Tri-Rivers honors CenMac Metalworks for Distinguished Service

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Pictured: Matt Comer, vice president for CenMac Metalworks, Presenter and Welding Instructor Levi Retterer,

Superintendent Dr. Charles Speelman, and CenMac employee and TRCC Board Member Mick Landon

 

Introduction by Levi Retterer

Tonight it is my honor and privilege to present a Lautenslager Distinguished Service award to CenMac Metalworks. I was lucky to have been an employee of CenMac Metalworks for several years before I started teaching at Tri-River Career Center full time, and still look back at all of the valuable things that I was able to learn during my time there that has really helped me through my career.

 

CenMac was started in 1960 under the name Central Machine, and it was primarily a metal stamping and tool and die company that supplied several local companies with hinges and latch mechanisms.

 

Jerry Galbreath joined Central Machine in 1994, and his son Rod joined the company in 1998 and took over as president in 2012. At that time, they were in a small 7,000 square foot shop at the intersection of st rt 309 and st rt 98 and had 13 employees including Rod and Jerry. In that time between 1998 and present day, the company has grown and continues to prosper.

 

 When they built their new manufacturing facility in 2003 on Fairground street, I remember Rod reminiscing that he did not know how they were going to fill all 25,000 square feet of new space. Fast forward to today and they have expanded that same shop to 68,000 square feet and are breaking ground on an additional 25,000 square feet. They have gone from having a handful of customers who made up 90% of their sales, to now having their largest customer be only 33% of their sales and no other single customer being more than 6% of total sales, showing how much they have diversified since their inception. 

 

Today the shop employs over 90 individuals and operates on two shifts. This includes around 20 skilled tradesmen and women in the welding department, a majority of which are TRCC graduates. (I often like to joke with Rod that when I was there, the welding department was made up of one other gentleman and myself, and since I left to come here as a teacher, it took 19 people and 9 Robotic welders to replace me. Rod always reminds me that that may not exactly be the case…) 

 

CenMac is a shop that many people in the trades strive to work for. They provide living wage jobs and benefits to their employees and have a culture within the shop that makes it a great place to work. It is never uncommon to see the president and Vice president out on the shop floor running the scrubber or cleaning things up when they need to, and whenever I am lucky enough to be able to stop in and visit the shop to check on students that are on advanced placement, I always look at how the employees react when the boss is walking around the floor. No one acts nervous around the boss and you can tell that there is a mutual level of respect amongst all that work there. I have no doubts that this is a huge reason for their continued growth and success.

 

Throughout the years, CenMac has supported Tri Rivers in a multitude of ways. They have donated practice materials to the welding program which is crucial to our operations. They also employ a number of our alumni from our adult and secondary programs as well as current students who are on advanced placement. I am always able to rest easy knowing that students that we send there to work will be treated fairly, not be taken advantage of and will be in a safe working environment. Numerous members of our advisory boards are employees of CenMac metalworks and they are always willing to give us valuable feedback and insights as to what our program needs to provide to our students to make them successful and employable. We also have a member of our very own board of education who is employed at CenMac, Mickey Landon. 

 

We are proud to be industry partners with CenMac Metalworks and are thankful for all of their support over the years. Rod was unable to join us tonight, But it is my pleasure to present this distinguished award to Vice President Matt Comer and our own Mickey Landon.

Amanda Tackett—2022 Outstanding Alumni

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Introduction by Becky Salyer and Roy Schweinfurth

Representing the Tri Rivers Cosmetology Program Outstanding Alumni Amanda Tackett. Amanda is graduate of the class of 2003. She received her Cosmetology license in the spring of 2003 and began working as an apprentice/stylist at Charles Penzone’s Salon and Spa. Amanda was a team member for two years training in a state-of-the art salon with the newest products and equipment as well as having outstanding educational opportunities. She continued her career at Rejuvenations Salon and Spa in Marion where she continued to work for 15 years. For the last year and a half Amanda has been self-employed at Brush Hair and Skin Bar. Being self-employed Amanda over sees all aspects of the business. She is responsible for her continuing education, inventory, scheduling, taxes, insurance and meeting all State Boards Rules and Regulations.

