Department of Aging honors caregivers, senior citizens

By Marc Kovac

Two Mahoning Valley residents were honored in Columbus on Tuesday.

COLUMBUS — Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland recounted how he and his six siblings took care of their elderly father after he suffered a stroke.

“At a period in my life, I was a long-term care provider,” the governor told an audience in Columbus on Tuesday.

“[My dad] was unable to do many things for himself that he had been able to do previously. But my father was fortunate, because there were seven of us kids who lived within a relatively close distance. ... My dad lived the last year of his life alone, but he was never alone.”

He added, “Caregiving is hard work, and I’m here today, in part, because I want to say to those of you who give so much to others, thank you.”

Strickland provided congratulatory remarks during the Ohio Department of Aging’s presentation of the Elder Caregiving Award and Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame induction ceremonies near the Statehouse.

Twenty-six Ohioans were honored Tuesday as part of the annual event.

Anita Chambers of Struthers received an Elder Caregiving Award. She has volunteered at the Mahoning Valley’s Volunteer Service to Seniors Faith in Action Program since 2005. The program provides assistance to seniors wanting to remain in their own homes.

According to the Department of Aging, “Anita’s care recipient, Julie, is 89 years old, lives alone and calls Anita her ‘gift from God.’ Every Friday, she takes Julie to her hair appointment, shopping or to the bank. If she has errands of her own, Julie rides along.”

Additionally, Edna Pincham of Youngstown was inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.

She served as former Mayor Patrick Ungaro’s assistant for 12 years and created the Pincham Initiative Resource Center, which provides tutoring and referral services for area youngsters.

Pincham also served on the Youngstown City School Board for 16 years and has been active in numerous community groups.