Posted 10/22/09
Foundation Recognizes Americana Leaders for Community Service

Jim Reppert and Joe Beyerle, two of the leaders in the Americana Festival -- the Fourth of July signature event in Centerville and Washington Township -- were recognized by the Foundation as Community Founders at an October 22, 2009 reception at the Golf Club at Yankee Trace.    

The Foundation's Community Founder award was initiated to recognize outstanding service to Centerville and Washington Township.   

Americana is a one-day annual event that draws some 75,000 men, women and children to the community. The presentation of this premier Fourth of July event in the Miami Valley includes a 5K run, student scholarships, an auto show, a street fair, and a parade. The day is topped off with fireworks at Centerville High School.  

Associated with Americana since it was incorporated in 1979, Reppert has been involved every year. Over the years, he has served at one time or another as president, chairman of the board and chairman of almost every festival committee. He's been a part of Americana longer by far than any other member of the committee.  

Beyerle served as chairman of the Americana Board of Directors from 1991 to 2006, a period during which the festival grew significantly. He was the fundraiser and said he "was a firm believer that everything should be free. It is one of the top 10 free attractions in the State of Ohio," he said. "It is there for the family," he said, "and that is important."    

"For many years, Jim Reppert has been the sparkplug of Americana, usually operating behind the scenes," said Karen Borgert, President of the Foundation's Board of Directors.  

"Joe Beyerle has been the out-front guy," Borgert said. "He's a great salesman. His personality has raised the level of enthusiasm for Americana," Borgert said.    

“A retired Army Lt. Colonel, Reppert has lived in the community since 1970. He became active in the community as executive director of a joint city-township community development corporation. Walt Buchanan, a former township trustee "got me involved in what was happening in the city and township," Reppert said.   

Beyerle and a colleague started Centerville Insurance Agency in 1971. In 1991, he said, "Paul Heintz and George Chamberlain (who had led the festival committee) came into my office and asked me to get involved. I said 'OK" and they said 'Here it is.'" Now, almost 30 years later, he said, "My, how things have changed. We all worked together."  

The reception was a fundraiser sponsored by the Centerville-Washington Foundation, a community foundation that supports city-township non-profit agencies. Proceeds from the fundraiser went to the Foundation's discretionary fund to be available to community organizations through the grant process.  

Previous honorees are Marily McLaughlin, longtime Clerk of the Centerville City Council; Frederick C. Smith, former CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Huffy Corporation; and Shirley and Paul Heintz. Shirley served three terms as Centerville Mayor and Paul retired as Vice President for Finance at the Peter Kuntz Lumber Company. Dr. Richard B. and S. Sue Studebaker (in memoriam) were recognized as Community Founders last year.  

Founded in 1998, the Centerville-Washington Foundation has been highly successful in helping people through grants and in helping donors find the best ways of contributing to worthy auses. The Foundation's tag line is "Helping people help our community."    

The Foundation's grant programs have helped children, seniors, and at-risk populations, as well as provided support to local arts and humanities, conservation and environment, education, health and social service organizations.