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A PUBLICATION OF LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA Forrest L. Preston 2017 Edition Chairman’s Column A PUBLICATION OF LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA Never, Never, Never, Never Give Up S he was a woman of grace It is incredible to consider William David Jones...... 2 and beauty, endowed with all that has happened since Life Care Center of Gwinnett (GA) a charm that drew others to that long-shot, cold call Short-term resident her. And if you were around made on Carl Campbell at Dorothy Giehm long, your his nursing home company Unpredictable Effie Effie Woodruff laughter had a little more lilt in Wenatchee, Washington, ...... 6 Life Care Center of Sandpoint (ID) to it and your step a bit more in 1967. His trust in us gave spring in it. us the opportunity to open She had a love affair with the door of our dreams and The Trials of Ronald Dion life, and her ardor for it walk through it. Ronald Dion...... 10 enveloped those who came As we reflect on the Life Care Center of Altamonte Springs (FL) near her. She pursued the opening of the first facility, Photography Henderson Amy by photo Cover relationship passionately Garden Terrace Convalescent Life Care Leader is published annually by Life Care Head in the Clouds and with determination. As and her mirth in particular. Center, in 1970, and the Centers of America for our residents, the corporate family Loyal Kelsey...... 14 and friends of Life Care. a result, the fruits of peace, You couldn’t be in her incorporation of Life Care Life Care Center of Greeley (CO) joy, happiness and fulfillment presence without the Centers of America six years Chairman abounded within her soul. laughter. It was the magic later, the only response is one FORREST L. PRESTON Mrs. Giehm’s wonderful that captivated me when she of gratitude to a faithful God A Story of Resilience journey into three centuries – was but 103 years old and and the commitment President Doreen Menzies...... 18 consider that amazing “adopted” me as her nephew. of thousands of associates BEECHER HUNTER Life Care Center of Palm Bay (FL) statement – came to an end It was the same who live out our mission on Feb. 4, 2000, at Life Care enchantment that she cast every day. Editor LEIGH ATHERTON A Life of Energy Center of Tucson, Arizona, over our entire management In both instances, they are James Wheeler...... 22 where she was a resident at meeting when she came to extremely important to our Associate Editor Life Care Center of Ocala (FL) the place she proudly called Cleveland, Tennessee, in future. And to those we do DARA CARROLL her home. 1998 at 106. To all Life Care and will serve. associates attending that Art Director Pass It On Less than one month Mary LeFaivre...... 26 gathering, Dorothy Giehm ROB PAUZA before, on Jan. 10, Mrs. Life Care Center of Carrollton (MO) was an icon for what Life Giehm celebrated her Permission to reprint any portion of Life Care Leader text 108th birthday anniversary, Care Centers of America is or photographs may be granted upon written request. surrounded by family and all about. Forrest L. Preston Comments and suggestions are welcome. Please address Tales of a Treasure-Handler friends. It was a remarkable Even though it is a Chairman them to: Fred Rymer...... 30 and memorable occasion, business, with issues of Life Care Center of Morristown (TN) with gifts, hugs aplenty, management contracts, LIFE CARE LEADER Life Care Public Relations refreshments and lots of mortgages, accounts payable P.O. Box 3480 It All Changed in 1939 laughter. and receivable, census, Cleveland, Tennessee 37320 Ann & Alec Kaminski...... 34 We first met at a luncheon demographics and turnover, (423) 473-5533 Life Care Center of Charleston (SC) in the center five years earlier. Life Care has always been A catalyst in the development about the Dorothy Giehms An equal opportunity employer of our friendship was her of this land and their male © 2017 Life Care Centers of America For the Love of the Game gregarious nature in general counterparts. Andy Laska...... 40 Life Care Center of Auburn (MA) Never, never, never, NEVER give up.

William David Jones

By Xavier Jasso It is the summer of 1952. Six- reputation as one of the world’s Jones was placed in an isolation year-old William David Jones most feared diseases. A highly ward with other polio patients. and his father are spending the contagious virus that causes Since little was known about the evening in the living room of multiple levels of paralysis, disease besides its symptoms their home in Rome, Georgia. polio’s peak was the very year and its contagious nature, Noting the time, Jones wishes Jones was diagnosed: 1952. the patients were often left in his father goodnight and heads isolation for weeks or months. to bed. Halfway across the living Halfway up the In some cases, patients would room, he collapses to the floor. also suffer paralysis of the Concerned, his father asks him staircase, his legs buckle diaphragm and would be what happened. confined to the infamous Iron “Well,” responds Jones. “I again and he falls all the Lung machine for years. really don’t know.” Although he was scared and Jones stands back up and way to the bottom. isolated, Jones’ family helped begins the walk up the stairs to him remain hopeful. Not even an his bedroom. Halfway up the In the United States alone, isolation chamber would keep staircase, his legs buckle again 57,879 reports of polio covered them apart for long.

Photoby David Smith and he falls all the way to the the nation in a shroud of “One time my father brought bottom. His father rushes over. terror. 21,269 individuals were a stepladder to the hospital,” “You’re burning up.” paralyzed; 3,145 died. There was recalled Jones. “He placed it “I’m… I’m freezing.” no cure for the epidemic, and against the exterior wall and His father carries him to the nation watched in horror as climbed up and talked to me bed. That same night, the local wave after wave of the horrible through the window. The doctors pediatrician makes a house disease struck, knowing they and nurses asked him, ‘Mr. Jones, call to see Jones. After an were completely defenseless. The what are you doing? This is an examination, the doctor turns to first successful vaccine would Jones’ parents. not be developed and released “It appears David has until 1955. poliomyelitus.” Due to the limited treatment resources at the hospital in Striking without warning and Rome, Jones was transferred to a capable of crippling or killing trauma center at Grady Hospital within hours, polio earned its in Atlanta. Totally paralyzed,

2 3 isolation ward!’ to which he said Jones. “He looked at her however, he faced the obstacle responded, ‘Are there signs and said, ‘There is a distinct of stairs again. anywhere that say I can’t climb possibility that David will never “I decided that if I wanted a ladder and talk to my son walk again.’” to have a life, I was going Photo by David Smith Photo by David Smith through the window?’” Jones remembers his to have to overcome,” said Following high school, offer vaccinations to children community, Jones said: mother looking Dr. Bennett Jones. “So that was that. For Jones attended Shorter College and families in need. “It is my opportunity to directly in the eye. four years I walked those in Rome and developed a “I remember arriving in encourage others to continue “There’s two or three things halls, climbed those stairs on passion for photography. Kenya and opening the van to move forward. All of us you may not know about us, crutches and went to classes After graduation, he moved doors and hearing a song I can improve. We don’t know doctor,” said Jones’ mother. “A. on both floors.” to Atlanta to pursue a woman was familiar with: ‘Victory in what life holds, whether it be You don’t know David. B. You Jones’ family, friends and he had met in college. He also Jesus,’” said Jones. “I said to falling off a mountain, being don’t know our family. And C. community never stopped entered into management with myself, ‘I’ve come to the right in an automobile accident or You don’t know the God we supporting him. the camera company Alans. place. I am doing the right suffering a broken heart at the ser ve.” “One time after a surgery, Later down the road, thing.’ I had the opportunity to loss of a loved one, but we can Nine months later, Jones I remember a group of football Jones got a job as a sales travel halfway across the world all move forward. We can all walked out of Warm Springs. players lifting me up in my coordinator for 3M Company. and, with my story, tell people overcome. He was wearing custom-made wheelchair and carrying me to His career would carry him God loved me and God loved “I have to try and leg braces and using crutches, the second floor of the school,” up the corporate ladder until them.” overcome,” Jones continued, but he was walking. recalled Jones. he landed a position as an Today, in addition to his with tears in his eyes. “Never, And while God had Jones graduated from West adhesive technician. Jones work with Rotary International, never, never, never give up. That undeniably performed a Rome High School in 1964 and worked at 3M Company for 36 Jones still feels the drive is my story.” miracle that astonished many, was awarded the Danforth “I years until he retired. to contribute even more, These days, Jones faces yet It was eventually Jones remembers that his time Dare You” Award, an award But some of his biggest despite his limiting condition. another obstacle: learning to determined that Jones at Warm Springs was not an given to a select number of contributions were made He remains active in his manage daily life after suffering needed advanced treatment. easy period of his life. individuals who demonstrated outside of the office. community and church, ushers a stroke. Despite this, Jones Fortunately, Georgia was “It was a very tough time,” exemplary leadership, courage “During all of this, I at the Atlanta Symphony still finds ways to contribute his home to the nation’s most said Jones. “I was a child of and perseverance. was involved with Rotary Orchestra and serves on skills, including continuing to advanced polio treatment only 6 and I was forced to be “The award was presented International,” explained the Planning and Zoning work closely with the Planning center: the Georgia Warm away from my family, friends to me at graduation,” said Jones. “Rotary International is Committee for Lawrenceville, and Zoning committee as well Springs Foundation (now called and home for nine months. My Jones. “The principal had on a quest to eliminate polio Georgia. as trying to have a positive the Roosevelt Warm Springs family and friends would come submitted my name without my worldwide, and on several In May of 2017, he was influence on those around him. Institute for Rehabilitation), visit me on weekends, but it knowledge – I was shocked.” occasions they asked me to invited to speak about polio, as “We always wonder in our the same hospital which was tough. I had just learned share my story at events in well as to serve on a panel, at life, ‘Why?’” Jones said. “We all treated President Franklin D. to ride a bike before I caught order to help raise support for the Centers for Disease Control have these questions of ‘Why Roosevelt, the nation’s most polio. I knew I would never be their mission.” and Prevention in Atlanta. did this happen to me? Why recognized polio victim. Jones’ able to do that again.” During his involvement “There was a room full of am I here?’ But I think I was stay at Warm Springs was After he was released, he with Rotary International, people there to speak about the brought here to be a witness. funded through the national returned to Rome to resume Jones was also asked to go on focus of the CDC today, like I was put here to make nonprofit organization March of schooling. mission trips to spread the tale communicable diseases and someone laugh. I was put here Dimes, founded in 1938 by FDR “My neighborhood school of his battle with polio. To his the opioid epidemic,” explained to help someone overcome.” to help combat polio. was a brick building of three great surprise, one mission trip Jones. “The director of the CDC Jones successfully Renowned polio doctor stories,” said Jones. “And guess traveled him over 8,000 miles to stands up and only mentions completed short-term therapy Robert Bennett had some what? No elevator.” the country of Kenya. one person by name. Me. It was at Life Care Center of Gwinnett discouraging news for the Jones’ father requested a Jones arrived in Nairobi, a good day.” in Lawrenceville and returned

