Heroes ‘make life better for the rest of us’

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The American Red Cross, Seneca County Branch, wrapped up Red Cross Awareness Month by recognizing "Everyday Heroes" Friday morning at Elizabeth Schaefer Auditorium. Artwork by Bridges Academy students served as table decorations.

County Commissioner Ben Nutter gave the introductory remarks

He also read nomination letters describing each person or group being honored.

"Heroes are those people who, time and time again, simply do the right thing. They realize the great responsibility that goes along with living in a free society. ... They are the ones who make life better for the rest of us," Nutter said.

Next Chuck Wolf, chairman of the Red Cross Advisory Board, introduced seven other members of the board in attendance, as well as the new executive director, John Sherer. Sherer reviewed the services his agency offers.

The ceremony began with a Community Recognition Award to the late Richard J. Wright, founder and former owner of radio station WTTF. Wright served on the boards of Mercy Hospital of Tiffin and National City Bank. An active member of Rotary Club, he also supported many charitable causes and served as an advisor to various city bodies. Ann Wright accepted the posthumous award on behalf of her husband.

Another award was made to Barbara Jacoby, who is retiring from the Red Cross Advisory Board. Jacoby was the chairman for Seneca County blood services for more than 25 years. Chuck Wolf made the presentation.

The 2009 Everyday Heroes

* "Dominic's Team." - This group of educators and therapists at Krout School has been of great assistance to Dominic Consolo, a kindergarten student who suffers from sensory perception disorder. His mother nominated those who have made an effort to learn about the boy's condition and to find ways to help him learn in a typical school setting.

* Paul and Patricia Berman - The parents of a daughter who attends the Opportunity Center, the Bermans have become advocates for people with disabilities. They prepare food for support groups and transport individuals to Seneca Arrows sports contests and other school events. Paul also announces each of the basketball players at the home games.

* Bonnie Boroff - League of Women Voters, Tiffin Seneca Public Library board, OSU Master Gardeners, Metropolitan Housing Board, Mercy Hospital, and the Ambassador's Club are some of the organizations in which Boroff is active. After recovering from a serious health emergency, she was back into activities to serve her church and community.

* Detective Charles Boyer - In 1996, Boyer became the coordinator of the Seneca County Drug Task Force - METRICH Enforcement Unit. He has been responsible for apprehending and charging hundreds of drug dealers and for keeping large quantities of controlled substances out of the community.

* Oral Kirby - A senior citizen, Kirby is not content to relax in retirement. For the past nine years she has lived at Kiwanis Manor, she has engaged in many activities at the residence and its senior center. She also volunteers with the Eagles Auxiliary and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. In her 35 years with the VFW, she has served in a variety of offices at the local and state level.

* Helen Kuhn - Retired from the Opportunity Center, Kuhn has been a fixture at the Ecumenical Sharing Kitchen since its inception more than 20 years ago. In addition coordinating volunteers, planning menus, and preparing food, she also takes time to interact with the guests.

* Sandra McElhatten - Caring for people is a livelihood for this nurse, but she also finds time to make and donate crafts for various fundraisers, volunteer at her children's school, donate blood, and recycle. Recently, she used her nursing skills to save the life of a child who was choking.

* Dianne Pytel - The current education director at The Ritz Theatre, Pytel has been responsible for introducing many young people to the stage. She has directed dozens of productions at The Ritz and trained other people to direct shows. Giving tours and workshops at The Ritz are other tasks she has done. Pytel has directed fall dramas at Columbian High School and for the teen actors now known as The Ritz Theatre Teen Thespian Guild.

* William Riley - An outdoor enthusiast, Riley has participated in water quality monitoring in the Sandusky River and clean-up activities. Many disabled people have been able to experience hunting with Riley's assistance. He also has recruited other volunteers for these activities to conserve the environment and to teach conservation to youth.

* James Shank - Since 1991, Shank has been a volunteer for Community Hospice Care. He has helped at fundraising events, entered data into the computer and done repairs in the CHC office. In addition to clearing snow from the walks at CHC, he also cleans the walks for some elderly neighbors.