WCCOA Announces 2023 Poetry Contest Winners

The Wood County Committee on Aging (WCCOA) would like to announce the winner for the 18^th Annual Poetry Contest. Submissions were accepted from Wood County residents 50 years of age and over, with a theme of “Loss and Gain”. A total of 31 poems from 21 authors were submitted, and a BGSU writing professor read the poems and selected a winner and an honorable mention.

 Karen Wood from Bowling Green received first place with her poem entitled “Manual for Life” winning a $100.00 gift card sponsored by Bowling Green Manor.

 Karen has only written two poems, and has not previously entered the WCCOA poetry contest. The other poem she wrote was for a contest in Toledo. Her other poem focused on the importance of community gardens in urban settings. She wrote her poem specifically for the poetry contest, wishing to convey the loss and gain playbook of our lives. When speaking about winning the contest, Karen said, “This is only the second poem I have ever written. The first one is etched in the cement in a park.” Who knew this one would be a winner too.”

 Honorable Mention was awarded to Scott Regan with the poem “An Ode to Sacandaga”.  Congratulations to Karen and Scott and thank you to everyone that participated in this year’s contest. We received many fantastic entries and look forward to more next year.

A note from our judge, a BGSU Writing Professor on the winning poem: 

1^st Place: “Manual for Life” 

As its title portends, the winning poem reads as lyric instructions for operating one’s life. Through cascading indented lines reflecting the outward-to-inward shift in perspective that accompanies aging, the poem imparts much insight to the reader: the wisdom each of us might have benefitted from sooner; the revelations that come to those fortunate enough to see their life span beyond middle-age; and essential directives for navigating the inescapable losses accompanying life’s gains. 

Winning Poem for 2023 

Manual For Life

Karen Wood, Bowling Green, Ohio  

When You’re Young, No One Tells You To

     Start a 401(k) ASAP, or

          Major in something you love, or

               Not hold grudges or make enemies, or

                      Say I Love You to your grandparents twice a day, or

                            Always have 5 bucks in your pocket for the unhoused guy, or

                                  Know the good life is not a boat or diamond ring or Gucci.

 

And When You’re Old, You Figure Out That

                                   AARP magazine is going to come on your 50^th birthday, and

                             The first thing you do each day is read the obituaries, and

                       Time goes really, really fast and there is no slowing it down, and

                   Losing friends and loved ones never, ever gets any easier, and

             The young do not want to hear that you walked uphill in the snow to school, and

       Doctor appointments take up more and more space in your daily calendar.

 

If only we were issued instructions at birth that told us

      Be Bold

            Love Fiercely

                  Stay Strong

And that even though we might lose our friends and loved ones and money and

    maybe our minds and eventually our very lives,

          If we do it right, and with a lot of luck, and a little help from our friends,

                We may have everything we need.  And that’s all that matters in the end.

Honorable Mention 

An Ode to Sacandaga

Scott Regan from Bowling Green, Ohio  

 

 

A hairpin turn off the lumber trucking highway leads down a magic trail.

Past becomes present as cabins compete with forest and granites along the shore.

Campers mingle with residents: chipmunks and squirrels, eagles and loons.

Morning mist rises over the ever-peaceful lake.

A paddleboarder and a family of ducklings sail by in silence.

Morning sun brings walkers and joggers battling the gnats that surround the fields.

Laundry chores compete with unread chapters to engulf the morning hours

until, slowly, inflatable dolphins carry towels and treats to the beach.

Children rediscover the joy of wet toes in the sand, rebuilding castles of their dreams.

Grown ups, armed with fly swatters, lose themselves in racy novels, and with the endless task of solving the mysteries of the world.

Evening falls early in the mountains and wine, food, and flashlight-tag frame the day.

But the new day will no longer dawn.

              Let the school bell toll one last time.

              Sacandaga summers have passed but the memories remain.

 

 Loss and Gain

Lisa C. Chavers

 

Envision a life with no losses and gains.

What would become of our celebrations, deep griefs, and pains?

What if we could obliterate perpetual losses or endless gains?

Our existence might be imbalanced, or, some might say, “insane.”

Together they make us stronger, and shift our perspectives for sure.

Both may cause us to pray and ask the Lord for grace to endure.

Losses could cultivate a spirit of patience, deep within our souls.

Gains can create a spirit of gratitude that may never grow old.

Losses and gains flavor our lives, and stretch our human souls.