Jones family at Warm Springs, transfer to a school in another Photoby David Smith Kenya, to share his story about When asked what gives home on June 17, 2017, to his however. district that was one level, polio, spread knowledge about him such a drive to succeed two loving sons and supportive “He looked at me and and the exception was made. communicable diseases and as well as give back to the community. then turned to my mother,” When Jones began high school,

4 5 By Sara Groos

Effie Woodruff

B orn a farm girl near the Women in the Air Force. landed her in a modeling Princeton, North Carolina, Effie They eagerly signed up and competition for the WAF’s spring Photo by Amy Henderson Photography Henderson Amy by Photo Gladys Williamson Woodruff began basic training at Lackland uniform. hopped on a train to Texas Air Force Base in San Antonio, She was chosen to compete trusting that the tracks would Texas. on account of her self-altered, lead her to a place unfamiliar. “The WAF was started in fitted uniform, which drew She hopped on at age 19, not July 1948,” explained Jim, “and officials’ attention. She was because she was restless or Mom joined in July 1949. Seems selected out of 12 other women in unhappy, but because she knew to be a bold way of thinking for a the running, and her photo was she was made for more. country girl to decide to uproot published in publicity ads for the “You know, my mom herself and join the military.” Air Force. was born out in the middle Woodruff’s bold way of Soon after, Woodruff was of nowhere back then,” said thinking soon took her to selected as one of the most Woodruff’s youngest son, Jim. Colorado with WAF, where she attractive WAFs at Mitchel and “There was nothing. She decided graduated as the honor graduate was asked to model for publicity on her own that she didn’t want from clerk typist’s school at photographs for the WAF in to stay there. She wanted to see an Air Force base in Colorado Long Island and New York City what was out there. I thought it Springs. newspapers. was good she did that. Yeah, I Following graduation, she While at Mitchel, she met thought it was good she hopped began her first assignment at an Army man, James Warren on that train.” Mitchel Air Force Base in New Woodruff, through mutual Woodruff, along with her York. There, her competitive friends. After they met, Warren cousin, was on her way to join spirit and knack for sewing was wounded while fighting

6 7 “She got the job over there, “She never stopped. She would of giraffes and lions. She had never stayed long. come home for a while after an a lot of friends over there in Woodruff, who was ready and she said that if I moved with assignment or a job, work on Saudi Arabia, and they stayed to exchange her gardening her that she’d buy me a horse,” the house for a while, run out of friends.” shoes for combat boots, came said Karen. “So I did. She bribed money, and then she’d have to Woodruff was not only out of retirement for the second get another job. The house was an adventurer on land, but in time and traveled to Baghdad’s me. I did get my horse, and I met a showpiece. It was wonderful.” water as well. While in Saudi Green Zone with USACE from my husband at that horse stable.” Arabia, she received her 2004-2005; coincidentally, one certification to scuba of her grandsons was serving dive in the Red Sea. She in Iraq at the same time with brought this hobby back the United States Marine to the States and also Corps. She found herself, once explored the reefs in the again, in a war-torn nation and in Korea and was evacuated Throughout their marriage, horse,” said Karen. “So I did. Cayman Islands. immediately dove in to help. back to the States in January Woodruff’s husband continued She bribed me. I did get my In 1987, Woodruff Baghdad was her final trip 1951. After returning to North working at various bases in horse, and I met my husband at retired for the first time, overseas. Carolina, he quickly asked states such as North Carolina that horse stable.” having completed 31 With Woodruff, her family Woodruff to marry him. and Virginia, and she sought In Morocco, Karen attended years of government and friends eventually learned On March 10, 1951, out positions working as a school while Woodruff worked service. Shortly after, to stop guessing where she Woodruff left Mitchel AFB to civilian in personnel, often during the week, but they she was hired back on would travel to next. On marry Warren. From 1952-1959, focused on recruiting other always adventured together on by USACE and was sent Monday, she could be skiing she and her husband had four civilians to work on various the weekends. to help rebuild Kuwait in the Alps; Wednesday, riding children: Lula Kathryn (Kathy), military bases and managing Woodruff’s never-ending A few years after after hostilities ceased during a camel through the Great Garry Warren, James (Jim) the new civilian hires. thirst for knowledge also led purchasing the house, Operation Desert Storm. Pyramids of Egypt; Friday, Frank and Eva Karen. She remained in personnel, her to take a college course Woodruff was, of course, Kuwait brought many risks touring Thailand on a water “All I remember was we or human resources, for the with Karen in Morocco after headed out the door with a for Woodruff, but her brave, buffalo. were always living around rest of her career. she had graduated from high suitcase in tow. She found a ambitious spirit faced each risk “She was kind of fearless,” military bases ’cause Dad was When Warren retired in the school. job working in personnel for with confidence. She was there said Karen. “She would take in the military for 26 years and mid-’70s, Woodruff decided to “It was Western the United States Army Corps to form trust, to bring hope friends with her, but if she continued on to work for the apply for a civilian personnel Civilization,” said Karen. “She of Engineers in Jacksonville, and, to put it bluntly, get things couldn’t find anybody, she government,” explained Jim. position with the Navy in got a better grade than I did.” Florida. done. would go by herself.” “And my mom was just always Morocco. Woodruff’s husband passed She didn’t stay long in “She had a lot to do with Her fearlessness made working. She was working for Three of Woodruff’s away in 1977 after 26 years of Florida. From this position, putting a lot of things together her unpredictable. Her a colonel or a general, or an children were already grown, marriage. After his passing, Woodruff accepted a job in for the government,” said Jim. unpredictability made her Effie. admiral or a captain. She was but the youngest, Karen, was she remained in Morocco Saudi Arabia, working again “You know, making things Today, Woodruff resides at always busy. My mom worked still in high school. Woodruff until the base closed in 1978. for USACE. Along with her work. She was the person that Life Care Center of Sandpoint, all the time, sometimes six days refused to move to Morocco She then returned to the U.S. responsibilities there, she found everybody went to for getting Idaho, on account of its close a week, and raised us kids.” without her; however, Karen and bought a house back in time to engage in new hobbies everything done.” proximity to Karen. She Though her responsibilities was hesitant to move because Princeton, a real fixer-upper. and form relationships with the After Kuwait, Woodruff continues to live a life that continued to increase, she was in the middle of her Amidst her travels and various locals. returned to Germany for a short instills within others a desire Woodruff refused to allow junior year. Moving to Morocco jobs, this house was one of the “She loved shopping in period and then retired for the to see more, a desire to simply them to hinder her journey would mean starting over motivations that kept bringing flea markets, the souks,” said second time, returning home hop on a train and fearlessly to see more. So, she took her halfway through her high her back home, yet encouraged Karen. “They would also go out to North Carolina to work on go. The farm was her home in family with her. For a few school career. her to keep traveling and in the desert and do different her house. Her home provided the beginning, but there’s no years, the kids were raised in “She got the job over there, working all the more. adventures. I think while there her a place to decorate with denying, she was indeed made Germany on account of their and she said that if I moved “She just always wanted to she took a trip to Kenya or items from her travels, to plant for more. parents’ military duties. with her that she’d buy me a do something new,” said Karen. South Africa. I saw pictures flowers and to enjoy, but she

