March 2, 2010 - Volume 19, No. 9

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Ambrose signs on line with Butler University

On Feb. 24, 2010, Greg Ambrose signed to attend and play football at Butler University. Family, friends and classmates were in attendance at the Oakwood High School Library. Athletic director Mark Hughes opened the event, noting that Oakwood is an outstanding high school, and that Butler University is an outstanding institution. “To see an Oakwood student be admitted to Butler is great; that he has an opportunity to participate in athletics is just a bonus.”

Coach Dan Kosak, Greg’s offensive line coach, spoke on behalf of Head Football Coach Paul Stone. Preliminary comments focused on the unusual attendance by faculty, students (about 80) and friends. He then spoke of Greg, whom he coached for fours years. “Before Greg’s senior season, I asked him where he might want to play. Greg was consistent through the year that his first choice was Butler. He is fortunate to be able to attend his first choice in schools. If you want to play collegiate football, it doesn’t always work out that way.”

Coach Kosak continued. “Butler should be excited to have Greg. He is the total package, as far as I’m concerned. Greg has all the qualities both in the classroom and on the field to succeed at Butler.”

After he signed his letter, Greg spoke. He graciously thanked parents, coaches, and peers. He then commented. “I am excited to compete at the highest possible level that I can. I am committed to Butler University, and will do all that I can to make my community, friends, and family proud. I hope that my signing can be an inspiration for others. Even though you don’t run a 4.4 second forty yard dash, or aren’t a 6’ 7” 320 lb. lineman, you can still find a place to play in college athletics.”

Obituary__________________________________

Frederick Robert Walker, age 94, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2010. He was born in Springfield, Ohio, in 1916, and graduated from Springfield High School in 1934 and Miami University in 1939. In 1947, he graduated from Columbia University Teachers College with a MA in music education. He had spent 37 years in music education and direction, and over 60 years in music performance. He was a teacher and director of instrumental music in several public schools, including Belle Center, Ashtabula Harbor, Jefferson, and 23 years in the Oakwood City Schools. His high school bands at Jefferson (Astabula County) and Oakwood received over 20 superior ratings in the state high school band competitions. His bands’ concert performances were also outstanding. Mr. Walker toured Canada with his Ashtabula Harbor Band in 1953; in 1972, the Oakwood Band joined with eleven USA high school bands to tour The Netherlands and Germany for an Olympic Marching Tour (Munich). He belonged to over 14 professional organizations, and was a well-known member of state (OMEA) and national (ASBDA, NEA, MENC) music associations. His musical direction began when he was the bandleader of the 350th Army Band during WWII, and his professional performances on clarinet, flute, and saxophone began at age 16 and continued until age 86. After retiring from Oakwood, he taught studio lessons at Northmont HS, Wright State University, Miami Valley Academy of Music, and substituted as band director at Stebbins HS. He was an adjudicator for 35 years for OMEA in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and Indiana. He was a guest conductor, a performer and a clinician. He authored several articles for the Triad, The School Musican and The Iowa Bandmaster. He was a member of many committees for OMEA, ASBDA, and NBA. In 1976, he wrote a research paper for ASBDA entitled “Performance Standards-The National Anthem”; another, “Saving an Endangered Species-The Cornet”; still another, “Accurate Nomenclature For Band”... all published. He played in concert bands in Springfield, Dayton, and Sidney; he played in church ensembles, and he played clarinet and saxophone in the Dayton Philharmonic Band for 21 years. Mr. Walker’s awards include (1967) “They are Making America Musical” by The School Musician ;(1978) “The MAC Award State of Ohio” from First Chair of America; (1984) “Hall of Fame” Ohio Band Leaders Conference, University of Akron; “Sam Andrews Hall of Honor” No.8, Oakwood City School; (1997) “Super Senior Award”, Oakwood Historical Society; (2001) “The distinguished Service Award” Ohio Music Education Association; (2006) and “The FRW Oakwood Band Foundation, established by John C. Gray. Survivors include his wife, Charlene Walker; daughter, Katherine Alexander (Harry); cousin, Henrietta Eubanks; niece, Diana Shank; niece, Pat Piper; niece, Jan Tedell (Bob); nephew, Scott Williamson (Donna). Visitation Wednesday from 4 - 7 PM at Schlientz and Moore Funeral Home (George Miller, Director), 1632 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, Ohio. Services Thursday at 11 AM at The Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 155 E. Thruston Blvd in Oakwood. Please omit flowers; contributions may be made to The Oakwood Band Parents Association, the FRW Oakwood Band Foundation, or The Lutheran Church of Our Savior.

Progress on Athletic/Rec Master Plan reported

By Lance Winkler

The Oakwood City Council met on Monday, March 1 with all members counted as present. Safety Director Alex Bebris paid a visit to council to brief them on the recent crime upsurge. He pointed out that two major suspects in the string of burglaries and thefts from autos had been caught. One of the suspects confessed to a number of the theft incidents and a reduction in criminal incidents is anticipated.

Chief Bebris also mentioned that coyotes have once again been spotted in Oakwood and the surrounding area. He told citizens to make a report to Oakwood police giving as accurate information as to time, place and behavior of the animals when they are sighted.

Councilmember Stanley Castleman gave a report on the Athletic/Recreational Facility Master Plan. He announced that an informational brochure is being completed and will be going to the printer on March 5. The brochure in-turn will be mailed out to 3800 households and 200 businesses. From March 23 through April 13, a telephone survey will be conducted with 300 households. Additionally, interviews with 26 individuals during the week of March 22 will be conducted. A committee meeting will be held on March 23 and April 27 to assess the data gathered from the telephone survey and the interviews. Two community meetings are planned with information sharing and input occurring on April 29 and a plan presentation on May 24. A first draft of the Master Plan document is slated to be completed by April 16 with the final draft ready to be presented to council in mid-May.

In legislation, a Transitional Use District was passed unanimously by council regarding the two properties located on the southwest and southeast corners of Peach Orchard Road and Far Hills Avenue. Currently, their use was restricted to medical offices whereas now, their use has been expanded to include city uses and structures and business and professional offices.

The next formal meeting of the Oakwood City Council will be held on Monday, April 5, 2010

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