NB NK Rotary hears from scholarship winner and Historical Society President

 The New Bremen-New Knoxville Rotary heard from another of their scholarship winners, Anna Jaynes a 2008 graduate of New Knoxville High School .  Jaynes has been studying radiology at the Kettering College of Medical Arts in Dayton.  She’s also begun her clinical work at Kettering Medical Center and Sycamore Hospital in Miamisburg.  She is learning how to perform CAT and MRI imaging scans.  Anna graduates in April of 2011 and she will work to get certified in July of 2011.  She plans to complete her bachelor’s degree in 2012 with a degree in Advanced Imaging.  “I’m really enjoying it, I like the patient care,” said Jaynes.  “I want to thank you guys for all of your help, it’s worth it”

Tony Frierott, President of the Minster Historical Society visited the New Bremen-New Knoxville Rotary Club to discuss what’s happening with the Society.   The Minster Historical Society has been in existence since 1976, formerly located in the upstairs area of the Library.  About two years ago, they moved into their present location at 112 Fourth St., beside the Minster Police Dept.  “We’re trying to sell history,” said Frierott.  “I think we’ve done a great job over the past couple of years building interest in local history in Minster.”

“Last year we put together a very successful World War II exhibit, including recorded stories, artifacts and documents,” said Frierott.  “Right now we’re in our second major exhibit which is the Korean War and the 50’s.”  The Historical Society holds an annual membership meeting in the spring.  The group currently has 220 members, and the focus is to grow their membership among younger folks.  The group invites students to tour the museum, in an effort to get the kids interested in local Minster history.  “We really have a great genealogy section at the library, said Frierott.  “We have over 18,000 funeral cards on record so folks come in all the time trying to find information.”  The Society is currently working on an oral recorded history project, to preserve the stories of local senior citizens for future enjoyment and use.

The Society puts on various one-time programs throughout the year featuring folks speaking” Low German,” a holiday program and more.  The group is a non-profit organization, relying upon donations to keep the museum open and running.   Their board is made up of eight volunteer trustees, and many active volunteer members.   “I’ve been really amazed at the number of people who have brought things to us to share,” said Frierott.  Their fundraiser for this year is a cookbook project that incorporates historical photos and memorabilia into the cookbook.  There will be over 200 photos in the book and will be for sale during the Minster Oktoberfest.  “We encourage folks to come visit,” said Frierott.  “It’s not only a Minster museum; it’s an Auglaize County and a western Ohio museum.”

Hosting Rotarian: Ross Brown