8 9 By Ryan Faricelli

O ne late afternoon in also being a stay-at-home Dion graduated law school October 1987, renowned Florida mother and a swimming in 1976, earning a Juris Doctor THE TRIALS attorney Ronald Dion walked instructor. cum laude. His first job as an into his home after a long day “I learned to roller skate at attorney was working criminal of work. Breeding and showing the age of 11,” Dion proudly appeals cases at the State Chinese Shar-Pei dogs was a remembers. “That very same Attorney’s Office in the Miami hobby of his, and Dion was year, I became the National prosecutor’s office. A year later, president of the local chapter Roller Skating Champion.” Dion was the Assistant OF RONALD DION of a Chinese Shar-Pei dog In high school and college, Attorney General and was association. He was changing Dion played piano, sang and about to play a part in one his clothes while his family was also an actor in plays and of the first trials ever to be Ronald Dion packed their van for a weekend musicals, all of which helped nationally televised: The trip to participate in a dog show him earn a full scholarship to State v. Ronny A. Zamora. when he suddenly felt ill. college and law school. Ronny Zamora was a “I started to vomit, run Attending Florida Atlantic 15-year-old charged with around babbling incoherently University, Dion earned a murdering his 83-year-old and then passed out,” Dion says Bachelor of Arts before neighbor. His lawyer used the his daughter, who was 10 at the attending the University of previously unheard of defense time, would later tell him. Miami Law School. At the that Zamora had become It would be nearly a year University of Miami Law intoxicated by violence he had before Dion woke up. School, Dion was the first- seen on television, as Zamora Born in Kentucky in ever full scholarship recipient, was obsessed with violent 1952, Ronald Dion had a full receiving the Soia Mentschikoff shows since the age of 5. childhood. His father was an Scholarship, named after the Claiming that television was executive for Pan Am famous lawyer who was the responsible for the death of the and Eastern Air Lines, and first woman to teach at victim, Zamora’s lawyer his mother was quite involved Harvard Law School before subpoenaed Telly Savalas, star in community activities while becoming dean at the of the television series Kojak, University of Miami. to testify. The judge did not allow it. “It was me and Attorney General Robert L. Shevin,” recalls Dion of that famous trial. “It was very exciting. It Photo by Vick Laney I am a different person . I love and appreciate was the first time in the United those in my life in ways States that such a defense was used in a murder trial. This was I never did before . before the days of 24/7 news coverage, and before the days of the internet and social media. For its time, it was a media frenzy. The courtroom was always packed with media and cameras.”

10 311 Dion and Shevin won the been practicing law seven years lemon had exploded on the left high-profile lawyer I once was, case, and Zamora was and was just a few weeks shy side of Dion’s brain. After being I live a more peaceful existence sentenced to life in prison. of his 31st birthday when he on life support and in a coma now – one that I never would A reputation for winning boarded a jet for Washington. for nearly a year, Dion’s parents have had if not for my parents continued to grow for Dion. “I went into the case as I weaned him off feeding and saving me and working with me He moved on to become one would any other case,” Dion breathing tubes. to get me to where I am today.” of South Florida’s top appellate notes. “I put in the same hard “Shortly after being Every day was work, but attorneys and had been work, the same hard effort, the removed from all the tubes, Dion’s parents also made sure strongly considered for same hours. While excited to I came out of the coma and he experienced life and had judgeship in both Dade and have the opportunity, there was was able to move in with fun. They would take him to Broward counties. In 1983, no time to be too excited about my parents, who dedicated the movies twice each week, he found himself taking on anything.” their lives to helping me as well as to dinners, plays, another high-profile case, this Dion presented his rehabilitate,” Dion says of the zoos and even Disney World. time for a client named Joseph argument before the Supreme beginning of his recovery. He was young, in his 30s, so C. Russello. Court. He had entered the “They worked tirelessly with it was especially important Russello had been courtroom fully prepared and me on physical, occupational to them that he interact with convicted in Federal District did the best job that he could. and vocational rehabilitation. others and continue to be a Court for his involvement in an His opponent in the case was The doctors told them that part of society. arson ring. He fraudulently a lawyer from Newark, New I would never be anything Today, Dion lives at Life received insurance payments Jersey, named Samuel A. Alito more than a vegetable, and my Care Center of Altamonte for a fire that destroyed a Jr. They didn’t know it then, but parents rejected that. They Springs, Florida. He still enjoys building he owned and was Alito would become a Supreme made sure I was able to learn going to the movies, as well appealing the specific decision Court Justice himself in 2006. how to feed myself, write and as binge-watching Netflix, that he would need to forfeit “I remember him being verbally communicate.” playing Rummikub with the insurance money. It was a a formidable opponent who Dion’s parents first worked friends and visiting his long shot, but Dion took the had the better argument on a with therapists to help teach family. challenge to defend Russello’s difficult issue,” recalls Dion of him to breathe on his own “I have two children, right to keep that money based that day in court. “I still felt I again. His right side was mostly a daughter and a son,” boasts on a law that was written would win the case, as I had paralyzed, as were his vocal Dion. “My son is a U.S. Naval describes unclearly. discovered what I had thought cords. Originally a right hander, officer and my daughter is himself as having “I was an attorney who was was a loophole in the law, but Dion had to learn to write and an attorney with a nationally been a workaholic. known for taking cases that he countered my argument in use his left hand for everything. recognized law firm. My “It is funny. Before my others didn’t think they could expert fashion.” Two surgeries on his vocal daughter also followed in aneurism, I was consumed win because, more often than A few weeks later, the court cords were done to help with my footsteps by attending with all things work, with not, I won,” explains Dion. “My ruled in favor of Alito. his ability to speak, and he the University of Miami’s everything possible to be client came to our firm because “When it was over, it received hyperbaric treatments Law School.” the best possible attorney,” his was a difficult case, with didn’t matter that I had lost,” and stem cell treatments. With On the surface, Dion doesn’t confides Dion. “Since going not much chance to win. My concedes Dion. “I had someone his parents at his side, Dion remember much of his life through such a personal firm handed it to me, because who, right or wrong, asked me was in rehabilitation with before the aneurism. He recalls tragedy, though, to get where they felt I gave the client the to help him. And I did.” therapists or seeing doctors some moments, such as trials I am today, I am a different best chance possible.” Five years later, Dion would from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. nearly or important events, when he person. I love and appreciate The case was a once-in-a- be fighting another uphill every day. concentrates and talks about those in my life in ways lifetime opportunity, as Dion battle, but this time, it would be “My parents never gave up them. Mostly, he remembers the I never did before.” would have the honor of trying for himself. on me and ensured that I would kind of person he was. He the case before the United That October afternoon in have the best life possible,” says States Supreme Court. He had 1987, a blood clot the size of a Dion. “Though I’m no longer the

12 13 14

Photo by Korti Koehn L in hopes that the young the couple hopes that in sent her college to Missouri in Greeley,in but Lu’s parents Colorado, located Northern also University of the at English in abachelor’s pursue on to degree belonged together. Kelsey went met, they knew they pair the as soon As Steffens. Lu life, of his School, where he met love the sister. and brothers two his with horseback riding and include nature exploring fondest memories his childhood of side, many adventurous and ayoungat age, an Kelsey had oldest of Even four siblings. 1933, 2, the Kelseyon Oct. was clouds. the in head his with life spent his literally quite Kelseyoyal has Kelsey Greeley attended High Greeley, in Born Colorado, was stationed at Travis Air Force Air Travis at stationed was Kelsey of training, rigorous years beginning. just was flight Kelsey.shared aviation. for knack anatural he had that clear it was training, his on in one,considered but flying early been on before, aplane let alone pilot school. never Kelsey had Force sent by to and Air the commissioned was graduating, after and Corps, Training Officers’ Reserve the in enrolled they eloped. home for returned break, summer week,every when and she bride future love his to letters would up. break Kelsey wrote After completing four After incredible in journey His “I fell love flying,” in with college, Kelsey During Loyal Kelsey Loyal By Hannah Buckingham new Congolese leadership. the rebelled against military the which in uprising an experienced country the 1960, in government independence Belgian the from its declaring Congo.the After of Democratic the Republic of capital the is and Kinshasa as now is territory, known Belgian Léopoldville.” into ammunition and men flying wereFrance,” “They Lu. said when go to to he was had time ever gone for along of period mission. overseas remembers her husband’s first Kelsey, be with she vividly and to movedPatrick, California to and two Michael young sons, 1957.in couple’s the and Lu California, Fairfield, in Base Léopoldville, aformerLéopoldville, time he was first “The 15 “Eventually, my bosses thought I should turn into a full-time briefing officer, briefing the Air Force Chief of Staff, which included the Secretary of the Air Force.”