And prompt us to set balanced, tenacious, and flexible goals.

A life without losses or gains is, quite frankly, unrealistic.

These two elements help produce a journey that is wholistic.

                                                                      Gain and Loss

Tessa Sworden

 

With age There is growth.

We All have experienced pain

And Loss.

But; yet; we have gained the

Ability to Fully experience

Joy; Love; Friendship.

Good Health is our Friend.

Moreso when we survive illness.

So; my Fellow Life Travelers

Embrace sorrow and Loss.

For with it comes Joy and Full

Appreciation of our Families and

Friends still with us.

Exude the pure exileration of

Being Alive and well.  We are

All aware of how This Life ends so;

Experience Loss and Gain as

Friends

As Fellow Travelers in our Journey.

Rejoice!

My spirit says,

This is My Life; My Time.

 

 

 

FINALLY, FREEDOM

Donald F. Czerniak

 

From the day I was born,

Someone has been giving me orders:

My parents, priests, nuns, and teachers.

Then it was the Air Force for four years.

Afterwards, the tech school instructors,

And finally from management where I worked.

I married at forty-six and stayed married,

Until my wife passed away after I retired.

For the first time in my life I lived alone,

Without taking orders off anyone.

It was great after being ordered around

After seventy-two years of being

Browbeaten into submission.

So I finally got freedom as an elderly man.

It is wonderful and beautiful, too.

 

NEW FRIENDS

Donald F. Czerniak

 

After my wife passed away,

For a while I felt so alone,

But gradually I made

New friends who filled

The void of emptiness.

Now I am no longer alone,

Seeing my friends and talking

To them quite often,

Good for my mental health.

 

 Untitled

Pattie Brown

 

The innocence I once knew

has been replaced with

resilience.

I believe change is coming.

I now see a brighter future.

Judgement will be replaced

with tolerance and objectivity.

Kindness will become contagious.

Faith will strengthen our trust

and confidence.

Hope will make things happen.

Love will be the glue that

endures and unites us all.

 

Untitled

Pattie Brown

 

Aging is not for sissies

We only lose when we

cling to the past.

Pain is unavoidable,

suffering is optional.

 

We deserve our own love

and affection.

Shaping our thoughts

with compassion and

forgiveness will brighten

our path.

  

Untitled

Marshall J. Ducat

 

HARSH ARE THE COLD WINDS

OF DECEMBER

TO THEM I SURRENDER!

 

MY SONS MY SONS

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?

I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER!

                                                           Ode to Decomposers

Lee Meserve

 

Even when they’ve died and they’ve fallen down

And they’re layin’ there on the brown cold ground

Dead trees still have a function I suppose

‘Cause decomposers gotta have sumthinta decompose.

 

Fungi and mosses and ferns and vines

Semi-botanical things of many kinds

Depend on those dead trees I suppose

Because decomposers gotta have sumthinta …

(wait for it) ….. DE … COM … POSE!!

                                                     IT’S ONLY A NUMBER

Lee Meserve

 

When young I thought one was old at eighty.

As I approach that number the years aren’t that weighty.

I still walk a lot

To minimize brain rot

And enjoy days with my 55 year matey.

Since retiring Marge and I have travelled lots.

Out west and European spots.

A Seine riverboat cruise

Was the first Marge did choose,

And we stay flexible by doing some squats!!

In the words of my sainted mother

“Keep putting one foot in front of the other!”

Enjoy every day

With some work and some play,

And something new try to discover.

So remember IT’S ONLY A NUMBER!

Do something new, learn how to rumba!

Enjoy all your days

In old and new ways,

And don’t let that number your joy of life encumber!

     

Camera Happiness

Barbara Gould

 

There once was a Puffin

Who sat on a hill

But for me to shoot

He had to stay still

 

There was a twinkle in his eye

As people admired this quiet guy

It seemed to pose, so time to try

Till a glistening fish swam by

Flew off for lunch with no good-by

 

But always the Puffin will be

there in my minds eye

             

The Cost of Loss

Frank W. Day

 

What is the cost of loss so black?

When the days seem dark not shining.

Where the parks and fun and sun now slack.

The sparkle gone, the laughter not driving.

 

When does the sun rise again in the east?

When do the stars and moon return to the sky?

Where does the pain come from? The beast!

Eyes red, body sapped, hurtful cry.

 

Time passes and I laughed today inside.

