December 30 , 2021 The Beacon • 11
Jones reflects on her favorite stories from 2021
It ’ s never easy to choose just a few favorite stories from a year ’ s worth of interviews and visits . Every story I write leaves something with me — a new idea , a new plan , perhaps a new friend . My favorite stories always tend to circle back to the same types of stories , though : veterans , children , special-needs families and people working hard to make Coshocton better .
Stories about veterans always touch my heart , and I was lucky enough to meet several gentlemen who were excited to go on an Honor Flight in August . They were originally going to go in April 2020 , but due to COVID , their trip had to be postponed . Talking to these men and seeing how hard it still is for some of them to talk about their time in the service was a big reminder of how much we all owe our service men and women . The freedom they sacrifice to give us every day is something many take for granted .
I wish everyone could have seen their eyes light up as they talked about the
monuments they would get to see and how happy they were that they could honor the men and women who paid the ultimate price . If you could sit with a veteran for just a few minutes , you would never take your freedom for granted again .
Along with stories about veterans , stories about the activities of the Blue Star Mothers in Coshocton are always ones I enjoy . This group of dedicated volunteers works all year to make the lives of our local veterans and active military a little brighter . They send boxes to active military , provide needed assistance to veterans and help with expenses for Honor Flights . These are just a few of the things they do , and it always means a lot to me to be able to share their stories . We are very blessed to have this amazing group in Coshocton .
I also was able to ask several children / teens what they thought about veterans . Their ideas were as simple as “ They are heroes .” “ They are strong and brave ” to sharing stories they know about their uncles or dads who served before they were born .
Because I have two adult children with special needs , those stories are always some of my favorite ones too . For those who don ’ t have a specialneeds family member , you may not realize how many services Coshocton offers our families . People from larger cities are often surprised when I share how supportive the Coshocton community is . We have at least two support groups for families . We have a county board of developmental disabilities that works hard to make sure people get the services they need . Our movie theater offers special sensoryfriendly movies so we can attend movies together . We had a trunk or treat for those with special needs .
There are direct support professionals who work tirelessly to care for their clients and make
Meet Korra
our Pet of the Week
The Pet of the Week is Korra ! She is a sweet , loving big gal ! You ’ ll find her curled up napping somewhere and then she ’ ll come over and rub on ur legs for love . She isn ’ t mean to other cats but does prefer being on her own . Unsure of dogs so please bring dominant dog of the house to meet potential animal ( s ) for adoption at Tractor Supply .
The Coshocton County Humane Society at 740-575-8295 sure they have fun too . Writing the stories about the awards these amazing people get from the county each year touches my heart . The love and dedication they show is truly something wonderful .
I also was able to interview several school personnel over the year . From the bus drivers who keep children on the bus when the parent isn ’ t there to meet the bus , to the school cafeteria staff who provide lunches for the weekend for students , to teachers who have had to plan inperson and online teaching for a year , to the group of teachers who organize events to support sick children in their classes , I dare you to find a more dedicated group of teachers and support staff . Again , Coshocton is very lucky to have three districts ( and private schools too ) that work so hard to make sure
BF-00540205 our children are safe and learning .
Then there are always the “ Remember When ” stories I have done . I love asking Coshocton about their favorite memories of a Coshocton from when I was little or before I was born . I am constantly surprised by the people who visited here or events that took place . We have such
BF-00540068 a rich history , and I wish more people would take the time to learn about it .
I have written so many stories of people working hard to make huge improvements in Coshocton . It makes me very proud to see my hometown working hard to show the world how wonderful it can be to live in a small town .
The family of Terry Holsclaw would like to thank everyone who supported us during our time of grief and loss whether it be prayers , visits , cards , flowers , food or donations to the animal shelter . It was greatly appreciated .
Thank You , Peggy Holsclaw and the Holsclaw family
In the passing of our Mom and Grandma last month , the family of Alice J . Wiandt would like to thank everyone who helped up in caring for her over the past year .
Thank you to the staff of Coshocton Regional Medical Center 4th floor , especially nurses Jennifer , Martine , Stephanie , Ed and nursing supervisor Mel Albertson ; her hospitalist physicians Dr . Carver and Dr . " Diana "; hospitalist NP Chuck Fowler ; and Amy McCoy and Jennifer Bluck from physical therapy who were all so kind and caring in her final days . Thank you to private physicians Dr . David Lozowski , Dr . B . Marwaha , Dr . Smilo , Dr . Jarrett Helming , and Dr . J . Goodman for their support , advice and treatment .
A special thank you to her wonderful caregivers and family friends April and Eric Turner , Cathy Cox , Jackie Mason , Julie Pace , and Angie Beatty . Thank you to her wonderful neighbors and family friends ; especially Jim and Cathy Waibel , Ray and Ginger Wortman , and Lynn and Pat Mainwaring who would do anything for her at any time , day or night . She thought the world of you all , and your kindness , caring and skills allowed us to continue to care for her in her own home over the past year .
Thank you to Matt Miller and all the staff of Miller Funeral Home for caring so beautifully for Mom ' s services . You were a great comfort and made a very difficult time much easier . Thank you Ed Keifer for the beautiful flower arrangement that fit Mom ' s style perfectly .
From her family , thank you to all our wonderful family and friends who supported us with visits , cards , food and flowers through a difficult time . Your kindness will never be forgotten . Thank you to Rev . Philip Hunt who supported us in the hospital and for handling Mom ' s services , it meant a great deal to us . Thank you to Cameron Wiandt , Rick Chambers , Tim Holdsworth , Kent Arnold , Eric Turner and Jim Waibel for serving as Pall Bearers .
If we have forgotten anyone , we greatly apologize . We have been so blessed with wonderful friends who have offered so much support , we are overwhelmed .
- Jonalee Roahrig and Jim , Sherri , Allison and Cameron Wiandt