The Congo was thrown that placed his father in dire Don’t be upset. We’re going to into a state of civil war. In circumstances. go into the water real soon.’” order to help restore order “During one of Dad’s The small boat tipped and protect civilians, the UN combat missions into Vietnam, over and Kelsey and his boys authorized what would be the his plane got shot down,” said began to tread water and await largest airlift since the Berlin Michael. “As the pilot, he had rescue. Eventually, the three Blockade. the rest of his crew to think were picked up and brought Kelsey and his unit were about. In that sort of situation, back to shore. Years later, stationed in France and made you’re out of your aircraft, and Kelsey shared with his sons multiple flights into the Congo your only mission is to survive.” that he had never been more to assist with the operation, The men parachuted out relieved to see two bobbing nicknamed New Tape. During of the plane, and fortunately, heads come to the surface of the next four years, the Military Kelsey’s strategic thinking and the water after the boat sank. Air Transport Service would ability to maintain composure “What we always talked fly a combined total of 63,798 helped him and his crew stay about was that during all of passengers and 18,593 tons of alive until they were rescued this, my mother was napping,” cargo. via helicopter. laughed Michael. “She, communications center with After retiring from “Lu and Loyal are like a As is typical for military Kelsey’s resolve would fortunately, didn’t find out the primary task of monitoring teaching, the Kelseys settled pair of love birds around here,” families, the Kelseys never be put to the test many times until later.” worldwide events for the Joint in Greeley. Even during said Blair Reynolds, activity stayed in one place for long. In throughout his illustrious Kelsey’s life shifted Chiefs of Staff. retirement, Kelsey was director at the facility. “They 1962, the family was stationed flight career, but no emergency direction in 1966 when he “[The NMCC] had some of passionate about sharing wheel down the halls together at the Kadena Air Base in landing or engine malfunction was asked by a colleague to the highest security clearance his talents. He operated as a and even complete each Okinawa, Japan. During compares to the memory of return to Greeley and teach in the world,” said Michael. “It private pilot and helped design other’s sentences. Loyal is the Kelsey’s tour of duty, the United him and his two sons aboard a as an ROTC professor at takes a lot, as far as security and teach an aviation program key player in getting the men States was in the midst of the sinking sailboat in Japan. the University of Northern and passes go, just to get in to at Aims Community College in together to play cards or just Vietnam War, and Okinawa “My brother and I were 6 Colorado. The family moved visit.” Greeley. visit and drink coffee. I love served as the Pentagon’s key and 8 years old when we all back to the States, and though Kelsey spent little time When asked what made his listening to their stories and transport hub for troops and vacationed at Okuma Beach Kelsey proved to be a skilled flying during his stay in father such a successful pilot, learning about the vast amount supplies. While Kelsey piloted in Japan,” shared Michael. teacher, he was soon called Washington, D.C., and after Michael replied, “I’ve always of history they have witnessed.” combat missions into Vietnam, “My father thought, ‘Hey, boys, to the Pentagon to serve in a seven years of service there, he thought that we all have certain Kelsey has lived a life full his family adapted to Japanese wouldn’t it be a good idea to go prestigious role for the Joint was ready to get back in the air. skills and gifts, and that was of adventure and bravery. He culture. out in a sailfish [boat]?’ And so Chiefs of Staff. Kelsey and his wife moved always his most basic one – to readily admits that he has no “I started working at a we rented a sailfish and went “At first, I was selected to Charleston Air Force Base be an aviator. He was a natural regrets in his life, but if he Japanese newspaper, and I out in the bay. What we didn’t as a briefing officer, involved in South Carolina, and in at it.” could do anything again, he was the only one who spoke know, but quickly figured out, in briefing visitors at the 1978, Kelsey was promoted During the course of would love to pilot a big jet English,” laughed Lu. “I had was that they forgot to put the Pentagon,” said Kelsey. to colonel, one of the highest Kelsey’s career, he earned the plane. Out of all of the places to learn the language fairly plug into the boat, and it wasn’t “Eventually, my bosses thought ranks in the Air Force. Meritorious Service Medal, six he’s traveled, the clouds are quickly, as I’m sure you can long before the boat started I should turn into a full-time Eventually, the couple Air Medals and two Air Force still Kelsey’s favorite imagine.” to fill with water and we were briefing officer, briefing the chose to move back west. Commendation Medals. He destination. Kelsey’s calm demeanor going to go down.” Air Force Chief of Staff, which Kelsey finished his 28-year Air landed on every continent and “There’s nothing like the and natural ability allowed him Kelsey began to prepare included the Secretary of the Force career at the University logged more than 6,000 hours of rush of lifting off the ground to be an extremely successful his sons for the inevitable. Air Force.” of Wyoming in Laramie. He flight. and flying,” shared Kelsey. “I fighter pilot during high-risk “As little kids, we didn’t Much of Kelsey’s time at taught aerospace studies in the Today, Kelsey and Lu reside love the feeling of breaking assignments. Michael, the really know what was going to the Pentagon was spent in the ROTC program – the very same at Life Care Center of Greeley ground, pulling the gear and couple’s eldest, remembers happen,” said Michael. “But he National Military Command program that sparked his love and are active members of their soaring!” a particular combat mission just said, ‘Boys, don’t worry. Center, a command and for flight years ago. community.

16 17 A Story of Resilience By Deanna Disbro

Doreen Menzies

D oreen Menzies has not had an “I had a very wonderful life as easy life. a child,” Menzies fondly recalls. Her story is messy and “I was a little spoiled brat by hard and leaves you wanting my father.” to edit the ending and delete After graduating from a chapters. Menzies’ life is a story Catholic high school, Menzies of someone crossing countries refused to go to college and and cultures, fighting against chose, instead, to work for emotional exhaustion, facing her father in his grocery store. abrupt transitions and coping Managing the store’s finances with the devastation of loss. It’s gave Menzies a business a story of a woman who chose foundation that would prove to to meet each challenge with be useful throughout her life. determination, each obstacle At 16, Menzies married with perseverance, each Ishmael Abdul, a ship chandler in Nine months after they were heartbreak with an iron will. It’s town. She began helping him with married, Menzies had her oldest a story of resilience. his family’s business of providing son, Malcolm. The couple went filet mignon to cruise ships, even on to have four more children, British Guiana learning to slaughter a cow. Her each one born at home with Born in British Guiana in marriage was happy, and she the help of a midwife. While 1931 to an Indian mother and was spoiled by her husband. raising her children, Menzies Scottish father, Menzies was the Their Saturday nights were spent also managed the finances of second of nine children and her dancing, and she says it was the both her father’s and husband’s father’s favorite. happiest time of her life. businesses. Sadly, Menzies’

18 19

Photo by Vick Laney youngest was born handicapped ended, and British Guiana gained However, with this success with the firm. She bought a Menzies recalls that he spent Menzies is now the proud with complications and spent his independence in the mid-’60s came unexpected emotional large home in the same country every holiday with her, flying grandmother to 12 grandchildren brief life in a Catholic hospital to become what we know as exhaustion. The responsibilities club community where her to Palm Bay from England. The and 10 great-grandchildren before passing away. Guyana. Menzies’ husband never of caring for her home, family daughters lived and hosted two were close, and he took his and enjoys doting on them and joined his family in London. and the restaurant became family throughout the year. responsibilities as the oldest provides a strong example of “...he said I “After the riots were over, overwhelming, and Menzies very seriously. determination. Menzies credits should put the he said I should put the kids in struggled through a bout of “I’ve always “The only thing I have not her ability to overcome her boarding school and return to depression. Frequent trips to her said He carried accepted [in life] is the death of challenges to her faith in God. kids in boarding Guyana,” says Menzies. doctor and the hospital left her my son,” shares Menzies. “He did “I’ve always said He carried school and return “I said, ‘No way I’ll do that…’ fatigued and in desperate need me... God everything for me.” me,” says Menzies. “God carried to Guyana. ... The youngest was 3 years old.” of a lifestyle change. carried me. I With the news of his death, me. I couldn’t do it.” Her husband chose to stay in “I was tired of taking care of couldn’t do it.” Menzies’ health began to decline Her spirit of perseverance I said, ‘No way Guyana to avoid becoming what everyone and not taking care of rapidly and she began falling is seen even in the advice she he considered “second class” in myself,” says Menzies. Her ability to host inspired frequently. She came to Life Care offers to those who may be going I’ll do that...’ another country. Menzies would So, she packed her bags, Menzies to go through a training Center of Palm Bay after several through their own struggles. The youngest only see him once more before said goodbye to her children and program to become licensed to falls left her in need of therapy. “Keep the faith,” she says, he passed away in 2015. headed for New York in 1974. run an assisted living facility She continues her love of “and do the right thing. Do what was 3 years old.” in her home. For the next 20 parties by participating in events is expected of you, no matter At that time, British Guiana England United States years, she cared for seniors, at the facility. Her presence in how hard it seems.” was in upheaval. Racial, social In a new country, with Menzies sold her home in typically Alzheimer’s patients. the facility has been a blessing And she has done just that. and economic unrest contributed four children and no income, England and bought a home in She facilitated five residents at to her fellow residents and Amidst loss, abandonment, to uprisings and riots throughout Menzies overcame the odds. Brooklyn, New York. She quickly a time and had a staff working staff, continuing her legacy depression and change, she the country. Demonstrators Her brother, who also lived in began a busy and successful out of her home to provide food, of entertaining. has kept the faith and offers burned down three rental England at the time, encouraged career working for a law firm on medication and housekeeping “She builds relationships the world a beautiful story of properties owned by Menzies’ her to do what she did best – Madison Avenue – Rosenman, for them, ensuring her residents between residents and aims at resilience. family. As the violence hit close entertain. With his financial Colin & Freund. Rosenman, the were well cared for. improving the quality of life for to home, her husband suggested assistance and chauffeuring, she founder of the firm, was a senior In 2014, Menzies’ son Malcolm fellow residents,” shares Nancy she take the children to London. went to culinary school. After advisor to President Franklin suddenly went into a coma and McGoldrick, executive director. He planned to sell the she graduated, she went on to Roosevelt and President Harry passed away. She was devastated. “She is a delight to our associates family business and join them. become a manager at the famous Truman. He played a role in and always keeps us on our However, the riots eventually Lyon’s Corner House on Oxford the war crimes trials, as well toes due to her comical nature, Street. This would be the only as offering his counsel as a knowledge and culture with her job she worked during her time speechwriter for both presidents. travels.” in England. Menzies was responsible Because of her dedication for catering and event-planning and persistence, Menzies’ for the firm, making sure each career in London was a success. event and party was meticulously She was able to buy a home planned and perfect. Cocktail and provide for her children, parties, deposition luncheons and paying for each one’s way fancy dinners were her world, through college. and she loved it. Eventually her daughters moved to the U.S. and bought homes in Palm Bay, Florida. Menzies decided it was time to join them and quit her job

20 21 A Life of Energy James Wheeler By Ryan Faricelli

P utney, West Virginia, was a town deep in the Appalachians, established for the Hatfield-Campbell Creek Coal “It was bad,” says Company. In its heyday, Putney Wheeler of his time underground. consisted of 100 company-owned “I was on my hands and knees houses, a church, a doctor’s office with water running down and a school that supported the my back.” families of 400 miners shoveling That same year, Wheeler’s 300,000 tons of coal each year. life would change when he met “Putney was a coal-mining Etta Yvonne Barnes. town,” remembers James “I was working in the mines,” Wheeler, the son of one of those Wheeler shares. “She came by

Photo by Vick Laney miners. “A big one.” the company store where I was Wheeler was born in Putney at, and I saw her. We’ve been in the summer of 1930. He had married 64 or 65 years now.” five brothers and two sisters Refusing to spend his life in and spent his free time after the unsavory conditions of the school playing ball with the mine, Wheeler quit his job and other kids. He attended the went back to school to learn to small country schoolhouse be a pipe fitter at Morris Harvey in town and started working College in Kanawha County, in the mine like his father West Virginia (now the University when he was just 16. of Charleston).

