Women’s Hall of Fame to honor new inductees

Annual luncheon is Sept. 23.

On Sept. 23 at 11:30 a.m. the Greene County Women’s Hall of Fame will recognize six new inductees at its 37th annual luncheon at Walnut Grove Country Club, 5050 Linden Ave, Riverside.

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This year’s inductees include: Jane Alkire, Xenia, who is being recognized for her work as a literacy advocate and community volunteer.

Alkire has helped to promote literacy even after her retirement from the public school system by tutoring first graders at Tecumseh Elementary. As a board member of the Friends of Xenia Community Library, she helps organize their annual book sale.

Alkire also volunteers at her church with children and youth, is an involved member of the Greene County Historical Society and volunteers with the Xenia Area Fish Food Pantry.

Hallie Quinn Brown, Wilberforce, is being recognized posthumously for her role as an educator and public speaker.

An abolitionist, educator and published author, Brown was born in Pennsylvania to former slaves.

Brown earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wilberforce College after which she taught in schools in the south as well as in Dayton Public Schools. She also served as Dean of Women at Allen University, Columbia, S.C., and the Tuskegee Institute where she worked with Booker T. Washington.

While lecturing in Europe she was twice presented to Queen Victoria.

Jo Ferguson, Beavercreek, is being recognized for her endeavors as a community volunteer. Ferguson is an active member of the Beavercreek Senior Adult Advisory Board and Senior Center where she served as the travel coordinator for 16 years.

She was actively involved in the 2004 formation of the Beavercreek Enrichment Association, originally established to raise funds to furnish a then new senior center.

An active member of the Beavercreek Women’s League, Ferguson organizes an annual bingo party that raises money for the league’s scholarship fund.

Joan Horn, Yellow Springs, is being recognized as an educator and community volunteer.

Horn serves as the longtime director of the Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center.

Within the community she has volunteered with the Yellow Springs Senior Center, Friends’ Care Community, Antioch College, Yellow Springs Home, Inc. and served the on Village Council.

Horn has coordinated visits from people all over the world through an Experiment in International Living exchange program.

Contributing to the musical community, Horn has done presentations to school children about the Dayton Philharmonic and published a book about, Walter Anderson, a director of music at Antioch College.

Cheryl Marcus, Xenia, is being recognized for her work in public education. A 1980 graduate of Central State, Marcus has committed her life to improving the lives of area youth through education.

As a member of the Xenia Community Board of Education, she has served as both president and vice president where she helped to raise awareness of workforce diversity, curricula enhancements, and increasing volunteerism.

Marcus coordinated Central State’s Adopted School Program in five area cities, encouraging students to further their education beyond high school. She is also active with Xenia School Foundation.

Virginia Pinkerton, Cedarville, is being recognized for as an educator and community volunteer. Following her retirement from Cedar Cliff and Greeneview Local School Districts she served aspresident and vice president of the Greene County Retired Teachers Association.

Pinkerton is an active member of the Cedar Cliff Daughters of the American Revolution where she has served as Regent and on many committees. She was responsible for securing a matching $10,000 grant to restore veterans’ graves at Stevenson Cemetery.

At her church she has served for 11 years as the Food Coordinator of the Common Cup program.

If you wish to attend the luncheon reservations are $20 and must be paid in advance by mail by Sept. 15. Note on your check if you prefer the vegetarian option for lunch. Your receipt will be held at the door. For further information, call Ann Byrd, Hall of Fame chairwoman, at 937-429-1805.

Contact this contributing writer at EricaHarrah@woh.rr.com.


How to go

What: Greene County Women's Hall of Fame induction/annual luncheon

Where: Walnut Grove Country Club, 5050 Linden Ave., Riverside

When: 11:30 a.m. Sept. 23

Cost/registration: $20 registration payable to Greene County Women's Hall of Fame, Box 703, Fairborn, OH 45324 by Sept. 15

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