Monday, December 6, 2021

Share the Love Event 2021

 


Share the Love This Year

 Exciting news! For the 14th year running, the Meals on Wheels network is participating in the 2021 Subaru Share the Love Event. Over the past thirteen years, Subaru and its retailers have helped Meals on Wheels to deliver more than 2.5 million meals nationwide to older adults in need.

Why does Subaru support Meals on Wheels? Too many older adults are struggling to stay independent and healthy. One in four older adults lives alone in isolation and one in seven older adults might not know from where their next meal is coming. This is simply unacceptable, which is why the Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. (WCCOA) provides the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks to the older adults of Wood County. This vital support keeps individuals in their own homes, where they want to be.

We’re incredibly grateful to Subaru and its Retailers for supporting our organization and the Wood County residents we serve. With that in mind, we thought you might want to learn a little bit more about the Subaru Share the Love Event.

 

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

This November 18, 2021, through January 3, 2022, for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased, Subaru will donate $250 to the customer’s choice of participating charities.* Meals on Wheels is one of four national participating charities and has been since the inception of the event. Through this event, as a member of Meals on Wheels America, WCCOA will receive a share of the donation from Subaru vehicles sold at participating Subaru Retailers.

You might not be in the market to purchase a new car, but if you are, please look into the Subaru Share the Love Event to learn more. If you’re not shopping for a new vehicle, you can still help by spreading the word to your family and friends. A few quick and easy ways to do that:

 -          Share this blog post!

 -          Share our posts about the Share the Love Event on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WCCOA

 And remember: this holiday season you can ensure our senior neighbors are not forgotten, when you purchase or lease a new Subaru and select Meals on Wheels as your charity of choice.


*Disclaimer: Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from November 18, 2021, through January 3, 2022, to four national charities designated by the purchaser or lessee. Pre-approved Hometown Charities may be selected for donation depending on retailer participation. For every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased during the campaign period, participating retailers will donate a minimum of $50 in total to their registered Hometown Charities. Purchasers/lessees must make their charity designations by January 14, 2022. The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each. See your local Subaru retailer for details or visit subaru.com/share. All donations made by Subaru of America, Inc.


Tuesday, November 9, 2021

2021 Golden Care Awards

Since 2013, we have hosted the Golden Care Awards with the help of local sponsors. This event is an opportunity for caregivers in Wood County to be recognized for their dedication to caring for others. Caregivers are first nominated by friends, family or coworkers. Those nominations are given to the Wood County Commissioners, who read through each nomination and choose a winner from each of three categories: agency support staff, medical professionals, and community caregivers. 

This year's event was held on Monday, November 1 at the Wood County Senior Center in Bowling Green, with 20 nominations in total (5 support staff, 10 medical professionals, and 5 community caregivers). Senator Theresa Gavarone was the MC for the evening, and all nominated caregivers in attendance were presented with a certificate by Wood County Commissioners Dr. Theodore Bowlus, , Doris Herringshaw, and Craig LaHote. 

Event committee sponsors included: Bowling Green Manor, Briar Hill Health Care Campus, Bridge Home Health and Hospice, Brookdale of Bowling Green, Kingston of Perrysburg, and Wood Haven Health Care.

A video was created to honor all of the nominees. The video can be viewed below, or can be found by going to YouTube and searching for the WCCOA YouTube channel. 




