Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 25, 1995 TAG: 9505260005
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: N-19 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
People always seem to complain about the conditions here in Roanoke. A couple of years ago, someone stole my wheelchair, and the citizens of Roanoke came to a stranger's aid. Well, once again, I've had the chance to see the good in Roanoke.
Recently, on the way to my doctor's office, my pouch flew off the back of the wheelchair, which was on the back of my car. The pouch held a few items I need while traveling, nothing of great importance, but more of convenience.
I realized the pouch was missing just as the doctor walked into the room. He and his nursing staff started a search, including going out in the parking lot and checking around my car. Unfortunately, it was not found.
When I left the doctor's office, I retraced my route twice, figuring I would never see it again. As I walked into my home, I was greeted at the door by my son asking if I had lost the black pouch. The police at Roanoke Memorial Hospital had called saying that someone turned it in.
What makes this even more incredible was the fact that I was about a mile from the hospital. Also, nowhere in the pouch was my name or address, only a phone number.
When my son retrieved my missing property, every item was still in it.
In this day and age, the way society is, it's always nice when something good happens and can be passed on to the public. Once again, I thank the people of Roanoke. I don't know who turned it in, but if you're driving along and see a guy in a souped-up three wheel scooter, give a toot on the horn, and I'll wave my thanks!
Jim Kimball
Roanoke
Dear Neighbors:
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
by CNB