Not so with Kathy and John Chapman, winners of this year's Grindstone Award. Residents of Berea for over 35 years, they not only contribute their financial support, but more importantly with their time and their energies. This is what sets them apart.

Kathy's achievements are numerous. To mention a few... her volunteerism goes back to her days with the Southwest General Hospital "Junior Broads." She will vividly describe her days spent flipping hamburgers in the hospital's "corner Shop." Later she served for four year on the hospital's board of trustees.

Berea Schools have been the recipient of countless volunteer hours... first with the various "Chairs" of the PTA, but then as a member of the Berea board of Education from 1986 to 1993. During those years she was concurrently president of the Polaris Vocational School Board! Kathy's backing of the Berea school levies through the 'Committee for good Schools' showed a remarkable skill for 'twisting the arms' of her friends to contribute and to participate.

More recently, the Berea Arts Fest has been the recipient of her tireless efforts, both through organizing and "nose to the grindstone" (no pun intended) work.

Currently, Kathy was asked to organize volunteers for the Coe Lake Nature Trail committee. "Why?... Because she knows how to get things done!!!

John Chapman is sure to be found wherever an organization needs a willing and hard worker. A food broker by trade, John is at his best when he is providing the know-how an the leadership for a fund-raising dinner, or perhaps the Berea City Club's rib burnoff. The B-W community Days have benefited from his cooking gourmet hamburgers and hot dogs, while the City Club's projects will invariable find John as a part of the work crew!

All of these organizations will testify to the financial generosity of the Chapmans, who very quietly put their "money where their mouth is"., In addition to their enthusiasm and hard work.

For all the above reasons, and many more, it is most appropriate that this wonderful couple be honored with the 2007 Chamber of Commerce Grindstone Sward as outstanding citizens of Berea.