dvs a year in reviewveteransaffairs.ohio.gov/main/library/veterans-homes/...georgetown high school,...

DVS - A Year in Review

The Ohio Veterans Homes enjoyed

a big year in 2019 – one in which

support for each facility was rein-

forced by additional state funding,

visits from top government officials,

programs that honored military ser-

vice, activities old and new that en-

gaged the residents, and building

projects that improved the look and

feel of the Homes.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine began his

term in January 2019 and soon

made it clear that he deeply values

the role of the military and the state’s

commitment to serving those who

served. His signature on House Bill

166 served as approval to Ohio’s

new two-year operating budget,

which included a two-year increase

of more than $28 million for the Ohio

Veterans Homes, located in

Sandusky and Georgetown.

On March 29, the Governor visited

OVH-Sandusky on Vietnam Veter-

ans Day, offered remarks during a

ceremony to honor veterans of that

era, and took the time to traverse

rows of attendees at a packed Veter-

ans Hall to thank residents and their

loved ones for their service and

commitment. Accompanied by Ohio

Department of Veterans Services

Director Deborah Ashenhurst, for-

mer Director Tom Moe, and Briga-

dier General Todd Audet, Gov.

DeWine also presented veterans

with 50th anniversary lapel pins.

The following day, Director Ash-

enhurst and Brigadier General Steve

Stivers, a U.S. Congressman, did

the same thing for dozens of Vi-

etnam War-era vets at OVH-

Georgetown.

On Veterans Day, Gov. DeWine

made good on his pledge to visit

OVH-Georgetown, and he greatly

enjoyed interacting with the resi-

dents and school children who were

on hand to help commemorate the

service of the veterans. Among

those with which the Governor chat-

ted were 101-year-old Charles

Dawson, who stormed the beaches

of Normandy during World War II,

and 96-year-old Joe Whitt, a Pearl

Harbor survivor.

Each of the Homes also enjoyed

Christmas in July festivities that

were hosted by the Ohio Depart-

ment of Rehabilitation and Correc-

tion as well as several other pro-

grams that were held during the

actual holiday season. In fact, the

annual Dom Christmas Dinner on

Dec. 3 was a highlight with a great

turnout and entertainment provided

by the Sandusky High School Key-

notes and Bell Choir.

“The ambience and togetherness,

the time spent with each other, is so

meaningful during that time of year

to be with our vets in that environ-

ment,” said Domiciliary Administra-

tor Andrea Klausing.

OVH-Sandusky also arranged for

six of its residents to participate in

Honor Flight in 2019 as the group

went to Washington, D.C., to visit

military memorials and monuments

at the National Mall on June 29.

Off-site activities for Sandusky

residents included a golf outing,

charter boat fishing and sailing

ventures, trips to Put-In Bay, Sum-

mit Raceway Park, Cleveland Indi-

ans games, and much more.

Sandusky building and grounds

improvements in 2019 included

repairing outdoor benches, refur-

bishing the 1 North Memory Care

unit patio, and an HVAC project

that allows residents to now be

equipped with their own personal

thermostats. Similarly, Georgetown

is in the midst of a windows re-

placement project and improve-

ments have been made to areas

inside and out, including new paint

and furniture in the front lobby and

quiet rooms.

OVH-Georgetown also welcomed

many important visitors throughout

the year such as State Representa-

tive Doug Green, who has been

known to sign to residents on occa-

sion.

Among the many popular programs

there that honored residents past

and present was a Wreaths Across

America ceremony in December

and visits from the entertainment

troupe “Recreation.” Outings in-

cluded jaunts to Cincinnati Reds

games, fishing trips, a machinery

show, the Brown County Fair and a

car show.

THE VETERAN IS ELECTRONIC

The Veteran can be sent

electronically.

If you would prefer to receive The

Veteran via email or would like to

be on our mailing list, please

contact Kimberly Lewallen at

[email protected]

or [email protected].

MEMORIAL WALKWAY

Do you wish to honor a loved

one?

The Memorial Walkway is a place

to honor all members of the mili-

tary who gave their lives in the

line of duty and in the service of

this great nation, to recognize all

those who have in the past or

who are currently serving their

country, and to acknowledge the

contributions made by families,

companies and organizations to

the preservation of freedom.

4” x 8” brick with three lines of

engraving = $49.95

8” x 8” brick with six lines of

engraving= $95.00 —

Georgetown Only

For more information, please con-

tact:

Sandusky — Kimberly Lewallen

567-998-3948

Georgetown — Hanna Hopper

937-378-2900 ext. 2739

Superintendent’s Corner

Terry Prince, Superintendent

Fellow care partners, residents, families and volunteers,

Happy New Year and welcome to 2020. A new decade!

How many of you can remember where they were when

this millennium began…20 years ago? As we are set to

begin another decade, I wanted to say THANK YOU!

Thank you for all of your efforts and dedication to mak-

ing the Ohio Veterans Homes a great place to work and

live. I’m proud of all this team has done to create memo-

ries for our veterans and their families and personify

what it means to “Serve Those Who Served.”

The competition amongst skilled nursing care facilities in

the area is strong, but we have the team and resources

to continue to be the best. We have opportunities in the coming year to build on the

many initiatives that began or were enhanced in 2019.

