Big, beautiful bouquets to the Blue Knights Chapter VI, whose members are active-duty and retired police officers who ride motorcycles for leisure, but also are involved in charitable causes of all types including major disasters.
In order to fund those passions, the local chapter is sponsoring a spaghetti dinner 4 to 7 p.m. May 18 at the VFW Hall, 75 Sixth St. NW, Barberton. Cost is $7 adults; $4 children 8 and under. For a reservation, please call the organization’s president, Denny Liddle, at 330-212-8111.
Athlete to be honored
The ALS Association of Northern Ohio Chapter will present its annual Iron Horse Award to former Cleveland Browns defensive back Ernie Kellermann at its “Strike Out! ALS Gala and Auction” June 8 at Cleveland’s Progressive Field.
“The Iron Horse Award recognizes a member of the Northern Ohio sports community whose dedication to the community emulates Lou Gehrig’s passion and commitment to the sport,” wrote Mary Wilson Wheelock, executive director of the local ALS chapter. “The award pays homage to Lou Gehrig, the disease’s first famous victim. Gehrig was nicknamed ‘The Iron Horse’ for his resilient and exceptional performance for the New York Yankees in the 1920s and ’30s. Past recipients of the award include Dan Fike, Joe Tait, David Gilbert, Bob DiBiasio, Charles Nagy, Casey Coleman, Rick Manning, Bob Feller, Mike and Sharon Hargrove, Omar Vizquel, Herb Score and Andre Thornton. Ernie Kellermann and his wife Maryann became involved with the Northern Ohio Chapter many years ago when a close friend was diagnosed with the disease.”
The Bob Feller award will be presented to Raymond P. Onders, a physician at University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Synapse Biomedical, for the huge role he’s played in advancing the mission of the ALS Association.
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movement like walking, talking, swallowing and breathing. Sadly there is no cure.
This event has raised nearly $1.4 million since its inception, helping people living with the disease and their families, and aiding in research.
Cost for the benefit is $150, which includes cocktails, dinner on the ball field, a concert at home plate, other entertainment and a silent auction. Table sponsorships are $2,500. For more information, please call 1-888-592-2572 or visit www.alsaohio.org.
Fighting global hunger
A belated thank you to Akron’s St. Sebastian Parish School, which over the Lenten season “collected change in little cardboard boxes to support Operation Rice Bowl,” said school spokeswoman Michelle Huber. Just before Easter break the children brought their boxes back to school, bursting with change.
“Over a 40-day period our students collected more than $2,050 that has been donated to Catholic Relief Services. This money will fight global hunger by feeding hungry families, bringing water to those who are thirsty and helping give strength to those most vulnerable.”
Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com.