22 23 The Trans-Alaska Pipeline showing the pump station (PS) sites

Once finished with school, barrels of oil each day. On wife returned to West Virginia, Wheeler left West Virginia to average, it takes 11.9 days for settling in Charleston. They lay pipe in Nigeria. oil to travel the entire length enjoyed retirement there until “It wasn’t bad,” Wheeler of the pipeline as it moves one day they awoke to find says of the two years he spent through 11 pumping stations themselves in the middle of in the African nation. “But, it at 3.7 miles per hour. a disaster. was hot.” Engineers and builders “We went to bed one From the heat of Nigeria, faced extreme cold night,” says Wheeler. “The next Wheeler’s trade took him to temperatures while working morning, we heard someone the frigid cold of Alaska as oil in the isolated and difficult pounding on the side of the grew more popular than coal terrain. Much of the ground house. When we got up, there as a source of energy. The was frozen solid permafrost. was a boat there to get us out. mines in Wheeler’s hometown The water went up to about five of Putney shut down, and the The pipeline system would or six feet in our house!” town was abandoned around Waking to such a start the same time a huge field of oil run 800 miles, making it certainly got Wheeler’s energy was discovered near Prudhoe flowing, but he wasn’t scared. Bay in northern Alaska. That one of the largest pipeline “It did set my wife up a bit,” oil had to be moved to Valdez Wheeler laughs. Bay in southern Alaska, and systems in the world. After the flood, Wheeler what would become commonly and his wife made the known as the Alaska Pipeline “I put it together,” explains decision to move to Ocala, began construction in 1974. Wheeler. “They would bring Florida, where one of their “I was probably the first one pipe in with a bulldozer and daughters lived. they sent to Prudhoe Bay,” says side booms. They’d bring it in Today, Wheeler lives at Life Wheeler. “They hadn’t hired to me, I’d put it together, and Care Center of Ocala. You can anybody yet when I got there.” then the welders would weld always find him out and about The pipeline system would it. We moved with the pipe talking to everyone he meets run 800 miles, making it one construction, but it was cold. It around the facility. While his of the largest pipeline systems was so cold, you didn’t think.” days of moving around the in the world. The pipeline is Wheeler retired when world may have come to a 48 inches in diameter and the Alaska Pipeline was close, he is without a doubt can move more than 2 million completed in 1977. He and his still filled with energy.

24 25 Pass It On Mary LeFaivre

By Breanna Tucker “It seemed like a very common Like most young girls, she was that I didn’t have to go right on to life to me,” said Mary LeFaivre. unaware of what life would hold school at that moment.” But LeFaivre’s life as a for her but was excited to see As a result, LeFaivre sought World War II-era nurse has been what opportunities would come another outlet to serve. In 1943, anything but common. her way. she moved to Kansas City, LeFaivre graduated from Missouri, to work for the Army Brunswick High School in Ordinance Department. Her main Brunswick, Missouri, at 17, during job was to clean and resalvage the height of World War II. She parachute packs, which were filled knew her family did not have with supplies that soldiers fighting the finances to put her through overseas would need to survive, college, and such as blankets, medicines, she needed a splints, gloves and socks. job. The war “It was really kind of sobering,” effort had reflected LeFaivre. “Those packs created many had been dropped behind enemy opportunities lines and then picked up by the for work that United States Army trucks to be would allow distributed. We would clean out individuals the packs and salvage everything LeFaivre did not dream to also serve that was salvageable and start of becoming a nurse as a their country. packing again.” little girl. She did not play With this By this time, the United States pretend surgeon or try to in mind, was suffering from a lack of bandage skinned knees. LeFaivre nurses to care for those abroad as Her career as a nurse began attempted to enlist in the WAVES well as those at home. In order to

Photoby April Austin Images when she heard a call to arms, an program at the Chillicothe Navy fill the need, Congress established opportunity to serve her country Recruitment Center but was the United States Cadet Nurse at a time when it needed it most. turned away due to her young age. Corps in 1943 under the Born on Jan. 12, 1925, in LeFaivre, however, was not leadership of President Franklin rural Dewitt, Missouri, LeFaivre upset about being turned away. Roosevelt. Women ages 17 to 35 grew up in a part of Dewitt As she said, “I never really liked with a high school diploma were known as “Gumbo Bottoms.” school, and I was kind of relieved encouraged to apply.

26 27 She pondered her her decision to enroll, but she including Western Electric, Allis beautiful things with her Rapien. “She’s always been a decision for quite some was determined to succeed. Chalmers and the Lake City hands,” said Misty Kemble, very compassionate person time. The deciding factor “I would have stayed with it Army Ammunition Plant. social worker at Life Care with everything she’s done. Her for her was some words of until I got kicked out, I guess!” “I worked in the Center of Carrollton, where nursing and doing that in her advice from her mother who said LeFaivre. “I would not fail infirmaries,” stated LeFaivre. LeFaivre now lives. younger years probably instilled once told her, “This war my mother.” “It was like a walk-in clinic: “She’s always been such much of that through her life.” will be over, and you will be By the time she graduated no bedside care, walk-in a generous, giving woman,” LeFaivre’s compassion has standing around wondering from nursing school in May of patients, and we worked under a said Trisha Rapien, LeFaivre’s affected more than just human what you are going to do. 1947 and passed the nursing physician.” great-niece. “She has been very patients. Her love for small You have got to have a job.” state board to become a She worked at the Lake City forthcoming with quilts. If she animals and horses compelled With that, LeFaivre registered nurse, World War Army Ammunition Plant until thought somebody needed it, her to rescue many animals. decided to pursue the II had ended. LeFaivre was she retired from the company or to cheer them up, or if a Rapien remarked, “There is that program and, notified that she might be called in 1989. family member like my girls part of nursing – that nurturing ultimately, a career in back to action if necessary, but After retiring, again. She has saved a lot of nursing. the need never arose. LeFaivre moved to a rural animals in her lifetime.” “When this opened While LeFaivre never got to part of Alabama, where Her willingness to answer The days were not always easy. up, I really took a hard serve overseas, she feels a sense she traveled and served as to a higher call, to serve look at it for a while of pride and honor that she had a home health nurse for others even when she did not At times, she questioned her and decided that it the opportunity to be part of about four years. She then know where it would lead her, would be my best this historic program. returned to Carrollton, is truly remarkable. decision to enroll, but she was choice, my best plan “I will always thank Mr. Missouri, to be closer to As Boelsen said: “When determined to succeed. for a career of some Roosevelt for coming up with her family. you are a nurse, you are kind,” said LeFaivre. the Cadet Nurse program,” Her travels did not dedicating yourself to doing “Something to make remarked LeFaivre. “I think end in Alabama. LeFaivre good things for other people. The program would pay for my own living. That’s that was a tremendous blessing continued to travel around Basically, that was her life.” an accelerated nursing degree the way it happened.” from him.” the United States during When asked what she program with tuition, room and LeFaivre was inducted into LeFaivre’s career after some of her later years. wants people to remember board, uniforms and textbooks, the United States Army Cadet nursing school was full of many Her nephew, Bill Boelsen, about her life’s story, Lefaivre along with an additional stipend Nurse Corps in 1944 and began wonderful opportunities. reflected on this time in paraphrased a quote from for each student. In return, the nursing school on Feb. 14, 1944. In 1947, she moved to her life. Guideposts Magazine: “Pass cadets were required to serve She attended school at Saint Marshall, Missouri, where she “After she retired, she it on. If you have a good for the duration of World War II. Mary’s Hospital on Hospital Hill began working at Fitzgibbon took some of these bus day, pass it on. If somebody LeFaivre learned about this in Kansas City. Memorial Hospital. She was trips. ... They go to Washington got married… she’d do a quilt has a good day the next day, opportunity through a billboard LeFaivre’s first steps into a surgery and emergency D.C., Washington State and for them. She just has a very encourage them to pass it on. advertisement posted on Saint Mary’s were uncertain, room nurse there, and she out west,” said Boelsen. “She kind heart.” If you have good luck, take Hospital Hill in Kansas City. but she knew it was where she remembers being on call for 24 did quite a bit of that after she LeFaivre has undoubtedly somebody’s hand and help them. “The billboard had a picture should be. hours at a time. retired. She had some fun times touched the lives of many Pass it on.” of a nurse in a uniform, with “I think I was probably more After some time at in her later years.” people throughout her years in With a life dedicated to a statement from President scared than anything else,” Fitzgibbon Memorial, LeFaivre LeFaivre’s talents extend nursing. Today, she continues to caring for others, Mary LeFaivre Franklin Roosevelt encouraging chuckled LeFaivre. “It was an decided that she wanted to beyond nursing. She is an avid touch the lives of associates and has definitely passed it on. women to join,” recalled awesome decision to sign up my switch to industrial nursing. She quilter and embroiderer who has residents at Life Care Center of LeFaivre. “I remember they life for three years. To me, that took a job at the shoe factory in an array of handiwork to show Carrollton with her kind spirit, were offering free tuition and was a lifetime. But it turned out Marshall before moving back to for her skills. caring personality and strong free uniforms. I had a happy alright; God is good.” the Kansas City area. “Not only has she helped faith in God. feeling, and it was beautiful to The days were not always In Kansas City, she worked heal people with those hands, “She’s always had, what I have the opportunity.” easy. At times, she questioned at various industrial companies, but she has made many like to call, a good soul,” said