Here are just a few of the initiatives we had success with in 2019:

The elimination of 8-hour mandate. On Mother’s Day 2019, OVH Sandusky success-

fully instituted a four-hour mandate program. This effort has resulted in improved mo-

rale, more volunteerism for open shifts and most importantly, better continuity of care

for our residents.

New construction. As of this writing, we have nearly completed installation of new

windows in every resident room. This represents an investment of $2.3 million, spon-

sored by the State of Ohio and the U.S. Department of Veterans Administration. Ad-

ditionally, OVH is in the middle of a $6 million project to replacing air handlers and

individual HVAC units in resident rooms.

Our Police Department improved parking to ensure residents and their families had

better access to the facility. Additionally, special parking was created for our volun-

teers to honor their service to OVH.

Improved staffing levels and resident experience in our memory care neighborhood.

Well over 100 employees were hired by our Human Resources team as they continue

to search for the best talent out there. In the Memory Care Neighborhood, a fourth

nurse aid was added on day shift. We also purchased a state-of-the-art interactive

television system to enhance the daily experience for veterans living on our memory

care floors.

For 2020, our focus will remain on our veterans, family members, care partners and

our volunteers through the following strategic initiatives:

Enhance Veterans Quality of Life

Improve Organizational Effectiveness

Be an Employer of Choice

Achieve a “6-Star” rating for Ohio Veterans Homes

We must continue to stay focused on our mission while also delivering memorable

experiences. People come to the Ohio Veterans Home for many reasons but mostly

because of quality people, and we know we have the best! We are grateful to all who

have a part in making the Ohio Veterans Home the amazing place it is.

Let’s make 2020 our best year ever!

Census Nursing Home -157 Demographics Male Residents - 150 Female Residents - 7 Oldest - 102 Youngest - 48

War Era Gulf War - 3 Korean War - 66 Vietnam - 54 WWII - 41

Branch of Service Army - 84 Marines - 18 Navy - 28 Air Force - 28 Coast Guard - 2

Georgetown Statistics

County Report

A Message from Linda Slone, Nursing Home Administrator

Georgetown

Adams - 10

Brown - 15

Butler - 3

Champaign-1

Clermont - 39

Clinton - 6

Cuyahoga - 1

Delaware-1

Erie - 3

Franklin - 15

Gallia - 1 Greene - 3

Guernsey - 1

Hamilton - 29

Highland - 9

Lawrence - 1

Licking - 1

Montgomery - 4

Morrow - 1

Noble - 1

Ottawa - 1

Ross - 1

Scioto - 2

Stark - 1

Summit - 1

Warren - 4

Washington - 1

Wayne - 2

PAGE 3

GEORGETOWN HAPPENINGS

Newtown

Veterans

Association

Donation

Lynn Berger of the Newtown

Veterans Association

stopped by with a very

generous donation of candy

bars and $1000 to supply

the Bingo cart on Monday,

October 28.

Lynn owns and operates

Berger Farms in Newtown

and every year they raise

money for the Veterans

Association.

This year they have chosen

the Ohio Veterans Home in

Georgetown to be the

recipient of the funds raised.

Earlier this fall they donated

12 new wheelchairs for the

home. We are very grateful

for the generosity of Lynn

and the Newtown Veterans

Association.

PAGE 4

The veterans at OVH Georgetown

enjoyed the Brown County Fair

held in September. Through

multiple visits to the fairgrounds,

veterans were able to enjoy all the

fair had to offer. They were able to

participate in the parade on

Monday, watch a Demolition Derby

on Tuesday, and walk around the

fairgrounds on Senior Day. They

were also honored to participate in

the Veterans recognition on

Thursday evening where ODVS

Director Debbie Ashenhurst was

the featured speaker.

The veterans had the opportunity

to enter some of their crafts into

various divisions at the fair. They

were very placed to win several

ribbons for their projects, including

Best of Show for our booth itself.

A special thank you to the students

from Ripley Union Lewis

Huntington High School,

Georgetown High School, Eastern

High School, and Western Brown

High School who were able to

come and escort our veterans

around the fairgrounds on

Thursday. Thank you to the Brown

County Fair Board for hosting this

wonderful week of activities for our

veterans to participate in.

Brown County Fair

Admissions The Ohio Veterans Home welcomed 11 new residents to our

Georgetown home this quarter. It is our sincere hope they will enjoy

living at the Ohio Veterans Home.

9/5 James Goodrich

9/11 Gerald Ellison

9/18 William Moran

9/20 Donald Thayer

10/10 Andrew Knight

10/13 Walter Mathews

10/26 Richard Gast

10/31 Charles Keith

11/3 Warren Hughes

12/12 Leonard Maddin

12/21 Willard Tabor

12/31 Glenn Moore


Alternative Breaks

Georgetown Taps

PAGE 5

The annual Amvets Picnic

occurred on September 14. The

veterans were honored once

again by several members of the

Amvets of Ohio who came out to

cook a meal and host a Bingo in

their honor.

This event included a nice

ceremony to kick start the meal,

then a cookout style meal

prepared by the Amvets.