GOLDEN CARE AWARD WINNERS 2021


COMMUNITY CAREGIVER WINNER
Amy Lee

Amy's nomination, written by Stephanie Good, is included here: 
"This nomination is written on behalf of Mary Murphy, a current hospice patient. I (Stephanie Good) am one of her caregivers and we have both decided to nominate Amy Lee. Amy has been an exceptional neighbor and friend to Mary for the past several years. She provides quality care consistent with that of a nursing facility, and will rise in the middle of the night if Mary calls and she needs help. Many mornings she arrives with breakfast in hand and will serve Mary with a smile. (When Mary was still able, Amy would come most every evening and play cards with her and this eventually evolved into more of a care-giving role.) Mary is currently unable to get out of bed and it is essential to have quality, consistent and compassionate care. Amy provides a warm smile and much needed comfort and reassurance at every turn we encounter. This past Fourth of July Amy, and Mary's son Mark, were able to get her into a wheelchair and into Amy's garage to see the fireworks. They initiated a safe transfer into a safe environment so Mary could enjoy the evening. It was a much needed evening with a different view. This is merely one example of going above and beyond that Amy has provided. When Mary talks of Amy you can see the love light up her eyes and a warm smile spread across her face. She will remember a time when she and Amy did something and it will garner a chuckle out of her. It is a warm feeling that fills the room and you feel it in your very soul. You realize right away that this is much more than just "my neighbor Amy". There is a respect, a reverence, and a pride. It is a feeling that resonates with you and you wish you had that kind of neighbor, that kind of friend in your life. Almost like a Guardian Angel living next door. You can feel the relief, literally feel, the relief Mary has when she knows Amy will be coming. The list is too numerous for me to include all the specific examples of things that Amy has done to care for her friend, Simple things like just bringing the breakfast over, picking up a favorite snack at the store, picking up prescriptions, popping over to make sure Mary is eating a nutritious lunch, or being by Mary's side when the Hospice nurse visits are just a few. The care and compassion Amy has shown toward her friend is something that we could all learn from. It is not always easy to step up and go from neighbor, to friend, to caregiver, and yet Amy has made Mary a priority, without a thought of what she may have going on in her life. We could all learn a great lesson in compassion for humanity from Amy Lee and I believe that is what this world needs a bit more of right now.”
 Thank you for all you do, Amy! 


MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WINNER 
Deb Klasen, Wood Haven Health Care

Deb's nomination, written by Heather Greeno, is included here:

"Deb started her career with Wood Haven Health Care back in 2007, then retired and decided to come back part time and work in 2020. Deb is very dedicated and knows each and every resident, prioritizes the nurse to patient relationship and is very respected by staff and residents. Her many years of experience is shown every day in her work and she has been a great mentor to the nursing staff. Deb taught the STNA training for Wood Haven's new employees. Deb takes new employees under her wing and goes above and beyond to ensure they are providing the best possible care. We appreciate the many years of hard work Deb has dedicated to Wood Haven Health Care." 

Thank you for all you do, Deb!


SUPPORT STAFF WINNER 
Laura Steffan, Wood Haven Health Care

Laura's nomination, written by Heather Greeno, is included here:
"Since Laura began her career at Wood Haven Health Care in 2008 she has been essential in many different roles. Laura first started out as a STNA providing direct care to our residents then transitioned into her current role as the Transportation Specialist. In this role Laura is vital to ensuring the residents are scheduled and transported to important appointments and also picks up our new residents who come to stay with us long term or for rehab. Laura is always eager to help when needed and has a special gift to comfort our residents when they are having a hard day. Laura has a true passion for senior care and the residents are grateful for her presence. We appreciate all Laura has done over the many years she has worked for Wood Haven Health Care.”
Thank you for all you do, Laura!


SPECIAL AWARD

Wood County Advocate of the Year 

Maureen Veit, Adult Protective Services




Senator Theresa Gavarone, the MC for the evening! 







All of the attending caregivers were presented with a certificate:

Bill Scovell
Community Caregiver Nominee

Doug Ringler
Community Caregiver Nominee

Gail Baden
Community Caregiver Nominee

Shelly Ruehl, Brookdale of Bowling Green
Medical Professional Nominee

Shannon Herrig, Bowling Green Manor
Medical Professional Nominee

Scott Fornwald, Kingston Residence of Perrysburg
Medical Professional Nominee

Linda Hazard, Kingston Residence of Perrysburg
Medical Professional Nominee

Korie Poling, Bowling Green Manor
Medical Professional Nominee

Amanda Wagner, Wood Haven Healthcare
Medical Professional Nominee

Amanda Esquivel, Kingston Rehabilitation of Perrysburg
Medical Professional Nominee

Michelle Davenport, Kingston Residence of Perrysburg
Support Staff Nominee

Jim Cress, Wood Haven Healthcare
Support Staff Nominee

Jennifer Lewellen, Kingston Rehabilitation of Perrysburg
Support Staff Nominee


NOMINEES NOT PICTURED INCLUDE:
Community Member: 
Ken Lohman

Medical Professionals: 
Alaina LaCourse, Kingston Rehabilitation of Perrysburg and Tanai Lyles, Woodlane Residential Services
Support Staff: 
Tabitha Tippin, Amada Senior Care

THANK YOU

On behalf of the Wood County Committee on Aging, we would like to thank our 
sponsors and supporters for making this event a success. This event is a wonderful opportunity to recognize caregivers in our County. Most importantly, THANK YOU to all of the caregivers who go above and beyond to make sure those they serve are receiving the 
care they need to not only survive, but to thrive. 
Your devotion does not go unnoticed. 



