Nominations for award accepted

Nominations are being sought for the third annual Fouse and Alston awards, to be presented during the fifth annual Westerville Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast Celebration on Jan. 18.

The theme for this year's event is "Stepping Toward the Dream." The awards will recognize Westerville residents who have put King's ideals to action.

Awards will be presented to one primary and secondary student (Fouse Award), and one community member (Alston Award). Winners will be chosen by committee.

The Fouse Award is named for Squire and Sally Fouse, two slaves who settled in Westerville after the Civil War, who valued and fostered education. Their son, William H. Fouse, went on to earn a degree from Otterbein College, and a masters degree at the University of Cincinnati, before becoming an educator and high-school principal.

The Alston Award is named for a group of former slaves who settled in the Westerville area after traveling the Underground Railroad. They were freed through the efforts of Miriam Alston following the death of her husband in 1851.

Award criteria and nomination forms, as well as event registration and advertising opportunities, are available at www.westervillemlk.com, by e-mail at EhningeL@wcsoh.org or by calling Laura Ehninger at (614) 797-5982.

The deadline for nominations is Dec. 1.

Residents sought to serve on commission

Westerville is looking for residents to serve on the City Charter Commission, a group of citizens who meet every 10 years as required under the city's charter.

The commission, which comprises five electors appointed by Westerville City Council, is responsible for studying the city charter and making a report to council recommending revisions or amendments. The review process must be completed within six months of the appointments.

Residents interested in serving on the Charter Review Commission must submit an application and a rsum to: Mary Johnston, MMC, Clerk of Council, 21 S. State St., Westerville, Ohio 43081.

The Charter Review Commission application is available on the city's Web site, www.westerville.org or by calling Johnston at (614) 901-6410 or e-mailing mary.johnston@westerville.org.

Residents appointed to the Charter Review Commission cannot hold other city offices or appointments and cannot be government employees of the city of Westerville. The applications and rsums must be received by the city by Dec. 11. Appointments to the Charter Review Commission will be made by city council on Jan. 5.