Amanda has maintained a professional attitude, participates in advanced education to better herself as well as the people around her. She has maintained a large clientele to be able to work as an independent contractor. Amanda has been a strong force in the cosmetology industry. She maintains professionalism and is an excellent role model for future cosmetologists. Amanda’s work ethic in the Cosmetology field has been superior. Her attendance has always been exceptional. Her attention to detail within her work environment and willingness to help her co-workers has made her a much appreciated and valued employee. Amanda has always been an individual that strives for the next level.

Amanda’s contribution to Tri Rivers include advisory committee member attending meetings, judging local SkillsUSA contests and assisting with our annual Shear Class Style show. Amanda has often shared advance training with the Cosmetology Class giving of herself to provide educational opportunities to our students.

Amanda works diligently to be a good mother and spouse to her family. She is very involved in her children’s education and sport activities. She runs a very structured home to always having time for her children and working with them to expand their individual interests. Amanda also takes good care of her physical self to give the most to all aspects of her life.

Amanda has proven be the total package. She has learned how to balance her home while challenging herself to reach for higher levels in her career field. As motivated as Amanda is, we believe she will continue to challenge herself to higher levels throughout her career.

Please join me in congratulating Amanda Schweinfurth Tackett, Outstanding Alumni

Tom Stotts—2022 Outstanding Alumni

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Tom excelled as a student at Tri-Rivers. And, he continues to excel and go above and beyond in any position he holds or any organization he represents… He is truly a servant leader.

After graduating in 1996 from our Diversified Business/Marketing program, he continued his education at Marion Technical College earning an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from the Marion Law Enforcement Academy in 2000. Then in 2010 he earned his Bachelors of Science in Public Safety Management from Franklin University.

Tom started his government career in 2000 as a dispatcher with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, then he went to work for the Marion County Common Pleas Court as a probation officer/pre-sentence investigator. Shortly, after completing the police academy, he worked for 7 years at the Mt. Gilead Police Department as an auxiliary officer then later as a part-time officer while concurrently working for the court.

He always keeps busy! He’s never doing just one thing… In 2012 he became the Chief Probation Officer at the Marion Municipal Court— that’s where he is currently employed.

In 2013, Tom worked with Marion County Adult Probation, Marion County Prosecutors Office, and Marion Law Director’s Office to create Marion’s first Diversion Program that served both felony and misdemeanor cases.  Marion County Adult Probation Department wrote the grant, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office maintained the grant and Marion Municipal Court furnished the office and office supplies for the position. While the collaborative position doesn’t exist today, the diversion program at Marion Municipal Court is flourishing with great success.

In 2019, Tom worked with ADAMH Board to hire the very first case manager for the court. This position assisted those who are addicted to opioids by expediting them into treatment…as opposed to sitting in jail.  He is always thinking about how to help people recover and regain their lives.

Tom is an exceptional individual, we are so  proud of his accomplishments! In 2020 MarionMade featured the probation department as a department that improves lives of clients and the community. Tom is all about improving lives…

In 2020, Tom was elected the President of the Ohio Chief Probation Officers Association for the years 2021 and 2022. Prior to serving as president, he served on the board as treasurer, secretary, and vice president.

His contributions to our community were recognized in 2019 when he was inducted into Marion Tech’s Alumni Hall of Fame. He was also MTC’s keynote speaker at their 2020 graduation. And he also serves on MTC’s Foundation Board of Directors.

…He also has served on the Marion Matters Board and is currently their treasurer.

Tom is truly a servant leader. He focuses on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. Tom’s goal is to serve the greater good. He is an Outstanding Tri-Rivers Alumni because of his professionalism, his caring ways, his high energy and his love of people. Tom, you are AMAZING Alumni. Congratulations!

