‘My hero.’ Retired Stark commissioner turns 90, teaches senior aerobics at fitness center
CANTON − How do you envision spending your retirement?
Maybe resting on an island somewhere? Or traveling the world?
That’s not the case for Jane Vignos.
Vignos retired from a 30-year career in Stark County politics in 2008. Now, she spends her free time teaching an aerobics class at the Hall of Fame Fitness Center three days a week.
And she’s turning 90.
“I can’t believe I’m this old,” Vignos said. “I knew this was coming, but I can’t believe I’m 90.”
Vignos said teaching the class and staying active keeps her feeling strong and healthy.
To celebrate her birthday, which is Tuesday, her family arranged a small gathering before her Monday class. Her kids, family and friends lined the hall of the fitness center and surprised her.
Vignos made a name for herself in Stark County politics
Before her first venture into public office, Vignos worked at an employment agency.
She first ran for public office at 45, seeking to become Stark County auditor. She lost that race, but her work on the campaign attracted the attention of fellow Republicans.
In 1980, she was appointed as deputy director of the Stark County Board of Elections. She stayed for 11 years.
She became county recorder in 1991. Her party appointed her to fulfill the vacant office when then-recorder Janet Creighton was elected county auditor. Vignos was reelected the next year.
In 2000, she was elected to the board of county commissioners. She won a second term in 2004 before retiring in 2008.
At 90, Vignos said she still keeps up with local politics. The only thing that’s changed is she’s no longer a Republican.
“I’m still registered as a Republican, but I don’t agree with their philosophies at this time,” she said.
Vignos retires: ‘She’s no plain Jane’: Vignos wraps up nearly 30 years in politics
Jane Vignos’ retirement: ‘I needed something to do’
Vignos started teaching at Hall of Fame Fitness about 15 years ago as a way to stay busy.
“I’ve always been an exerciser,” Vignos said. “And I needed something to do.”
Vignos has many devoted students that attend her class regularly.
Shirley Bouchard attends the fitness center five days a week to exercise and particularly enjoys Vignos’ classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
“I love her class,” she said. “It’s really good for senior citizens. Every single muscle in your body is used.”
Bouchard worked as a financial analyst at the Timken Co. before her retirement.
Bouchard, who is approaching 80, said she admires Vignos.
“I hope I’m that way at 90,” she said.
In addition to teaching, Vignos has pursued other creative hobbies in retirement.
She wrote two plays, comedy “George’s Second Time Around” and a musical collaboration with her late husband called “Boing.” She also has paintings displayed in the current Canton Art Show, son Chic Vignos said.
Chic said she’s always had an interest in the arts. She also enjoys reading and crocheting.
Playwright: Vignos having fun with her ‘Second Time Around’
‘She’s like my hero’
Meg Pomeroy is an instructor and massage therapist at the fitness center. She said Vignos is an inspiration.
“Jane’s phenomenal,” Pomeroy said. “She’s like my hero.”
She’s known Vignos for nine years. Pomeroy said she always recommends her exercise class.
“When I give people tours here, older folks, I say, ‘You’ve got to take Jane’s class, she’s 90 years old almost, and she’ll make you look stupid,'” she said. “It’s a great environment, great for seniors.”
Reach Grace at 330-580-8364 or gspringer@gannett.com. Follow her on X @GraceSpringer16.
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