By Tamara Taylor

A Bright Light

Winter has certainly set into our little neck of the woods . Beautiful snowflakes , invigorating temperatures , blustery winds ... Okay , it ’ s cold out there !

But not too cold for the wildlife in our area . Yesterday morning I was awakened by the lone call of an owl outside my window . As I peeked outside , I saw three beautiful deer strolling through my back field . Thankfully none of them had remnants of the oaks that I had planted this fall hanging from their sweet lips !

The holiday was full of change for me . All good , but some bittersweet . I went to Cincinnati to carry on a family tradition of spending time enjoying Christmas decorations

and festivities . Krohn Conservatory was even more beautiful than I remembered with all of the poinsettias . Then I went downtown and was stunned . The Fountain didn ’ t have any lights cascading from her hands . The sore windows were full of merchandise rather than cute little elves and Santa ’ s workshops . No carolers . No festive lights . What happened ? Has our society changed so much that these things aren ’ t appreciated anymore ? Have we lost the precious gift of sharing time and experiences with each other , the things upon which memories are built ?

As I came home , I realized that Schuck ’ s in Aurora used to have wonderful window displays that we all strolled by and followed with caroling and warm hot chocolate at a friend ’ s home . Where are those wonderful displays now ? Is there any chance of resurrecting them for next year so that the younger generation can experience a bit of Christmas joy as it used to be ?

If this thought stirs even a glimmer of hope , please get in touch with me in hopes of bringing back a bit of Christmas

magic . There is a bright light , however , who has touched so many in our community . Carolyn Stroup is like a snowflake- truly one of a kind .

Many have met Mrs . Stroup when registering for care at Dearborn County Hospital . She is known for being extremely caring for those whom she registers . Angie Callahan explained , “ Carolyn goes out of her way to make patients feel at home .” Mrs . Stroup is known as a mentor for coworkers of all ages .

But Mrs . Stroup ’ s community service does not end there . She was on the board of Hillforest for a number of years . She also makes continual visits to nursing homes to cheer residents . During the holiday season , Mrs . Stroup prepares a holiday meal for residents of a local nursing home to give them a feeling of holidays gone by .

Mrs . Stroup loves to cook . Not an opportunity goes by that Mrs . Stroup isn ’ t whipping up something for dinners and events for St . Johns . She even made all of the chocolate chip cookies for a recent fund raiser the church held at a

vintage craft show . Her cookies alone probably funded a few mission trips . ( I can attest they were delicious !)

Carolyn Stroup is a longtime advocate for children ’ s rights and volunteers for the Think Smart , Stay Safe sexual assault awareness program sponsored by the Community Mental Health Center . The program that reaches fourth / fifth-grade programming reached 1289 students in fifty-four classes in twenty schools . Mrs . Stroup does puppet shows that convey the message to students that it is okay to speak to one ’ s teacher or another trusted adult if the student feels that he or she may have been put in a questionable situation .

Tri Kappa is another organization who is fortunate to have Mrs . Stroup as a member . The purpose of Tri Kappa is to bring women into close , unselfish relationship for the

Carolyn Stroup

promotion of charity , culture , and education throughout the community . Mrs . Stroup ’ s famous chocolate chip cookies can be found at almost all of their fund raisers from Arts in the Park to Easter egg hunts .

In all the years I have known Carolyn , I can honestly say that she is always smiling . Even in serious times , she brings common sense and lightheartedness to the table . Many thanks for all that you do , Carolyn Stroup .