Duo to be recognized for community work

CENTERVILLE — Jim Reppert and Joe Beyerle, two of the long-time leaders in the Americana Festival will be recognized by the Centerville-Washington Foundation as Community Founders at an Oct. 22 reception at The Golf Club at Yankee Trace.

The Foundation’s Community Founder award recognizes outstanding service to Centerville and Washington Twp.

Reppert has been involved every year with the one-day Americana festival that has drawn thousands to Centerville since 1979.

During the years he has served as president, chairman of the board and chairman of almost every festival committee.

Beyerle served as chairman of the Americana Board of Directors from 1991 to 2006, when the festival grew significantly.

As fundraiser, he 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, 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. His personality has raised the level of enthusiasm for Americana,”

A retired Army lieutenant colonel, Reppert has lived in the community since 1970.

Beyerle and a colleague started Centerville Insurance Agency in 1971.

The reception is a fundraiser sponsored by the Centerville-Washington Foundation, a community foundation that supports city-township non-profit agencies. The reception will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a brief program at 6:30 p.m.

Hors d’oeuvres will be served and there will be a cash bar.

Tickets are $50 each ($30 tax deductible) with sponsorships available. Tickets are available at Centerville City Hall or by calling foundation board member Bob Daley at (937) 433-0811.

Founded in 1998, the Centerville-Washington Foundation helps people through grants and helps donors find the best ways of contributing to worthy causes. For more information, contact Bob Daley at (937) 433-0811or visit www.centerville washingtonfoundation.org.