Ohio Senior Citizens Cover design: Award winning “World Peace” quilt created by 2000 Hall of Fame Inductee, Lois K. Ide of Bucyrus, Ohio

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InductionInduction Ceremony 50 West Broad Street/9th Floor Ceremony Columbus, OH 43215-3363 General: 614-466-5500 TTY: 614-466-6191

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Governor Director Joan W. Lawrence May 8, 2001 HistoryHistory HonoringHonoring ofof thethe OhioOhio SeniorSenior CitizensCitizens OurOur HallHall ofof FameFame

This recognition honors outstanding HeritageHeritage older Ohioans each year for their achievements and contributions to others: for the role played by older men and women in their communities, state and nation; and to promote productive and enjoyable retirement years. InductionInduction This year, 10 individuals join the distinguished ranks of the Ohio Senior Ceremony Citizens Hall of Fame. They were Ceremony selected for contributions they have made for the benefit of humankind after age 60, or for a continuation of efforts begun before that age. MayMay 8,8, 20012001 The induction ceremony features a video about each inductee. Each inductee receives a lapel pin with the Hall of Fame symbol and a plaque with his or her portrait and a brief biography. An identical plaque is Welcome displayed at the Martin Janis Senior Joan W. Lawrence Center on the Ohio State Fairgrounds Director, in Columbus. Ohio Department of Aging

Since 1977, more than 200 older Recognition of Past Inductees individuals have been inducted into the Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. Presentation of Inductees & Awards Dorothy Dexter Alexander Add a warm, caring personality to intelligence and talent and you have Dorothy D. Alexander, who at age twelve started accompanying choirs then later taught music in West Virginia and Ohio public schools for 38 years.  Dorothy won national recognition by being included in Who’s Who Among African Americans in 1993, and in 1998 was awarded a Human Service Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc., America’s first Greek letter organization established by and for black women. In keeping with AKA goals, she was honored for “cultivating and encouraging high scholastic and ethical standards” by the 93-year old sorority. As a music teacher, she influenced many young people and touches the lives of adults as a church musician, teacher and choir director.  She is described as “vibrantly active” in church and community activities and currently provides the music for senior residents of Lutheran Village of Columbus.  She is director/pianist for the Chime/Children’s Choir at Shiloh Baptist Church, and pianist for the Male Chorus, musician for AKA Sorority and Heroines of Jericho and directed the Fourth District Choir of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was director of the Youth Department of the West Virginia Baptist Music Convention after graduating from West Virginia State Inductees Inductees College.  Dorothy suffered the loss of her husband, parents and mother and father-in-law within a span of seven years and “the faith her parents had instilled in her” sustained her to raise two children, Robert and Doncella and to inspire her grandson, Brandon Alexander. 1927 1996

Erma Bombeck Robert T. Fox Wife and Mother. Homemaker. Author. A star basketball player and pitcher who Humorist. Humanitarian. filled took the Brookville baseball team to a state all of these roles and is loved by generations of championship, Robert T. Fox went on to Americans. Her clever wit, compassion, and play semi-pro and minor league baseball. He wisdom always struck the right chord with practiced with Babe Ruth and played against readers and never failed to leave them smiling St. Louis baseball great Jesse Haines. or laughing. The writer’s insightful editorials  reflected what millions of suburban housewives A World War II veteran, Fox was a were going through with the daily trials of businessman before a thirteen-year stint life. Erma started as a reporter for the Dayton as columnist for the weekly Brookville Star. Journal-Herald and her column on domesticity He was dubbed “The Old Bluebird” - a nod was eventually syndicated in more than 600 to when the local team was known as the newspapers. The celebrated author wrote 12 Brookville Bluebirds. books including best sellers: The Grass Is Always  Greener Over the Septic Tank, If Life Is a Bowl of His columns chronicled everyday life in Cherries - What Am I Doing in the Pits?, and When “Our Little Corner of the World.” His poem You Look Like Your Passport Photo, It’s Time to Go “Just a Little