During Bingo, veterans have the

opportunity to get to know the

members of the Amvets that

come from all over to enjoy this

event with our veterans.

Amvets Picnic

OVH-Georgetown was honored

to have a group of students

from Grand Valley State

University to spend a week

with us in December. This

group, part of an organization

called Alternative Breaks,

spends part of their winter

break with us each year

helping with various service

projects. Through their time

here, they form relationships

with our veterans and staff.

They are always a wonderful

group and we look forward to

their visit each year.

On October 9 John Hutchison from

Hutchison Farms visited the Ohio

Veterans Home in Georgetown to give

horse-drawn carriage rides to our

veterans.

John Hutchison raises Percheron

horses on his farm in Vinton County

Ohio. They work the farm together and

raise Christmas trees. He is a retired

school teacher and a college instructor

and began his horse-drawn wagon

business in 2005.

Veterans were able to enjoy a ride

around the property while John

provided them with information about

his horses and his business. Family

members and staff were also able to

participate in this unique opportunity.

We appreciate all of the work put in to making this possible for them!


DRC Christmas

Visit

Each year, the Department

of Rehabilitation and

Correction sends a group of

individuals to spread

Christmas cheer to our

veterans.

This group collects items

from their various work

locations to then bring to our

home and distribute to each

of our veterans.

Their generosity ensures

that every veteran receives

a gift from them and they

are able to deliver them to

each one.

Thank you to the DRC for

their generosity towards our

veterans each year.

Trick-or-Treat

PAGE 6

Horse and Carriage Rides

On Wednesday October 23, OVH-

Georgetown held its annual Trick-or-

Treat night.

Veterans were able to pass out

candy to kids who came dressed up

and would trick-or-treat down the

halls.

The veterans got the chance to

dress up and enjoy the children

dressed in costume. It serves as a

safe, dry place for kids to trick-or-

treat while providing our veterans

with the opportunity to visit with

children of all ages.

Thank you to everyone who donated

candy to help make this year’s trick-

or-treat a success.

Veterans Day


Miller-Coors Donation

On December 7, OVH

Georgetown had visitors from both

the Miller-Coors company and the

Ford plant in Cincinnati to donate

items to our veterans.

Veterans Day is always a special

day at OVH Georgetown. This

year, the event was made extra

special by all of the wonderful

guests in attendance.

OVH was very lucky to have a

very special guest Governor Mike

DeWine to visit our facility for our

event. He was accompanied by

two guests who were honored by

being recipients of the Ohio

Govenor’s Excellence in Service

Award Serving Ohio’s Veterans.

These two individuals, Pete Cline

and Terese Hurin, traveled to our

facility for the event and to receive

their awards.

PAGE 7

We were also honored to have

ODVS Director Debbie

Ashenhurst speak at our program.

The stars of the show were

students from St. Veronica School

who game to perform a series of

patriotic songs for our veterans.

Thank you to all of our honored

guests for coming and showing

appreciation for our veterans. A

very special thank you to the

teachers, staff, and students at St

Veronica’s School for all the time

and effort put into the program to

put on for our veterans.

.

These companies collected items

such as toiletries, cards, gift sets

and money to donate to our

veterans. The individuals from

Miller-Coors were able to donate

several cases of beer to our

facility for our veterans to enjoy.

A very special thank you to the

UAW Local 2308, Miller-Coors

Veterans Organization, Ford

Veterans organization, and all

those who helped make this

donation possible. We are very

thankful for the extra Christmas

cheer you were able to provide

for our veterans.

Wreaths Across America

Each December, a Saturday is

selected as National Wreaths

Across America Day. The day is

set with a mission to Remember,

Honor and Teach and is carried

out by coordinating a wreath-laying

ceremony at Arlington National

Cemetery with more than 1,400

additional locations in all 50 states,

at sea, and abroad.

OVH-Georgetown was honored to

be one of those locations where

the ceremony was held on

December 14. Superintendent

Terry Prince helped kick off the

event by introducing all of our

honored guests. The Ohio

Department of Rehabilitation and

Correction came down to join us

with their Honor Guard for the

ceremony. Representative Doug

Green was present to sing the

National Anthem, as well as Girl

VFW District 4

Christmas Visit

On December 14, VFW District

4 came to visit the veterans at

OVH-Georgetown.

They brought with them a card

for each veteran and a check to

put $20 in every veterans

spending account. This

wonderful Christmas gift for our

veterans is much appreciated

and will be utilized by the

veterans for whatever they

want or need.

Thank you to the VFW District

4 and all of the posts that

contribute to this district for

your continued support of our

home.


PAGE 8

Scout Troop 49739 to lead the

Pledge of Allegiance. Retired

Colonel Danny Bubp was the

speaker for the event. Employee

and veteran Terry Anderson

presented the wreath along with

resident and veteran Thomas

Euphrat.

After the ceremony, those who

could visited our Veterans

Memorial Pathway where 41

wreaths were placed in memory of

those veterans who have passed

away at our home.

Thank you to all of those who

helped make this event possible,

including Ian Cunningham and

Gary Duffield of the Sons of the

American Revolution. We also

want to extend a special thank

you to all of the donors who

donated to purchase the wreaths

that were placed at our facility.

