March 2022 Class Notes
’94 The Finest
Sandy Calvert ’94 has been asked by Senator Dolan to Chair his campaign for US Senate in Medina County to replace US Senator Portman and has accepted.
’95 The Greatest
Linda Randall ’95 was featured in the Joy of Medina County Magazine at https://issuu.com/joyofmedinacounty/docs/joy_february_2022?e=29009715/57680100
’96, The Brightest
Ron Stollar ’96 will participate as a “Book” in the Living Library at Brunswick Library on March 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. “One More Sunrise: Surviving and Thriving After a Traumatic Car Crash”
Drop in to check out a person for a 20 min. One-on-one conversation. Ask questions, learn, grow and enjoy meeting someone new has overcome adversity, challenges or just has a really great story to tell! Check outs are on a first come, first served basis when you arrive. You can check out multiple “books” if desired.
Learn more at https://medinacounty.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=44796&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2022/03/01
’98 The Favorite
Bob Gillingham ’98 announces his financial literacy nonprofit “Finmango” continues to grow at schools in NE Ohio and around the country. He expects to teach close to 6,000 students in all. For information on bringing this FREE class to your school, visit Finmango.org
’05 The Ultimate
Shoukat-Ali Bhamani ’05 is starting a new position as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Serta Simmons Bedding.
Michael Schmidt ’05 was elected to his third consecutive term for Westfield Township Trustee.
’08 That Class
Richard Doyle ’08 is proud to announce that on March 19th he will be inducted into the Medina High School Hall of Fame as an artist under the category of “Cultural & Performing Arts” after also participating in 13 straight years of highlighting the County Arts Programs for LMC’s “Quality of Life Day.”
’12, The Rain/Shine Class
Matt Wiederhold ’12 has accepted the position of Executive Director for Heritage Ohio, Inc, the state-wide preservation and Main Street organization, effective May 2, 2022. He and his husband, Joshua, will remain in Medina, and he will still be involved with local revitalization, but in a different capacity.
’15 The Bridge Builders Class
Melanie Kasten-Krause ’15 is celebrating her 40th Anniversary at The Society! Melanie joined The Society on March 1,1982 as the Social Worker and has served in many roles through the years culminating her service as the Executive Director beginning 2012. Melanie has seen many positive changes over these forty years. So in honor of her dedication and commitment to this field and to The Society, please consider making a $40 donation in her honor as we celebrate this very important 40 year milestone by clicking here: : https://bit.ly/3sJmYyE
Anne Murphy ’14 started a new position at Generations Senior Living in Berea as Community Relations Director.
’16 Silver Jubilee
Ryan Carlson ’16 is now the President of Medina Creative Living for Life, a separate 501(c)(3) that works with Medina Creative Housing. He has also been reelected President of the Medina County Library District, has earned a new professional designation of Accredited Wealth Management Advisor, and was a judge at “Dancing with The Stars” for Faith in Action.
Janice Jokkel ’16 has been elected as the Board President of Project: Learn of Medina County. She has a passion for young adults to see them succeed and looks to take Project: Learn to the next level.
EMERGING LEADERS ‘16
Drew Hall Emerging Leaders ‘16 has been promoted to Vice President and Chief Operation Officer at Habitat for Humanity of Summit County (also a graduate of Signature ’19).
’17 The Collaborators
Rebecca Byrne ’17 and her husband Joe (’22) received the People’s Choice Award at Dancing with the Medina County Stars event.
‘19 The Difference Makers
Jessica Hazeltine ’19 is running for the Ohio Democratic Party State Central Committee on the May ballot. She was also appointed to the Medina County Planning Commission. Additionally, she partnered with a baker and will be opening a bakery and coffee drive-thru in June. The Little Fox Café and Bakery. To see the menu, visit www.littlefoxmedina.com
She will participate as a “Book” in the Living Library at Brunswick Library on March 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Drop in to check out a person for a 20 min. One-on-one conversation. Ask questions, learn, grow and enjoy meeting someone new has overcome adversity, challenges or just has a really great story to tell! Check outs are on a first come, first served basis when you arrive. You can check out multiple “books” if desired.
Learn more at https://medinacounty.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=44796&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2022/03/01
Edward Kinney ’19 On Feb. 11, City of Medina Police Chief Edward Kinney graduated from a 14-month Certified Law Enforcement Executive program with honors. The ceremonies celebrated the completion of study in a course co-sponsored by the Law Enforcement Foundation, Inc. and the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police. Participants were selected for the program by meeting set standards in experience, formal and continuing education, as well as professional-related experience. For more than a year, they receive instruction in modules such as ethics, interpersonal skills, community relations and more. The program promotes professional development benefiting not only the individual but also the agencies in which they work and their communities. Kinney was honored as the recipient of the Chief Michael Kallai Award named after a chief of the Barberton Police Department, a CLEE graduate and board member until his sudden passing in 2010. This award is given to a graduate who performed exceptionally in the CLEE academics, as well as having an established record of community involvement. Congratulations, Chief Kinney! We’re proud of your accomplishment!
’21 Resilient
Kevin Hack ’21 joined the Board at Feeding Medina County in January. Their annual gala will be on Saturday, March 12th at Buffalo Creek.
LEAD 2021
Bailey A. Ewing LEAD 2021 was sworn in as the Medina County SPCA Humane Agent on February 25th and is now working full time with the Medina County SPCA.
Mark Gryskiewicz LEAD 2021 was recently awarded board member position with Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities. He is excited to get back involved with the community!
’22 Phoenix Class
Joe Byrne ’22 and his wife Rebecca (’17) received the People’s Choice Award at Dancing with the Medina County Stars event.
Jason French ‘22: Congratulations to Western Reserve Masonic Community for receiving the Pinnacle Customer Experience Award in dining service, transportation needs, safety, and security. The Customer Experience Award is awarded to care providers who have achieved best-in-class customer satisfaction standards within their peer group.