Boy” has become widely known Home. among baseball fans. It has been featured a  number of times in Ann Landers’ nationally A true Good Samaritan, Erma lent her time and syndicated column. Fox’s poem describes the talent to various organizations including the pressure felt by a young boy at bat with bases Arizona Kidney Foundation and the American loaded during a baseball game: “a moment Red Cross, where she and husband Bill received like this a man you can make.” the highest philanthropic award bestowed upon  American Red Cross Volunteers, The Philos His weekly column was about “the everyday Award. Some of her other honors include: being life of his community.” Brookville Star editor appointed by President Carter to serve on the and publisher Jim Hoffman said “he was President’s Advisory Committee for Women, widely read” and chuckled about Fox not being named one of the 25 Most Influential using a computer but writing his column Women in America, receiving the American on a number of manual typewriters some of Cancer Society’s 1990 Medal of Honor and which he’d picked up at garage sales. holding 16 honorary doctorates.   Fox was a community activist busy in tasks She says it best: “I always had a dream that when I ranging from helping pass a levy, to cleaning am asked to give an accounting of my life to a higher a pond at Golden Gate Park, to visiting court, it will go like this: ‘So, empty your pockets. veterans at Brookhaven Nursing Home. What have you got left of your life? Any dreams that  were unfulfilled? Any unused talent that we gave He served in the Navy during World War you when you were born that you still have left? Any II and as Chaplain for Veterans of Foreign unsaid compliments or bits of love that you haven’t Wars (VFW) Post 3288, he also helped raise spread around?’ And I will answer, ‘I’ve nothing many flags and bury many veterans. Elizabeth Harper Rev. Phale D. Hale “She is very friendly, outgoing and willing to Reverend Phale D. Hale, a Baptist minister do her part for the success of any organization for more than 60 years has given more than 61 with which she is involved,” people say about years of public service. He is nationally-known . True as that is, it’s only Elizabeth Harper as a leader who at age 86, continues to fight for half her story. In 1956, she was a true pioneer equality and justice. as the first African-American to obtain a real  estate license in Allen County. She later added He was Columbus president of the Vanguard an insurance license and retired in 1982 after a successful business career. League, which joined the struggles of the  NAACP. As president of NAACP’s Columbus Harper “opened doors in a field that was organization, Hale and his colleagues led efforts traditionally dominated by white males” and for The Ohio State University to hire its first more than a quarter century of work as a real black professor and created conditions leading estate agent testifies to her determination, to Ohio’s hiring the first African-American business sense and integrity. Her work has Highway Patrolman and Ohio National Bank’s made her one of the most respected citizens first black teller. in Allen County and she remains active on a  number of boards. Hale led many boycotts and demonstrations  calling for desegregation of public dining In addition to her highly visible role as a realtor, rooms, government buildings and private and in spite of her own health problems, Harper sector businesses, leading to the hiring of black cared for her ill husband. A Past Matron of the teachers, bus drivers, and department stores Order of Eastern Star, she served on the boards clerks and managers. of Church Women United, the YWCA and the  HY-HO Club. With more than 20 years service she is a lifetime member of Lima Memorial He spent his early years in Greenwood, Hospital Auxiliary. Mississippi, before “hoboing” to Buffalo, N.Y.  His drive led him to Morehouse College and She was President of the Triangle Club; he graduated from the Interdenominational spent six years on the Senior Citizen’s Board; Theological Seminary in Atlanta with a Masters volunteers at Bradfield Senior Center and PSA3 in Divinity. Area Agency on Aging as a trustee; and is an  advisory council member. Active with St. Paul’s Reverend Hale received more than 100 awards, AME Church, and board member at Cheryl served on numerous boards and in the Ohio Allen Community Center, she has won respect House of Representatives as Chair of the House for her professional career, her volunteerism, Human Resource Committee, (1975-1980), and community leadership, energy and drive. has been honored with honorary degrees.

