Family Newsletter October 2007

November 30, 2007

Hello to all,

She did it again: Sunday, December 02, 2007

Very early in November Mrs. Gerrie and I attended the annual meeting of the board where she recently retired from. Our purpose for going was more or less for social reasons, just to say hello to many of her friends and one time associates we knew would be there.

At some point in the meeting began the presentation of the annual awards which we would have expected. Four awards given away, three of them were “Helping Hands” awards which you might recall Gerrie won last year while she was still employed by the Board.

Board Members and award winners Steve Hedge and Mrs. Gerrie

After the presentation of those awards they began were to give the Flemming Award, the most prestigious that they give each year. Steve Hedge, Board Director began reading the description of the person to whom the award was to be given. They always do a big build up and leave people guessing who it might be. But this description left not much doubt after the first paragraph of introduction. It was to be Gerrie and we had to sit for quite a while to hear the entire introduction. Then Steve reached the end of his introduction and announced her name. Mostly all I could think of was, “what if we had chosen not to come”? Mrs. Gerrie stood to acknowledge the very large applause and started to the podium to receive the award and of course she was expected to say a few words. She did beautifully and, of course, totally off the cuff. How she did that is beyond me, but all that she offered was just the right things to say and folks loved it.

Her introduction for the aware was especially telling of her work at the Board. I’ll print Steve’s remarks here so that you can share what was said at the meeting. (reprinted with permission from DMMHRSB)

In 1992, the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health & Recovery Services Board established a Community Service Award in honor of the late Dr. Arthur S. Flemming. Dr. Flemming had a long and distinguished public service career in serving central Ohio, and at the Federal level in many different capacities.

This prestigious community service award is presented to an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the community. Every day, the citizens of Delaware and Morrow Counties benefit in countless ways from the actions of those who have made these exceptional contributions, both personally and professionally. We take this opportunity to honor these extra-ordinary individuals.

On behalf of the Board, I’m pleased to be able to present the 2007 Flemming Award at tonight’s meeting.

Our honoree is a former resident of Morrow County. She has served as a member of board of directors of several community organizations including the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board……. lending her advocacy voice for servicing those less fortunate and to building a stronger community. Rarely in public service do you encounter a person who is so highly committed and continually motivated, always striving for excellence so that others are not just served but served well.

With respect to her extensive professional service, she has exhibited that “caring attitude” throughout her career, first as a nurse and then as a behavioral health professional. Providing that hands-on healing approach. During her 13 years tenure as a staff member of the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health & Recovery Services Board, she was always willing to go beyond the call of duty in getting the job done well. On numerous occasions you could hear her say “ Let’s make sure this is in the best interest of our consumers” or “Is this action going to get the best outcome for those being served”. While you would probably never see her in the spotlight or seek public recognition, you could tell that she played a major role in achieving that positive outcome… finding those subtle yet effective ways of getting the best out of the situation even when it didn’t appear that would be the case.

You will never find her too busy to take the time to listen to a concern or tackle a problem, lending her support and advice to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. Always lending a smile and providing words of encouragement.

She is recognized not only by those of us in the Delaware and Morrow System but throughout the state for her insight, knowledge and willingness to chip-in when needed, whether it is shaping policy or training others on how best to meet the needs of those receiving services and their families, with respect and dignity.

Even in her retirement days she is continuing to give to the betterment of those within the behavioral health system… lending her helping hand, support and encouragement. No task is too big or unimportant. These are just a few of her many contributions.

It is her tireless efforts, her utmost professionalism, her exemplary commitment, her deep passion in serving those being impacted by behavioral health disorders and continual efforts to improve the quality of life for those being served by the Delaware – Morrow system, that we are recognizing to night.

The Delaware-Morrow Mental Health & Recovery Services Board is pleased to recognize this well-deserving member of the Delaware-Morrow family. This year’s recipient is an individual who has established a long-standing record of compassion, dedication and commitment to serve others and our community that will have a lasting impact.

