The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

HandiVan honors couple of ‘rocks’

Cities under snow emergencies; temps dropping quickly
7:54 p.m.
SunCoke receives permit from Ohio EPA
6:37 p.m.
Judge cuts off embattled SCLC treasurer
5:58 p.m.
Crash holds up funeral procession
5:55 p.m.
Mother’s defense says boyfriend abused her daughter in secret
5:52 p.m.
> More headlines

By Lynn Minneman, Staff Writer 2:03 PM Thursday, November 19, 2009

In October, I received an e-mail from Walt Ayers, a Clayton reader, who was glad that I shared a note from Steve Lingenfelter in August because “his remarks surely touched many hearts.”

Ayers went on to say the Brookville Area HandiVan Ministry was planning an event to recognize and honor two of its valuable volunteers.

“Our 40-plus volunteer drivers and receptionists are planning an appreciation luncheon for two of our ‘rocks,’ Bud Bowyer and George Rickert,” said Ayers in an e-mail.

“Both humble men are 80-years-old and have no idea that this will take place — it is a secret.”

Ayers offered a little background information on the ministry stating, “Since 2005, the organization has driven over 339,000 miles (this is the same as approximately 113 cross country trips from New York City to Los Angeles), but we don’t leave Montgomery County!

“We have also, since 2005, transported over 184,000 elderly and disabled persons to medical appointments, beauty salons, barbers, banks, grocery stores, etc.”

The group has 40-plus volunteers who are all eager to help out whenever needed and the organization is a nonprofit tax-exempt volunteer group.

Ayers confided that he has always wondered why people say nice things about people after they die and the organization wanted to take every opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of these two fine men while they were active, energetic and willing participants in this fine organization.

“We invited all past volunteers to join in the appreciation.

“Another quick note about BAHM year-to-date is that we have transported more than 2,700 clients (2,000 of which were disabled) and over 47,000 miles this year alone.”

Ayers reiterated that all of this is entirely free and volunteer-driven in its efforts — the organization survives totally on donations.

The Appreciation Luncheon for Bowyer and Rickert was Saturday, Nov. 7, at K’s Restaurant in Brookville. It had a very good turnout.

Ayers said Bowyer started volunteering in 1993 with HandiVan and Rickert began in 1992. Both are very well liked by their peers. Susan Creamer, HandiVan receptionist said, “Bud (Bowyer) is the heart and soul and ultimate definition of service to others.”

Vickie Mills, another HandiVan receptionist commented, “George (Rickert) unconditionally serves with humble devotion when it comes to HandiVan.”

Other words of appreciation came from Marvin Fauver, a HandiVan driver, saying, “George and Bud are two of the finest, caring men I have ever known.”

And Merle Brumbaugh of the HandiVan board of directors said, “When it is all said and done, George and Bud are the HandiVan.”

Those interested in volunteering or obtaining more information on the Brookville Area HandiVan Ministry may contact Ayers at (937) 832-7327.

Contact this reporter at (937) 609-4152 or newscommunity

@hotmail.com

HEREABOUTS lynn minneman

Share this article