1907 1996

Ben N. Groh Donald R. James As if twenty-eight years of service to the city of As co-founder of Kent State University’s Fairfield wasn’t enough,Ben N. Groh was also Cooperative Senior Volunteer Program, a volunteer fireman for eight years. He worked Donald James opened the door to opportunity to achieve incorporation and help the Village for many seniors in his community. of Fairfield become a city. President Ronald  Reagan honored Groh with the Republican Colleagues say, “Don knows how to get Party Presidential Achievement Award in 1987. things done. He is personable, enthusiastic,  self-confident and takes pride in his work and He achieved many accomplishments after a helping others.” successful private sector career. Fairfield’s  Residents Association made him marshal for A fervent volunteer, Don frequently takes his the city’s first Memorial Day parade, an honor message on the road, visiting with local groups he held until he retired from Fairfield’s council. to explain the Senior Volunteer Program and to He was cited “for his dedication to safety” recruit new volunteers for the university. He while serving as chair of Fairfield’s Safety is also on Kent State University’s Gerontology Committee. Confirming his popularity as a civic Center Advisory Board, where he actively leader, children of Fairfield traverseGroh Lane participates in developing outreach initiatives on their way to their playground. and programs for seniors.   When the U.S. Maritime Commission launched During Don’s tenure volunteering at the an emergency shipbuilding program in 1941, university, there has been tremendous growth. Groh served as a tool and die maker in a defense The program now includes more than 100 plant where he helped make engines for Liberty senior volunteers giving more than 21,000 ships, unique all-welded cargo ships for the hours of service to the university. merchant marine.   Through an exceptional blend of vivacity and Groh was a charter member of the Fairfield determination, Don extends his talents by Fraternal Order of Police Association and serving on boards for various organizations was active with the Fairfield Police Relief including: the Advisory Board for the and Pension Fund, the Ohio State Council of Purchasing Department of State Senior Citizens, the National Council of Senior University and the Advisory Purchasing Citizens, Butler County Community Action Board for Cuyahoga Community College. He Commission, United Way and many other served as president of the Cleveland Chapter community organizations. of the Purchasing Manager’s Association and  currently is on the Senior Guest Advisory board An avid gardener, he was known as “a friend and is actively involved in church activities. to all.” A dedicated public servant, Ben best  typified his own philosophy when he said “If Don was honored with the Carl I. Brahce we do our best to remedy things in our own Gerontology Service Award in 2000. We are community, each of us will add to something now proud to extend his honors by inducting better for everyone.” him into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. Norman Harold Lambert Sally Richenbacher Norman Lambert’s love for aviation and deep Sally Richenbacher always places other’s respect for those who serve their country led needs before her own. him around the globe on a journey to uncover  stories of heroes of World War II and to A retired nurse, Sally has touched countless preserve their places in history. A decorated patients with caring hands and a warm smile, U.S. Army and Marine veteran, Norm earned and she continues her charitable work as an two Silver Stars and three Purple Hearts for his ombudsman volunteer with Area Agency on service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He Aging, 10B, Inc. in Akron. retired from military service with a desire to  educate others. Norm taught military history As a volunteer ombudsman, Sally demonstrates at West Point, served as assistant principal at the utmost compassion and dedication to the Grove City High School, and teaches social residents she serves. For the past three years, and behavioral sciences at Columbus State she religiously visited two nursing homes two Community College. or three times a month advocating for the rights  of more than 100 patients. As a result of her His love for education, aviation and history acute observations, the quality of life for the inspired him to collect aviation art for more residents at the nursing homes has improved. than 30 years. Every other year, Norm travels  to England and Germany as an aviation Taking time to listen and visit with residents, archaeologist to work with the Shoreham this advocate is most frequently referred to as Aviation Museum in Shoreham Village, Kent to a friend. Her visits are always cherished. recover remains of British and German aircraft  shot down or crashed during the era of the Some boards and organizations that have Battle of Britain. benefitted from Sally’s expertise include: the  Executive Board and the Quality Assurance Norm’s collection is framed and embellished Committee for St. Luke Lutheran Home for the with war artifacts: medals, aviator or aircrew Aging, the Ohio Nurses Association Speaker’s wings, patches, photos of combatants, pieces of Bureau and the Public Relations Committee of aircraft recovered through aviation archeology, the ONA District, American Heart Association and more than 1,200 original signatures of Nursing Education Committee and Speaker’s pilots and crews. Bureau and the Parish Nurse Committee of  Trinity Lutheran Church. The avid aviation archaeologist shares his  collection with others at air shows, schools, Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “...To appreciate legion halls, senior homes and the Ohio State beauty; To find the best in others; To leave the world Fair. A few organizations benefitting from a bit better whether by a child, a garden patch or Norman’s expertise and dedication are: the redeemed social condition; To know even one life has National Aviation Hall of Fame, the American breathed easier because you have lived. - This is to Legion, the Association of American Aviation have succeeded.” Sally, you have succeeded and Artists and the Columbus Tuskegee Airman we are proud to have you in the Ohio Senior Chapter. Thank you, Norm, for preserving Citizens Hall of Fame. Charter Muriel M. Allen Bertsch Erbest J. Bohn* Glen Wheeler Anna V. Glen Wheeler serves God, his congregation Brown and his community. Ministering to churches Milton in Illinois, Tennessee and Ohio for the past 56 Caniff years, he has made a profound impression on his fellowship. W. Fred  Cottrell Despite having some health concerns, Glen shows no signs of slowing. He is the Chaplain Nelson H. for Worthington Christian Village, a non- Cruishank profit facility for retirees, and also preaches at various churches as a guest minister. Glen Arthur S. is a former trustee and past president of the Flemming Alumni Association and Council of Seventy at Zelma Johnson Bible College; was the National Prayer Watson Chairman and served on the Continuation Committee for the North American Christian George Convention; and is a member of the National Richard Speakers Association and the Ohio Speakers Gosser* Forum.  Leslie Townes Spreading his message of faith, Glen authored (Bob) Hope four books and two CD ROMs and has written numerous columns and articles for magazines Martin and newspapers. His article “Hold Onto Your Janis Fork,” was published nationally and is widely James C. (Jesse) recognized. In addition to his ministry, Glen Owens visits senior centers and senior groups and gives presentations dressed as “Uncle Sam.” Sidney L. His humorous presentations are motivational Pressey and packed full of positive advice.  Albert B. Glen was recognized for his life service in 1995 Sabin, M.D.

