Ful lling a promise to pay it forward
Transcription
Ful lling a promise to pay it forward
Friday, April 15, 2016 No amount too small or too large! Scrap gold, sterling silver 60648499 Senior BUYING COIN ESTATES Mts Coins & Acquisitions 151 2nd Avenue, Gallipolis, OH • Fine Jewelry 740 - 446 - 2842 Living Fulfilling a promise to pay it forward Local doctor, wife commit to annual medical mission in native Philippines By Bud Hunt bhunt@civitasmedia.com GALLIPOLIS, Ohio — What began as a trip home to celebrate anniversaries 31 years ago has turned into much more for Dr. Mel Simon and his wife, Lydia. In 1985, the Simons left Gallipolis to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary and the 50th wedding anniversary of Lydia’s parents in their native Philippines. As Lydia recalls, “We spent more time at the hospital than we did celebrating with family.” In a city of 70,000 people, there was no hospital — only a clinic and doctors. There were no urologists. A classmate, Dr. Arturo Rivera, asked Mel to “scrub up” and show local residents how to perform some of the procedures. That trip, the Simons first visit home since leaving the Philippines in 1959, was the beginning of an annual medical mission trip that has grown and touched the lives of thousands. As a child, Mel recalled a time during World War II when a sibling contracted dysentery. Left untreated, the disease can be fatal, and in wartime conditions there were no doctors available to treat the youngster. As the disease progressed, Mel became the only family member to maintain a vigil with his sister. He was there when she passed and at that time Mel made a promise. “I told God that if he saw a way for me to become a doctor, I would always find a way to give back to my community,” he said. The Simons have been giving back even as their “community” has expanded. The Simons returned in 1986 and have continued to do so every year since, and by 1988 they found a way to bring more resources to their native country. In 1972, Mel became one of the founders of the Society of Philippine Surgeons of America, an organization of which he was later president and remains actively involved with today. In September 2014, he represented SPSA by presenting keys to a new ambulance for which the society had spearheaded fundraising to OSPA Hospital in the Philippines. Mel contacted his fellow surgeons to enlist help for what was then known as Medical Mission to the Philippines. The medical contingent grew from six couples and six medical professionals in 1988 to today’s contingent that’s made up of 30 personnel, 10 doctors, and the rest consisting of other medical personnel and support team members. One of those team members is “Mission Mama,” a well-earned nickname Lydia has been given for how she works in support of the team’s efforts over the years. On their most recent trip to the Philippines, Mel and Lydia Simon were able to work with the local Catholic church and Rotary Club in Mangaldan to donate clothing. As a condition of receiving the gifts, residents were required to attend the parish service. The team has included several local medical professionals, including nurses Claudia Lyon, Pam Dovyak, Tanya Cremeens, Remy Simon, Janet North and Lisa Cox. During its seven- to 10-day stay, the team will perform roughly 300 surgeries and procedures such cleft palate, some genetic deformities, thyroid, gall bladder, tumors, eye surgery and dental surgery among others. Mel also spends a portion of the trip providing medical education to local doctors and residents. Mel then turned to one of his other passions, Rotary International, to bring additional resources to delivering health care to his native country. Mel had been president of Gallipolis Rotary Club and in 1998-99 was dis- trict governor of Rotary International District 6690. Subsequently, the mission was renamed “Operation We Care” as Rotary Foundation resources were identified and added the effort. By combining Rotary Foundation resources, the Simons have been able to help fund and build a 30-bed hospital in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, and furnish a 100-bed surgical wing at Region One Medical Center in Dagupan, Pangasinan. Rotary has also been an important partner in acquiring and furnishing a mobile medical clinic complete with an x-ray machine. Mel and Lydia, both Rotarians, have become ambassadors of the local club and district to Rotarians in the Philippines. Each year they visit local Rotary clubs, exchange banners (each Rotary club has its own banner with its name and club number emblazoned on it). As might be expected, Mel found a way for those local clubs to help in his mission trips as well, doing such things