA Nationals.  He also had the privilege of traveling to Europe as a member of the 1990 NAIA International All-Star team where he capped off his stellar career by claiming the discus title at the International Meet on Day of Pentecost in Bolzano, Italy.  He currently holds the number two spot in the HU records books in discus.

Travis graduated from Huntington University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology Education in 1991.  He currently teaches science for Fremont City Schools in Fremont, Ohio.  Travis and his wife Debbie have two kids, Allison and Morgan.

The Huntington University Foresters compete in 14 intercollegiate sports for men and women. In the past decade, Huntington has produced 53 NAIA All-America honors and 173 All-America Scholar Athlete honors. Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S.News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest.

Photo caption: Attending the ceremony left to right are Nancy Bates with son Travis, Joy Koch with parents, Margaret and Bill Gamble. Travis is also the son of the late Don Bates.

Koch inducted into Huntington’s Hall of Fame

Press Release from Huntington University

HUNTINGTON, IN—Joy (Gamble) Koch was inducted into the Huntington University Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 13, 2010.  She was honored for her significant contributions to the Forester women’s volleyball and basketball programs during the years of 1986-1990.

Coming from Parkway High School in Willshire, Ohio, Joy entered Huntington College as a highly touted athlete in several sports.  On the volleyball court, Joy made an instant impact as a Forester. During her four years, she helped lead the program to three MCC conference titles, four consecutive NAIA district postseason tournament appearances and 127 wins against just 38 losses.  During her junior year, her play was instrumental in leading the team to a 1988 NCCAA National Championship.  She was also selected by the NCCAA as the 1988 Susan Hellings Award recipient, an award that recognizes an outstanding Christian student-athlete.  In addition to this high honor, Joy was also an Honorable Mention NAIA All-American, a two-time NCCAA First Team All-American, a two-time NAIA All-District 21 selection and a three-time MCC All-Conference pick.  She was also named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Mideast Region team and was a two-time member of the NAIA District All-Tournament Team.  

Joy was also an impact player for the Forester basketball program.  As a four-year letter winner, she helped lead the team to four MCC titles and four NCCAA National Tournament appearances.  It was in her final season of competition that she really came into her own.  She averaged 12.8 points, 3.9 boards and 3.7 assists per game to help lead the team to a 26-5 record. For her outstanding play, Joy received numerous accolades which included NCCAA First Team All-American and MCC First Team All-Conference honors.  Her teammates voted her MVP and she was also recognized as an NAIA National Player of the Week.  She concluded her career with 961 points and a career record of 86-39.  

Joy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology in May of 1990.  Currently, she is the Assistant Director/Education Coordinator at Pathfinder Kid’s Kampus.  She and her husband John and their daughters Kayla and Karmen reside in Huntington, Indiana.

The Huntington University Foresters compete in 14 intercollegiate sports for men and women. In the past decade, Huntington has produced 53 NAIA All-America honors and 173 All-America Scholar Athlete honors. Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S.News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest.

Books Donated to Rockford Carnegie Library In Memory of Larry Baltzell

The late Larry Baltzell, who was from Rockford, would have been 60 years old on Saturday, October 23, 2010. In memory of him, his widow, Sheila Baltzell, presented two books to the Rockford Carnegie Library. The first book was written by William B. Malarkey, MD, entitled Take Control of Your Aging published in 1999.  A research scientist and endocrinologist for Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, Dr. Malarkey details his five point PIERS program for healthy aging which includes balancing these areas of one’s life: physical, intellectual, emotional, relational and spiritual. An avid distance bicyclist, now in his 70’s, he practices his methods and continues to draw data from his research subjects who do the same. “Dr. Malarkey was Larry’s personal endocrine specialist who diagnosed Larry’s rare disease, Erdheim-Chester Disease over 23 years ago. Through these many years, we became friends with Dr. Bill, and his wife Joan. His book is a revelation on a balanced life, the research behind it and how to attain healthy aging ~ giving much food for thought,” said Sheila.

The second book is the true family miracle of Bill and Joan Malarkey’s son and grandson.  Entitled, The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin Malarkey and young Alex Malarkey, the autobiographical work recounts the auto accident near Bellefontaine, Ohio which nearly killed father and son on November 14, 2004.  Through the grace of God, they were spared, but Alex, then 6 years old, suffered severe injuries to his spine which resulted in him becoming a quadriplegic.  Faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ, prayers of literally thousands of believers (many compelled by God to go to Alex’s bedside), and a series of miracles brought Alex back from the brink when the doctors thought he would not live. When Alex awoke from his coma, and learned how to speak again, he told of his time in heaven and God’s plan for him (Alex) to bring people to Him. Alex was the first child to undergo the Christopher Reeve surgery (in 2009) that allows his diaphragm to work on it’s own with electrical stimulus so that he can breath without a respirator. “Larry and I both grieved for this family and were personally inspired by the miracles surrounding them. Larry never saw the book before he died, but we learned of Alex through his grandfather,” said Sheila. “There is also a remarkable website at  www.prayforalex.com ."

