Local 9-1-1 Dispatcher Creates 7-Foot Nutcrackers to Honor Hospital Staff
Visitors entering OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center this holiday season are greeted by two towering Nutcrackers more than seven feet tall. The sculptures, one a doctor and one a nurse, were hand-built by local 9-1-1 dispatcher Steve Schubert, who created them as a personal thank you to the caregivers who serve the region.
Schubert, who works for the Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office and serves on the department’s community engagement team, said the idea began when he “stumbled upon” a series of “how to build your own Nutcracker” videos on YouTube.
“Intrigued by these videos that kept popping up in my timeline, I gathered some materials and started to work on them,” he said. He purchased 4-inch PVC pipe and a 4-foot concrete tube and used items he already had at home, including 2x2s, a 13-inch pizza pan, glitter, patches, spray paint and other materials.
His first Nutcracker was decorated like a sheriff, using the department’s signature gold and black colors. “As I worked, more decorating ideas flowed, and I realized I wanted to create more than just one Nutcracker,” he said.
That first sculpture “made a splash,” and soon Schubert created many more: three additional sheriff Nutcrackers, a U.S. Marine Nutcracker designed to replicate his father’s uniform and four Ohio State–themed Nutcrackers including two band members, a cheerleader and a football player with a 3D-printed championship ring. All stand more than seven feet tall.
The request for Nutcrackers at Southeastern Medical Center came from hospital president Wendy Elliott. Through Schubert’s wife, Sandy Schubert, associate vice president of clinical affairs at Southeastern Medical Center, Elliott asked if he would be willing to create Nutcrackers for the hospital’s main lobby.
“These Nutcrackers are a joyful way to recognize the work of our associates,” said Elliott. “Steve’s creativity brings a smile to everyone who enters our doors and reminds us of the spirit of giving this season.”
“This is my way of thanking all the associates who work at OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center for taking care of our community,” Schubert said.
Now, the pair stands at the main entrance, welcoming patients, visitors and staff with a bright, handcrafted touch of holiday cheer.
