COUL Happy People Hall of Fame
At eight minutes after eight p.m.
on the eighth day of the eighth month
in the eighth year of this century,
the 15 Joy Of Living Award Winners were inducted to the
COUL Happy People Hall Of Fame
2008 Joy Of Living Award Winners
COUL Happy People Hall Of Fame
Anderson, Emma - Sandusky - Erie County - Julia Anderson writes: “When I think of joy-filled people the only person who came to mind was my daughter Emma. At only 14 years old, she has been through more than most adults.
In March 2003, Emma was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. During the last five years she has endured major brain surgery, two rounds of chemotherapy (total of 2 ½ years), seemingly endless tests, and more medicine that I can remember. Trips to the hospital were weekly and exhausted all of us.
Her enduring positive spirit got her (and us) through some tough times. From the very beginning of this journey she's been in charge. One day she looked at my husband and myself and told us that were not allowed to cry anymore. With all that she was going through, she always worried about everyone else.
She has always looked on the positive side. She could talk for hours about the relationships she has with her team of doctors. To her they are her friends. Emma will tell you she wishes she were not sick. But she realizes she never would have met these wonderful people. It has also opened the door to many opportunities. She has gone to camp with other children like herself for the last three years. She came in first place in an art contest and won a family trip to Disney World. Emma touches the hearts of everyone she meets from teachers to perfect strangers.
Her faith is and has always been unwavering. She believes in miracles. She has always said if miracles do happen then why can't she have a miracle, too? She is never angry at her situations and never questions why this happened to her. She is our miracle. People from all walks of life and religions have put Emma on their prayer lists and pray for her constantly. Yes, prayers are powerful.
There have been many tough and dark days. Days where we had to make her go to school, even though we knew she was not feeling well. All of us (Emma included) want her life to be as normal as possible. She is just like everyone else.
My sister told me when Emma was first diagnosed, that Emma is here to show all of us something. She truly has.”
Bork, Karen - Huron - Erie County - Her husband Michael writes: “I read an article about your center and my wife Karen immediately came to mind. The easiest way to describe her would be to listen to the words of the song, “My Girl” - I've got sunshine on a cloudy day. When it's cold outside I have the month of May.
Karen is always upbeat and smiling. Nothing seems to get her down. Her glass is always half full. Not only did we raise four kids together - mostly her as I was gone much of the time working as a road engineer on the railroad - but she somehow finds time to help others with projects and she helps at St. Peter Church in Huron among many things.
I love her dearly and probably don't express my appreciation enough of all she does for this family and others.
We now have two grandsons whom we both love dearly - she helps with them. I don't know where she finds the energy!
I am proud to nominate her as the happiest person I know.”
Ehrhardt, Jennifer - Sandusky - Erie County - A friend writes: “She is the happiest person I know. She is very cheerful, bubbly, etc. She is my nominee for the happiest people award.”
Gotschalk, Kathi - Deshler - Henry County - A friend writes: “I would like to nominate my friend Kathi Gotschalk of Deshler, Ohio, as one of the happiest and joyful people I have ever known.
No matter what takes place in her life, whenever you see her she always has a smile on her face and can make you laugh no matter how down you are.
Right new she has a husband who has diabetes bad and who has to be on the road a lot to go with him to the doctors. She also has to take her mother-in-law to the doctors as well. She has a very busy life. She also has a daughter who lives in a group home. Kathi goes there every two weeks to help the women play bingo. The patients love her because she always has joy in her heart that they can feel so they can have joy too.
She has a cake business with lots of customers because of her happy attitude towards them. I can call her day or night, be down and sad over something, but I hear the joy in her voice and she has me feeling better within minutes.
You can mention her name to anyone around our town and they know her by her smile alone. I know it is hard to believe that anyone can be that happy and joyful all the time, but within minutes being around her you would see it also.
She's always there to help anyone at anytime. I know she has some troublesome days herself, but you would never know it the way she's always has a happy attitude.
