Committee wraps up Old Home Week for another triennial
By KAREN BITNER Echo Pilot

In what has become a triennial event, outgoing president Jeff Shank presented the patriotic tie to Ben Thomas Jr. and Carol Christopehl looks on.

In their wrap-up meeting for Old Home Week 2007, members of the OHW Association reviewed the week's events and discussed plans for the future. Turnout at the antique car show, bicycle race, Fred Kaley road race, dog show, and Fun Fair was about the same or greater than the last Old Home Week, despite scorching heat, members noted. Dog Show chairperson Cora Crider added that although a storm cut the show short, audience favorite "Roscoe the beagle" claimed his second "Best Vocalist" title. Roscoe also took the top honor at the 2004 OHW dog show.

Reviews of the community worship service, pageant and fireworks display were all positive. "It was kind of hard to know how many people were at the fireworks since there were no lights," member Dave Kipp mused. "But it was a super show."

Members noted that even events that didn't go quite as planned managed to turn out well. Pageant co-author Dody Clever expressed gratitude that Trevor Timmons was able to step in and play the organ for the event after the regularly scheduled organist was unable to come. Parade chairperson John Alleman noted that although the event scheduled for Thursday had to be postponed due to a storm, attendance and participation at the Saturday parade were excellent. "We tried something new;" he laughed, "we had a dress rehearsal for the parade." Alleman said 111 groups signed up for Thursday night, and 93 of them were able to come back Saturday to complete a parade that lasted 47 minutes.

Badge chairperson Brad Barkdoll told the group that 2906 OHW badges were sold; while shirt and hat chairperson Tom Stine reminded the group that Old Home Week 2007 Tshirts and hats are still available at the Chamber of Commerce. Photograph on the Square cochair Frank Klink displayed a copy of the photograph and said that the photographer estimated that more than 3,000 people were in the picture.

Headquarters co-chairperson Bob Johnston assured the group that attendees seemed to really enjoy the week. "There were no negative comments at all," he said. "All you people on the committee did an excellent job." Johnston got chuckles from the crowd by recounting one busy time at OHW headquarters when volunteer staffer Barry Stottlemyer tried to save time by pretending to be an answering machine whenever the phone rang. "He'd say, 'If you are calling for more information, press one,'" Johnston laughed. "Then whoever was calling would hang up," he added, provoking audience comments that from now on when callers reach OHW headquarters, they would be wondering " Is it real-or is it Barry?"

Several members noted that they had received requests to schedule more events in the evening, although the group consensus seemed to be that the week is so packed that it would be difficult to do so. Website coordinator Ken Shockey suggested that someone at headquarters be dedicated to answering emails to give people access to up to date information. "Somebody emailed me asking what time the fireworks were," he said, explaining that he didn't get to the emails right away. "I responded, but it was after the fireworks." Shockey noted that he is still putting pictures of the week's events on the website.

Brian Van Winkle, who with his wife Paula, served as Official Old Home Week photographers, said they attended nearly every event and took over 2000 photos. The Van Winkles are making a CD containing a 25- minute slide show which will be donated to the OHW Association. "My hat is off to everyone involved," Van Winkle said, adding that the association was welcome to make copies of the CD and sell them.

The meeting concluded with OHW 2007 president Jeff Shank formally presenting the official OHW necktie to new OHW 2010 president Ben Thomas. Thomas thanked Shank for his leadership and thanked all the committees for their efforts. "Thank goodness for email," he smiled. Noting that he was looking forward to servicing as president of the 37th OHW, to be celebrated Aug. 1 through 7, 2010, Thomas added that one of the strengths of the OHW association is that its members enjoy doing things for others. "Service is like the morning sunrise," he remarked. "Each day gives us a new opportunity."

Thomas and association members also celebrated the appointment of Carol Cristophel to the position of OHW secretary. Traditionally, the secretary becomes president of the next OHW group, putting Cristophel in line for presidency of the 2013 OHW. If so, Cristophel will be the first woman to serve as OHW association president, prompting OHW Pageant co-author Dody Clever to rejoice, "It's been an Old Boys' Reunion long enough."