Schumm is citizen of the year

ROCKFORD - A former teacher and fast-food restaurant were honored as the village's citizen and business of the year at Monday's Rockford Chamber of Commerce banquet

A surprised Michael L. Schumm came forward to a standing ovation as former recipient Joyce Emans presented him with the citizen of the year award.

Schumm retired in 2013 after 28 years of working at Parkway schools. During his tenure, he served at various times as head baseball, football and basketball coach, as well as athletic director. He coached the state championship baseball teams in 1987 and 1991.

Prior to joining Parkway, he served at Fort Recovery and Mendon-Union schools. Schumm continues to be deeply involved with the history of the Rockford community as he serves as the vice president of the Shane's Crossing Historical Society and vice chairman of the Rockford 2020 Bicentennial Committee.

He is especially intrigued by John Chapman, known as "Johnny Appleseed." Schumm's home is built on a portion of a 50-acre orchard planted by Chapman during a more-than-800-mile walking trip from Connecticut to populate the earth with apple trees.

Rockford Subway's co-owner Jeremy Wenning thanked the community for its support in making the business so successful. He accepted the business of the year award from last year's winner, Brenda Barker, owner of His n Hers Styling & Tanning Salon.

Part of a family enterprise, Jeremy, Josh and John Wenning are involved in operating four Subway restaurants. Two of the brothers will be Rockford residents in time for the 2020 bicentennial celebration, he said.
New business management awards also were celebrated by Rockford Carry Out and Dining, which provided the banquet's dinner, as well as Deerfield Golf Course. The recipients were introduced by chamber president Mary Beougher.

The banquet crowd enjoyed musical excerpts from Parkway school's Nov. 12-13 presentation of "Alice in Wonderland," which included performers from several grade levels and their director, Shannon Wagner.

Jonathan Williams of WCSM also kept the crowd entertained as master of ceremonies.

Committee chairman Norm VanTilburg detailed festivities planned for the village bicentennial.

Business anniversaries include Wabash Telephone, 105 years; Mercer Health, 65 years; His N Hers, 40 years; Gehle Transport, 40 years; Brandt Construction, 30 years; Deerfield Golf Course, 20 years; Main Street Tax Preparers, 15 years; and Chatt Insurance Center, 10 years.