Fulton County Ohio Media

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This past Saturday morning, the annual Christmas in Swanton Parade was held and, serving as Grand Marshals, were long-time Swanton residents Mike and Kerri Rochelle who, for many years, had organized and chaired the Christmas in Swanton celebration.  Chairperson for 2024, Mandi Gineman and her team of hard-working volunteers, put together a fantastic parade, worthy of the Rochelles’ past efforts.  Despite the very chilly weather, it was a great turnout as many spectators lined both sides of Main Street from the Swanton Sports Center to the turn in front of Benfield Wines onto Dodge Street.  Co-Masters of Ceremonies, Delray Busch, Executive Director of the Swanton Chamber of Commerce, and Nicolette Starks, Vice-Principal of Swanton High School, kept everyone informed of exactly what they were watching as the parade passed by.

Below is a short autobiography of how Mike and Kerri came to be part of our wonderful community:

How we came to Swanton
Originating from Lakeville, OH (Mike) and Kalida, OH (Kerri) we met at the University of Toledo in the late nineties while active in Student Government. After we were married and living in Toledo, we realized we were both small towners at heart and wanted to move to a small town. We loved our jobs in Toledo at the time, so we needed to find a town that was a commutable distance to Toledo. We researched small towns around Toledo and felt like Swanton was a great fit. We built our house and moved here in 2003.

Employment
Mike has worked for KeyBank since 2001. He spent 20 years on the retail side of the bank with 15 of those years serving as Branch Manager of the Swanton branch. He now works in Private Banking for Key.

Kerri has spent her career serving in the nonprofit sector with roles at the American Red Cross, American Heart Association and now as the Mission Advancement Director for the Sisters of Notre Dame.

Our children:
Mikayla born in 2000 – Living in Denver, CO working as Community Manager for the University of Colorado, Boulder
Macie born in 2003 – Living at home and attending University of Toledo majoring in Education
Mylee born in 2007 = A junior at Notre Dame Academy

Involvement in Swanton
Mike:  Relay for Life Treasurer. Village Council (4 terms), Rotary President, 2007-08, Softball Coach 2003-2021, St. Richard Finance Committee, Christmas in Swanton Chair, Swanton HS Football Statistician, 2014-2021, 2007 Toledo’s 20 Under 40 Recipient

Kerri:  Corn Fest Committee, Swanton Rec Cheer Director (Created Smart Start Program), 2004-2020. Swanton HS Cheer Coach, 2005-2009, Swanton Parents Club President. Swanton Schools Foundation. SACC Board, St. Richard School Parent Advisory Board. Christmas in Swanton Chair, United Way of Fulton County Board

Our philosophy on service:
We believe that we all have a responsibility to use our God-given gifts, talents and treasure to contribute to our communities in any way we can. If everyone does a little to make our corner of the world a better place, together we can have a big impact, especially in a small town like Swanton.

Thoughts on Christmas in Swanton
Helping present this event to the community every year, was such an honor. In a way, we felt like Santa’s elves, helping to bring the magic of Christmas to our wonderful community. The smiles on children’s faces when they would visit Santa, watching old friends reconnect in halls at the craft show and feeling that small town pride in the parade was the most rewarding experience of all the things we have been involved in. We also always felt like the morning of Christmas in Swanton was the kick-off to our own Christmas season at home.

We are extremely humbled to be recognized in this way. We both were very involved in the community, but separately. Christmas in Swanton was the one activity we did together every year as a couple, so it is extra special to us to be honored for our efforts as a team.

Click on the link above to access photos from the parade. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Mike and Kerri Rochelle with daughters Macie and Mylee.