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Nursing home chaplain: John’s story before dementia

Columnist Bill Herr taught high school mathematics and science for 32 years before serving as a volunteer and then as a staff chaplain at two nursing homes. In this series of articles, he writes about his experiences with elderly residents. He does not use the residents’ real names.

By Bill Herr

In this series of articles, most of the experiences I relate involved nursing home residents experiencing some degree of dementia. The purpose is to show others ways to make their visits with such individuals as pleasant as possible.

There are about 15,000 nursing homes and 29,000 assisted living facilities in the United States, housing 2.1 million residents. One third of all Americans who die in a given year spend all or part their last six months in a senior care home. Nearly 80% of nursing home residents receive fewer than one outside visitor per month. Loneliness, hopelessness, loss of dignity and a lack of real purpose in living at an advanced age are among the primary emotional and spiritual issues that residents feel.  

Nursing home residents are blessed when they receive visitors. I met a new resident, John, who was outgoing, friendly and liked to talk.  He had a plaque on the wall of his room that was given to honor him when he retired as fire chief in his local community.

Janice Louise Dodge worked for Century 21 Realty

Janice Louise Dodge, age 93, of Ada, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 10:34 p.m. at Bridge Hospice Care Center, Findlay. 

Janice was born on February 19, 1930 to Oscar and Louise (Bishop) Busick of Columbus Grove, who preceded her in death. On August 21, 1949, Janice married William R. “Bill” Dodge, who preceded her in death on April 8, 2019. Also preceding her in death are two sons: infant son, Ricky Lee Dodge in April 1950 and Brian David Dodge in October 1996; and a brother, Lester Busick. 

Bulldog football hosts undefeated Vikings on Sept. 15

By Cort Reynolds

Coming off a road loss in the league opener, the Ada High School football team returns home to face undefeated Leipsic in a key Northwest Conference week five contest Friday, September 15.

It will be the first home game for the Bulldogs since beating USV 24-22 in the season-opener.

Bulldog volleyball loss to Lincolnview

By Cort Reynolds

The visiting Ada High School varsity volleyball team lost to tough Northwest Conference foe Lincolnview in three sets Thursday evening, September 14.

The Bulldog record fell to 7-4 overall and 1-1 in the NWC after the 25-12, 25-21, 25-19 defeat.

Bulldog boys soccer ties Liberty-Benton

By Cort Reynolds

The Ada High School boys soccer team tied visiting Liberty-Benton 1-1 Thursday evening, September 14,  in a North Central Ohio Soccer Association match under the lights at War Memorial Stadium.

The Bulldog record moves to 2-4-3 overall and 0-0-2 in NCOSA action after their second straight league tie.

Harvest & Herb festival preview: Vendors love Ada turnout

ONU Polar Preview and Family & Siblings Day also bring visitors to town

By Paula Scott

The 37th annual Harvest & Herb festival takes place on Ada's Main Street on Saturday, September 16. Coordinated by the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce, the festival schedule is:

9:00 a.m. Festival opens
- Parade line-up at Ada High School
10:00 a.m. Parade start; route on Main from Highland to ONU campus
12:00 p.m. Crowning of the festival queen at Depot Park
4:00 p.m. Festival closes

There will be over 185 vendors ranging from “bakers to wreath makers and everything in between.” The chamber encourages visitors to start their holiday shopping early while supporting local vendors and artists. There will be live metal forging demonstrations, many food and beverage options, and Romick Railway rides.

The festival also features the largest parade in Ada and the crowning of the festival queen. The queen is selected by a panel of Judges based on scores received for three essays and an in-person interview.

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