GET INVOLVED


If you would like to be involved in this great event next year by purchasing a table for your company, or by making a nomination, please contact the Programs Department at
 419.353.5661 or 800.367.4935 or email programs@wccoa.net 

Monday, August 23, 2021

June & July Trivia Contest Winners

Wood County Committee on Aging's Home Delivered Meal (HDM) participants have an opportunity each month to join in a trivia contest sponsored by Walker Funeral Homes. Participants complete the trivia sheet and return it to their meal delivery driver for entry into the contest each month. We are happy to announce the June winner was Rosemary and the July winner was Norma, both from Bowling Green! You can find pictures of both ladies with their winnings below. Thank you to all of our HDM clients who continue to participate in this contest. A special thank you to Walker Funeral Homes providing a gift bags for the winners. Make sure to send in your trivia sheet this month and you could be our next winner! 


June's Trivia Winner, Rosemary!

July's Trivia Winner, Norma!















Monday, June 14, 2021

May Trivia Contest Winner

Wood County Committee on Aging's Home Delivered Meal (HDM) participants have an opportunity each month to join in a trivia contest sponsored by Walker Funeral Homes. 46 HDM participants completed the trivia sheet and returned it to their meal delivery driver for entry into the contest this month. We are happy to announce the May winner is Barbara from Walbridge! Barbara is pictured below with her husband Larry. Thank you to all of our HDM clients who participated in this contest. A special thank you to Walker Funeral Homes providing a gift card this month for the winner. We are looking forward to additional participants in June's contest.  You could be our next winner!    







Friday, May 14, 2021

April Trivia Contest Winner & Answers

Wood County Committee on Aging's Home Delivered Meal (HDM) participants have an opportunity each month to join in a trivia contest sponsored by Walker Funeral Homes. 48 HDM participants completed the trivia sheet and returned it to their meal delivery driver for entry into the contest this month. We are happy to announce the April winner is Barb from North Baltimore! Thank you to all of our HDM clients who participated in this contest. A special thank you to Walker Funeral Homes providing a gift card this month for the winner. We are looking forward to additional participants in May's contest.  You could be our next winner!      







Wednesday, May 12, 2021

15th Annual Poetry Contest Winner & Entries

This year marked WCCOA's 15th Annual Poetry Contest. Thirteen poems on the theme of "Your Legacy" were submitted by Wood County residents 50 years of age and older. In this blog post, you will find the announcement and picture of this year's winner and all of the poems that were submitted. Thank you to all who submitted poems this year!


Congratulations to our 15th Annual Poetry Contest Winner, Cindy Adcock! 




The Legacy of Kindness

By Cindy Adcock 

WINNING POEM


My Grandmother was kind.


My Mother was kind.


I used to be kind, but I'm not any more.

I'm too old.  I'm too tired.

I'm 68, I don't like it.

Soon 69, but no better.

And 70, who wants to be a zero?

Maybe 71, maybe I'll be kind again when I'm 71.


My Amy used to be kind, but she's not any more.

She killed herself when she was 22.

She'll never be 71, she'll never be kind again.


My Amy used to be kind to Ashley, and Ashley remembered.

She named her baby "Amy," in memory of my Amy's kindness.




Thoughts on Leaving

By Dru Cunningham

HONORABLE MENTION


Inside of me is a story,

All the memories of my life,

A picture of all the events

Excitement...contentment...unwelcomed strife.


What shall I leave behind,

A story or a song?

Many things done "right"?

Or lots of things done "wrong"?


My legacy lives on

In the people that I know,

A living, moving stream,

A river with a flow.


Perhaps, the best I might leave

That I think of, might be,

An unwritten, continuing,

Story of...


Good times and laughter,

In spite of a fall,

A generous heart and caring strength

To answer the call;


To leave a mark on the world

That I did some good,

Just to be remembered

When I did what I could.


That the time I spent here

Was used in such a way

That I appreciated people,

And was thankful for a simple, ordinary day.


