Several honored at annual chamber dinner

Gwinn

COSHOCTON – Dr. Robert Gwinn’s resume includes many titles and he is honored to add Coshoctonian to them.

“I’m speechless, which is something I don’t do often,” he said after accepting the award at the annual Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce dinner held April 6 at Lake Park Pavilion.

Kirby Hasseman introduced Dr. Gwinn and explained that the Coshoctonian award honors an individual’s “long term contribution to the well-being and economic climate of the community.”

“He is a true leader in the medical community in Coshocton County,” Hasseman said.

Gwinn moved to Coshocton in 1983 and many people know him as a family physician and the county coroner, but he also has served in numerous other areas in local healthcare. Gwinn was instrumental in helping to form Hospice of Coshocton County, worked with Coshocton County EMS, has worked as a hospitalist (and still does), has been in charge of the emergency room, was the chief medical officer and is currently the local hospital’s chief of staff, became the first certified palliative care/hospice physician in Coshocton County and joined the Hope Clinic medical team. Dr. Gwinn also is known as being quite the performer.

“Coshocton is a great place to live and work and I have great hope for our future,” he said.

Several other awards were presented at the dinner including two employee of the year awards handed out by Coshocton Rotary President Todd Endsley. One was given to Irene Stubbs from James Plumbing and the other award went to Steve Nolan from RHDD.

Nolan was the director of maintenance at RHDD until he retired and returned to work part time as a direct care support person.

“I couldn’t let him go,” said Lisa Reed, executive director at RHDD. “He’s our longest term employee.”

Nolan was totally surprised by the honor.

“It feels really good,” he said. “I have an awesome boss.”

Stubbs said she also has a great boss.

“I was shocked by this,” she said about her award. “It was totally unexpected, but Jim is always thinking about others.”

The young leader of the year award was presented to Philip Hunt by Dr. Bonnie Coe from COTC.

Hunt works at Peoples Bank and is involved in numerous organizations in the community including the Coshocton Rotary Club where he was a key part of getting the flag project started.

Coe shared that multiple nomination letters described Hunt as dependable, responsible and of strong character.

“He takes great pride in Coshocton,” she said.

Hunt was very thankful for the award.

“I was raised in the community and know its potential,” he said. “I think there is a lot of good ahead for Coshocton.”

West Lafayette Fire Chief Glenn Hill received the first responder award. It was presented to him by Coshocton County Commissioners Dane Shryock and Curtis Lee.

“When you pick up the phone and call for help a first responder will be there,” Shryock said. “Some are paid and some are volunteers but they all do things they are not recognized for.”

Hill began his firefighting career in 1962 and his nominators said the community is a safer and better place because of his outstanding service.

“I was totally surprised,” Hill said. “I thought Chief Layton was getting the award because that’s how everyone got me here. This is a great honor.”

Around 300 people were in attendance to watch all the award winners receive their honors and enjoy visits with animal ambassadors from the Columbus Zoo, which fit in perfectly with the evening’s theme – “A night in the Wild.”

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