If you happen to get a delivery from a Kroger grocery store in the near future, you’ll be able to thank a local family. Beth Flippo — who moved to our region in November with her husband, Christopher, and their four kids — is the chief technology officer for Telegrid Technologies Inc., which is responsible for developing the drone system Kroger is testing at its Centerville store. Telegrid was founded in 1984 by Beth’s parents, Igal and Gloria Sharret. Beth joined the company about 14 years ago. The Flippos moved here from New Jersey so that Beth could help Telegrid’s Drone Express Division, uh, take off. Drone Express is working on FAA certification to allow it to expand and fly longer distances.

Beth said her family could have stayed in Livingston, N.J. with its large Jewish community, but moving near the family’s 7,500 square-foot facility in Monroe in Butler County was beneficial. “We’re a small business,” Beth said. “We knew they would appreciate having someone in their backyard.” Christopher is from Akron and the Flippos have always been looking for a reason to move to Ohio. “It was not a hard sell,” Beth said, especially since Christopher, who works in finance, could work from home.

After living in an apartment in Liberty Township in Butler County for about three months, the Flippos moved to a house in Bellbrook. They realized the Dayton area was the place to be as all their travels kept leading them here. And it seems perfect for someone who works with things that fly. “Aviation, it’s like in everybody’s blood,” Beth said. “They walk around looking up. It’s like this incredible thing. I don’t know where else you could find that dynamic.” Beth said the Flippos are here to stay. “We love Dayton. It’s the most wonderful place, coming from New Jersey. People are so pleasant. People drive nice. It’s been very welcoming.”

She added that Bellbrook is a great community for their children: Conner (15), Scarlett (11), Molly (8), and Amy (5). Molly had a fantastic experience at her Bellbrook school. In December, she was a little surprised at all the Christmas decorations. So her teacher went and got a bunch of Chanukah-related items just for Molly. “They love it here,” Beth said. “It’s very flat here so they can ride their bikes anywhere.” Beth is hoping to soon be able to fly her drones anywhere.

Tara L. Feiner and Janese R. Sweeny graduated from the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago in a virtual ceremony May 2. Tara, executive director of Dayton’s Jewish Family Services, received her Executive Master of Arts degree in Jewish professional studies. Janese, the Jewish Federation’s financial resource development director and Dayton Jewish Foundation director — who is also an attorney — received her Master of Arts degree in Jewish professional studies.

The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program named Connie Blum Counseling Coordinator of the Year for the State of Ohio. Connie has been a Medicare Counselor for OSHIIP since 1998. Connie is Jewish Family Services’ go-to person for anyone who has Medicare questions.

Abigail Zied, daughter of Dena Mason-Zied and Eric Zied, was selected to receive the Marion C. and William B. Risman Scholarship in Jewish Studies. The scholarship is good for three years. Abigail minors in Jewish studies at Kent State University.

Deborah Liberman graduated from Indiana University-Bloomington with a Bachelor of Education degree in early childhood education with highest distinction. While at Indiana, Deborah participated in the Hutton Honors College, was a four-year member and corporate relations chair for Dance Marathon, and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Deborah has worked four summers with the Dayton JCC’s Early Childhood program and hopes to obtain a pre-K to third-grade teaching job. Deborah is the daughter of Ann and Scott Liberman of Washington Township.

Last month I told you I was a finalist in the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors 2020 writing contest for best sports writer. The final results were announced and I finished second in Division I, which is for newspapers with a circulation up to 7,999. That division contains the most newspapers. Mine are the Xenia Daily Gazette and Fairborn Daily Herald. Just being a finalist was an honor.

Don’t forget to send me your college graduation information for my next column.

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To read the complete June 2021 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.