Veterans Christmas Party

Our veterans had their annual

Christmas party on December

18.

Entertainment was provided by

The Kentucky Country Duo,

while drinks and appetizers

were served.

Veterans received a

personalized gift during this

time purchased by the

Activities Department. These

gifts were made possible

because of multiple donors

listed below:

DAV Chapter 63, DAV Chapter

63 Auxiliary, DAV Auxiliary

Department of Ohio, Amvets of

Ohio, American Legion Post

Gifts for Yanks

The annual donation from the

American Legion Gifts for

Yanks occurred on December

14.

American Legion members

from all over the state,

including the State

Commander, came to

participate in passing gifts to

each of our veterans at OVH

Georgetown.

The JROTC Students from

Greenfield also came to

participate as a special treat for

our veterans.


PAGE 9

The gifts were book bags filled

with cups, pill boxes, hats, and a

puzzle book for each of our

veterans.

Thank you to all who helped

make this gift and day possible

for our veterans.

OVH Georgetown appreciates

your continued support year

after year to help ensure our

veterans feel so very special at

Christmas time.

694, AFF, VFW Post 3954,

VFW District 4D, Clermont

County Veterans Services,

American Legion Post 325,

VFW Post 8287, Vietnam

Veterans of American Chapter

649, Southern Ohio Veterans

Home Volunteer Committee,

and the Resident Benefit Fund.

Thank you to all of these

donors who helped make these

gifts possible for our veterans.

A special thank you to

American Legion Post 694 for

their donation to help provide

food for our veterans to enjoy

at the Christmas Party.

GEORGETOWN ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PAGE 9

Thank you for your generosity and support. You are deeply appreciated by the veterans, families, and staff at

the Home. These gifts will enhance the quality of life of our residents.

GENERAL FUND

American Legion Aux., Georgetown

Tom Clemmons, Hillsboro

American Legion, Mowrystown

Solid Rock Church, Lebanon

Sons of American Revolution,

Cincinnati

Daughters of American Revolution,

Cincinnati

In Memory of Gerald Ellison

John & Barbara Steele, Ripley

In Memory of Roger Miller

Janet Miller, Georgetown

Volunteer Committee

American Legion 406, Bethel

American Legion 755, Sardinia

American Legion 180, Georgetown

Barns to Birds, Georgetown

Beyond Exercise, Cincinnati

Bob Knueven, Fayetteville

DAV 123, Hillsboro

FOE 2197, Cincinnati

Highland County Retired Teachers

Association, Hillsboro

Miller Coors, LLC, Hamilton

MOPH 3620, Hamilton

MOPH Auxiliary 3620, Hamilton

American Legion Aux 694, Mowrystown

UAW Local 2308, Hamilton

VFW 3954, Batavia

VFW District 4D, Cincinnati

VVA Chapter 649, Batavia

Birthday/Holiday Cards

DAR, Georgetown

Hamersville Baptist Church,

Hamersville

DAV Aux Chapter #63, Clermont

VFW Auxiliary 8202, Morrow

Laurel Oaks Career Campus,

Wilmington

Big Lots Stores, Columbus

Christy Hancock, Fairfield

Phyllis Paeltz, Ripley

Jarrod Demski, Toledo

Mt Orab Middle School, Mt Orab

In-Kind Donations

Georgetown Baptist Church,

Georgetown

National Society of the Sons of the

American Revolution, South Lebanon

Payden McCarthy, Sardinia

Newtown Veterans Association,

Newtown

Family Dollar Store, Russellville

Milacron, Batavia

DAR, Sycamore Chapter

Brown County Public Library,

Georgetown

Georgetown Elementary 2nd Grade,

Georgetown

VFW of Ohio Charities

Kelsey Doss, Sardinia

Mike Mills, Georgetown

Mt Tabor UMC, Ewing

Miller/Coors, Hamilton

Ford Motor Co, Liberty Township

Louiso Feed & Seed, Batavia

Boy Scout Troop #425, Georgetown

Ellen Parker, Georgetown

Entertainment/Parties/Outings

Carissa Martus, Russellville

Grounded Music, Brown County

American Legion Aux., Ripley

Ohio Elks Assoc., Georgetown

IN-KIND DONATIONS

General Fund

VFW 4736, Greenfield

DAV, Fairfield

Ohio VFW Aux, Columbus

American Legion Auxiliary, Russellville

Fairview Church, Georgetown

Christmas Fund

123rd ACS Blue Ash Top 3, Cincinnati

Gifts for Yanks of Ohio

VFW, Columbus

American Legion 17, Gibsonburg

AFF

American Legion 694, Mowrystown

AMVETS, Cincinnati

Clermont Co Veterans Services

DAR, Georgetown

DAV Chapter 63, Batavia

DAV Auxiliary of Ohio

DAV Auxiliary Chapter 63, Batavia

American Legion, Manchester

VFW, Manchester

VFW District 4D, Cincinnati

VVA 649, Batavia

VFW 3954, Batavia

Handicap Swing Fund

American Legion Department of Ohio

Adopt-a-Vet Fund

James Robinson, Georgetown

Fraternal Order of Eagles, Cheviot

Activity Fund

Tri-State Chevelles, Dayton

Ohio State Eagle Charity Fund,

Beavercreek

Newtown Veterans Association,

Newtown

American Legion 633, Seaman

VFW, Felicity

Entertainment Fund

Sons of American Legion 288,

Williamsburg

IN-KIND DONATIONS

MEMORIAL DONATIONS

VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE

Sandusky

PAGE 11

the largest nursing home in

Ohio. Angie’s office is located

in Nursing Administration in the

Secrest Building. Please stop

by and make her feel welcome.

