Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 8, 1995 TAG: 9506090010
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-43 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
April 23-29 was National Volunteer Week, and I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the volunteers of Housecall Hospice.
Most people know that hospice provides a very special kind of care for terminally ill persons and their families, but it is less known that if it were not for volunteers, our hospice could not function. Even the federal government recognizes the importance of volunteers in the delivery of hospice care by requiring that Medicare-approved hospices use volunteers from their communities.
While Housecall Hospice employs paid professionals on our health teams, we also rely on volunteers to provide assistance at all levels of skill.
Nationally, about 100,000 people serve as hospice volunteers, but often the most important thing they can do is just ``be there for patients '' - to reassure them that they are not alone, to hold a hand, to offer a smile, or just to listen.
The strength and courage of patients provides a constant source of inspiration, and volunteers usually feel they receive more than they have been able to give.
We should all be grateful to our volunteers for the wealth of time and compassion they give for the betterment of our community.
Debbie Sullivan
Volunteer coordinator
Housecall Hospice
Salem
Dear Neighbors:|
I would like to let James McCorkindale, principal of Virginia Heights Elementary School, know how much he is appreciated. He gives a lot more than 100 percent of himself.
I have never brought my granddaughter Erika to school that McCorkindale wasn't outside helping children.
He makes the children feel special. He always has time for the children, whether it's a hug, a wave, a hello in the morning, or have a nice day in the afternoon.
Thank you, James McCorkindale for doing more than just a job, for taking a few extra moments to make a child smile!
Jean Lynch
Roanoke
Dear Neighbors:
Each year, the Knights of Columbus solicit for contributions at Kroger, Wal-Mart and K-Mart in the Roanoke Valley to provide financial support to organizations that assist citizens of Virginia with mental retardation. Since 1972, more than $3.3 million has been raised in Virginia.
Every year people ask me how much of the money that we collect actually goes to the mentally retarded. When I tell them 100 percent, they do not believe me and walk away.
Needless to say this hurts me, but those who give make up for the hurt. We are all volunteers, and we purchase the Tootsie Rolls - 50,000 this year - we give away.
From 1993 to 1995, Roanoke Council 562 raised more than $150,000 for organizations such as ARC Roanoke, Camp Virginia Jaycees, Goodwill, Tinker Mountain Industries, Presbyterian Home and Family Services, Developmental Center of Franklin County, Valley Association for Independent Living and many others in our area. But, you, the people of the valley, are the ones who must be thanked for giving $151,563 to help these wonderful self-help organizations.
God bless you all.
George Palmerio
Vinton
Dear Neighbors:
Will the Berglund Corp. commercialize all of Williamson Road area someday? When and where will it stop?
Some property owners on my street, including me, have lived on nearby Noble Avenue for 50 years. We are now on the edge of the effort to commercialize. I feel like I'm back in my old store in the Old Northeast section of the city. Never in my wildest dreams would I think I would again be faced with urban expansion at the expense of homeowners.
I returned from World War II, looking forward to returning to Roanoke and bought this home on Noble Avenue in 1946. When I moved to Roanoke in 1942, I fell in love with this city. We have always planned to spend the rest of our lives here on Noble Avenue.
Milton Edelman
Roanoke
Dear Neighbors:
As a member of the Roanoke Moose Lodge Final Tribute Staff, I have recently had the sad occasion of bidding farewell to two fraternal brothers.
At each funeral, a Salem police officer escorted the procession from John M. Oakey and Son in Salem to the cemetery, where he blocked traffic to permit an uninterrupted processional flow into the cemetery.
Funerals are sad events at best. But this courtesy by the Salem Police Department was that extra special touch that communicated a concern for each of these families in their hour of sorrow.
I am confident I speak for the family and friends of each of our departed brothers when I say thank you to the Salem Police Department.
Rodney A. Franklin
Roanoke
Dear Neighbors:
We in the Roanoke Valley have many things to be grateful for, not the least of which is the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salem.
Recently, I lost my father, a veteran of World War I, at the age of 102. He was exceptionally well until the day he collapsed and was rushed to the VA hospital. He was there for 13 days until he died.
During that time, my family and I were with him at the hospital many times each day. My father was not only provided the best medical attention, but both he and our family were treated with respect, consideration and caring. Everyone on the staff took time to answer questions, give us choices, and just talk - or listen.
There is never a good time to lose a parent, but our experience with the VAMC made a sad time much more bearable. Thank you to all of you at the hospital who helped my dad die with dignity.
This area is indeed fortunate to count this facility as one of the advantages of living in the Roanoke Valley.
Carol Taube Yosafat
Roanoke
by CNB