28 29 TALES OF A Treasure- Handler

Fred Rymer By Heidi Pino

F red Rymer, a resident at The REA was a goods and packages During his almost 20 years Heritage Center in Morristown, delivery service that spanned with the Railway Express Tennessee, has spent his life the United States. It was owned Agency, Rymer found something handling treasures of all kinds. by 86 railroads, which would more precious than any cargo: Sometimes they were his own. provide railway cars attached Dorothy Lambert. But many times they belonged to passenger trains for the REA Dorothy lived in Greene to others. to use. County, Tennessee, one of four Regardless, he has lived Rymer’s job was to take mail children raised by their father, Christ’s Golden Rule, off the trains. One day, he got who worked as a carpenter. treating others as he to see someone famous. Rymer was enchanted by this would want to be “I remember him young lady and started dating treated. Whether telling me that Elvis her. They frequented a restaurant family or strangers, Presley was on the in downtown Morristown called everyone was in good train,” shared Rymer’s the L and W, and it wasn’t long hands with Rymer. daughter, Diana Mullins. before Rymer knew she was the Rymer was born on “The train stopped, and all these one for him. The couple married Jan. 26, 1930, in Hamblen County, people gathered to get a glimpse on June 10, 1950. Tennessee, right at the beginning of Elvis Presley.” Rymer started calling his of the Great Depression. It was a As railway travel became less new bride Ms. Muffin, a term of difficult time to grow up but an popular, the REA depended more endearment he continues today. experience that would forever and more on delivery trucks, and When Rymer was asked make him hold tight to the true Rymer’s role changed. He began what he loves about Dorothy, he

Photo by David Smith treasures in life. driving a truck from Roanoke, answered, “Everything.” He and his father, Arthur Virginia, to Knoxville, Tennessee. The Rymers went on to have Rymer, were blessed to have The dark green REA trucks two children. Mullins was born jobs with the Railway Express were a familiar sight throughout in 1952 when the couple was Agency. The precursor to today’s America with their red and white living briefly in Chattanooga, Federal Express and UPS, the diamond logo. Tennessee, and her brother,

30 31 Jeff Rymer, was born in 1955. good provider. We weren’t the building that served as at one point, so Rymer stepped “Mom helped with all the with tenderness, and she still Sadly, Jeff passed away in the rich, but we had everything the winter headquarters of up to help run it. grandkids,” Mullins said. “She gives him kisses. early 2000s. we needed.” Confederate Gen. James “I used to be pretty good,” was just a motherly type.” Rymer’s life has been one As the kids were growing Mullins remembers her Longstreet in 1863-1864. Rymer said of his bowling Mullins added that her of handling many treasures up, business at the REA was father teaching her to drive as This was the winter after his skills. parents would often babysit with care – from the packages starting to decline. Rymer soon as she was old enough, army’s defeat at Gettysburg. The Rymers remained her sons when she would go to he delivered with the Railway found a new opportunity: partly so that Dorothy would Longstreet had just been active in the community. They work. Sometimes they would Express Agency to the historic working as a rodeo clown. be taken care of since she beaten back by the Union from frequently volunteered at Life take the boys to a local diner artifacts and antiques he dealt Rodeo clowns entertain had never learned to drive. the Siege of Knoxville, and Care Center of Morristown, with them. in at The Bird’s Nest. the crowds with jokes and That way, if the family needed he brought his troops to the about three miles from The “They thought that was But his true treasure has antics but have an even more anything, Mullins could drive Nenney homestead to re-outfit. Heritage Center, and would the greatest thing ever,” been people – the rodeo riders important role. They jump them wherever they needed While the Rymers lived visit the residents and assist Mullins said. he protected, the seniors he in the arena when a rider is to go. in the back of the house, they with bingo games. Unfortunately, Dorothy served, the parents he took thrown from a horse or bull As the children got a little turned the front into their own The Rymers loved all developed dementia, and Rymer care of in their last days, his and distract the animal so that older, Rymer and Dorothy were antique store, The Bird’s Nest. generations, too, especially went through some health wife, his children and his the rider has a chance to safely able to share another love “One of the rooms upstairs their seven grandchildren – challenges as well. They moved descendants. exit the ring. together: antiquing. Daddy wallpapered with five through Jeff and in to The Heritage Center in And that’s treasure indeed. Mullins remembers this as “Daddy started out newspaper, so they would two through Mullins. 2013. Rymer still treats his wife a wonderful time for her family. collecting clocks,” said Mullins. come in and start reading Rymer would either perform “I’d say that they had about the wall,” Mullins remembered. in town at the local stadium or 15-20 in their home, and it just Among the antiques, take the family with him when escalated from there. They Mullins remembers lots of the rodeo traveled from town would go up north trying to glassware, butter churns, to town. They would go as far find ‘goodies,’ as he called crocks, rolling pins and as Hot Springs, North Carolina. them, and bring them Civil War guns. True to rodeo clown back here.” “There was just tons of tradition, Rymer had a funny They started collecting in stuff, different things,” she said. name for his character: Easy the early 1960s. Rymer loved The Bird’s Nest closed after Money. to find good oak furniture, the Rymers had lived there for Even the livestock had while Dorothy had another 13 years. They moved back to monikers. One staple of the favorite item. Morristown, and eventually local rodeo was a bucking “Mama collected dolls the Lakeway Civil War horse named Sad Sam. because growing up, they didn’t Preservation Association saved “That was the craziest have very much,” said Mullins. the house from destruction by horse I’ve ever seen in my The years passed, and a developer. The organization life,” said Mullins. “It didn’t go Rymer and Dorothy found turned it into the General in a straight line. It would go themselves caring for their Longstreet Headquarters sideways.” aging family members – first for Museum, featuring local Civil Life at their Morristown Rymer’s grandparents, then his War artifacts, like a Bible from home was good. Though Rymer parents and then his father-in- the Bethesda Church, which worked and Dorothy was a law until those generations had was used as a Confederate field “But his true treasure housewife, both parents were passed away. And in everything hospital. has been people – the rodeo riders active in their children’s lives. the couple carried on the same Rymer soon had the chance “I couldn’t ask for better spirit of love they had inherited. to work at another place he he protected, the seniors he served, parents,” Mullins said. “They Eventually, the Rymers loved – the bowling alley. The were always behind us 100 rented a historic house in East End Bowling League in the parents he took care of percent. My daddy was a very Russellville, Tennessee, Morristown needed a manager in their last days, his wife,

32 his children and his descendants.” 33 It All Changed in 1939 Ann & Alec Kaminski

By Leigh Atherton “I was standing in the background alone, and my eyes fell on that girl. And suddenly I lost interest in everything that was going on around me. A fellow officer walked up to me and started to wonder what it was that had such a hypnotic effect on me. He too noticed that charm that radiated from her, and he made a remark along those lines. Then he turned to me and asked what I thought about this girl. Without turning my face away from her, I said, ‘I’m going to marry her.’” ALEC unit was forced to slowly retreat It was 1945. World War II was It all changed in 1939. toward Warsaw. finally over. For Alec Kaminski, his pursuit Poland surrendered in Alec and Ann led separate of education was about to begin. September 1939, and Alec set off and dangerous tales, with no idea He had served his mandatory year for France to rejoin the ousted that the end of the war held the of Polish military service and was Polish troops. Getting out of beginning of their love story. The planning his next steps at the Poland, which was then under paths that brought them together university. German occupation, was easier were full of danger, excitement But when Hitler began fighting said than done. He and a friend

Photo by Mikki Winningham Mikki by Photo and bravery. for new territory in Europe, with made the difficult journey through his eyes set on Poland first, it all Poland, across the border into changed – in 1939, when Alec was Czechoslovakia and then into just 19. Hungary. Alec was called back into The trek through Hungary active duty as the Poles prepared was cut short when Alec and his to defend their country. His unit friend were caught and put in jail. was sent to defend Poland’s While they did manage to escape, southwest border. The German they were not able to retrieve their forces were too strong, and his identification papers. Alec did not