Introduction by Ellen Messenger

 

Austin Charles—2022 Outstanding Alumni

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Michelle Rawlins introduced Austin Charles, who joined the celebration via Zoom.

 

Introduction by Michelle Rawlins 

Austin Charles is a member of the United States Navy where he has been a Sailor for the last 9 ½ years. He is a 2012 Cardington Lincoln High School graduate and a Tri-Rivers Health Care Professions graduate. After graduation, he entered the United States Navy where he served as an Aircrew Survival Equipmentman / Parachute Rigger (PR) First Class Petty Officer. Austin has been stationed aboard the USS George Washington (CVN-73) / USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) out of Yokosuka, Japan, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120) / Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 (HM-15) out of Norfolk, Virginia, and is currently an A-School Instructor in Pensacola, Florida where he is training Sailors who have just completed boot camp.  

Austin was in the first class to be enrolled in the Tri-Rivers Transition sophomore program where he explored some of the trades offered at that time. He participated in classes such as Cosmetology, Graphic Design, and Healthcare Professions.  He chose to pursue the Health Care Professions area of study his junior and senior years in hopes to become a Physical trainer. 

Using the Skills he gained from Tri-Rivers Healthcare Professions, Austin Charles was able to transform them into what he does today where he currently helps instruct over 1000 sailors a year.  

He completed an Associate of Arts in 2017 in general studies and received a Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies in Terrorism in 2021. Austin is currently working on his Masters in Homeland Security and Disaster Management from American Military University. Accepted into 2 internships with the navy, he will postpone them due to his military service. He has also completed several journeymen programs the Navy has to offer including: ALSS Technician (8000 hrs.), Canvas Worker (2000 hrs.), Upholster (2000hrs), and Computer Operator (2000 hrs.).  

Austin is an amazing Sailor. He always wants to participate and help wherever he can.  Some of the many awards and achievements he has earned include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), Sailor of the Year (2016, 2017), and Sailor of the Quarter (2018 Q1, 2021 Q3).  He was also selected as one of twelve Active PR`s ranging from E-5 / E-9 where he was the only E-5 that was hand selected to help revamp a training program which would shape future sailors in the PR Rating. 

Austin exemplifies the Tri-Rivers slogan of “A school where you are ALLOWED to, INSPIRED, and EXPECTED to BE AMAZING!”

Austin’s Grandpa, Roger Linder, accepts Austin’s Outstanding Alumni Award. Austin joined the celebration via Zoom.

 

Kiwanis Pancake Day, a Marion Tradition, returns March 12!

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A Marion Tradition is back this year! The Marion Noon Kiwanis Pancake Day will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022, 7am to 2pm at Tri-Rivers Career Center. The event, along with offering all the pancakes you can eat along with sausage, juice, milk and coffee, also showcases local talent throughout the day. “It is definitely a gathering of friends and family,” said Gareth Higgins, club president. “The community has missed this gathering. We are thankful we can hold it this year to raise funds for area children’s groups and youth scholarships.

When it comes to serving up a scrumptious breakfast, nothing seems to top our fascination with the pancake, said Higgins. “And if you’re familiar with the Marion Noon Kiwanis Annual Pancake Day, chances are you’ve had your share of pancakes—one of our organizations’ key ingredients for a successful fundraiser.”

Most importantly, the proceeds from the event benefit children through groups and activities such as: Marion Tall Grass Trail, Marion Palace Theatre, Explore-It-Torium Children’s Museum, Marion Public Library, Marion Goodwill Industries, Junior Service Guild Clearinghouse, the Dog Park, the Pep Club, Altrusa-RX Marion, and numerous other groups. Plus, the Kiwanis Foundation provides scholarships.

