A view of downtown Columbus’ Juneteenth celebration on June 18.
Carla Clark | The Republic
Columbus’ Juneteenth celebration last weekend was noteworthy in that it marked the first official designated federal holiday in observance of the end of slavery in the United States. But it also was notable because more and more people are embracing this vital celebration of freedom.
Hundreds of people gathered downtown on a near-perfect Saturday afternoon to mark the occasion with food and fun in a spirited community event that is fast becoming a local tradition. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation when the last slaves in the United States were released in Galveston, Texas.
Organizers, including local NAACP chapter president Johnnie Edwards, said they were pleased with the turnout.
Isheka Randon, owner of God’s Glitter Box jewelry and clothing boutique, told The Republic’s Brian Blair she barely had time to sit down for waiting on customers. “One thing I’ve noticed about people in Columbus is that they’re always supportive, and that’s one of the reasons I love it here,” she said. “People really seem to all be willing to come together. And I really enjoy that.”
We do too. And the Juneteenth celebration gives the whole community one more great reason to come together.
Fair queen an original with deep 4-H ties
2022 Bartholomew County 4-H Fair Queen Marnie Schwartzkopf is an original — she noted she’s just one of 18 babies in the entire United States who was named “Marnie” the year she was born — and her parents, Jeff and Mary Schwartzkopf, met at the fair when they were both 4-H’ers.
With 4-H ties so deep, it’s no wonder “an enthusiastic roar went up from the crowd when Schwartzkopf’s win was announced,” as Republic editor Julie McClure reported from the competition last Saturday night at Columbus North High School.
The rising sophomore at Purdue University is majoring in agriculture education and her hope is to someday seed and grow a successful high school agriculture program at a school that lacks one.
Schwartzkopf and her court, which includes first runnerup and Miss Congeniality Emily Harker, second runnerup Saylor Lancaster and third runnerup Emma Nolting, have been doing what Schwartzkopf said she’s been doing every summer she can remember — “living at the fair.”
If you’re not a 4-H’er living at the fair, you have through July 2 to visit, catch some of this year’s fair fun, and maybe spot the queen and her court carrying out their ceremonial duties.
Gifted Our Hospice leader retiring
Laura Leonard is a community servant whose mission has been one of mercy for those whose lives are at an end or who need palliative care. As director of Our Hospice of South Central Indiana and Palliative Care since 2013, Leonard has grown its ability to serve clients and their loved ones well into the future.
“She has spearheaded the increase in the number of patients cared for, in the community outreach and impact, and has also increased philanthropic support of our local hospice,” said Our Hospice Board of Director’s President, Tom Dowd. “We will miss her, but she leaves Our Hospice and Palliative Care in a great position for the future and we wish her well in her retirement.”
Leonard said serving Our Hospice has been a blessing. “The dedication of the staff to our mission and the gratitude of the patients and families we care for are forever imprinted on my heart,” she said.
Leonard will retire at the end of this year. She said she and her husband, Doug, intend to remain in Columbus and remain active in the community. For that, and for Leonard’s service to the community, we too are grateful.