34 35 give up, though, because his the Germans continued Life was different in Warsaw, continued for several weeks, and “The SS man came back goal was to make it to France so their retreat. but it went on nonetheless. Ann was in the middle of it all. to my bed and asked if I was a that he could serve his country. Soon after, their In 1941, Ann was given the “I was tired because during soldier. I said, ‘No.’ He pulled Alec managed to make it to unit heard about a opportunity to serve her country the days while the fighting was the blanket off me and saw Yugoslavia, where, because of POW camp for Polish as part of the AK, the Polish constantly going on, I was a my Panzer blouse.” (Panzer his lack of papers, he assumed girls that had just resistance. Although Poland was courier,” said Ann. “I stood blouses were actually German someone else’s identity and been liberated. Alec occupied by enemy troops, the on patrol. I prepared meals. I clothing, and Ann’s unit had boarded a ship to Marseille, visited the camp Polish people had not given up. nursed the wounded, and I dug raided a German stash. Wearing France. When he finally in Niederlangen to A strong underground movement out buried friends.” the clothing was a symbol of arrived in France, his platoon see if he could find existed to encourage those The old city of Warsaw fighting in old-town Warsaw.) commander from officer school a friend’s girlfriend who had remaining in Poland to keep became a pile of rubble where He left as abruptly as he helped Alec get the correct been captured during the war. fighting. Ann’s cousin Danka there was no place to hide, but came but returned quickly identification papers. Alec did find her and helped inspired her initial involvement, the fight continued. with a black dress and cheap Just as Alec made it to orchestrate a reunion for his but Ann quickly paved her own Around Sept. 15, 1944, Ann’s fur wrap. France, that country, too, fell friend and girlfriend. The way and joined the Parasol ankle was shattered. She was “He told me to change to the Germans, and the Polish officers then asked the girlfriend Unit. This specific unit was so taken to the basement of a quickly,” explained Ann. “The SS soldiers were sent to England, if she could bring 17 of her secretive that everyone used building serving as a hospital. man came back soon and said, the home base of the exiled friends to a party with them. fake names – nobody knew who Because of all the bombings, ‘Are you wondering why I did Polish government. Alec and his It was at this party that Alec anyone was, but it did not matter there were no actual buildings this?’ He said, ‘All my brothers fellow troops finally landed in met Ann. because you just did what you left, only the foundations and are killed now, and I thought Scotland, where they spent the could to help your country. Ann basements. Those who could that if I saved your life, then majority of the war. ANN studying with private tutors would later receive Poland’s walk needed to evacuate, and maybe God will save the life of In Scotland, Alec was It all changed in 1939. and, as an only child, playing highest recognition for heroism the ones who could not walk my sister.’” trained as a paratrooper and Countess Hanna Jozefa with the children of their loyal and courage, the Virtuti Militari were left at the makeshift While Ann’s life was spared, then, in turn, trained other Janina Orlowska – Ann for servants. medal, for her service to the hospital, including Ann. she had suddenly become a paratroopers. The idea was short – was part of the Polish But when Hitler began Parasol Unit. “It turned very quiet,” shared prisoner of war at the mercy that the troops were preparing intelligentsia. Her father, Count viewing members of the Ann served as a courier for Ann. “There was no bombing. of the Germans. She was the to one day liberate Warsaw. Gustaw Orlowski, worked as a intelligentsia as a threat, it all the resistance throughout World … Then I heard shooting again, only survivor of the hospital Although ready and prepped starosta (similar to a governor) changed – in 1939, when Ann War II. During her duties, she not like machine gun bullets, but massacre. for battle, Alec’s unit was never in Poland. He, along with was just 15. was injured multiple times, the rather, single, systematic shots, Ann was transported by sent to fight. The Germans his baroness wife and only Forced to flee the estate, most serious of which happened one after the other.” cattle train to a POW camp began retreating after D-Day, daughter, enjoyed life at the Ann and her parents ended in 1944 during the Warsaw Suddenly an SS but Alec was still ready and family castle in Sluzewo. Ann’s up with family in Warsaw. Uprising. Beginning on Aug. 1, soldier burst into her willing to serve the Polish Army childhood was spent exploring The Germans closed schools, 1944, the resistance led the room. He pulled the in any way possible. He was the thousands of acres and secret schools were then uprising to liberate Warsaw screaming boy in the sent to Germany, near the Dutch surrounding Sluzewo, attending started. Luxury was replaced from German occupation. bed next to her into border, to occupy territory as the town’s Catholic church, with survival. Shooting, bombing and fighting the hall and shot him.

36 37 “This was a big war, and I was part of the action that was conquering Germans,” said Ann. “My heart was beating from excitement, and the machine gun on my shoulder felt like the most gorgeous diamond.”

where a German nurse tended of our camp while the rest of the from London on the radio and to her wounded ankle. After two guards were taken as prisoners.” learned that the Yalta peace months, she was transferred to A red and white Polish flag terms included giving Poland to another camp where conditions was raised over the freed camp, Stalin’s Soviet Union. were harsh. They were forced to and they received canned food. “At that moment, I knew all sleep two to a bed. Their bunks The girls were soon put to work of our efforts were for nothing were infested with lice, and defending the camp. and that we lost,” said Ann. “I food rations were small. “This was a big war, and I cried for a very long time.” In the spring of 1945, Ann was part of the action that was Ann had fought hard for was still in the POW camp, and conquering Germans,” said Ann. her country, and her resilient The couple married on Editor’s note: Ann she was down to her last potato. “My heart was beating from spirit was evident throughout July 13, 1946, and moved to Kaminski is a resident at Life Suddenly she saw some excitement, and the machine her many battles, injuries and London so Alec could attend Care Center of Charleston action on the outside of the gun on my shoulder felt like the adventures. That same resilient school. He earned a degree in North Charleston, South camp. It was a solider in a khaki most gorgeous diamond.” spirit helped her slowly begin to in chemistry and became Carolina. Alec Kaminski was uniform and a black beret. Shortly thereafter, British build a new, post-war life. a chemical engineer who also a resident at the facility He walked to the barbed wire troops joined them at the camp, Not long after the war specialized in synthetic rubber. until he passed away as this fence and said something in and the girls were relieved of ended, Ann and 17 of her friends Alec’s work eventually took article was being prepared for Polish which translated to, “Hi, their security duties. They were were invited to a dinner party them to Canada and then the print. This article is printed comrade.” given British battle dresses with Polish officers. United States. Ann was a stay- in his memory and with “I have no words to describe and moved to another camp in It was at that dinner party at-home mom for their two permission from Ann and the joy and enthusiasm that Niederlangen. that Ann met a handsome Polish children, Christopher (1947) their family. followed,” said Ann. “The tanks Finally, on May 7, 1945, officer named Alec. and Wendy (1960). pulled down the wired fence. Germany surrendered to the Though one worked for the They killed the SS commander Allies. Ann listened to the news Polish army and the other for the Polish resistance, their goal was the same: serve and liberate Alec and Ann began Poland. The world changed in dating shortly after that 1939. The Kaminskis’ world chance meeting at the officers’ changed again at a party in 1945. party. The war had changed But, this time the change was everything for them. Ann’s for good. It was the beginning mother, father and aunt all died of a love story that would span in concentration camps, and more than 70 years. her family’s castle and estate were destroyed. Alec’s family survived the war, but they were Though one worked for the Polish army and the other for the Polish stuck in Poland under the new communist government. resistance, their goal was the same: serve and liberate Poland.

38 39 For the Love of the Game

Andy Lask a

By Dara Carroll M arch 25, 1947. As the final to Worcester’s Union Station the boyhood home. Laska and his seconds ticked off the clock next day, he was shocked to find three brothers could walk to the inside the Garden, a sold-out 35,000 ecstatic hometown fans Club, and as Laska developed his crowd of 18,445 roared with waiting for them and cheering passion for the game, he charmed excitement. The Holy Cross men’s their names. Holy Cross, after all, those around him with his basketball team, from Worcester, had less than 1,500 students. charisma. In 1938, they elected Massachusetts, had just beaten “Suddenly, they were him as the “First Mayor of the heavily favored University of superstars,” said daughter Diane Worcester Boys Club.” Oklahoma 58-47. Laska-Nixon. “They still are.” “It meant they liked him,” This wasn’t just any The experience became an said Laska’s oldest daughter, Garden – it was Madison Square indelible landmark on a path Donna Ingraham. “He was a Garden, the center of the that would lead Laska to role model for the other boys. A basketball universe. And, this legendary status in New England natural leader.” wasn’t just any victory. It was the basketball history. The son of Albanian NCAA Championship game. In Laska first learned the rules immigrants, Laska excelled in a tournament synonymous with of basketball at the Lincoln several sports, including baseball Cinderella stories, Holy Cross’ Square Boys Club in Worcester, and football, but it was on the improbable win was its first. just down the road from his basketball court that Laska’s star A weathered photo captures the moment Coach “Doggie” Julian accepted the championship trophy. The picture is visibly creased by the hands of time, but the jubilant faces of the players surrounding Julian still look ageless. They are the faces Ten Mangoes Photography Mangoes Ten of innocent youth, unbridled talent and limitless possibilities. And there, on the front row, is Andy Laska. It was an unforgettable moment for 21-year-old Laska. When the team returned by train