She is a wonderful person who deserves this recognition.”
Hargrove, Sherry - Huron - Erie County - A friend writes: “If you were to ask me to describe Sherry, I would start by saying she's a loving wife, a wonderful mother, and a thoughtful friend. But, if you asked me to narrow it down to one word that described her, I wouldn't hesitate to choose the word happy.
When I met Sherry four years ago I knew there was something special about her, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. As I got to know her better I realized Sherry had a special gift that is rarely found in people today. That gift is genuine happiness.
I know a lot of people who are happy and I even consider myself to be a happy person. But Sherry takes happiness to the next level. I work with Sherry, which means I see more of her than I do of my own family. I can honestly say in the time I have known her, I have never seen her angry or upset. This doesn't mean she has the perfect life. She has troubles and bad days just like the rest of us. Sherry just chooses to face life's obstacles in a way that is slightly different from the rest of the world.
Sherry is an optimistic person and she never fails to point out the bright spot in any circumstance. She is the kind of person people naturally gravitate towards. Sherry won't judge you or talk about you behind your back. She is a sincere person, which is a rarity in today's world. The best thing about Sherry is that her joy is contagious. Her happiness doesn't just benefit her, it benefits everyone around her. She is a natural encourager and motivator. If I'm having a bad day just seeing, Sherry makes me smile.
I've learned a lot about Sherry in the short time I've known her. Life might not always go your way, but if you face your troubles with a smile, things will seem just a little bit easier. Sherry's happiness isn't superficial; it makes up who she is. When Sherry smiles, it doesn't just stop at her face. Sherry smiles with her whole heart. When she does the world seems a little brighter.”
Kamann, Mindy - Monroeville - Huron County - A friend writes: “I would like to nominate Mindy Kamann. Even in the worst times, she always has a smile on her face. She does so much volunteer work for our elementary school and is now the president of our new PTO. There is a lot of work involved and with her two young boys and also helping out organizing the Vacation Bible School; she is always willing to do more for a friend or stranger in need.
Mindy is without a doubt the most positive and happy person I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I am very fortunate to be able to call her a friend.”
McDaniel, Erin - Sandusky - Erie County - Her mother writes: “Erin was born smiling and hasn't stopped since. She is the happiest, sunniest, poorest ($) person I know. Her son and Ryan are all she needs. She works retail and has had customers snap at her and then tell her she is so happy.”
Metcalf, Jerry - Waterville - Wood County - A friend writes: “Jerry is more than a cabinet maker and more than a carpenter. He is a hugging machine! He feels a purpose in life going beyond all else - making sure people feel loved. This is as simple as a hug, which is something he gives often.
When his wife, Cheryl, is asked about who is the most positive person that she knows, she can't help but show emotion. It is truly joy that never fades, going beyond all happiness. Jerry never seems to have a bad day. This is something Cheryl insists comes from his love of the Lord. Jerry is truly one of those remarkable people that the world needs. This is why he is the true “Joy Of Living” award.”
Monaghan, Judy - Sandusky - Erie County - A friend writes: “I have known Judy since 1972 when I served as principal at Madison Elementary School and she was a second grade teacher. In the years that followed, she taught gifted children, and later became an elementary principal in both Sandusky and Monroeville. Today she teaches Early Childhood Education at the University of Toledo.
In my long association with Judy, I never heard her say anything negative about a child or anyone else. As a teacher, her emphasis was on what each child could do. She made an effort to create learning for each child within the realm of the child's potential. Her class was like a family. She spent many hours beyond a teacher's required time in preparing for the children she taught. She followed the same philosophy with all others. She never gossips about others. She stresses their value with something positive.
Judy has a gift of being at ease wherever she is. She is able to relate to others in small or large crowds. She has a sense of humor and at other times can be in a serious discussion with the same ease.
To me, Judy is an effervescent person always ready to react to any situation in a positive manner.
Judy's Christian faith is an important part of her life. Her life and all that she does for all who have contact with her reflects that faith.