Larry’s family hopes you enjoy the books.

Review of The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven
by Susan Luth

I just read an inspirational true story about the Malarkey Family from Bellefontaine, Ohio. This account of what happened to them will hold your interest from the very beginning of the book to the final chapter. I believe it will renew your faith in that God is real, heaven is a real place, and God is preparing a heavenly home for those who believe.

The book tells how the family deals with the crisis of a very bad auto accident, and how Kevin Malarkey suffered with guilt over believing that he was responsible for the accident. While friend and family wait and pray for Alex to wake from his coma, Alex’s spirit  is spending that time in heaven and comes back again to tell the story. Alex explains his experiences in heaven in this book, explaining what it looked like and how he felt in the presence of God.

Kevin goes into detail telling how the family coped with many situations including: depression; doubt; fear; helplessness; and asking God - Why us?  The story of the many, many people who formed a 24-7 prayer vigil in Alex’s hospital room is amazing.  It is a continuing story of deep faith and how they keep God in the center of their circumstances and continue to do so today through prayer and scripture: Look to the Lord and his strength; Seek His face always. Remember the wonders he has done. Psalm 105:4-5.  I believe this book could help others who are dealing with extreme situations in their own lives.  Borrow this book at the Rockford Carnegie Library.  By Susan Luth.

Parkway Grad Writes New Book on the History of Northwest and West-Central Ohio

John Vining, a 1973 graduate of Parkway High School, recently published his first book, entitled The Trans-Appalachian Wars, 1790-1818: Pathways to America’s First Empire (Trafford Publishing, 2009).  In this book, John chronicles the conquest of that area of the United States between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River, which was acquired early in the history of the United States.

John first became interested in the military history of this area through somewhat of a chance event. “In the early 1990s,” Vining relates, “I had to make a trip to Indianapolis, Indiana. As I was consulting the atlas to check the route, I noticed a ‘Battle of Mississinewa’ on the map.  Being a life-long student of history and having studied the Civil War in some depth, I knew there had been no Civil War battles that far north.  I decided to make a slight detour and check out the battle site. I found it to be a cavalry raid conducted during the War of 1812!  My interest was piqued and I began to ask other questions.  Why was there a ‘Fort Adams’ in Mercer County?  Why was  ‘Fort Jennings’ built in the middle of the Great Black Swamp? What is ‘Old Fort?’ Most importantly, why would Ohio spend money to reconstruct War of 1812-era ‘Fort Meigs’ in Toledo?  It must be pretty important for some reason!”

In continuing his research, John was amazed to find that there existed a wealth of information about American military struggles between 1790 to 1818.  What really drew him into the subject was that there did not seem to be a flowing narrative that knitted this information together under any particular theme, such as “empire building.”  Thus, John perceived a historical niche that needed to be filled, and he commenced the writing of the book. John found that to do the subject justice, he needed to focus on five phases of the conquest of the area: The Indian (or Woodland) Wars of 1790 – 1795, The War of 1812 in the Old Northwest (1811-1813), The Creek War (1813-1814), The War of 1812 in the Old Southwest (1814-1815), and The Stabilization of the Gulf Coast (1811-1818), which includes the First Seminole War (1817-1818).

These conflicts basically had a common thread that united them: they served as political/military vehicles for the expansion of the territory of the United States: in other words, they served to foster “empire building.” In each, the struggle against the nature of the land itself was nearly as great as that against human enemies.  The Trans-Appalachian Wars was written  to serve as an educational primer for some of the most interesting, yet possibly least documented (at least in flowing narrative form) and understood struggles which ever occurred the North American continent.

John also felt that readers might enjoy two other aspects of Northwest and West Central Ohio: 1) A brief summary of Revolutionary War military activity in the Midwest (which is supplied in an appendix), and 2) how Western Ohio was “conquered economically” (which is covered in the last chapters of the book).

“The book was fun and interesting to write,” Vining concludes, “but the ‘business’ part of writing and publishing is a whole ’nother story.  This part was challenging, to say the least!”

The Trans-Appalachian Wars is available at John’s publisher’s website, www.trafford.com . It is also available at www.Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders, or other well-known bookstores.   “I really hope people read and enjoy the book,” says Vining.  “This is such a historically significant area, yet few people know it.”