I walked the morning forest glen.

The bed now slept in dreams a better ride.

Is this a glimmer of hopeful when?

 

Now I think of good things time past.

The bad recedes from last year’s river course.

Yet loss rebounds but less a blast.

The sun shines more, the moon and stars now a force.

             

The Songs Became Silent

Frank W. Day

The songs became silent.

With time I heard them once again.

         

My Time

Carol Kinsey

 

It’s time

There were other times it was time

Marry, leave the religion of my youth, have babies, move to new places, move to new thinking,

find others to seek with, cut a path to better

Life holds us in its grip along the way, not clear in the moment where going

But time tells

It really does

Has brought more and more clarity

The delights, the losses,

the questionable decisions, the absolutely unquestionable decisions

All woven into my story

It’s the right time to take it all in and say

Here it is – full, flawed, fabulous, mine

It’s been about time for awhile.

                 

Fog Days

Betty Winslow

 

Grief, like fog, wraps round my heart

And make it hard for me to see

Or safely walk.

Take my hand, O Lord!

Lead me through the densely opaque clouds

That fill my days

And chill and dampen me

Clear to the bone.

Cling to me, O Lord,

For my numb fingers

Cannot tell

Whether You are there or I’m alone.

Don’t let me go or I will wander

Too near the abyss that yawns

Below my grief and waits for me.

You are my hope.

Eventually we will find

The light of day,

But don’t let go, O Lord.

Don’t let me walk alone.

     

The Captain Sails with Me

Betty Winslow

 

My timber’s weak, yet I do not fear,

For the Captain sails with me,

And we will weather any storm

Over any kind of sea.

So, when circumstances darken

And begin to overwhelm,

I just hold onto the fact

That it is Jesus at the helm.

 

Though I sometimes long for harbor

When I hear the snapping sail,

And mt decks and masts cry protest

As they battle through the gale,

My heart rests in the knowledge

That soon the storm will cease

And the winds will die (and so will I)

And my ship will dock in peace.

         

GOLDEN YEARS

Shirley M. Kingsley

 

 

We may have aches and pains

Yet all our years are golden

Still it seems it is our bladders we are a hold’en

We may walk slow take our time

Got there faster in our prime

Arrive at our destinations so very proud

May be the last one there but still welcomed by the crowd

We may say what more often to our peers

They understand because they also have bad ears

We laugh more often this is true

Keep others laughing whatever you do

Our journey has been long still more ahead

Enjoy each day and keep taking your meds

             

WHERE DID THE YEARS GO

Shirley M. Kingsley

 

 

When we are born

We’re very small you know

Then before long

We began to grow

 

Childhood moves

Kind of slow

If we could look ahead

We wouldn’t think so

 

You turn sixteen

Learn how to drive

Wow you feel

Like you’re really alive

 

The next thing

You’re a big twentyone

We are adults now

We can have lots of fun

 

Where did thirty years go

It went so very fast

It’s behind us now

I knew it wouldn’t last

 

Forty and Fifty retirement

Is not far away

No way can

We keep it at bay

 

It’s not all that

Big of a deal

As we soon will be

Getting Meals on Wheels

 

 

Time is All We Have

Pam Day

 

 

Careers close as offspring fly

Bodies betray and losses multiply

 

Death suddenly snatches away

A child…a spouse…a friend

 

Terrible losses that gray hair brings

Alongside solace in newer things

 

Yearnings for life to slow down

Now granted, ahhhhh…just breathe

 

Breathe freedom of spontaneous

Smell-the-roses garden strolls

 

Park yourself beside friends

Share memories, make new ones

 

Experience talents unexplored

Nurture faith…question everything

 

Risk it all…for all we have left is time

         

WATCH YOUR STEP!!

Dru Cunningham

I stand in amazement

When I look around,

Could it be that I’m standing

Upon holy ground?

Ground that provides both food and care

For everything living. . .

If we only will share

 

But change makes a difference,

We must decide.

Should we enjoy walking,

Or just step aside?

We live in a place where fine people abound,

Caring, sharing so much good to be found!

 

We must count the cost. . .

What could be lost?

To think with our heart

Is the best place to start.

If a change will take away joy in a life,

Should we be a maker of loss or strife?

What do we care about. . .

To give our all?

Should we stand up now

Or just watch the wrecking ball?

 

We must think of what’s best,

The good for all. . .