as helping with fundraising, distributing supplies and other resources. Mel and Lydia partnered with a Canadian mission trip this year instead of organizing their own and it proved to be a reunion of sorts. One of the Canadian members was on a mission trip with the Simons in 1992. That’s not uncommon as Mel recalled another time when attending a concert this year he saw a man across the crowd he recognized, but couldn’t quite place. “I went up to him and said, ‘I know you,’” Mel said. As it turns out the fellow was Mel Santos, a fellow doctor who had been on a mission trip with the Simons in 2010. This year’s trip was unique and not necessarily pleasantly unique. Mel contracted pneumonia on this trip. He became quite ill to the point that Lydia said she was “scared.” Mel ended up in the hospital, was treated and after a brief stay was released, but only after a promise to his Filipino doctor to take care of himself. Mel explained that he was the only urologist on the trip and procedures requiring his skill could not be performed by other doctors. He felt a need to be up and working. See PROMISE | 3 Holzer celebrates 75 years in DAR By Dean Wright deanwright@civitasmedia.com GALLIPOLIS, Ohio — Daughters of the American Revolution French Colony Chapter members recently celebrated Bobbi Holzer’s 75 years of membership in the organization. Roberta “Bobbi” Holzer, 94, of Gallipolis, according to many, has served as a pillar of the community and was the wife of the late Dr. Charles E. Holzer Jr. Between the pair of them, they had five children. The Holzer family name has become a household term when connected with health care in southeastern Ohio. The Holzers are known for being founding members of a medical care institution now called the Holzer Health System spread across several counties in southeastern Ohio and also reaching into West Virginia. According to Ohio DAR Chaplain Robin Rose, certificates for 75 years of membership are relatively unheard of in the organization. Local DAR ladies had to contact the national DAR headquarters in Washington, D.C., to have a new award drafted for Bobbi. “They have 25-year and 50-year certificates,” said Rose. “We had to get this one specially made for Bobbi.” Bobbi was born in Point Pleasant, W.Va., and joined the Col. Charles Lewis Point Pleasant DAR Chapter with her papers “going through” on Dec. 4, 1940. DAR members must genealogically prove themselves as having had a relative who fought in the American Revolutionary War. According to French Colony Regent Emily Dailey, Bobbi’s ancestor was named Joseph Woods. According to Dailey, the average income in Gallia County in the 1940s was around $1,900. The average house was $6,500. A car was around $800 and minimum wage was around 30 cents. Dailey lauded Bobbi for spending her time in the DAR while supporting her family in what it had done “bringing health care and bringing the quality of life we have here (southeast Ohio) today. We probably wouldn’t be here without it.” “You’re a kind and faithful person,” Dailey said. “You’re a very loving mother, a devoted wife and you are definitely a pillar in our community. You are somebody that should be followed and recognized for everything that you’ve done. We’ve been very blessed to have you here with our DAR chapter and we’re very honored to have you here for 75 years.” Dean Wright | Daily Tribune Daughters of the American Revolution French Colony Chapter stand and discuss Gallia County dealings. From left to right, Roberta Roush, DAR State Chaplain Robin Rose, Bobbi Holzer and French Colony Regent Emily Dailey discuss the 75th year of Holzer’s membership in the DAR. According to past regent and current DAR member Roberta Roush, “Now, Bobbi, I have your certificate from the national organization and I have to tell you this. They didn’t know what to put on it because nobody else has accom- plished this. So this is an original certificate.” According to the DAR’s website, the national society has close to 125 years of tradition with more than 930,000 members nationwide since the organization’s founding. The group was founded in 1890. The organization’s ladies make it their mission to promote American history, education and patriotism. Genealogy is one the group’s chief interest. Dean Wright can be reached at (740) 446-2342, Ext. 2103. Senior Living 2 April 15, 2016 Ohio Valley Publishing Making ‘March for Meals’ Members of the Meigs High School drama team performed several selections during the Meigs County Retired Teachers Association’s recent luncheon. ‘Grease’ cast entertains Meigs retired teachers Mindy Kearns/Register Missy Wolfe is one of two route drivers who deliver “Meals on Wheels” five days a week to