I consider it an honor to have worked along side her during her tenure at the Board. We are pleased to have the opportunity to present the 2007 Arthur S. Fleming Community Service Award to Gerrie McDonald.

If I count correctly this is the third very prestigious award she has received over the past year. We are very proud of her and her accomplishments.

Mr. Jerry also gets recognized:

Not that he can claim to have won any awards recently, but Mr. Jerry was invited to Jacob’s school to be honored by the children on Veteran’s Day. The first thing that came to mind was that perhaps I should pull out my old uniform so that the kids could see what a soldier looks like. That idea was quickly fell by the wayside as I remembered that I don’t have any old uniforms. We do have one Army dress coat with all my medals and patches on it. The other night it was retrieved after being stored all these years and put on put on Jacob so that he could see what it felt like. I’m sad to say that it fit him, at five years old, better than it fits me at this point in life. The other little problem is that the coat is so old and musty that it stands a good chance of falling apart.

The venu shown from where I was sitting Kids head back to their classrooms as we left

I showed up at the assigned time and was ushered, with a great deal of respect into the dining room where the other veterans were gathered. We waited about half an hour before the children responsible for our being there showed up. Jacob came in to retrieve escort me into the ceremony. He seemed quite different there than when I see him at home or at our house. He wasn’t as cuddly as I normally expect him to be I thought that might be because he didn’t want his buddies to see him showing too much affection.

After we chatted a bit the time came for the program to start. We all stood along side our chaperones and were paraded into the gym where all the kids from the school were waiting. Veterans were directed to a place of honor while the kids (chaperones) went to sit with their classmates. A very nice introduction was given and a ceremony depicting the soldier that didn't come home was acted out by some of the younger children. Each Veteran was introduced and their branch of the military and the campaigns each had been part of were read.

The song associated with each branch of the military was played as each veteran stood when their song began. As each of us were being introduced, our on special chaperon came to the front and retrieved a flower which they brought to each veteran. At some point in the ceremony a multi-gun salute was fired. That occurred outside, but the sound was very loud and the kids squealed when the first volley went off. (Jacob later told me that the guns were his favorite part of the ceremonies).

At the end of the program our personal chaperone rejoined us and we were escorted back to the dining room for punch and cookies.

It was a wonderful presentation and I felt very proud and honored to have been asked to participate.

Thanksgiving day a success:

Again this year we gathered at Kristin and Greg’s to celebrate and give thanks for another good year. Greg built a very cozy fire and the guys sat around resting while the ladies prepared the vitals. Jacob was his usual helpful self, shown here using a baster to suck up the juices for gravy making. Kristin did most of the cooking and a fine job it was. We had a choice of two desserts apple and pumpkin pies supplied by Mary and Mr. Jerry.

Greg Celebrates another one:

Greg & Jacob Teddy, Chris, and Krista

Greg, Jacob’s dad celebrated another birthday this month. This year Brother Chris and his family were present to help with the celebration. We gathered at Nancy’s (Greg's Mom) place and enjoyed a fine dinner. Afterward a cake and ice creme appeared and we got to sing the song we all love to hear (especially since not hearing it means something serious has happened). Greg didn’t seem to mind our making a fuss over him and hearing us sing. Surely we aren’t quite a Mormon Tabernacle choir and likely sing pretty badly. However, the spirit was good and we all mean well even though we can't sing worth a hoot. The kids had the best time playing tag all over Nancy's condo. Jacob and Teddy played like little kids........no wait...they are little kids so that must be what there supposed to do.

Happy Birthday Greg & Chris....

End of another letter:

Another month has passed and we’re thankful to have good health and faculties adequate enough to post another of these newsletters. We hope you enjoy reading our letters and hope you’ll take time to keep in touch. We always enjoy hearing from friends and family.

Hugs,

Jerry & Gerrie McDonald

- - Here are some recent photos - -