People here set an example

People here set an example

EDITOR:

I’m writing to express my immense gratitude for the overwhelming support people in the Youngstown area have extended to my family in response to my father’s injury.

We moved to Youngstown years ago not knowing a single person. My parents made a choice to join this community, and I must echo my mother in asserting that the relentless assistance provided demonstrates, beyond doubt, the wisdom of their decision. The proud story of this area’s generosity has literally inspired people across the globe as we relate it to our friends and family across the United States, from New York to Los Angeles, and as far away as Japan and Iraq. Every time I have to depart to return to my studies, I feel a twinge of anxiety. However, I know that I leave my family in good hands.

Words fail me. I will simply never be able to thank everyone enough, though that will not keep me from trying.

THOMAS M. DRISCOLL III

Salem

Cause for optimism and hope

EDITOR:

Given the headlines these days, who needs more bad news? No one. That is why I am happy to report good news right in our own community at the Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown.

It’s easy to find reasons to be alarmed about the state of our nation’s youth and the enormous challenges they face growing up in a rudderless society with uncertain futures.

The national public high school dropout rate stands at nearly one-third, approaching a staggering 50 percent in some communities. Good nutrition and physical activity don’t seem to be a priority — nearly 9 million young Americans are overweight. And our youth continue to struggle with alcohol and other drugs.

Despite these disturbing statistics, we are full of optimism. The Boys & Girls Club staff work with incredible young people every day. Their hope for the future gives us all hope.

The Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown provides young people with the support, guidance and skills they need to succeed. Together, parents, schools, community leaders and the Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown create a safety net to ensure that no child falls through the cracks.

We recently celebrated National Boys & Girls Club Week, making this a time to thank the many caring people who make our mission a reality:

UThe dedicated club professionals who devote their lives to guiding our young people every day.

UThe countless, generous individuals – our board volunteers, community volunteers and donors – who support our work through their selfless commitment of time, talent and treasure.

UThe caring and committed corporations, foundations and government leaders who actively partner with us to reach the under-served who need the benefits of the Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown.

UThe families and parents who entrust their most precious resources to us.

ROBERT MARCHESE, executive director

Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown

Watchful eyes appreciated

EDITOR:

My neighbor’s home was broken into and robbed in broad daylight. My plan to visit my daughter in Florida turned from happy expectation to fearful. The atmosphere in the whole neighborhood changed.

But the winter weather made me decide to make the visit and take the chance on leaving my home unattended. I called the police and asked them to watch out for my residence as they patrolled the area. This they did, even to the extent of questioning a friend who had decided to check on my place (they were very tactful with him). A near neighbor told me of their frequent presence in our area.

Thank you, Austintown police, for your help and concern.

GRACE E. WILLIAMS

Youngstown

Grateful for great care

EDITOR:

I had an outpatient examination at Northside Medical Center last month and I was so moved by the excellent service I received that I wanted to publicly thank the people who made everything go smoothly.

I interacted with about 10 staff and they all were cheerful, courteous, kind, efficient and smart. I actually felt like I was being pampered. I have been disappointed in hospital medical care in the last 10 years but this made me change my mind. I will never forget the excellent care I received.

MARY KRUPA

Youngstown

Hospice is a special place

EDITOR:

I wanted to make the public aware of what seems to be the best kept secret in our area, Hospice of the Valley. Recently my grandmother suffered a stroke and at 86 years old she was in critical condition with extreme pain. Sadly there was nothing more that could be done. We asked the hospital to get us a representative from Hospice because I heard they are wonderful. One was sent to us promptly, and all of our questions were answered by a very compassionate representative. We then chose to have Grandma transported to the Hospice of the Valley in North Lima. Our main goal was to keep her pain-free and comfortable, which to our amazement was done immediately upon her arrival.

Hospice of the Valley was truly a godsend. When you have a loved one who is dying, it’s tough emotionally and quite stressful. But from the time we walked through the doors we were treated like royalty, along with our grandmother. The doctors and nurses, the pastors, workers and volunteers are compassionate professionals.