I am blessed to know her as a dear friend and educator.”
Odums, Charles - Sandusky - Erie County - A friend writes: “I would like to nominate the Reverend Charles Odums. He provides counseling services at Stein Hospice and the Ohio Veterans Home. His son, Charles Odums II, gave his life in service to our country four years ago when he was killed by a roadside blast in Iraq. Despite the pain of losing his son, Rev. Odums maintains a wonderful, sunny disposition, always has a smile on his face, and a kind word for everyone he meets. He works tirelessly to reach out to families of soldiers to provide comfort and support as a co-founder of In-It-Together, a local family support group.
Rev. Odums was concerned after his son's death that all of the support networks seemed to be geared toward the wives and mothers. Men weren't supposed to cry and therefore didn't need a support group. He set out to provide that network and In-It-Together was born with a goal of reaching out to family members. Mothers, fathers, siblings, grandparents, spouses, and children are all welcome to come share a prayer, a tear, a laugh, and a hug. If you are feeling sad, scared, or depressed - just stop by a meeting and he will make sure you leave with your burden eased and a smile on your face.
While the soldiers' families are a prime concern, Rev. Odums does not forget the patriotic souls residing in our local veteran's home. He dedicates many hours visiting our heroes and spreading sunshine through otherwise gloomy hallways. His inner joy is evident in all he does and he is truly an inspiration to everyone whose life he touches.”
Oglesby, Tarina - Norwalk - Huron County - Her husband writes: “I would like to nominate my wife, Tarina Oglesby, for the most joy-filled person in Northwest Ohio.
She is the mother of a 17-year-old handicapped son, a 13-year-old teenage son, as well as her 15-year-old brother that she has custody of, and she manages to stay “shiny happy” at all times.
She also uses her happiness as an example for the students she teaches at Ohio Business College. Anyone that comes in contact with her always comments on her ability to stay positive and upbeat. Sometimes she is mistaken as “fake” because people find it hard to believe that she can be that happy all the time! But she honestly is!
I am proud of my wife's outlook on life and truly believe more people should abide by the same philosophies. She always says, “This isn't dress rehearsal.” This means, this is the only life we have so we might as well be happy!
My wife, because of her kindness, has also maintained an incredible relationship with her ex-husband and ex-in-laws. Who does that? She is so happy and upbeat that it is impossible for them not to still love her.
You would think that after bathing her son and brushing his teeth for over 17 years she would get discouraged, but she doesn't. She loves being a mother and is perfectly content with the fact she'll be caring for him for the rest of her life. My wife says she uses her handicapped son, Giorgio, as an inspiration to help other people.
She lets her students know when they make excuse after excuse to miss class, skip work, and get depressed that she, before they are even out of bed, is bathing and grooming her 17-year-old son. So they have no excuse!
She never misses work and walks in with a smile on her face every morning. She teaches our family about giving a compliment a day and treating people the way we want to be treated. She is giving, understanding, and extremely forgiving. I do, however, sometimes feel for her because she is always so strong and happy that people tend to take advantage of her. They just assume she is so happy that “Tarina is fine,” but she does have feelings and gets them hurt at times.
On top of working full time and caring for the boys, she is an outstanding wife. Our frig is always stocked, the house clean, and she always greets me with a hug and kiss. I lost my mother last year and my wife finds time to send a nice meal over to my dad at least once a week.
My wife's happiness makes her stand out in a crowd. She always shines. I hope she receives this award. She truly deserves it.”
Salazar, Maverick - Clyde - Sandusky County - His mother writes: “I nominate Maverick Salazar. He is 18 months old and has undergone more in his short time thus far than a grown person may experience in an entire lifetime. Somehow he manages to be outgoing, energetic, and able to put a smile on people's faces.
Maverick was born with Hypo plastic Left Heart Syndrome (a congenital heart disease), which was found at routine ultrasound at 25 weeks gestational age. At only four days old, he underwent his first open- heart surgery in Ann Arbor. The next 41 days were spent in the ICU Cardiac Thoracic Unit.