May I leave this world

Having shared a gift from above,

That my journey on earth

Chose the pathway of Love.




BOOMER LEGACY

By Rosemary Yanik


O   Outgoing, open-minded, overcoming, other-directed, objective, original;

U   Unique, upbeat, unstoppable, uniting, understanding, upholding;

R   Responsible, respectful, reliable, resourceful, reassuring, rational, real;


L   Loving, level-headed, loyal, likable, life force, leader;

E   Energizing, earnest, enterprising, embracing, educated, empathizing, environmentalist;

G   Giving, grateful, genuine, gracious, grounded, go-getter;

A   Appreciating, accomplishing, affirming, accepting, adapting, allowing;

C   Caring, cheerful, charitable, candid, civil, calm;

Y   Yielding, yearning, yea, yes.




LEGACY --- AGAIN AND AGAIN

By Rosemary Yanik


To live,

Give;

To learn,

Yearn;

To receive,

Believe;

To share,

Care;

To succeed,

Read;

To improve,

Remove;

To convey,

Display;

To stimulate,

Assimilate;

To know,

Sow;

To go,

Show;

To achieve,

Perceive;

To love, 

Go above.




THIS PEACEFUL TIME

By Carol Kinsey


I come from those who floated in the murky waters to belief

In the pew

I squirmed with doubts


The drip drip of those doubts finally flooded my reasoned, seasoned self

I found a forgiving shore


Wanted my own to think

to ponder

to not be stifled by fears or assurances that stole their own soul’s calling


To set up peaceful camp

with fire that would warm, illuminate


Their own fire

built to nurture their longings

and make them known to others tending such fires.


My time here has mostly passed

I feel surrounded by the glow of my loves

belonging and deep contentment are mine


Blessed be.




Your Legacy at Best

By Marty Hogle


Your daily life the way that you live it

That will be your legacy it will pass when you give it

When your life is filled with sadness and strife

When your heart is broker and feels like the wound of a knife

Do you carry on and shed those feelings

Do you look for the sunshine in all your dealings

When you share precious moments with a loved one

You are leaving a legacy when your visit is done

Are you a fine cook or a special baker

Your legacy could be a recipe a gift for each taker

Do you love to travel, the route as important as the destination

A visit close by or a longer venture you’re ready to go no hesitation

Did you try to bring happiness to everyone you met

A legacy to pass they will never forget

Was the worth of true friendship more valuable by far

Than possessions you leave; money, a house or even a car

Did your pleasure of giving to everyone while you were alive

Or to save for the future and to be wealthy did you strive

Accrued from hard work or an inherited stash

Will your legacy now consist of possessions and cash

Could you have shared your time and wealth wiser

For your legacy now reflects that you were a miser

When you leave at life’s end does your legacy pass the test

Cherished times together a fortune of memories, a legacy at best




Your Legacy A Memory Fortune

By Marty Hogle


The sunshine of your smile

The memories we’ve shared with each mile

So many adventures filled with fun

Will remain forever when time is done

Your kindness always when I cried in pain

Or the laughter we shared which brought tears like rain

Our times of great happiness will always remain

Truth in everything was always your lesson

Wealth seemed not important that was your confession

To share what you had gave you so much pleasure

The lessons you taught; such a great measure

Your sunny smile to everyone was such a treasure

Those loving deeds which filled someone’s needs

You taught me to appreciate all things of nature

The flowers, songbirds, hills, rivers and every creature

You taught me that good health required care

Good rest and nourishing food must be the fare

The lessons you taught through your example

They will be your legacy oh so ample

Far more valuable than silver and gold

Those fine life teachings will always hold.

They will be remembered for ever after

Your legacy will be the best way to complete life’s chapter.




Legacy, a Baton

By Marge Mair-Hansen


As in a relay, we are a team passing the baton

Sharing in the goal, in purpose and opportunity

A team representing the whole, in Wood County, Ohio.

We’ve a history of community, of unity

For the whole, not as us, but for all.

Legacy, the baton, handed on and on,

Taken on as a hat or cloak, an identity

As heredity and inheritance, values and visions

Passed along, a baton that is carried by you and me,

As a team, brothers and sisters, by blood or not,

Uncles and aunts, generations, migrations thus

Advancing, by school, at home or virtual,

Down the street, to BGSU we reach with Falcon

Pride inside, “Wood County Strong,”

Farmers and teachers, shopkeepers, diners,

Librarians, builders with brick and by word,

Readers and writers, by music and verse,

Widening the circle, adding in, opening space

Welcoming centers for dialogue and grace.