With eyes wide open,

We must make that call!

The past must be saved,

But we learn more each day;

We will know our next step

 

If we let Love show the way.

 

 

Age

Sharon Bronsink

 

 

In the quiet of the night

You said “I’m too old for you”

I have heard that phrase before

To me it wasn’t new

To me you are so special

Age doesn’t mean a thing

You still have the gift of eternal youth

With all the joys it brings

You always have a cheerful word

A smile upon your face

A cloud of joy engulfs you

Your world is a happy place

The time we’ve spent upon this earth

Began the day we met

Everything before that day

Was you and not us

If my age bothers you

Yours doesn’t bother me

I’m proud to be with you

For all the world to see

         

Mother

Sharon Bronsink

 

 

You saw to it that we did things right.

Our values and goals we learned.

Because you set our sights

In the right direction early in life.

Now we are mothers same as you.

Often, I wonder.

Do my children feel about me as I do about you?

Your once golden curls are now a silver crown.

The years have been kind.

They’ve not let you down.

Mom, we all love you.

I hope that you know.

It’s just sometimes,

We forget to tell you

    

Loss and Gain

Lisa C. Chavers

 

 

Losses and gains can make us vulnerable in a way.

At least, that is what ancient and contemporary philosophers say.

Whether you are un-noticed or notorious:

You may be vulnerable, yet victorious.

Throughout the seasons of this experience that we call life,

Personal, financial, social losses or gains can run rife.

Despite gains and losses, choose to be content!

‘Cause they don’t determine what makes you significant!

Significance is larger than the things we experience.

The true source of significance is not so mysterious.

Losses or gains may seem like uninvited trouble.

They remind us that we don’t live in a bubble.

The rhythm of life includes losses and gains,

recognition, rewards, plus struggles and pains.

             

LOSS: LEADING TO GAIN

Karen Witte

Sometimes one person’s loss is another

person’s gain.  In spite of all the sorrow,

suffering and pain.

Losing may seem very hard in life or in a

game.  But if one bears it bravely, he is a

winner just the same.

He will gain persistence, faith, hope and

Strength, that conquers fear.  He will gain

the will to carry on no matter what the cost.

These qualities of heart and mind are never

to be lost.  The things we lose seem quite

small, for they are of the earth. The things

we gain, are priceless for they are heaven’s

worth.

         

In His Hands

Marty Almanson-Reffner

 

 

As I progress to “sunset years”

And journey on through life,

I’m more aware, as time goes on,

That there’s both joy and strife.

One can’t assume that every day

Will be a bed of ease.

We truly can’t expect that we

Will get just what we please.

You may be in a season

Filled with heartache, loss and grief.

You may begin to wonder

Will there ever be relief?

Just when we think our days are filled

With sadness, gloom and rain,

The Lord can turn around our “loss”

And change it for our “gain.”

So if we trust our Father

Right through the ups and downs,

We’ll find that in the valley

His awesome love abounds!

     

My Child

Robbin Click

 

 

As seasons change, so do we

Like the leaves that fall from the autumn trees.

As the sun comes up, it must go down

It warms us up and cools us down.

As youth we grow

With that comes knowledge

Of what we know

We have family and friends

Who come and go

How long they stay

We do not know

We lose patience

We lose sleep

But we have memories

That we can keep

Like grapes, we wrinkle

And age like fine wine

Just as we lose daylight

We also, lose time.

         

Gain and Loss

Dorothy Ellis

 

 

As life unfolds with happenings,

Gains and losses we’ll call them.

 

Do we gain from loss or lose from gain?

Only you can answer that question.

 

As for me, I’ve gained from both.

Let me tell you how it happened

 

I’ve learned to be thankful for all that I have,

Not letting my joy to be dampened.

 

In the process I’ve matured in life

accepting each day as it comes.

 

Looking for good in others as well

Keeps negativity on the run.

 

Live your life with gain and loss,

There is no other way.

 

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not here.

You only have today.

     

LOSS AND GAIN

Barbara Gould

 

Sitting on top of the world

and everything is going fine

When “plop” a loss drops into our laps

And suddenly its a downward line

 

This can be deterred by us

But it takes guts and will

Look at the better side, don’t cuss

Time to take an attitude pill

 

That attitude pill is a smile

Sometimes its not easy

The road may seem a mile

The effort may not seem breezy

 

Actually you even gain

friends who help to ease the pain

Keep on walking in the rain

The sun will shine once again

 

Look back at what you’ve done

You may gain, as its just begun

You can gain joy and peace

Those hidden songs will release

Songs of strength and the bad news will cease

Keep looking and your gain will increase

         

Infinite Gain

Martha “Marty” Hogle

 

When I arrived on this earth

Was my destination determined from birth?