When you visit OVH, if you

have not noticed, we have re-

cently put up put up several

“Shout out Boards” for others to

share a kind message. As it

says on the boards: “One kind

word can change someone’s

entire day”. We need to keep

this in mind as we see the many

great things happening at the

OVH! The “Shout out Boards”

are located next to the Chapel

near the

Secrest

main en-

trance,

across for

the Audi-

torium,

and in the

Peacock

Hallway

next to the VA Benefit Coordina-

tor’s offices. Please feel free to

share a kind word!

Michael D. Freeman, L.N,.H.A.,

M.B.A.

A Message from Michael Freeman, Nursing Home Administrator

I want to wish each of you a

Happy New Year! I am excited

about the things ahead in 2020.

I want to take this opportunity to

welcome our new Director of

Nursing, Angie Williams, R.N., to

the OVH Family in Sandusky!

Angie brings to us a very long

career as a Registered Nurse,

much of which has been in long

term care as a Director of Nurs-

ing, Regional Director of Nurs-

ing, as well as a Regional MDS

Coordinator. With these accom-

plishments, Angie brings to OVH

a wealth of knowledge as she

leads the Nursing Department in

A Message from Andrea Klausing, Domiciliary Administrator

party the staff and volunteers

proudly get to serve those that

served. This year’s party was

well attended! The dinner as

well at the entertainment by the

Sandusky High School Key-

notes and Bell Choir was truly

enjoyed by all. What a special

time of the year to spend with

very special people, our Veter-

ans. I do not know who looks

forward to this evening more.

The staff or the Veterans? It is

an honor for our staff to engage

with our Veterans during the

Holidays, and throughout the

entire year.

Here’s looking to 2020 and what

can make this upcoming year

even

bet-

ter. If

you

or

someone you know is interested

in learning more about our Inde-

pendent and Supervised Living

options, please contact us! We

would love for you to be part of

our community!

The Ohio Veterans Homes Dom-

iciliary located in Sandusky,

Ohio has experienced an amaz-

ing year with our staff and Veter-

ans who work and reside in our

Independent and Supervised

living areas. This year has

brought upgrades to our heating

and cooling systems, windows,

and updated furnishings in many

of our common areas. In addi-

tion, the Domiciliary received no

citations in the area of clinical

standards during the annual Vet-

erans Administration Survey.

We had our “Family Style,”

Christmas party which started

fourteen years ago at the re-

quest of our Veterans. At this

SANDUSKY HAPPENINGS

9/11 Richard Auer

9/11 Richard Rule

9/12 Jack Pettit

9/16 David Daniels

9/16 Charles Hill

9/17 Richard Duche

9/20 Paul Bellon

9/24 Eugene Fitzthum

9/26 Raymond Baker

9/27 Jesse Mayhand

9/30 Arthur Smrcina

10/1 James Balint

10/2 James Andres

10/3 Robert Petersen

10/6 Dewey Kerr

10/11 James Snyder

10/17 James Stephens

10/21 Thomas Davenport

10/23 Edward Gongaware

10/28 Fred Collar

11/1 Donald Haughton

11/4 Michael Stewart

11/4 William Croft

11/9 Daniel Kuszmaul

11/12 George Schlosser

11/14 Henry Game

11/17 Gordon Meggitt

11/27 Herman Berry

11/27 Robert Robinson

11/27 John Santa

11/30 Leonard Jagoda

Sandusky Statistics Census

Veterans Hall - 135

Nursing Home - 391

Demographics

Male Residents - 500

Female Residents - 26

Oldest - 101

Youngest - 47

War Era

Gulf War - 20

Korean War - 128

Vietnam - 299

WWII - 80

Branch of Service

Army - 255

Marines - 47

Navy - 137

Air Force - 78

Coast Guard - 6

County Report

Allen - 1

Ashland - 4

Welcome

The Ohio Veterans Home welcomed 34 new residents to our

Sandusky home this quarter. It is our sincere hope they enjoy

living at the Ohio Veterans Home.

Sandusky Taps

PAGE 12

Ashtabula - 2

Belmont - 1

Carroll - 1

Crawford - 2

Cuyahoga - 128

Darke - 1

Defiance - 3

Delaware - 1

Erie - 54

Franklin - 13

Fulton - 2

Geauga - 3

Greene - 1

Guernsey - 2

Hamilton - 2

Hancock - 6

Harrison - 1

Henry - 1

Holmes - 3

Huron - 16

Jackson - 1

Jefferson - 1

Knox - 2

Lake - 20

Licking - 5

Logan - 2

Lorain - 50

Lucas - 8

Mahoning - 3

Marion - 1

Medina - 11

Mercer - 1

Monroe - 1

Ottawa - 18

Paulding - 1

Portage - 5

Richland - 9

Sandusky - 19

Seneca - 12

Stark - 5

Summit - 13

Trumbull - 6

Tuscarawas - 1

Union - 3

Van Wert - 1

Washington - 1

Wayne - 2

Williams - 1

Wood - 13

Wyandot - 4

SANDUSKY HAPPENINGS

PAGE 13

Wreaths Across America

Ohio Veterans Home -

Sandusky held the annual cere-

monial wreath laying on Decem-

ber 14 and noon.