This year’s entertainment includes:

7-7:45 am—D.J. Music by Tom Danner

7:45-8:45am— Carolyn Heimlich on the Keyboard

9-9:45am—John Garners Jr. & Friends

10am-10:45am—Marionaires Barbershop Chorus

11-11:45am—Martha Douce Dance Studio Dancers

12-12:45pm–Elgin Cosmic Beat Drummer

1-2pm—D.J. Music by Tom Danner

Kiwanis Secretary Sean DeWitt always does a great job in the kitchen at the Pancake Day event at Tri-Rivers. Featured photo top: Kiwanis President Gareth Higgins, is ready for Pancake Day 2022.

 

Interesting Pancake Facts From Our Last Event:• We served over 5,000 pancakes• 370 pounds of pancake batter was used• We netted around $8,000…this year we hope to reach $10,000 plus…all proceeds benefit children• Volunteers include not only Kiwanis members, but community members, students and others
• It takes close to 500 volunteer hours to make the event successful

You can save a dollar a ticket by purchasing your tickets in advance of the event from Kiwanis members, Altrusa members, or by stopping by Tri-Rivers Career Center, Custom Professional Accounting or Southland Barbers. Tickets at the door are $6 for adults; kids 4 years and under eat free.

This year’s major event sponsors include: Sansotta’s, Custom Professional Accounting, Messenger Farm, Marion Technical College, A-1 Printing, Mennel Bakery Mix and Food Service, OhioHealth, Zucker & Associates, Meijer, All Occasions Catering, Merrill: A Bank of America Company, Tri-Rivers Career Center, Wyandot Snacks, CRT Mechanical, American Legion Posts 584 and 605 and Southland Barbers.

Come join the fun, come see what’s going on at Marion Noon Kiwanis Pancake Day 2022!

Culinary Arts excels at FCCLA contest

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Tri-Rivers Culinary Arts students participated in the FCCLA Regionals at Columbus State Community College. 

“The students worked hard and represented Tri-Rivers well,” said their instructor, Chef Lance Stalnaker. “One Bronze, 4 Silver, and 3 Gold Medals; not bad for our first live competition in 2 years!”

Congratulations to the following Culinary Arts students:

Lindsay Hall, Culinary Arts-Bronze

Asher Jones, Garde Manger-Silver

Layla Murray, Baking and Pastry-Silver

Camrin Skinner, Baking and Pastry-Silver

Thalia Diaz, Baking and Pastry-Silver

Devonn Howard, Product Development-Gold

Kaydence Shelton, Product Development-Gold

Jasmine Slone, Culinary Arts-Gold

 

Watch the Virtual 360˚ Tour of TRCC

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Tri-Rivers Virtual 360˚ Interactive Tour takes you inside all of all labs.

You can see what the labs look like, watch students learning and ask questions.

You’ll learn about Certifications to earn, listen to graduates of the programs, “meet” the instructors and more.

Enjoy the tour!!!

Click Here: 360 TOUR

Early College High School Meeting Now Feb 10th

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Earn Your Associate Degree for FREE through The University of Akron while a high school student at Tri-Rivers.

Introducing: Early College High School at Tri-Rivers in partnership with The University of Akron

Are you eager for a challenge and prepared to tackle college-level academics in high school? 

If so, Early College High School may be a perfect fit for you.

Attend the
Parent Information Night/Open House
at Tri-Rivers Career Center, 2222 Marion-Mt. Gilead Rd. • Marion, OH 43302
Due to impending Snow
this event has moved to Feb. 10, 5:30-6:30pm

Watch Facebook for Updates!
in the Multi-Purpose Room (Cafeteria)

Q & A Session • Application Assistance

Tour The University of Akron/TRCC Learning Lab

Can’t attend in person? Join us virtually:
To join the Zoom Meeting
Feb. 10th at 5:30pm Click Here

For more information:
Tri-Rivers Career Center
Martin Dzugan, Director
CTE & Student Pathways

740.389.8524

Learn more about Early College High School: https://tririvers.com/earn-your-associate-degree/

 

 

Quarter 2 Honor Rolls Announced

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