Will my life be counted a loss or a gain

No need to achieve great fortune or fame

Only footsteps to follow in your family name

I will stay on a pathway of virtue and trust

Choose good friends not money when I must

Good friends will be there, in good times or bad

Money will be gone, with you feeling sad

The loss of your earnings will be a tough blow

The loss in the stock market will fall and rise

But the loss of a friend will break all ties

It will pain you forever, the hurt will remain

Good friends you should try hard to sustain

When you lose your health, for long term or brief

When good health returns it’s such a relief

When you lose your keys or a valuable item

They are only misplaced, no need for nerves to heighten

If your garden crop is not the best

You may need more sunshine, rain or rest

When did you pray last thanking God for all He has given

For friends and family and all things living

What a great gain what have I enjoyed most

No losses I can count, of the gains I’ve had I will boast

 

             

Grandma’s Tears

Martha “Marty” Hogle

 

There is a tear flowing down her wrinkled cheek

It is staining her face, it’s a heart filled leak

Those cloudy blue eyes now filled with pain

She is the “Rock” of our family What caused her such strain

What caused these precious eyelids to flicker and flow?

Was it something I did or said, I don’t know.

Or my unspoken word, or no place to go.

Just a few minutes of my time would that have been enough?

To have made her less lonely and her life not so rough

How much I love her, yes those tears told so much

I long for her hugs and kisses and her gentle touch

Was our last conversation filled with anger and remorse?

Was I thinking of my feeling and plans, of course

The theft of that visit and our precious time

Was the theft of the moment and truly a crime?

Can I ever give back what was wrongfully taken

Can I now dry those tears or is my heart forever shaken

Will she be able to forgive my insensitive actions, I hope

Now I have sustained a great loss and I must cope

Can I dry her tears with love and kisses

Or it’s only my time and visits that she really misses

Grandma’s tears will soon vanish

But her special love you can not banish

Grandma’s tears are now in the past

And her hand was so cold when I held it last

Her joyfilled eyes were not to be seen

I waited too long now wasn’t that mean

Such a great loss what did my absence gain

Precious moments together all wasted in vain

     

 

16th Annual Poetry Contest Winner & Entries

This year marked WCCOA's 16th Annual Poetry Contest. Twenty poems on the theme of "Coming of Age" were submitted by fifteen 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 participated this year!

Congratulations to our 16th Annual Poetry Contest Winner, Carol Kinsey of Bowling Green! 

A note from our judge, a BGSU Professor in the Writing Department, on the winning poem: 

"The poet turns to their garden, a place of meditation for many, and, specifically, to their Black-eyed Susans – a flower known to excel in the second half of the growing season – as a source of contemplation and imagination. Across the lines of this prose poem, the writer uses the observable traits of this flower – its vigorous spread from small starts, its gradual decline, its scattering of seeds into the future – as a catalyst for reflecting on the cyclical nature of a garden and of a life. Might our own lives be perennial? How might we live on – what seeds might we scatter – once the bloom is off our own Black-eyed Susan? The poet, like each of us, can’t be sure: “I will be gone. Or will I?” But taking inspiration from the natural world, they are willing to imagine and hope for the possibility of returning to come of age in future seasons."

WINNING POEM!

Going to Seed

By Carol Kinsey 

It’s the end of September. The Black-eyed Susans (my favorite) are waning. The flowers are wilting on the stem. Becoming less yellow-vibrant, the petals less plump. Drooping. Drying up.

I planted these from several small starts years ago, wanting a little splash of color. Now they have spread, taken over the small space I envisioned for them. They have gloriously asserted themselves to be the center of attention. I love them. I await their blooms in mid-July, I then cut their offerings to place in little vases on the deck and in the kitchen. They make me smile; they are a touch of homey yellowness like nothing else.

Now it’s the end of September. Time to cut back the spent blooms and stems. They are beyond their prime. The flower heads drop dried seeds onto the ground as I cut. Cut them back to rest for the winter and come again new year full and bright. This is the way, nature’s way.