Grandma was in a beautiful, home-like bedroom, with carpeted floors, pictures on the walls, a TV and phone. The stress in her face was gone the minute she arrived at Hospice. I will never forget the nurse that came in during the midnight shift during my Grandma’s final hours to lightly touch her hand and recite a beautiful prayer. We were all touched by this gesture. The compassion we received was truly appreciated and our family believes that “God’s Angels of Mercy” work there.

JACKIE BLASIMAN

New Waterford

A jewel on the East Side

EDITOR:

On behalf of my father, Edward Orlando, and our family, we would like to extent our gratitude to the Public Libraries of Mahoning County for one of Youngstown’s newest treasures. The facility at Early Road and East High Avenue is committed to “green,” both within and out. It is a tranquil oasis in the midst of urban sprawl. The Presidents Day dedication, complete with entertainment and refreshments, and The Vindicator article, evoked fond memories and many comments from former and current Eastside residents. The board has ensured our libraries will continue to be a bridge between the past and the future with this state-of-the-art structure.

Do yourself a great favor by checking out both the building and a good read for the rainy spring days ahead.

MARY JO OLSON

Poland

This area has a big heart

EDITOR:

The city of Girard and the surrounding communities have received their share of bad news and negative publicity over the last few months, but now it’s time to shine the light on an area whose heart is bigger than the entire state of Ohio.

Our daughter, Jessica Zifchak, is in need of a donor marrow transplant to treat her Recurrent Hodgkin’s Lymphoma since no one in our immediate family or, thus far, in the National Registry is a suitable match for her. In January we hosted a Donor Marrow Drive at the Girard Free Library not only to increase awareness and the donor pool itself, but to hopefully find Jessica “her match.” Hoping to have at least 100 people register, we were amazed to have 183 come forward that day and an additional 150 ask to have kits mailed to them so that they could be tested at home.

In February a spaghetti dinner fundraiser was held at the IFH Club in Girard to help with medical and testing expenses. Almost 900 people showed their support for our child. We are so very grateful to so many individuals and businesses who helped make both events a success. You can visit jessicazifchak.blogspot.com for more information.

This has been an uplifting yet bittersweet time for our family. The situation at hand is one that no family would wish for anyone, but the outpouring of love and support from so many diverse avenues is beyond any expectation we could have ever had. Thank you to every person who was involved in any particular way. May God return to you ten-fold all that you have done for us.

CHRIS and JOHN ZIFCHAK

Girard

Prom theme is generosity

EDITOR:

As adviser to the Campbell Memorial Class of 2010, I would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the generous people of the community who donated prom dresses to our Prom Dress Project. We were hoping to obtain a few nice dresses to help ease the financial burden for many or our Campbell students and their families. With the help of Campbell staff, alumni and Roxanne Sebest, Campbell alumnus and reporter for WKBN, our school project found its way into the public eye.

We have been overwhelmed by the support from citizens of Austintown, Campbell, Lowellville, Youngstown, Poland, and Boardman. This project that has demonstrated the kind and caring nature of the people of the Mahoning Valley, particularly in difficult times.

This generosity made the prom possible for several students who would have otherwise not been able to attend. Thank you to all of the generous donors that have made this project a success.

JENNIFER VASCHAK

Campbell Memorial High School

Ryan supports air safety

EDITOR:

I am a 21-year air traffic controller at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, and I would like to thank U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan for his commitment to our community and the safety of the flying public.

The Federal Aviation Administration has undertaken a plan to move the radar portion of the air traffic control services from Vienna to Cleveland. It is moving ahead with this plan without consulting the local community, local user groups, or the air traffic controllers.

Ultimately, this plan will move jobs away from our community and has the potential to make the air traffic control system less safe for those flying in the Youngstown-Warren area.

I’m proud to say that Congressman Ryan stood up for aviation safety and cosigned a letter to Secretary of Transportation LaHood, asking that the FAA put a hold on this project until it can be properly evaluated and the position of all relevant stakeholders considered.

BERLE E. VIRCKS

Cortland

X The writer is president of National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Youngstown Local.