Fort Recovery	Fort Recovery	Fort Meigs in Toledo	Monument at Fort Meigs
Fort Meigs in Toledo	Miami, Wabash and Erie Canal between Toledo & Napoleon	Statue of Anthony Wayne at Frieman Square in Ft. Wayne, IN	Click on smaller thumbnail pictures to enlarge them.

Miss Celina Lake Festival Queen 2010 is Rockford's Very Own Devon Stansbury
Photos courtesy of Jerry Deitsch

Congratulations go out to Devon Stansbury, 20, of Rockford and a 2008 Parkway graduate,  who took the Celina Miss Lake Festival Queen 2010 crown on Monday, July 19, 2010, winning over a field of eight contestants.  Devon, an accomplished dancer, performed a lyrical dance to the song "Free Fallin' " in the talent portion of the program. She also competed in the evening gown and swimsuit categories at the Celina Fieldhouse. Devon took home the top Miss Lake Festival scholarship money of $3,800 plus $300 for her On-Stage Interview and collected $200 for the People's Choice award.

Named first runner-up was Jena Sweigart, 18, a senior at Celina High School. She is the daughter of Jim and Jane Sweigart. Rachel Hertenstein, 18, was the second runner-up with Samantha Hartings, 18, taking 3rd runner-up.

Miss Ohio 2009 Erica Gelhaus entertained.

Devon competed in June 2010 in the Miss Ohio pageant under her title of Miss Mohican Valley. Devon's Miss Lake Festival title assures that she will be returning to the 2011 Miss Ohio Pageant.

Thank you to photographer Jerry Deitsch of Celina for sharing these pictures of Devon with the Parkway Independent readers. 

Dog Days Picture Sent for Everyone's Enjoyment
Noel Temple sent this “dog days” (an old baseball saying) picture for the PI readers to enjoy; Noel and his sister Shirley Scarpella corresponded recently concerning the picture from a few years ago in Rockford. Noel saide, "The time frame we thought was 1953 ~ 1955 although we are not positive. Most of the people in the picture are deceased but we hope the few that are still around read the PI and will respond to help us determine the date. If you can help with any information, contact Noel at

Click Here for a much bigger version to see the names better.

Eric Sheets Carries on His Miles of Smiles Forever
Microsoft Contacts Eric

By Eric Sheets
and Sheila Baltzell 2-10-2010
A Parkway graduate of 1996, Eric Sheets, son of Steve and Crystal Sheets of Rockford, embarked on a journey to visit Microsoft Founder and Philanthropist, Bill Gates over a year and a half ago on Memorial Day 2008 (see picture left). Eric, with his loaded pack donkey, 14 year old Moses, and his packed down black and tan coon hound dog, Buck, began his walk after the annual Rockford Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in Rockford .  Shouldering a pack himself, Eric heard our community wishing him well, but wondering at the bare feet he sported.  Eric’s mission was defined in that moment.  "Our education system is exactly like walking barefoot, slow and painful and no longer progress for today's society."  His barefoot adventure to date has taken him over 1700 miles through the heartlands of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, and through one harsh winter.

Eric is currently traveling through Colorado and has made it to Dinosaur, 3 miles from Utah.  2009 has been a great year for the traveling trio.  With perfect timing the trio were able to partake in two Nationally Historic parades.  The Nebraskaland Days has been taking place at the end of June in North Platte, Nebraska since 1968 and entices 100,000 people to the area every year.  The Cheyenne Frontier Days Parade in Cheyenne, Wyoming has been taking place annually at the end of July since 1897 and drawing 300,000 people. It is the largest outdoor rodeo and western event in the world.  “To have this walk work out to the point to afford us a once in a lifetime opportunity, is simply amazing!!!  There are hundreds of miles between North Platte and Cheyenne and to trek the distance just how the old west was settled, is like waking up to a dream.  It is such a honor to be allowed to walk in these monumental parades past thousands and thousands of people.  Everyone had heard about us either in the papers, the radio, or seen us on TV.  When they saw us come marching by, they stood up in masses to give the three of us standing ovations throughout the whole parade route.  There were kids, elderly, every age and race all coming out into the street to get pictures with the 3 of us, give us hugs, shake my hand, pet Moses and Buck, and to offer sincere appreciative thanks.  It is better than being famous.  This kind of joy can only be felt from experiencing the support of thousands of people who are from all over the world.  If there are this many in one place who love us and believe in the need to change this education program, then there has to be millions more out there that are willing to tackle the imperative necessity to revamp our entire education system immediately,” said Eric.

