Dover's Dan Warther named Ohio's 2023 Big Brother of the Year
DOVER ‒ Dan Warther was surprised when he learned that he had been named Ohio's Big Brother of the Year for 2023.
"It's very exciting, and it's just wonderful to be named the Big Brother of the Year for the state of Ohio," he said.
More on Warther:Dan Warther finishes carving seven sets of pliers into tree at Ernest Warther Museum
Warther, owner of Warther Woodworking in Dover, has been a mentor to Cooper Winters, 13, of New Philadelphia, for the past six and a half years since Cooper's father died of pancreatic cancer.
"It's just been wonderful," Warther said of his involvement in the program through Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio. "They made a great match with Cooper and I. We fit together well, a lot of similarities and we just have a good time. And enough differences so we can learn something from each other."
Spending time in the Dan Warther's woodworking shop
Cooper and Warther do a variety of activities together ‒ kayaking, hiking, attending the Tuscarawas County Fair and going to Steel's Dairy Farm near Dover to watch cows being milked. But much of their time together is spent in Warther's woodworking shop where Cooper helps him with projects.
The pair made a large-size working lock and key to auction at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio Gala in 2018. Together, they worked the crowd at the event and drew in $3,000 for the one-of-a-kind project.
Cooper has also taught Warther a few things, like how to use his cellphone and other technology. He also keeps Warther updated on current events.
Both Cooper and his mother, Jessica Marsh, submitted essays that helped Warther win the honor.
"I would describe my Big as caring, enthusiastic, encouraging and funny," Cooper wrote in his essay. "Sometimes we struggle when making woodworking projects because we mess up and have to start over. My Big always says, 'Close but no cigar!' He has taught me to not give up because usually you just need to make one adjustment and can easily start again."
Marsh wrote, "Every bit of me considers Dan a family member. It’s difficult to explain, but when I introduce Dan to others, I say, 'This is Dan Warther. Dan is Cooper’s mentor.' Still, the feelings behind the introduction feel more like 'Dan is Cooper’s Older, Wiser Big Brother' (however, just for a laugh ‒ no, I’m not Dan’s mom, too)!"
Warther said he was touched by what they wrote in their essays.
"I read all the good things that my Little wrote and his mom wrote, and I was like, this isn't me. Who is this guy? I want to be like him," he said.
Second statewide honor for eastern Ohio
This is the second time in three years that Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio has produced a state award winner. Brittany Douglas was previously given this award in 2020.
Another winner:Dover's Brittany Douglas is Ohio Big Sister of the Year
"At Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio, we are proud to call Dan Warther one of our mentors," said Beverly Pearch, president and CEO of the organization.
"This is the second time since 2020 that a mentor from our agency was selected as the Ohio Big of the Year. This is a testament of the wonderful individuals that we have in our community and their willingness to serve others. Currently, we have 76 children enrolling into our programs and need more people like Dan to step and help them to reach their potential. Children are the future of our community."
Warther has been submitted for the National Big Brother of the Year award through Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. The winner of the award will be announced at the 2023 Big Brothers Big Sisters National Conference in June.
Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Dan Warther named Ohio's Big Brother of the Year for 2023