I think of myself. I am older. Going to seed is nature’s way. But, I will not drop dried seeds of myself onto the ground of the future, not be coming back full and bright again. I will be gone.

Or will I? Perhaps seeds of myself in thoughts, memories, traits we re-emerge in those I’ve left behind will come back around as evidence that I was here. What a lovely thought.

Going to hold onto that, especially when nights are long and a little lonely.

HONORABLE MENTION POEM!

Coming of Age

By Liliana G. Rossi

She can feed herself, walk around

Climb the furniture;

She is one year old.

She is coming of age.

He can write his name,

Have an intelligent discourse,

He is four years old,

He is coming of age.

He can read simple books,

Can earn his own money with chores,

He is seven years old.

He is coming of age.

He got married, 

Got his brand-new professional license,

He is twenty-nine years old,

He is coming of age.

I am seventy-two years old,

What steps are left for me?

What does coming of age look like for me?

Grieve my firstborn who left me too soon?

Celebrate those still in my life?

Spoil my grandchildren for as long as I can?

Pretend that I am still in my life?

Shots in the dark…

Glimpses of reality…

A life that used to be…

Feeling Content
By Willis Beck

I’m feeling content at the age that I am in;
I recall all my years and the places I’ve been.
Can’t live in the past or retrace the road; 
But be thankful for health and a lighter load.
I’m proud to have come as far as I could;
I wish for my loved ones a brighter world. 
I won’t leave a marker of where I have been;
I’ll only tell stories of what I have seen. 



Of A Certain Age
By Willis Beck

So, you’ve reached a certain age and you think that you are done:
Well, I’m sorry friend, but you’ve only just begun. 
Reset your clocks, turn your calendar page;
It all moves forward past retirement age. 
You can change your goals and maybe your turf;
All things are possible on God’s green earth.
Do what you wish to alter your plan,
You’re your own boss, woman or man. 
There may be setbacks along the way, 
Remember that tomorrow is another day.
Remember the past but push ever ahead;
You’ll reach your goals without any dread.



Coming of Age
By Steven Peake

There hung a blue mist from the fields.
I awoke from sleep to find my lists at my feet.
Seems like so many days are behind, maturity sets in the mind. 
Ah! Yesterday’s views seem so far. Those times of kids in the car,
Traveling so many miles, to put on children’s smiles. 
For parties, and practice, football or soccer, at times someone forgot
an important item in their locker!
Just when things seem alright, I have to break up a fight!
Then it’s a dance or the prom or someone lets off a bomb!
A firecracker, I know, but causes me to blow!
So another week or year passes by, and I can’t understand why?
The house seems so bare, and no one is there.
Looking around, no toys on the ground and stillness 
sits coldly at home.
Oh well! May just as well shout out a sound!
The mist still lurks off the ground. 



Coming of Age
By Steven Peake

Sitting in my boxer shorts, looking at the mirror
Wondering if I really know what day or month or year?
It seems to me what scares me most is who I see, myself or ghost?
Much thought of great accomplishments, of degrees and status quo.
The maturity of life, apart from strife, is empty don’t you know!
Thinking of my loves and hates, what matters most when at the gates?
When outcomes to this point of golden years and finding self in tears.
I raise my coffee cup, and push down the toaster knob, ready with a glob of jam. 
Being grateful for who I am. 



Our Fiftieth (Wedding) Anniversary Celebration
By Rick and Luella Smith 

Moments like this fill us with joy 
And are meant for us to share. 
Moments like this stand out 
Since their occurrence is rare.
Moments like this will never be lost.
They will remain in our hearts.
These moments are for remembering,
And from them, we’ll never part. 



My Sweet Angels on Earth
By Michelle Malik

Wow! At first sight of those wee-tiny fingers and toes,
My heart filled with joy!
My sweet little angels on earth; my grandkids.
Kisses and hugs that seem to never stop coming. 
“I love you grandma and grandpa.” “Do you love me too?”
My heart filled with warmth!
My sweet young angels on earth; my grandkids.
I heard; “I fell down.” “My boo-boo hurts.” “I need a kiss.”
My heart melted. I was a puddle of compassion at their feet. 
My fast-growing angels on earth; my grandkids.
Grade school and teen years are overloaded with sports and dating.
“College is hard.” “He broke my heart.” “My friends have moved away.”
“I know you will always love me and listen, grandma and grandpa.” “I am sad.” “You are always there with a strong shoulder.” “I love you both very much.”
My heart fills with tenderness and warmth. 
My sweet mature angels on earth have grown up;
My grandkids.