home-bound senior citizens, under the direction of the Mason County Action Group Inc. The goal of the MCAG is to keep seniors living independently and healthier at home. Events to help fund local ‘Meals on Wheels’ By Mindy Kearns For Ohio Valley Publishing POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — Remaining in their own homes for as long as possible is a major goal for most senior citizens. The Mason County Action Group Inc. assists seniors in this endeavor by addressing three of the biggest threats of aging people: isolation, hunger and loss of independence, according to Renae Riffle, MCAG executive director. Seniors can take advantage of the MCAG’s meals program in one of two ways — by traveling to one of two senior centers or through home delivery, commonly known as “Meals on Wheels.” The centers include the Gene Salem Senior Center, located at 101 Second St., Point Pleasant, and the Mason Senior Center on Second Street in Mason. Riffle said approximately 14,000 meals were served to more than 300 seniors that attended the centers in 2015. Meals are served weekdays at 11:30 a.m. By attending the centers, seniors not only receive a nutritious meal, but socialization, exercise and information assistance, as well. For those seniors who are home-bound, meals are delivered. Delivering a hot meal five days a week also provides a wellness check imperative to the health and safety of seniors, Riffle said. Last year, about 20,000 meals were delivered to 162 seniors throughout the county by two route drivers. Because of the growing need of these programs, Riffle said the cost of the meals far outweighs the funding received. Seniors are asked to make a suggested donation of $2.50 per meal, but no one is ever denied a meal due to inability to pay. To help offset the costs of providing meals, MCAG participated in the 14th annual “March for Meals,” a month-long, nationwide celebration of Meals on Wheels. As part of the celebration, MCAG hosted a March for Meals Bingo event on March 4. Riffle said prizes for the games were donated by local businesses, which have been “very supportive.” Hotel stays, photography sessions, name brand purses and baskets, dinners at nearby restaurants and jewelry were just a few of the prizes awarded. “The March for Meals Bingo and other fundraising efforts by the Mason County Action Group throughout the year makes an effort to fill the funding gap between the seniors served and those in need that is widening due to increased demand with a rapidly aging population, combined with declining public and private resources, and rising food, transportation and operational costs,” Riffle said. “MCAG is reaching out to our communities to build the support that will enable them to deliver nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety checks to Mason County seniors all year long.” Last year’s bingo event had a full house with no seats available. This year, the support was even greater, according to Riffle, who added the staff volunteers all of the time needed for the fundraisers. Riffle stated some businesses and organizations, such as Ohio Valley Bank and the Point Pleasant Moose Lodge No. 731, make annual contributions to the program. She said some personal donations come in as well, and are always welcomed. Riffle said MCAG serves meals that most people would serve in their own homes, of good quality and tasty, but as economically as possible. Chicken and dumplings, meat loaf, baked pork chops, and sweet and sour chicken are just a few of the items on the February menu. She stated the two kitchen employees are responsible for all the meals provided by the program daily. They are constantly striving to improve quality, as well as cost. Using a food service normally saves money by ordering in bulk, but Riffle said the workers recently saved thousands of dollars annually by figuring out that they could buy the ingredients and make some items, such as chili and beef stew, cheaper than the pre-made items. MCAG has been serving seniors for the past 50 years with not only nutrition, but also transportation and in-home care. Anyone wanting additional information on any of the programs, or wishing to make a donation, can reach Riffle at 304-675-2369. Mindy Kearns is a freelance writer for Ohio Valley Publishing who lives in Mason County. By Lorna Hart lhart@civitasmedia.com POMEROY, Ohio — The Meigs County Retired Teachers Association got a special treat when Meigs High School drama students entertained the group during their March luncheon. The enthusiastic cast members of the musical “Grease” were only limited by the space in which they were given to perform. The group looked as if they just stepped out of 1959, and the