Dozens of people placed

wreaths on the tombstones over

the weekend to honor the sacri-

fices made by the men and

women in the military.

The Lake Erie Shores chapter of

the Blue Star Moms organized

the laying of the wreaths as part

of the national Wreaths Across

America event. They hosted a

ceremony in Veterans Hall.

“The freedoms we enjoy today

came at a price,” chapter presi-

dent Elaine Brock said during a

ceremony in the Veterans Hall.

“Cemeteries like the one here

walked to the cemetery to lay

wreaths at the grave of veter-

ans. It was an emotional experi-

ence for many people.

Chris Steenstra places a wreath

on a grave at the Ohio Veterans

Home on Saturday, Dec. 14, for

Wreaths Across America.

“My grandfather was in the ser-

vice, and he passed away,” said

Chris Steenstra as she held

back tears. “It’s nice to be a part

of this and to help ensure veter-

ans are remembered.”

The Blue Star Moms hope to

one day raise enough money to

place a wreath on every grave

at the Ohio Veterans Home.

are filled with those who sacri-

ficed their lives to keep us free.”

U.S. Army Veteran and Mar-

garetta High School principal

Rod Smith gave a speech after

veterans laid a wreath for every

branch of the military.

Smith spoke about how he was

inspired to enlist in the military

because of the pride his grand-

mother felt for his uncle who

died in Vietnam while serving

as a medic.

“That love and pride of my

grandmother filled my own

heart, and I knew I had to

serve,” Smith said. “We all have

stories to share.”

After the ceremony finished

with a 21-gun salute, attendees

The Ohio Veterans Home

Volunteer Advisory Commit-

tee (OVH-VAC, Inc.) is a 501

(c)3 established solely for

providing goods and services

to the Ohio Veterans Home

for the benefit of its residents.

The following organizations

donated to OVH-VAC, Inc.

American Legion 99, Toledo

AMVETS Auxiliary Dept. of

OH

AMVETS 12, Massillon

AMVETS 27, Bucyrus

AMVETS 55, Sheffield Lake

AMVETS 112, Newton Falls

AMVETS 162, Wellington

Sons of AMVETS Dept. of OH

Sons of AMVETS 17,

Sandusky

Catholic War Veterans 1905,

Sandusky

Vietnam Veterans of America

Chapter 774, Sandusky

Richard & Kay Wensink

Elks 2295, Pt. Clinton

VFW 1662, Amherst

DAV Chapter 16, Sandusky

Elks Auxiliary 2295, Pt. Clin-

ton

Army & Navy Union USA

Dept. of Ohio

American Legion Aux. 41,

Norwalk

Dotty Wright, Huron

Daughters of Union Veterans,

Lakeside

When contributing to our 501

(c)3, please make your check

payable to OVH-VAC, Inc.

Brenda Henrichsen, Chair

DONATIONS

TO OVH-VAC

PAGE 14

SANDUSKY HAPPENINGS

For the fourth year, greeting card

entrepreneur, Heather Bodle was

able to share a personal Veterans

Day message with over 2,800 veter-

ans.

In all, over 25 schools and organiza-

tion colored and signed the cards,

$2,815 was donated to veterans in

various Veterans Home throughout

the United States, and over 85 busi-

nesses, individuals and organiza-

tions sponsored cards.

Recipients of the cards include Ohio

Veterans Home, Charlotte Hall Vet-

erans Home, Texas State Veterans

Homes, Veterans Homes of Califor-

nia, Ventura State of Michigan

Grand Rapids Home for Veterans,

Western Kentucky Veterans Center,

Western Kentucky Veterans Center,

West Virginia Veterans Home, West

Virginia Nursing Facility.

Thank you Written Inspirations for

your continued dedication.

Written Inspirations

The Sandusky Junior Arts Academy Hand Bell Choir

performed on December 10.

SANDUSKY HAPPENINGS

Fall Activities

OVH Volunteers Paul Pelham and Mick Henry place

flags on headstones for Veterans Day.

The OVH Veterans Day Program was attended by

many students from the Perkins School District.

The Grinch and his Elf visited OVH for Christmas.

Bella Smith, Kaylee Lewallen,

and Skylar Collins enjoy Trick or

Treat Night at OVH.

Officer Kaiden entertained staff and residents during OVH Trick or Treat.

Domiciliary residents were treated to a formal catered

Christmas dinner served by DVS and OVH Administration.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

American Legion & American Legion Auxiliary

The holiday season was a special time at the Ohio Veterans Homes. We give our sincere apprecia-

tion to those who remembered our veterans. The photos on the following pages represent just a few

of the many groups and individuals that shared their time with our residents. Special thanks to the

American Legion Gifts for Yanks, American Legion Auxiliary, AMVETS, AMVETS Auxiliary, Sons of

AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, VFW, and VFW Aux-

iliary for their wonderful holiday parties and handouts. The OVH representatives, deputies, and their

supporters outdid themselves again this year.