40 41 shone the brightest. He played on a service basketball team Cousy is still one of Laska’s “It wasn’t until my older of coaching, he led Assumption golf coach, a position he held varsity basketball all four years in North Carolina before being closest friends. brother was born in 1949 that to its first winning season from 1969-86. at North High School, making deployed, and while he was During Laska’s sophomore my grandmother came around,” since 1934, the Greyhounds “He coached everything the all-New England team his on Guam, he played on the year, the Crusaders returned said Laska-Nixon. received their first NAIA in the old days, whatever senior year and leading the Marianas all-star team. to the NCAA Tournament After graduating from Holy Tournament bid in school sports they had,” laughed Polar Bears to the New After the war, Laska and finished third, losing to Cross in 1950, with a wife and history and, in 1954, his Laska-Nixon. England championship game. was offered a full basketball eventual winners Kentucky – young son to support, Laska academy team won the New In 1967, Laska handed During that ’43 season, Laska scholarship to Holy Cross. the first of Adolph Rupp’s spent a couple of years working England championship. head coaching duties over to was captain and averaged 20 The 12-man roster that won four championships with the for an athletic company. His Recognizing his Joe O’Brien, an assistant coach points a game – for a team that the NCAA championship his Wildcats. During their four heart was still on the court, commitment to excellence, and former player, but Laska only averaged 39. freshman year included three years at Holy Cross, Laska and however, and when Assumption Assumption hired Laska as continued on as AD until his Like many of his peers, players who would be drafted Cousy led their teams to an College, also located in its athletic director in 1956. 1986 retirement. Laska was drafted out of by pro teams and six players overall record of 99-19. Worcester, offered him the Academy coaching duties were Through his success on high school. He served in the who would go on to enjoy Laska’s college years opportunity to coach its men’s handed to Donald “Dee” Rowe, the court, Laska made a name U.S. Army Air Forces for 33 successful coaching careers. brought success off the court, team, he jumped at the chance. another of Laska’s closest for himself beyond Worcester. months, mostly as the waist Coach Julian too. While At first, friends, who On several occasions, he took gunner on a B-29 Superfortress famously insisted swimming Laska coached also ran short sabbaticals and coached Laska spent his freshman year on the During his 15 years as the in Guam. He was spared from he had 10 starters at Coe’s both the Greyhounds’ head coach, Laska led a popular basketball at the American any major battles, but he did on that ’47 team second team, sharing the backcourt Pond one Worcester basketball embassy in Beirut. And, in 1975, his teams to a 225-96 overall record, have a birds-eye view of events so he spent most with a fellow freshman who would day, mutual Academy prep camp in he was the business manager team and the 10 NCAA tournaments and was Worcester that captivated the world. His of the season go on to a Hall of Fame career with friends for USA National Basketball, plane was one of the first to fly playing a platoon introduced Assumption named New England Coach of the with him for traveling throughout Europe over Hiroshima and take aerial system. The first the Boston Celtics: Bob Cousy. him to Ruth College men’s Year on two occasions. more than a with the team as it prepped for photos after the atomic bomb team played the Willoughby, team. It was a decade, but the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. was dropped in August 1945. first 10 minutes of each half; a nursing student at Worcester daunting task for a new coach Laska continued to coach the Laska’s connections to They also flew over the USS the second played the last 10 City Hospital. The young and young father, but he college team for 11 more years. basketball reached around Missouri in Tokyo Bay, where minutes of each half. couple fell in love, but Laska made it work. During his 15 years as the world, but it is in New Gen. Douglas MacArthur was Laska spent his freshman knew his mother wouldn’t “I could do both jobs the Greyhounds’ head coach, England that his influence poised to sign the agreement year on the second team, approve, since Ruth wasn’t because one played in the Laska led his teams to a 225- is immeasurable. In addition that would mark the end of sharing the backcourt with a Albanian. They ended up afternoon, and one played at 96 overall record, 10 NCAA to sitting on an extraordinary World War II. fellow freshman who would eloping in 1948, but they didn’t night,” said Laska. tournaments and was named number of athletic and civic Laska still found ways go on to a Hall of Fame career live together at first, since Laska’s impact on New New England Coach of the committees, he oversaw to pursue his passion while with the Boston Celtics: Bob Laska’s family didn’t know England basketball was Year on two occasions. He was Assumption’s transition serving his country. He played Cousy. Seventy years later, about the marriage. immediate. In his first few years also Assumption’s first head into becoming an NCAA

42 43 Division II athletic program players was that loyalty is what I learned from Andy that I Beecher Hunter and was a founding father of extremely important. One of had the skills to become one.” the NE-10 Conference. his great gifts is that if Andy “Andy’s legacy in The awards that befriended you, you were a Worcester,” said Rowe, “should President’s Column immortalize Laska’s career, friend forever.” be that everybody who was including induction into Amazingly, Laska still privileged to touch his life several halls of fame, are too keeps in touch with teammates became better for knowing him. I ’ve written about her and how much her call and the visit many to list. The greatest from his long ago North High His care and concern for others spoken about her ever since I meant to him – “to discover my honor, however, came in and Holy Cross teams, and in goes far beyond the game.” met her in 1991. mother after all these years.” 1975, when the gym At 92 years Her name is Donna White Naturally, with a story like at Assumption was young, if you ask Sykes, and she was one of the that, Donna won the Eastern renamed The Andrew Laska what he’s first winners of Life Care’s Division Whatever It Takes Laska Gymnasium. most proud of, his Whatever It Takes customer award. “Despite all of the answer shouldn’t service program. A certified Why did she do all that? I honors along the surprise you. nursing assistant, she is a asked her. “I just put myself in way,” said Rowe, “Being a fixture at Ridgeview Terrace that woman’s place, and I asked “Andy never changed. basketball coach,” of Life Care in Rutledge, myself, ‘If one of my daughters He was revered by all he said. “And, Holy Tennessee. She is a legend, was dying, what would I give who were privileged Cross winning actually. 14 brothers and sisters in the to see her again?’ When I asked to touch his life. the national Her story of putting the family, seven of whom were myself that question, I knew Truly a legend.” championship.” concerns of a resident first is still living. Donna began calling what I had to do.” Laska’s thumbprint on addition to Cousy and Rowe, Yes, Andy Laska is still truly amazing. the siblings. Donna represents the collegiate basketball in New some of his best friends are passionate about basketball. Donna learned one day The brother the resident had commitment of thousands of England is impossible to former players like Lemenager. Long after many of his fellow that a female resident she specifically asked about lived Life Care associates all across overlook, but his greatest “Andy was an excellent residents at Life Care Center served was dying of cancer in California, and when called the country who share their influence wasn’t in X’s and teacher of the game of of Auburn, Massachusetts, are and didn’t have long to live. by Donna, he talked with his skills and their compassion O’s. It was his investment basketball,” said Lemenager, asleep, he stays up to watch She expressed to Donna that sister by telephone. He made with our patients and residents. in the lives of those around who still visits Laska almost NBA and college basketball she wished she could talk to plans to come and see her, but Life Care’s reputation is not him, including his wife, five every day. “But, his greatest gift games. He likes all of the New a brother before she died, she died before he could do so. built in Cleveland, Tennessee. kids (Michael, Donna, Diane, as a coach was his ability to England teams – the Celtics, but didn’t know where he In her research, Donna also It is established one associate Kim and Andrew), former get the most out of his players. Holy Cross, Providence, lived, and hadn’t talked to discovered the woman had a at a time taking care of one teammates, players and His players respected his deep UCONN – and he follows him in years. son who was taken away from resident at a time. assistant coaches. commitment to the game and to Georgetown, where his oldest Donna got busy and – on her her when he was 6 years old That’s the story of Life Care “He was a hero, a mentor, them. He wasn’t only interested son, Michael, played. own time with her own money– and told that his mother had Centers of America – from a coaching genius,” said in them as players, but as young He also keeps up with called the television series died. Donna kept on with her the first center in 1970 to the Rowe. “But he never had an men, and that’s why they played his beloved Assumption Unsolved Mysteries about search and found the son incorporation of Life Care ego or acted like a sports so hard for him.” Greyhounds, who still play their helping her find the brother. living in Scottsdale, Arizona. Centers of America in 1976 hero. He was always giving Laska’s investment in the home games in the Laska Gym. Although program officials At first he didn’t believe to today. and thanking others. Always lives of his players and their Laska no longer attends games were interested, they advised Donna’s story because of what May God bless all those reaching out to others.” futures resulted in countless in person, but the trophy case it would be six or eight weeks his father had told him, but he associates who daily give of “Andy is the most loyal players going on to become in the lobby honors him and his before getting back with her. came to Ridgeview Terrace to themselves to those in need. person I ever met,” added Don successful coaches and influence on the school’s rich Believing her resident didn’t see for himself. Lemenager, the team captain administrators themselves. athletic history, ensuring no one have that long to live, Donna When he walked into the during Laska’s first year at “I wanted to follow will ever forget that a basketball contacted the newspaper in the room, he knew that was his Assumption. “He was loyal to in Andy’s footsteps,” said legend once held court there. woman’s hometown and placed mother. The son and the an ad seeking information. mother talked for six hours, Beecher Hunter his players, and the biggest Lemenager. “I was a basketball President thing he tried to instill in his coach, and it was because of She learned from cousins of renewing their relationship. the woman that there had been When he left, he told Donna

44 45