vibrant performance of “Summer Nights,” as well as several other selections, was met with applause. “Grease” is directed by Amy Perrin, Meigs High School English teacher and drama adviser. The show was presented at the school gymnasium April 8-9. Gay Perrin, vice president of the retired teachers association, opened the luncheon by welcoming all in attendance. Since the meeting was held on St. Patrick’s Day, many festive members were dressed in green. Charlene Rutherford read “Come Closer” and the “Iris Prayer” for devotions and gave a prayer before lunch. During the business meeting, the secretary’s and treasurer’s reports were given and approved, though it was also noted that some members had not paid their dues. Cards were signed for John Riebel Sr., Ina Meadows and Jo Ann Hays. Perrin reminded the group to continue to keep a record of their volunteer hours for end of the year submission. Scholarship committee members Charlene Rutherford and Becky Zurcher reported on a scholarship given to Timothy Warner, and reminded members that contributions to the funds jar are always welcomed. The spring conference was discussed and a decision made to forgo this year’s event because of the prohibitive distance and increased cost of attendance. Johnstown resident and former president of District VI Ohio Retired Teachers Association Karen Butt served as the featured speaker. She spoke on the importance of dual membership, which entails paying dues both to the local chapter and state organizations. She stressed dual membership provides leverage for ORTA when tackling legislative issues. A percentage of ORTA’s members have lifetime membership via a one time payment, and are not a yearly revenue stream. New membership dues are therefore essential to keep the association effective. Butt also shared that ORTA’s quarterly magazines “will be going online, but for those without computers, they will have the choice of receiving theirs by mail.” She also endorsed the creation of a Meigs chapter website. ORTA has a statewide project encouraging chapters to work with Habitat for Humanity. “This would raise community awareness of our group,” she said. Since the closest Habitat for Humanity operation is currently in Athens, she suggested ways the Meigs chapter could overcome the distance and perhaps provide blankets, canned food and lunches for workers. Plants were awarded as door prizes to Bill Downie and Joyce Ritchie. Members are encouraged to bring paper products and personal care items for Serenity House Women’s Shelter to the next meeting, scheduled for noon April 21 at the Meigs Senior Center. Duane Wolfe and Lenora Leifheit will present on cancer awareness and research programs. Contact Lorna Hart at 740-9922155 Ext. 2551. Mom & Dad always planned ahead. 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Pomeroy, Ohio 45769 60649072 Senior Living Ohio Valley Publishing Promise From page 1 That desire to be doing something to help others and improve their lot in life, and the promise made to God as a youth, keep Mel going. In 1959, Mel headed to Chicago to continue his studies and work at Cook County Hospital, now John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. Lydia went to Rochester, Minn., to continue her nursing studies at Mayo Clinic. “I was making $50 a month and it was all going to pay phone bills,” Mel said. “Lydia said, ‘It would be cheaper if we got married,’ so that’s what we did.” Things got a little better for the Simons. Mel, now a resident, got a pay raise to $100 and with Lydia’s $350 a month, things worked out for the newlyweds. It was in Wisconsin that Mel met Dr. Charles Holzer, namesake of the health care system in Gallia and surrounding counties. Mel said Dr. Holzer kept after him to establish his practice in southern Ohio, but it took a little convincing. “I couldn’t find it on the map,” Mel said. “I told him, ‘I see South Point, but where’s your city again?’” The couple laughs now as they recall how things really got confusing when Lydia began telling family and friends they were moving to a city on the Potomac River. By 1966, Dr. Holzer had been persuasive enough to convince the Simons that Gallipolis was where they needed to be. Another community for them to adopt and fulfill the promise. They became involved in, and remain part of, numerous civic activities, the arts community and their church. Nothing, however, comes closer to fulfilling the promise than the establishment of the French 500 Free Clinic, established in 2009. The clinic has seen several thousand uninsured patients since then and remains open. It will begin seeing patients again next month. In addition to being recognized in the Philippines by having a