Nancy Kermode
Nancy Kermode is someone who makes things happen.
As a long-time volunteer for Heifer Project International, she was asked to create a quilt for their national conference – in only six weeks! In the wake of such a pressing deadline, she didn’t bat an eye.
“I
thought, ‘oh boy.’ I knew it would be a challenge but I rallied
a group together at my church and we got it done,” says Nancy. Together,
each of the quilt’s squares told the story of the Heifer Project, an
international humanitarian assistance organization that works to end world
hunger and protect the earth. Through livestock, training and “passing
on the gift,” Heifer has helped more than eight-and-a-half million
families in more than 125 countries improve their quality of life and move
toward greater self-reliance.
“That quilt traveled all over the United States and people who saw it recorded their thoughts in an attached log,” smiles Nancy.
It’s a project near and dear to her heart. She and her late husband Chet were both board members of Heifer International, and co-chaired its 50th Anniversary celebration. Their commitment to Heifer began with the urging of their pastor at Garfield United Methodist Church in Pepper Pike. They held fund raisers there for 30 consecutive years and raised funds across Ohio speaking to churches and civic groups. Eventually, they established the Kermode Family Endowment to carry out their family’s desire to make a difference in the live of struggling families for generations to come.
Locally,
she’s been involved with creating a Heifer Farmstead summer program
at Hiram House Camp, teaching campers, including inner city youth, about
sustainable farming. Along with harvesting crops in the large garden, they
help care for small farm animals—heifers, goats, sheep, rabbits and
guinea pigs. “They’re learning how to create compost using worms
by adding scraps from the Hiram House dining room. This is something they
can do at home,” says Nancy.
Nancy is a University Heights native. “I grew up with a pencil in my hand,” she says, “I was always drawing and painting as a child.” She eventually earned a fine arts degree from Kent State University, but after settling down with her husband and starting a family, she took a conventional job in downtown Cleveland. She was able to lend her creative skills to the position. “I did some chart work for them – not ideal, but still fun.” In her spare time, Nancy enjoys still-life painting in both watercolor and oils, and often creates posters and displays for fundraising events.
“I was excited to learn that South Franklin Circle would have an art studio,” says Nancy.
Nancy and her husband raised their three sons in Pepper Pike and then settled in a condominium in Orange Village. The boys and their families are all committed to the Kermode Family Endowment Fund.
“I’m
kind of a step ahead of some of the other South Franklin Circle Charter Members
because I’ve already downsized into a smaller home,” says Nancy. “Many
of them still have yet to do that. I’ve already taken the first
step.” But she acknowledges that she needs to take an additional
step, which is why she plans to move to an apartment at South Franklin Circle.
“Three floors here are more than I need. With the apartment, everything will be on one floor, which is perfect,” says Nancy, pointing to the floor plan and South Franklin Circle site map attached to her refrigerator. “I was excited to hear about the pool, and the walking paths really caught my eye.”
She’s also looking forward to the social opportunities at South Franklin Circle. “I’m a real people person – I have many friends who have signed up, and the regular Charter Member meetings have been wonderful because I’ve gotten to know many more!”
Welcome to the neighborhood Nancy!