The traveling trio has met thousands upon thousands of people all along the way on this determination filled trek.  They have sparked inspiration within people all across this country to stand up and help shoulder whatever it takes to relieve the greatest burden upon our society.  "It is going on 2 years since we left Rockford, but progress cannot be measured in mere miles," he said.  “There are so many people out here who are concerned with this education system and everyone knows it needs overhauled.  Once they find out what I am trying to do, they offer their help anyway they can.”  His purpose is to introduce a unique multi-age educational tool that would be displayed on an interactive touch screen i.e phone, computer.  Just like signing into email or Facebook accounts, the proposed ever growing knowledge based program will be loaded with a user’s information including biographical details and interests.  "As you would watch TV, your individual device will simply display 3 trivia facts of knowledge.  Out of the 3 subjects displayed, you would select which one you would like to learn more about.  For example, a child would watch Sesame Street and when Bert and Ernie say "A, B, 1, 2" the child would select appropriately.  If the child answers correctly, it goes on.  If the child has problems, then it will go back through and try to give the child a broader based foundation.”  While a child watches any cartoon then, he would be learning the fundamentals of something new that interests him.  They would constantly be feeding their natural inquisitiveness.  You figure every child, including us, constantly asked adults the questions of “Why? Why? Why? Why?” 

“Then when we went to school, we were all told to sit there real quiet, calm and still because we were all going to learn about “this” right here, right now.  This is completely different than how we spent our first 5 years growing up and different than how we learn every waking second outside of the classroom.  How could we ever hope for good knowledge retention or expansion if we continue to force kids into a backwards system?” 

“With this learning program, once a child gets to Kindergarten, their first teacher would know exactly what each individual child understands.  “Do they have their letters?  Do they have their numbers?”  This program combines audio, visual, 3D world manipulation, and voice recognition.  So if someone is dyslexic, autistic, or even ADHD, this program will work with you not only to conquer any learning disabilities, but it will enhance every learning ability.  So just as a child would watch a children’s show, or an adult would watch any other show “Ideal Learning” would interact with the viewer to introduce new relevant interesting material,” said Eric.

 “It grows with you and keeps offering new material to the user, therefore creating an instant and constant learning environment," said Eric.  "The most crucial aspect about this educational tool is that it must be given away for free.  If we cannot afford to get to college, how will kids be able?  Education is supposed to help us take better care of ourselves, our families, our neighbors, society as a whole, not bury us in debt for years upon years.  If we charge $40 a month to get on this learning network, we will cut our throats and not even reach those who need the most help.  Technology is increasing exponentially, and the population isn't slowing down either.  What do we do in a few years when the semi-trucks are GPS'd up and down the road without a driver?  There are far many more millions upon millions who drive truck than ever worked for the auto industry, and we know what happens to the economy when that fraction of the population lost their jobs.  It has to come to education, not vocation.  When you are 55, you can't afford 3 years of college let alone 10 years.  This educational tool will be used as a "credential" when you show up at a job market as you will be able to prove your strengths, interests, and adaptability so that you can ask for a job that fulfills you, not just one you stand around and fill.  Plus the majority of ones committing crimes are uneducated.  The more we can reach out to them and get them thinking about something new, the less likely they will pick up a gun, rob, rape, or pillage.  The farther education gets out of reach, the more "have not's" we are going to have.  Which makes all of us unsafe regardless of our own education or wealth" says Sheets.  The best part he likes about his learning program though is how it will bring comfort to the elderly.  "It will know when and where we are born at and show us something all day long about the things that happened while we grew up to help trigger our long term memories.  It will gradually revert back to memory matching skills and number games, but the mind is a muscle if you don't use it, you lose it."

Eric Hears from the Microsoft Team 

Back in July while Eric was in Cheyenne, Wyoming Microsoft called him up directly to talk about his Ideal Learning program.  The head of product development said "Microsoft is a profitable company and to develop a learning program to give away for free doesn't match our business model.  You need to start your own nonprofit company and then Microsoft can be a charitable partner with you.  Then you can hire your own programmers and give away your program for free if that's how you see fit"  Although the mountain he was climbing grew by millions of steps in that instant to create a company, the best thing he heard from the largest computer company in the world was, it is a good idea, and it is completely possible to do.

For the next month he put the word out that he was looking for a business lawyer wanting to be a part of history.  Sure enough, through meeting a guy at a Burger King as he walked past with Moses, he now has a business lawyer out of Oklahoma City who loves what he is trying to do and wants to be a part of it and has offered his services for free.  Now through guidance of his lawyer he needed to get a CPA on board, and once again he has met just the right people at just the right time, as he has a CPA out of Steamboat Springs, Colorado (see pic at left) who has offered her services for free and is taking care of writing up all of the nonprofit papers. Eric's story continues:  

Click here to read the entire story on Eric and learn how to watch his progress or contact him.

Click Here for all of the Parkway Schools Demolition Pictures

Click Here for Parkway Dedication of the New Facilities