surgical ward named after him, Mel has been recognized here as well. He was inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, presented with the Knights of Columbus Humanitarian Award, and one Mel said he prizes most dearly from the state of Ohio signed then-state Rep. Clyde Evans and then-state Sen. John Carey. Not known to rest on their laurels, though, the Simons said planning for next year’s mission trip is already under way. April 15, 2016 3 Over the years, Mel and Lydia Simon have been joined by friends and family in their efforts to provide and improve medical care in their native Philippines. In 2001, they were joined by Holzer nurses, from left, Tanya Cremeens, Pam Dovyak, Claudia Lyons and Janet North. Seated is Remy Simon, sister of Mel Simon. Bud Hunt is publisher of the Sunday Times-Sentinel, Gallipolis Daily Tribune, The Daily Sentinel and the Point Pleasasnt Register. STEPP MONUMENT CO. On the first medical mission to the Philippines, the Simons were joined by other couples, all of whom were welcomed by a prominent banner in town announcing their arrival. Route 62 North of Point Pleasant (Camp Conley) Mon. - Fri. 3 p.m. to 6 p.m Left over from World War II, Jeeps have found many other uses in the Philippines. This is a Jeep that’s been extended and repurposed to serve as delivery truck taking supplies to local residents re-settled as a result of Mount Pinatubo erupting. Several nurses from Gallipolis were on this trip and walked along behind the truck as it labored up hills. Local nurses on the trip with Mel and Lydia Simon were Claudia Lyon, Pam Dovyak, Tanya Cremeens and Remy Simon. CALL: 304-675-6573 or 304-674-1379 60649894 reliable power with Chain Reaction! Chain Reaction! options Whenyou you put When put money moneyin our you started a chain in bank, our bank, you started Chain Reaction! 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SwiSher & LohSe Pharmacy CoNVeNieNT LoCATioN DriVe-ThrU & PiCK UP Free DeLiVerY LoYALTY rewArDS ProGrAMS BiLL PAY AVAiLABLe 7 DAYS A weeK CALL (740) 992-2955 TO TRANSFER YOUR PRESCRIPTION TODAY! 60649411 as fortunate, and I wanted to do something about that,” she said. Rose coordinated many food drives for “Stop Hunger” and a permanent receptacle was placed in the bank’s foyer for food donations. One of the latest events was “A Cup of Soup” during lunchtime at the bank. Everyone was invited to enjoy a cup of soup and donate a canned food item. “We (HNB) really try to reach out to the community, and I will continue being a part of this program after I retire,” she said. Rose has also volunteered at Racine’s Party in the Park, HNB Family Nights at area basketball games and the Meigs County Fair. Not surprisingly, she said what she will miss most about her retirement are the people — those she worked with as well as the customers. “I’m going to miss everyone,” Rose said. And bank employees and customers alike said they will miss Rose, but in a small community like Racine, she is certain to keep in touch. Contact Lorna Hart at 740-9922155 Ext. 2551. GALLIPOLIS, Ohio — Gallipolis Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4464 held its first posttraumatic stress disorder outreach in early April with local vets appearing with supporting family to share in fellowship with colleague veterans. According to Charlie Huber, VFW member and commander of American Legion Post 27, veterans and their spouses, as well as a military chaplain and Woodland Centers counselors, appeared to walk with fellow veterans down the difficult road of reliving events during tours in combat. Among those appearing at the event, Vietnam War veterans were represented as well as individuals who had engaged in tours across Afghanistan and Iraq. Kevin Mock, Shaniya Whitehead and other representatives of Woodland Centers spoke with veterans during the event. Huber anticipates more individuals to appear with time to the “Circle of Healing,” as VFW members have come to call the gathering. Huber said veterans who had appeared at the event believed they would return and recommend the circle to others facing similar challenges in their lives. The circle is expected to meet every other Thursday. “I think last night everybody was happy,” Huber said. “We just want veterans to know that there is a place for Courtesy photo Gallipolis Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4464 sits at 134 Third Ave. The next “Circle of Healing” event will be 6 p.m. April 7. (them) to feel comfortable to talk. We encourage (them) to talk about anything (they) want. We want people to know there is a place with resources if (they) want to use them.” Huber told the Tribune the idea of the outreach program came about from discussions