Jenell Ross is the daughter of Robert Paul Ross, Sr and Norma J. Ross. Her father, Bob, became the first black automobile dealer in the state of Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and West Viginia. Bob became the first black Mercedes-Benz Dealer in the world. When Bob passed away unexpectedly, Norma successfully ran the business. Jenell has taken over the role since her mother’s passing in 2010. Jenell was recognized in 2022 by the Centerville-Washington Foundation for the business’s contribution to the community. She has served on numerous boards of several foundations and community service. She is the only second-generation African American Woman Automobile Dealer in the USA.

Dr. Thomas Connair owned the Centerville Animal Hospital on Franklin Street. The business opened in the early 1960s, and he began caring for cattle from the surrounding farms. He retired and closed his practice in 2001 after serving the community for almost 40 years. Dr. Connair started studying mechanical engineering at the University of Dayton but transferred to Ohio State University to complete his degree in animal science.

Al Price, a retired engineer, uses his hobby as a metal detector to find historical artifacts. Metal detecting has been an interest for over 20 years. He has created many educational display cases from his local finds which he has donated to Centerville-Washington History. He does extensive research to discover the significance of the artifacts. Beyond metal detecting, Al is also interested in researching the history of his family.

Honorable Mayor Brooks Compton has lived in Centerville with his wife Ruth since 1979. They raised their two sons in Centerville. He has been an attorney for over 40 years and has been involved in local government for over 40 years. His parents were both active in politics with his father serving on the Kettering City council. He became Mayor in 2016.

Carol Kennard was with the Centerville-Washington Park district for almost 33 years with the last 17 years as director. She started in 1982 as the first program director and introduced popular programs such as Hidden Meadows and Winter Woods Day Camps. During her tenure many new parks were acquired and features such as the Nature Nook, skate park, dog park, and an all-access playground. The Nature Nook on McEwan is named after Carol due to her contributions to the park district. John also has been involved in the community as a GM retiree, Centerville School Bus Driver, and regular volunteer both for the park district and Centerville-Washington History.

Alex and Jane Pearl have been residents of Centerville for 37 years. Growing up in New York, they came to the area when Alex had a job opportunity. The area became their permanent home as they became involved in the community. Alex currently serves as one of the Centerville Washington Park District commissioners. Jane is an avid genealogist. Jane and Alex both volunteer with Dayton History at Carillon Park and they recently became members of Centerville-Washington History.

Janet Treadway and Stephanie Wilson are the daughters of Frank and Inez Treadway who started Treadway Gardens in Washington Township. Frank worked at NCR for over 30 years. He gardened to help pay for his children’s college education beginning in 1969. While Frank worked in the fields, Inez worked mostly behind the scenes. Stephanie owns the family business now and has helped run the market operations since 1987. Janet also grows a large garden and cans 70 pints of salsa in the fall. This land once belonged the Ethel Winterhalter who was the first female trustee of Washington Township.

Jim McCutcheon is well known throughout the region as the Guitar Man. He plays various fretted instruments and hosts a local radio program featuring guitar music. He holds a B.S. in Physics and a master’s degree in music education. Jim has an extensive resume of contributions to the world of music throughout the Dayton area. In 2017 he received the Governor’s Award for the Arts. Jim is the co-owner of McCutcheon Music Studios in Centerville.