April 2020

By Joshua Ebel, MD
Blanchard Valley Urology Associates
The kidneys are vital organs serving many important roles in your body including, filtering your blood and controlling your blood pressure. Unfortunately, they are also prone to developing abnormal cysts and tumors, some of which are cancerous. 

Kidney cancer is in the top 10 most common cancers in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 70,000 Americans will be diagnosed with kidney cancer this year alone. 

 Elvira Sawiris Awad, 92, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2020 at 2:03 a.m. of Covid-19 at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton.

She was born on July 30, 1927, in Assuit, Egypt to the late Nashid and Zahia (Daguish) Sawiris.  She was previously married to Albert Awad who preceded her in death.

Elvira received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Cairo University. She immigrated to the United States in late 1961 and then earned her Master’s Degree in Economics and a minor in labor management from the Ohio State University in 1966 while raising 3 children under the age of 6.  

 Martha Elizabeth “Betty” Jolliff, 96, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2020, at 9:32 p.m, at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton.

Betty was born on July 24, 1923, in Allen County, Ohio, to the late Jacob Peter and Lois Esther (Grant) Staley.  On Oct. 6, 1943, Betty married Donald Ray Jolliff and he preceded her in death on May 24, 1963.

Betty was a homemaker and previously worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She was a member of the County Line Church of the Brethren, Harrod, and was a member of the Women’s Fellowship at the church. She attended the Lima School of Practical Nursing. Betty was a member of the Jackson Township Homemakers Club.

Critics are raving over the Ada Public Library’s newest video starring  Matt Gossman,  Ada school board president, featuring supporting actress Natalie Walton and a rising star, Mudge, the Ada Bulldog mascot.

The short video – watch it by clicking here – tells the story of a boy who, sort of, but sort of not, becomes a pizza. The above link takes you to the library Facebook. Once you are there, scroll down to view the video.

Here’s what critics say about the video:
Manda Bennett Carr – Omgosh!!! I was laughing so hard!!! This is fantastic. MUDGE!

Lori Wilson – Nice job, Matt!