In January of 2007, Maverick was able to come home. He was on feeding every three hours via NG tube (tube through the nose and down to the stomach). He took nine different medicines at 19 different times a day.
Maverick had his second open-heart surgery just before he started his eighth month. Complications resulted in additional hospital trips and stays. Now he had just 17 medicines.
In February of 2008, he was life-flighted to the hospital from complications trying to wean him from a medicine preventing seizures. With the help of a new medicine, Maverick is now stronger and nothing seems to be holding him back. He is outgoing, and people have no idea anything is even wrong with him until they see the scar down his chest or hear us tell his story.
Maverick is extremely happy and he always knows how to brighten up anyone's day. He will probably need one more heart surgery. Our best feeling happens when the doctor tells us that he has never seen a child grow so well! Other doctors in training say that Maverick should be a poster child for children with CHD.
He just is able to show how wonderful children can become even with having to live with the number one killer of infants, and that it is possible to overcome and grow and beat this disease.
Maverick never lets anything hold him back. I thank God for him each and every day.”
Schooner, Kris - Rising Sun - Wood County - Her sister writes: I would like to nominate my 40-year-old sister Kris. She has the most positive attitude towards life I've ever seen.
She is a wife, mother of two, grandmother of four (soon to be six). Even though Kris has had a hard life, she is always smiling and you can't help being happy around her.
Kris dropped out of school at 16 to give birth to her daughter, got married to a jerk, lost her second child due to a miscarriage, and gave birth to a son. She lived through 10 years of mental and physical abuse. She took her children and left. She went back and received her GED and has raised her children to be caring, intelligent adults. Her daughter is a nurse and experts her fifth child in August. Her son Joseph is graduating from high school plans to attend college and is expecting his first son in September.
Kris met Doug and his five children and joined families in 2004. They struggle with finances, yet Kris smiles and thinks of the positives in her life. In 2006 she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and lost her job. Even though this scared her to death, she never let anyone know how she was feeling and kept on smiling. Her whole life has been a roller coaster, lots of downhill rides, yet she is the one everyone in her life turns to when they need cheering up.
I understand her smiling when it comes to being loved and loving others, but most people in her shoes would give up. Her home is an old garage turned into a small house. Yes, carpet covers concrete slabs. The house is cold and drafty, but its home and she and Doug can afford it.
She is happy that her children are in good relationships and they take care of their families. She has never owned anything that did not need fixing. The car they own needs repairs. Yet Kris keeps smiling.
It just would be nice to see Kris win once in her life and receive good news instead of bad. Kris deserves it.”
Trevino, Darlene - Sandusky - Erie County - Her husband writes: “My beautiful wife is the greatest. She is always smiling and will not hesitate to help someone in need. She has fought cancer and won. She is an angel sent from above. She is always making me smile. I am very lucky.
Everyone who knows her says she is a great person and that she makes you smile with her smile. Her children and grandchildren would not trade her for the world.”
Vance, Christine - Cecil - Defiance County - A friend writes: “There are people among us who have the gift of joy. There are people who exude an inner happiness giving it away freely. We stumble across these folks in passing but I believe each of us is given the gift meeting a joyful soul at least once.
This is Christine Vance.
Christine gives easily, laughs often, and makes her corner of the world a better, happier place. It isn't what she does, it is just who she is.
Christine's life's journey has taken her from Bittburg, Germany to Cecil, Ohio. She has a full family life - one husband - three kids - and a menagerie of animals in the barn. She gets up early not only to feed but also to make sure that each animal receives a little extra attention.
It is the same degree of caring she shows the people in her life from her early morning workouts at Curves to the hectic and unpredictable job-life she tackles each day at Pro-Team and then home again.
We would love to have her win a Joy Of Living award, but recognition or not, we will consider ourselves quite lucky as she makes us and the world joy filled.”