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Every
nine seconds, there’s a new senior citizen in the United States.
Five years from now, the frequency will be even greater.
“Older adults are our foundation, our roots,” said Tina Hiler, director of
Defiance County Senior Services. ”They share memories of the past, and
wisdom gained through life experiences. They also use their gifts to fly high
and accomplish great things, while providing wings for the dreams of younger
generations.
“It’s time we look to our future and build a new senior services facility.”
Responding to both demographics and inadequate facilities, the Defiance County
Senior Services Auxiliary has officially moved its building campaign from the
“quiet” stage to front burner status.
The fund-raising effort is officially known as the “Roots and Wings Building
Campaign.”
Serving as chairmen are Bill Small, president and CEO of First Federal Bank of
the Midwest; Rick Small, director of operations for Clear Channel Radio; and
Lisa (Small) Sealscott, a charge nurse for Laurels of Defiance.
Sealscott is Hiler’s sister, while Bill and Rick Small are Hiler’s first
cousins.
“We didn’t have to go far to recruit our campaign leaders,” Hiler said
with a smile. “Bill, Rick and Lisa have all visited the center many times
and observed our program. They are amazed at how much we do with our limited
space.”
Hiler said the target goal is $2.5 million.
“We have received about $600,000 already, which includes $300,000 in grant
funds,” she reported. “Our goal is to raise the rest of the money by Dec.
31 and break ground next spring.”
“It’s going to be a stretch, but with a lot of hard work we can get the
job done,” said Bill Small, who chaired the successful Defiance school levy
campaign last fall. “There is no doubt it’s attainable.”
“The present senior group represents a generation that has always made the
best out of what it had, never asking for anything extra,” stated Sealscott.
“Their mindset is to make something out of nothing. This facility is
woefully inadequate, yet there are many wonderful things happening here.”
“The prevailing attitude seems to be ‘let the seniors do it.’ But it’s
time for the baby boomer generation to grab this and run with it,” added
Rick Small. “We owe it to ourselves to do this.”
The new center will be built on the Defiance County East campus, the former
Defiance Hospital property.
“The commissioners have given us the land and they will provide an entry
driveway,” said Hiler. “They are very supportive of this project.”
“Our senior citizens have given much to our county over their lifetimes and
continue to do so,” said Bill Small. “When I came here to make a
presentation on the new elementary school, there was great enthusiasm. They
had great questions. Getting all the facts was very important to them.”
“Defiance County is a great place to live and it didn’t happen overnight,”
stated Rick Small. “This new building should be built in appreciation of
what our senior citizens have accomplished during their lifetimes for the rest
of us.”
Sealscott said the sudden death of her husband less than two years ago forced
her to contemplate her own life.
“After Gary’s death, I realized I needed to make the best out of my own
time remaining,” she stated. “The idea of joining others to do something
that will leave a legacy for generations is why I became involved in this
project.”
The life of service of Hiler’s and Sealscott’s mother, June Small, also
weighed heavily on the group. June Small died in Nov., 2004.
“Aunt June, she did so much for this place,” said Bill Small. “She was
always very supportive and provided great ideas, especially with the Alzheimer’s
group. She did more for the senior program than anyone realizes.”
“She was quite a catalyst,” admitted Tina. “She saw the need for a new
building many years ago.”
The senior services auxiliary plans a major mail solicitation in the near
future, complete with donor information and a list of services provided by the
county’s senior program by its Defiance and Hicksville locations. Sealscott
designed the brochure.
“We have studied the issue of sustainability and feel that the utility costs
for the new building will be similar to what we pay now due to a more modern
and energy-efficient heating and cooling system,” said Bill Small. “The
delivery of services will be much more efficient, too.”
Major donations of $25,000 or more will be recognized with a plaque of
gratitude in one of new building’s rooms.
“We are seeking any amount, even $5 or $10,” said Hiler. “Individuals,
business and civic groups can make a one-time gift or make a pledge over three
years.”
Donations to the DCSS Auxiliary are tax deductible.
Last year the senior services program provided more than 80,000 meals to
county residents, plus 13,700 rides to doctor’s appointments, dialysis and
cancer treatments, and grocery stores.
“We provide hot, home-delivered meals in every township throughout the
county,” said Hiler. “We also have a nutrition staff nurse that visits our
participants twice a year to review their needs and see if there is any way we
can help.”
Hiler is available to speak to clubs and groups in the county about the
project. She can be reached at 419-782-3232.
“Your donation can be a part of your legacy of commitment to senior
services,” said Bill Small.
The First Federal CEO pointed out he was the closest among the three campaign
chairmen to be needing senior services - and his younger brother readily
agreed.
“We had to schedule this interview on bingo day just for Bill,” quipped
Rick Small.
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