when he received the “Honored Servant of Members Members Louis B. God Award” at the North American Christian Seltzer and National Missionary Conventions. Other honors bestowed upon him include: the Dr. Julius & Outstanding Patriotism Award for Lawrence County; the Outstanding Service Award from Mrs. Helen Weil Worthington Christian Village; and the Johnson Aaron M. Bible College Distinguished Alumni Award. Weisen Friends say: “Glen is a blessing and is loved by all who know him as a man of wisdom and kindness.” *Posthumous 1978 1983 1988 1994 I. W. Abel Lucille Chenault G. Fred Graf Lois Nelson John W. Bricker Avis W. Cullen Kay Reidel Eldon H. Phillips B. Bernard Caplan, M.D. Ethel Straw Guthrie Mary Jo Stafford Audrey A. Rowan John W. Galbreath David Leahy Robert Thomas Frances Saunders Wayne W. Irvin H. Ryan* Mamie L. Williams James S. Savage (Woody) Hayes James E. Saunders John J. Schiff Frank J. Lausche Myrl H. Shoemaker 1990 Rose L. Papier Sidney Spector Mercedes Cotner 1995 Theodosia Sochasky C. Umahau Wolf Raymond C. Drake, Jr. Josephine Bruns Ella P. Stewart Johann J. Zabka Mable Hardeman Thomas C. Eakin Lowell Thomas Edwards Helen Fero 1984 Eleanor Kahle George James* 1979 Ora McCain Barrett Jerome Kaplan, Ph.D. Austin Eldon Knowlton Paul E. Brown Charles Blakeslee Ilse Kershner James Lee Middleton Frank P. Celeste Albert A. Neideck Corwin Nixon Gertrude W. Donahey Orland C. Duke Bernice Cisco Ervin J. Nutter Joseph W. Fichter Catherine Gillie Williams Mary Jane Cooper O’Brien David N. Myers Betty B. Pitzer Edwin C. Heinke Wesley (Branch) Rickey* 1991 Rachel Ann Trent Rayford Sister M. Henrietta, C.S.A. Vernal G. Riffe, Sr. James T. Foley William O. Walker Dorothy V. Ryan Rev. Kay M. Glaesner 1996 Stella Walsh Carl E. Smith Marie Haug, Ph.D. Abraham Brickner Floyd E. Wenger Ruby Long Helen Spotts Brown 1985 Vance B. O’Donnell Virgil E. Brown 1980 Ronald Brown Mildred M. Seltzer, Ph.D. Michael J. Lacivita James T. Flood Lucille & Fred Grumley Vernon Rodney Katherine LeVeque Sherman L. (Jack) Frost Howard L. Hofacre Young, Sr. Aaron Levine Edward D. Kuekes Helen E. Landry Martha Whelan Murphy Edward C. Haaf Charles W. Peckham 1992 Jewel L. Rollen Dominick Labino John G. Pfund Thomas E. Hairston Harold E. Sawyer Helen G. McClelland Ralph H. Romig Clem Hamilton John P. Stozich The Mills Brothers Helen H. Santmyer Harold W. Kohn (Herbert, Harry, Donald) Loretta Yoder Martha McCrary 1997 Elijah Pierce Vera Saunders Doris Blackston William Presser 1986 Morrie Sayre Elsie Calamese Donald B. Robinson Anna Bishop Rev. Wray C. Smith William S. Derry David Rubinoff Lois Filipic Josephine B. Voinovich Orville R. Ferguson Sr. Murtis H. Taylor-Mills Jack Halbeisen Furl P. Williams Dr. Willard B. Fernald Helen Hawley Judge Warren C. Young Edward J. Groening 1981 Ruth Cane Helen W. Zelkowitz Elsie Helsel, Ph.D. Alfred A. Antenucci David Lusk Margaret Hunt Jessie Z. Barlett Kenneth Miller 1993 Cecil A. Maxwell Anthony J. Celebrezze Durwood Neff Tilmon Adamson Carl H. Swick Beulah Fawcett Erie Sauder Don Barrett John B. Williams Carl F. Graf Evelyn Darnovsky Walter E. Havighurst 1987 