Fishing
By Donald F. Czerniak

I fished the Atlantic Ocean.
I fished the Pacific Ocean.
I fished Lake Erie.
I fished small lakes.
I fished creeks everywhere near
While I lived in Ohio.
I fished for women all over
The vast United States, 
But I never hooked any. 
Maybe because I didn’t use the right bait--- 
a good line of bologna.
I was always successful in fishing
For water-dwelling animals.
I caught more than my share of them. 
But the two-legged ones evaded my hooks forever,
Except one. 
She became my wife. 



A Woman
By Donald F. Czerniak

“You’ve got a crooked nose,” she said.
“I know it.”
“You’ve got a potbelly.”
“I know it.”
“Your left eye is half-closed.”
“I know it.”
“Your hair’s totally gray.”
“I know it.”
“You’re much too old.”
“I know it.”
“Your right eye looks funny.”
“I know it.”
“What I’m looking for is a perfect man.”
“Why don’t you go into a convent.” 
“Smartass!”
I walked away from the hussy. 



Exploring Facets
By Rosemary E. Yanik

Coming of Age –
What does it mean?
To us?
To others?
To the world?
Have we arrived?
Do we know it all?
Do we understand our purpose?
Are we now in control?
Have we attained status?
Does it matter?
Do we have the right to make the rules?
Break the rules?
May we go our own way?
Believe what we want to?
Do we give up,
Give in, or
Go beyond?
Do we understand our gifts, our talents,
And use them wisely?
Do we realize how we should treat others?
Everyone?
Do we discern our path and 
Create a loving legacy?
Do we show compassion, forgive, comfort, and 
Live in grace?
Coming of age,
The wonder,
The spirit,
The celebration,
The journey,
The dream,
The hope,
The inspiration,
The joy of being.



Kaleidoscope of Being
By Rosemary E. Yanik

Coming of age
No matter what age our birthday makes us,
We are always coming of age-
A kaleidoscope of years.
Coming of age –
When within us a smile breaks through,
When a heart song carries us,
And we think outside ourselves.
Coming of age –
Seeing the beauty all around us,
Recognizing the good in ourselves and others
Using our gifts and talents to make a difference.
Coming of age –
Being self-sufficient, and independent, but caring;
Being bold but not forceful,
Loving ourselves and others when we least deserve it.
Coming of age –
Honoring our creative spirit 
Sharing our best beliefs and values,
Spending happy, quality time with loved ones.
Coming of age 
A kaleidoscope of years,
The when, the where,
The why, the how, the who.



I Lost A Friend Today
By Nancy Jones

I lost a friend today, and she is in my every thought.
Her friendship was so special, I feel only pain and naught.
My heart seems so very heavy, and my every breath is weak,
As I contemplate a life without her in a world so incomplete.
I viewed a photo of my friend, and saw the vibrant spirit,
I will never see again.
Her spirit seemed to mock me as it leaped right off the page,
Yet, quivered very brightly in thoughts of seeing me again.
Her face was bright with smiles, that always brought such cheer.
It illuminated the inner strength she possessed throughout the year.
The photo captured in the moment the friend I held so dear.
The essence of her being can never be erased,
As again I hear her untamed laughter vibrate through my space.
Her eyes, they snapped and sparkled and dared me to think once more,
Of the precious friend in heaven whose spirit will live forever more. 



Weather Report
By Gary Saunders

A winter storm is coming,
All are agreed…
This one’s not a guess- It’s coming for sure.
Making preparations…
To live without power,
With limited supplies.
Moving around will be a struggle;
Good neighbors will be a treasure;
And staying in touch with loved ones will be the spiritual lifeline.
And yet (those words of grace!)
There will be beauty,
Moments of awe and wonder,
For this is the world of nature;
And wonder – yes, delight! –
Is the nature of it.
And in this great mysterious unfolding,
Love will prevail.
So, fear not, my soul.
Yes, the storm is coming, as it must.
May I await it with a heart
Grateful for a life of blessings 
And trusting of peace at the last. 