Building up, we heal, protect and provide, especially

In a pandemic, our state, worldwide.

Oh Legacy, Legacy, by gift you provide, and by

Gift we each add something from deep inside. By heart

And by mind, generosity we find, kindness today

As building tomorrow, legacy begins in the now.

In today we have our say about the ‘morrow,

About next year, and centuries away.




Our Legacy

By Marge Mair-Hansen


Legacy is an uncommon word, for the now,

About the future and from the past.

We create it accidentally or intentionally.

We brought it to Wood County long ago,

By walking and by wagon, as pioneer, explorer,

Passing through or passing by, a very few

Chose to stay, saw the Great Black Swamp

And said, “Why not?” Sure the mosquitoes

Are prehistoric mammoths, but “Why not?”

That black, wet swampy spot is fertile land

We’ve only got to make it grand! And that’s

How it must have all began. As an exodus,

We came between wars, during wars, leaving behind

Families and friends, jobs and land, to this

Northwest challenge where water is abundant

Though a bit too much, but we can handle that.

We are of persistent roots, like the vines and tangles

Beneath our boots. We like a challenge, bored we not.

And so it must have been, before the crops of soy and corn,

Before the barns and homes along the Dixie Highway,

Along the Maumee byway, between the floods and winds

That whirl around at 60 miles per hour, just as our

Crops begin to flower. But we have a legacy we carry and

A legacy to create and to pass along. We have to carry on

As the cemeteries are where we’ve buried mothers and sons,

Grands and Greats, and we’ve the task to carry on, keep

Digging in our heels, keep repairing the broken, creating new wheels,

Wind farms on the horizon, pandemic protections for sizin’. 




That He Should Die

By John Calderonello


It tears me still that he should die

As only an apprentice to his trade,

The ultimate engagements not yet

made.

His gifts had been withdrawing

one by one

Even before their usefulness was

done:

This optic nerve would never be

relit;

The other flickered, soon to be

with it.

Unready, disappointed,

unachieved,

He knew he would not complete the

much-conceived

Much-hoped for work now, but

yet did help create

A love he did in full reciprocate.




In This Enormous Vault

By John Calderonello


In this enormous Vault 

And step of stars

are you and I, our

backs against the planets.

Where exists, at least,

Two of all things.

Two hands to hold you

close in times of sorrow

and joy.

Two eyes, alone for you,

to drink of your generous

and loving nature.

Two hemispheres of brain,

to dwell on your depth

and wisdom.

Two feet to traverse

with you the splendor

of our temporary home.


Two of us, all ways,

Always.




What do you see when you look at me

By Darlene Berry


What do you see when you look at me

Can you see the young girl in pigtails skipping, hopping, giggling, skating, laughing

What do you see when you look at me

Maybe you can see my husband and I building our family legacy together, loving, disagreeing, growing, listening, respecting

What can you see when you look at me

Can you feel the joy when you look deep inside, do you see the sweet memories of my children, ever running to get it all done, tired, hopeful, proud, happy, patient

What do you see when you look at me

Do you dare go deep into my heart where I hold the babies that I have lost, sadness, numbness, shattering pain, hope for the next life to see them again

What can you see when you look at me

I bet you can see my large family tree with the young and old who lovingly surround me

Exceedingly great Joy, memories, hardworking, service, hope for the future

What can you see when you look at me

Now that my eyes are gray and the light grows dim, can you look past them deep within, determination, steadfastness, strength, charity, unwavering faith

What can you see when you look at me

My life was not so different from yours, open your eyes and look even more, possibilities, encouragement, peace, joy, heartbreak, forgiveness

What can you see when you look at me

If you cannot see it, then open your eyes, please oh please, look harder inside, my life was of worth, do not shed a tear, your time grows near, do not fear

What can they see when they look at you




When We Rise in the Morning

By Lois Blausey


When we rise in the morning

and the suns shining in the beautiful sky

It warms us both outside and from within

But we must always remember to give thanks

to our Glorious Jehovah, our loving, caring Father

for this our glorious day