Bonder 1998 Charles D. Hill Alma Cahill Joseph E. Cattarin Sister Mary Humbert Davis Charles Y. Lazarus Phil Chelnick Jimmy Crum Lowell Dock Larry W. Pelton Ocie Hill Dorothy F. Davis William Henry Fouse* (Russell) Games Slayter Alice Hoffman Bob Feller Mary Carter Glascor Edward Huber* Roberta M. Graham* Senator John Glenn 1982 Thaddeus Hurd Philip C. Johnson Luella Glick Walter E. Alston Melvin Miller Zenobia Perry Betty Hartley, Ed.D. Clarence H. Borgelt Edwardina Riggans George R. Smith Virginia Kress John B. Conrad* Robert Secrest Nancy Fitori Kubina Helen W. Evans Georgia Silliman 1994 Belle Likover Alice Weston George Adcox Dennis & Betty Morris Morris Becker Blanche Motts C. Stanley Mechem 1988 Byron Winfield Brown Frank Angelo Nappi* Capt. H. Mowrey Al Boffo Mary Callow Betty Nein Norman Vincent Peale Frank Brockmeyer Paul M. (P.M.) Gillmor Pauline Radebaugh William A. Pepper Sister Ann Jeanne Chisholm Dr. Helen I. Glueck Nelson Schwab Jr. James A. Rhodes Lucile S. Costello Kathryn Hagler Lucille Dryden Deseree Mitchell Liddell Grace E. Maratta 1988 1994 G. Fred Graf Lois Nelson Kay Reidel Eldon H. Phillips Mary Jo Stafford Audrey A. Rowan Robert Thomas Frances Saunders Mamie L. Williams James S. Savage John J. Schiff 1990 Mercedes Cotner 1995 Raymond C. Drake, Jr. Josephine Bruns Mable Hardeman Thomas C. Eakin Edwards Helen Fero Eleanor Kahle George James* Jerome Kaplan, Ph.D. Austin Eldon Knowlton Ilse Kershner James Lee Middleton Albert A. Neideck Corwin Nixon Bernice Cisco Ervin J. Nutter Williams Mary Jane Cooper O’Brien Betty B. Pitzer 1991 Rachel Ann Trent Rayford James T. Foley Rev. Kay M. Glaesner 1996 Marie Haug, Ph.D. Abraham Brickner Ruby Long Helen Spotts Brown Vance B. O’Donnell Virgil E. Brown 2001 Mildred M. Seltzer, Ph.D. Michael J. Lacivita Vernon Rodney Katherine LeVeque Dorothy Dexter Young, Sr. Aaron Levine Alexander Martha Whelan Murphy 1992 Jewel L. Rollen Thomas E. Hairston Harold E. Sawyer Erma Clem Hamilton John P. Stozich Bombeck* Harold W. Kohn Martha McCrary 1997 Vera Saunders Doris Blackston Robert T. Morrie Sayre Elsie Calamese Fox Rev. Wray C. Smith William S. Derry Josephine B. Voinovich Orville R. Ferguson Sr. Furl P. Williams Dr. Willard B. Fernald Ben N. Judge Warren C. Young Edward J. Groening Groh* Helen W. Zelkowitz Elsie Helsel, Ph.D. Margaret Hunt 1993 Cecil A. Maxwell Rev. Phale D. Tilmon Adamson Carl H. Swick Hale Don Barrett John B. Williams Evelyn Darnovsky Bonder 1998 Elizabeth Joseph E. Cattarin Sister Mary Humbert Davis Harper Jimmy Crum Lowell Dock Dorothy F. Davis William Henry Fouse* Bob Feller Mary Carter Glascor Donald R. Roberta M. Graham* Senator John Glenn James Philip C. Johnson Luella Glick Zenobia Perry Betty Hartley, Ed.D. George R. Smith Virginia Kress Norman Harold Nancy Fitori Kubina Lambert 1994 Belle Likover George Adcox Dennis & Betty Morris Morris Becker Blanche Motts Sally Byron Winfield Brown Frank Angelo Nappi* Richenbacher Mary Callow Betty Nein Paul M. (P.M.) Gillmor Pauline Radebaugh Dr. Helen I. Glueck Nelson Schwab Jr. Glen Kathryn Hagler Wheeler Deseree Mitchell Liddell Grace E. Maratta *Posthumous