The Ohio Veterans Home is extremely fortunate to be remembered by well over a one hundred com-

munity groups, churches, schools and individuals that took up collections of gifts, personal care items

and monetary donations.

For a complete list of donors, please be sure to read our donor listing on pages 18 and 19 of this edi-

tion and look for additional donor recognition in the Spring edition of The Veteran.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

AMVETS & AMVETS Auxiliary

VFW & VFW Auxiliary

Sandusky Acknowledgements

Activities

George & Nancy Eyestone, Nevada

Thomas & Ardella Babb, Fostoria

American Legion #211, Avon Lake

DAV State of Ohio, Columbus

Chapel Fund

Bennett Jones, Sandusky

Douglas Fulton, Sandusky

Sarah Jordan, Sandusky

Rev. Paul Birmingham, Sandusky

Common Area Fund

American Legion Department of Ohio

Elks Lodge #53, Toledo

Entertainment Fund

Jeep Veterans Committee, Toledo

General Fund

Stanley Harris, Sandusky

VFW #4736, Greenfield

Kenneth & Judith Cudnik, Wickliffe

North Central AA, Sandusky

AMVETS #55, Sheffield Lake

Armed Forces of America MC, New

Concord

AMVETS #1312, Columbus

AMVETS #27, Bucyrus


AMVETS #1991, Defiance

American Legion #639, Toledo

MOCA Grand of Ohio

VFW #6519, Chardon

Knights of Columbus Ohio State

Council

VFW #1078, Bucyrus

VFW #8598, Swanton

Paul Hennessy, Sandusky

DAV #100, Bucyrus

Thomas & Gretchen Schultz, Maumee

Garrett Gaietto, Tiffin

Donald & Maureen Droba, Westlake

John & Laura Siliko, Medina

James & Rita Curtis, CA

MONETARY DONATIONS

General Fund

Amcor Rigid Packaging

VFW #1078, Bucyrus

Elks Lodge #169, Fremont

Little Flower Alter-Rosary Society,

Toledo

Michael & Susan Mikusa, Kent

Sons of the American Legion #320,

Maumee

DAV #81, Ashland

VFWA #7647, N. Olmsted

Lewis & Eloise Reinhart, Fostoria

Martha Tovar, Sandusky

AMVETS #112, Newton Falls

Hygiene Fund


Lady Veterans Fund

American Legion Aux. #29, Za-

nesville

Museum Fund

Donald Edwards, Norwalk


Westlake Community Services

Fay Pickering, Westlake

Carmen Marin, Westlake

Elaine Beck, Galion

Ruth Steele, Sandusky

Darlene Michalski, Amherst

American Legion Auxiliary #83

Galion Elks #1191, Galion

Judy Sanders, Galion

VFW #7424, Wauseon

First Presbyterian Church, Perrysville

Daughters of Union Veterans, Galion

AMVETS #1991, Defiance

American Legion Aux. 240, Luckey

AMVETS #1979, Galion


Wilbur Wright School, Middleburg

Hts.

Debbie Papay, Maumee

Chris Mis, N. Royalton

Kathy Loeffler, Maumee

Bogart Elementary, Castalia

Mt. Zion UMC, Bucyrus

Knights of Columbus, Perrysburg

Chase STEM Academy, Toledo

Big Walnut Intermediate School

Doris Coleman, Tiffin

Greater Cleveland Young Marines

Central Elementary, Lexington

Venice Heights Elementary,

Sandusky

Trinity United Methodist, Pt. Clinton

Bataan Intermediate School, Pt. Clin-

ton

Tiffin Columbian High School, Tiffin

Saint Anselm School, Chesterland

Rossford High School, Fremont

Kent State University, Warren

Hancock Elementary, Sandusky

Florence Schroeder, Leipsic

Wynford Elementary, Bucyrus

Miscellaneous Items

John Hensley, Sandusky

Ray Beursken, Vermilion

Douglas Allen, Norwalk

Tina Ody, Avon

Perry Mason, Fremont

Toledo Correctional Institution,

Toldeo

Diane Price, Pt. Clinton

Caroline Kristoff, Lakeside

Jeff Adams, Sandusky

Goodwill, Bellevue

Mary Jeanne Koehler, Kirtland

Martha Bowen, Fremont

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Bohland, Marble-

head

Written Inspirations, Sandusky

Jennifer McKinnon, Huron

Anna Lee Treher, Brookpark

IN-KIND DONATIONS MONETARY DONATIONS

PAGE 18

IN-KIND DONATIONS

Sandusky Acknowledgements

Personal Care Items

Knights of Columbus #386, Toldeo

St. Jude School, Elyria

NOMS Podiatry, Sandusky

Gloria Nelson, Sycamore

Colonel Crawford Schools, Crestline

In Memory of Don Barth

John Maillard, Vickery

Sue Cloak, Huron

Arhur Gerold, Huron

Richard & Karol Griffiths, Sandusky

In Memory of Edward Kohler

Carol Dedrick, Painesville

Mark & Kimberlee Hemminger, Ak-

ron

In Memory of Neil Galloway

R.J. & D.A. Kosmerl, Rocky River

Eileen Nageotte-Wilk, Bay Village

Bill David, N. Ridgeville

Barbara Gripshover, University Hts.