Sunday Sunrise
By Gary Saunders

The sun prepares to make its appearance.
The rays are already bathing in the world, washing away the darkness.
I think of my loved ones, scattered, yet in their beds.
What treasures they are…
With Your dawn, wash them of the grime which life and living bring.
Scrub them with cleansing light,
That they may wake to this new day, this great opportunity,
With clean hearts and minds,
With energy, and delight, and good purposes.
Welcome, morning light. 
Do your stuff. 



Coming of Age
By Dorothy Ellis

Glancing back, I take look, my life is like a chapter book. 
As one chapter of my life unfolds, another awaits with wonders untold. 
So, let’s start at the beginning. Can you see me grinning? My head is really spinning!
How did time go so fast? My memory is failing, yet my mind keeps unveiling,
More reflections I’ve witnessed from my past. 
The chapter of my youth held such freedom and joy with most of my needs being met.
Simple fun was the mantra of the day. Playing hopscotch and skating till the sun had set.
Before I knew, I was a teen and thought I knew it all.
I met a boy and soon we wed. Our love I still recall.
We’ve been married for fifty-six years; shared seasons of love and reasons for tears.
We’ve had four lovely children and eight grandkids as well. 
Memories of precious times still make our hearts swell. 
What a decade was the 60s with memories galore. 
Looking back who could imagine what our nation had in store.
We lost a beloved president; a tragedy it’s true.
Still, God unfolds our history the way he’s meant to do.
As decades flew by, all became new for me to be a part of.
The first man on the moon, computers, cell phones, and 9/11, that broke our hearts.
My heart has been yearning for simpler days. So far, they’re nowhere in sight. 
Yet, at the start of each day, I continue to pray for God’s guidance in which I take delight. 
If coming of age means turning a page in my chapter book; who knows what’s in store?
Do I dare take a look at another page in this book? Yes, I pray that I will have more.
As I’ve come to this age, I’m reminded of a choice that each of us can make;
To look for the good as we travel with each other on this journey we all must partake. 

Time to Sound the Gong
By Martha (Marty) Hogle 

Where is the music, where is the song
What is the difference between right and wrong
When do we continue to fight, or sound the gong
When do we shake hands instead of a fist
When will kind words top the list
Will love and acceptance return again someday
Or will we continue to fight and kill, is this our way
Have we lost the method to make friends and trust 
And will these hate-filled acts continue to follow us
Can we cease to act in these moments of rage
Or can we finally admit we are coming of age
An age to inspire and not react with fire
It is time to bring kindness back in style 
Put an end to rude killing acts so vile
Put our childish behavior and tantrums aside
Grow up from within let the kindness in your heart swell with pride
Let’s start tomorrow with a giving heart filled with love
As we practice our lesson learned from above
We are blessed with the fact, we are “coming of age”



Another Chance
By Martha (Marty) Hogle

Absence doesn’t make the heart grow fonder
It only creates lonely hours to ponder 
Where have these precious moments gone, I wonder
They have fleeted by like the roaring thunder
Time in the past I can not recover
So close that book, it was only a cover
What memories remain are scraps of a page
Lights are dimming on our life’s stage 
Grab what is left, open up your cage
No more time for turmoil or rage 
The stage is now set you must engage 
You have waited forever it’s called “coming of age”
If you think this is the end you are so wrong
A new life begins today, you must come along 
Flip open the page, open your cage, go on that stage
It’s another chance to be “coming of age”



A Song Inside
By Barbara Gould

I knew there was a song inside. 
I heard the songs of love and loving;
They were of good, bad, and real;
Some were nonsense and fantasy;
Some were happy and some were sad.
I found that I was crying from the sad songs.
Looking under rocks as I went about my daily work,
One more time, I asked: Am I singing happy or sad?
I stopped my crazy world and finally I realized 
My song is a happy tune, and I don’t cry
When I hear love songs anymore.



Midnight and Jeopardy
By Nancy Wikoff Leetch

There was a black cat named Midnight,
She liked to watch Jeopardy!
With Nancy at night on the “tube”
She studied Lepidoptery!
Now Mid is seventeen,
(Over one hundred in human years)!
And loved to be held on my lap for a nap –
A Doyenne without tears.
Jeopardy meant “almost bedtime”
Water and food for the night;
And loud crimson PJs for Nancy 
And meowing as if in a fright?
One more event you must know;
On Tractor Pull Weekend years ago
Mid was “dropped off” on our street,
We took her in so sweet,
A little black ball of fur to add
To our life, who needed a Cat-less Home,
Never more to roam!

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.

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 

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!