with fellow veterans and colleagues at Woodland Centers. Huber acts as a maintenance employee with the nonprofit organization. With the help of Mock and other colleagues, both in the VFW and out, the outreach program idea was born. Huber said Post 4464 was also reaching out to other veterans’ organizations in an effort to encourage individuals to attend the circle. “‘Nam guys (Vietnam War veterans) are always go-go-go,” Huber said. “(Talking in the circle) we were picking up things that make us understand why we’re doing what we’re doing. You know, like the anxiety bit. Little things can get us more upset until we learn to cope.” Post-traumatic stress disorder has often been called “combat neurosis,” or “shell shock,” in the past. Any individual having witnessed or experienced terrifying events can get PTSD. Veterans are often some of the most common individuals to be diagnosed with the condition given the nature of combat scenarios. Experts suggest the disorder cannot be cured and can potentially be with an individual their entire life. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety. Psychotherapy as well as medications have been used to treat PTSD. Some Gallipolis VFW members in the past have emphasized they prefer therapy to medications as a treatment method. For more information, the post can be reached at (740) 4464464. Dean Wright can be reached at (740) 446-2342, Ext. 2103. Attention: Denture Sufferers! You’ve always said you wouldn’t be caught dead in that dress…. Are you tired of: • loose fitting dentures that are unstable and move at just the wrong time? • messy adhesives that don’t really work? • sore spots because your dentures move around excessively on your gums? • chewing or biting difficulties? Mini Dental Implants may be your solution! Mini Dental Implants are significantly less expensive than traditional implants, and treatment time and healing time are greatly reduced. These implants are designed to help denture wearers laugh, talk and live with improved comfort and confidence. You’d better tell them now! 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Later, she worked in IT and then as a teller before returning to the loan department. “I’ve worked in many jobs at the bank and I enjoyed every department. It gave me a better perspective on bank operations and how best we can serve the community,” she said. HNB’s program, “Stop Hunger at Home,” started when Rose said she realized while working in the community just how many people are in need. “We take for granted that we have food on our table, but everyone isn’t 530A West Union St. Athens, Ohio 45701 Call 740-592-1483 or 1-800-923-7329 for appointment 60649555 Gallia County Council on Aging The Services listed below are available to our seniors. Please contact us if we can be of assistance. HOME CARE SERVICES - Personal Care, Nutrition, Homemaking, Errands, Medical Appointment Escort. Contact: Catherine Gill HOME DELIVERED MEALS - Serving All Townships of Gallia County. Frozen Meals for Weekends, Hot Meals Mon-Fri. Contact: Tina Crews 740-446-7000 SENIOR CENTER MEALS - 12:00 pm Mon-Fri. Contact: Tina Crews 740-446-7000 ADULT DAY SERVICES HOURS: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Monday-Friday Clean Safe Environments • Activities Contact: Haley Waugh 740-446-7000 60649074 RACINE, Ohio — As Maxine Rose completed her last day as loan clerk at Home National Bank in Racine, she was surrounded by bank employees and customers wishing her well. After 25 years, Rose retired and says she plans to spend time with her family that includes two sons, a daughter, two grandsons and a “granddog.” “I’m just going to do what I want to do,” she said. “I’ll continue volunteering in the community and in my church, and of course, spend time with my family.” Rose began her career at HNB in 1990, before the bank moved to its current location 502 Elm St. in 2010. She recalled being at the former location in downtown Racine during snow storms and floods, and said everyone who worked at the bank had a “hands-on” approach in ensuring the bank was open to customers. “I remember the flood of 2002,” she said. “It was the biggest flood during the time I worked at the bank. Everything was flooded. We waded through water and cleaned carpets to get the bank ready to re-open for our customers. It was nice when we moved to our new location and didn’t have to worry about floods anymore.” Snow storms presented problems as well, and she said it was typical for Ohio Valley Publishing TRANSPORTATION SERVICES: Shopping, Senior Center Lunch Program, Senior Center Activities Available Mon-Fri. 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Contact: Sandra Ross 740-446-7000 60647972