Poland man to be honored as an exceptional caregiver

The award winner helps an 84-year-old maintain her independence.
POLAND -- Robert Walters believes that the volunteer work he performs each week is nothing special.
"I'm not doing anything extraordinary," the Poland resident said.
The Ohio Department of Aging disagrees. Walters is one of 12 individuals who will be receiving the 2005 Elder Caregivers Award during a ceremony in the Statehouse at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
The perfect recipient
"Robert fit the parameters of the award perfectly," said Chuck Schiffhauer, a project coordinator for Volunteer Services Agency in Youngstown and the person who nominated Walters.
"For the Elderly Caregivers Award you have to be a volunteer who is over 60 years old or volunteer for someone over 60. Bob fits both categories."
A retiree from LTV Steel, Walters spends one day a week assisting an 84-year-old woman who wishes to remain independent and live in her own home but can no longer drive.
"I take her to the beauty shop," Walters said, dismissing his assistance as anything special. He also takes her to doctor appointments and helps her with tasks she cannot complete herself.
Out in the community
Walters' volunteering doesn't stop there. He delivers food to the elderly through the Meals on Wheels program; he is a "hugger" at Special Olympics events; he volunteers with the Knights of Columbus, raising funds for the mentally retarded; and he works every month at bingo sponsored by the Mahoning County Council for Retarded Citizens, along with various other philanthropic efforts.
"He is more than willing to help anybody with anything," said Walters' wife, Elaine.
A father's love
Much of Walters' volunteer work is inspired by his son, John, who is mentally retarded.
"John's condition is such that he has always required considerable care and constant attention," Schiffhauer wrote in his nomination. "Not only have John and Elaine always devoted themselves to his care, but they also play proactive leadership roles in support of mental health issues in our community."
John graduated from Leonard Kirtz School 10 years ago. He works three days a week at the Purple Cat in Struthers. It is on those days that Walters heads out of the house and helps others.
"I do it for my own satisfaction," Walters said.
Of the award he will be accepting tomorrow, he said simply, "I'm glad to get it and I think more people should volunteer." Then, repeating the sentiment that can only come from the heart of a true servant, he said, "But I'm not doing anything extraordinary."