Isabel Hilliard, Cleveland

Ann Busch, Mentor

George Maher, Mentor

In Memory of John Kleban

Lynda Corea, S. Euclid

Cynthia Polzin, N. Royalton

Barry & Arlene Fetzer, NC

In Memory of William Morris

Rita Thayer, Milan

Barbara Wagner, Sandusky

Carol & Clayton Cline, Vermilion

Bonnie Majoy, Huron

Margaret Kuhl, Sandusky

Thank you for your generosity and support. You are deeply appreciated by the veterans, families and staff at

the Home. These gifts will enhance the quality of life of our residents.

In Memory of George Borato

Alfred & Josette Oldenburg, Rocky

River

Lake Erie Machine N. Ridgeville

Irene Zito, Rocky River

In Memory of Bill Johnson

William & Patricia Johnson, Swanton

In Memory of Bill Shover

Benjamin & Barbara Truchon, Nor-

walk

Bruce & Sharon Warner, Huron

Carl & Catherine Koesters, Ft. Recov-

ery

Darrell & Denise Gray, Monroeville

Evelyn Schlipf, TX

Dan Dickman, Marion

Cliff Edwards, Marion

Peggy & Mark Gebelle, Berlin Hts.

Alvin Buggele, Milan

Ken & Kathy Corso, Milan

Linda Frey, New Bavaria

Vacationland Federal Credit Union

In Memory of Lewis Whitacre

Glenn & Susan Peterson, Vermilion

In Memory of Antionette Marmar

Sheila & Edward Wooten, Toledo

In Memory of Charles Hill, Jr.

Landis Hill, Pt. Clinton

In Memory of Harry McDaniel

Marianne Dawson, Loudonville

Harry & Judy Varner, Shreve

In Memory of Charles Gaiser

Rebecca Jaessing Trust, Maumee

Rita Brauneck, Lakewood

IN-KIND DONATIONS MEMORIAL DONATIONS MEMORIAL DONATIONS

Miscellaneous Items

Vietnam Veterans of American #774,

Sandusky

First Christian Church, Newton Falls

MOCA #92, Painesville

Sit and Stitch Quilt Guild, Vermilion

Eva Castillo, Pt. Clinton

Carol Jean Miller, Pt. Clinton

VFW #2529, Sandusky

Ida Belle Good, Loudonville

CVMA CH 12-5, Shiloh

Carlyn Wise, Huron

Jeff Rechenbach, Westlake

VFW #8732, Oak Harbor

Derotha Moore, Cleveland

Mt. Carmel UMC, Clyde

Sue Smith, Clyde

Trinity Lutheran Church, Monroeville

ChooChoo’s Coffee Shop, Lagrange

Tim Hicks, Sandusky

AMVETS Auxiliary #69, Fostoria

Don Haughton Family, Elyria

Jim Powers, Sandusky

Meandering Quilters, Columbus

Gene Lenhart, Sandusky

AMVETS #27, Bucyrus

Udith Koepke, Amherst

Personal Care Items

Our Lady Queen of Peace, Grafton

KOC, Grafton

Danielle Scheetz, Grafton

American Legion Aux. 250, Sycamore

Christ Community Church, Hudson

Elks, Lexington

Elks Lodge #53, Toledo

VFWA, Perrysville

Alice Sanz, Lakeville

Doug & Rosemary Shirk, Bellville

Barb Przybylowicz, Amherst

Bradner Village Watch Block, Bradner

Blue Star Mothers #26, Fairview Park

PAGE 19

MEMORIAL DONATIONS

Standard

Pre-Sort

US Postage Paid

Sandusky OH

44870-5598

Permit No 45

3416 COLUMBUS AVENUE

SANDUSKY, OHIO 44870

PHONE (419) 625-2454

FAX: (419) 609-2587

Contact Us

Give us a call for more information

about our services or to submit an

article.

Ohio Veterans Home Sandusky

3416 Columbus Ave.

Sandusky, OH 44870

(419) 625-2454

Ohio Veterans Home

Georgetown

2003 Veterans Blvd. Georgetown,

OH 45121

(937) 378-2900

Visit us on the web at

www.ohioveteranshome.gov

ADMISSION INFORMATION

Who Can Live at the Ohio Veterans Homes?

Eligibility Requirements

Resident of Ohio for 1 year

Honorably discharged

Served on active duty during a period of a declared war or conflict

Disabled by disease, wounds or otherwise and are unable to earn a living

For more information, please contact:

1-866-Ohio-Vet

Option 1—Independent or Supervised Living — Sandusky

Option 2—Nursing Home — Sandusky or Georgetown

Option 3—Memory Care — Sandusky or Georgetown

The admission application is also available online at

www.ohioveteranshome.gov

“Serving those who served”

dvs a year in reviewveteransaffairs.ohio.gov/main/library/veterans-homes/...georgetown high school,...

Documents