Honoring everyday heroes

Families and friends gathered last Tuesday for a night of celebration as they honored seven Spencer Countians for their commitment to family and their service to the community.

ROBIN BASS/The Spencer MagnetBarbara Jones accepts a plaque naming her among Signature HealthCare’s Hall of Fame Café. Presenting the award on behalf of the long-term nursing facility last Tuesday night was Administrator Tom Rawlings.

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The event was part of Signature HealthCare’s Hall of Fame Café, a program that recognizes seemingly ordinary individuals who have made an extra-ordinary impact in the lives of others. Originally designed to celebrate the accomplishments of residents who utilize Signature’s care facilities, the program was expanded in 2008 to include facility employees and community leaders. Last week’s induction ceremony was a first for the Taylorsville facility.

To mark the special occasion, former Kentucky Governor Martha Layne Collins was asked to serve as guest speaker. After reaching the podium amid a standing ovation, Collins expressed pride in being a part the inaugural event.

“It is important that we stop and thank people for what they have done,” said Collins. She went on to say that individuals such as those being recognized that night are the true heroes of their community.

“What is a hero?” said Collins. “We often expect someone of special strength or extra-ordinary courage. But heroes are the people that really care about their role in the community, people who have gone above and beyond. Who are always thinking of someone else and who use their God-given talents, not for praise, but to make the world around them better.”

Such as Annie Edwards, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame Café for several attributes – one of those being her role as a 4-H volunteer. Because of Edwards, countless young girls in the community learned the practical art of sewing during a time when many families needed to make their own clothes and quilts.

Or, Barbara Jones, who spent the majority of her life caring for her elderly mother and handicapped sister while working as a teacher. After 37 years in that public role, Jones had such a positive impact on her students that many still send her cards of thanks at Christmas.

In addition to the public praise each inductee received at the ceremony, each was given a plaque identical to the one that now hangs on a wall of honor at Taylorsville’s Signature HealthCare facility. They also were given a Kentucky House of Representatives citation personally from Representative Brad Montell.

Inductees recognized at the event were:

William and Lillian Bryant

The Bryants were honored for serving their family and community while owning and operating Western Auto in Taylorsville for 31 years. The Bryants also were active members of Taylorsville United Methodist, where Lillian taught Sunday School for 40 years. Lillian’s community service record includes acting as a substitute teacher, member of the Spencer County School Board, member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Homemakers Club. William is described as an independent man who worked hard to care for his wife and family. The Bryants presently are residents at Signature HealthCare.

Annie Edwards

All those years of teaching 4-H students how to sew helped Annie perfect her craft and become a talented seamstress who could stitch up anything between handmade pillowcases to bridal gowns. As a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Annie achieved the highest office of Worthy Matron and now has earned her 50-year pin. Through her weekly prayer group, Annie and other members of Taylorsville United Methodist Church touched the lives of numerous people in the community and beyond. Annie is currently a resident at Signature HealthCare.

John Gathoff

After losing his 28-year-old mother on Christmas Day in 1940, John and his seven siblings were placed in an orphanage. The difficult experience helped define the man he is today by teaching him self-reliance. During his career as a boxer, John had the opportunity to influence the training of Buz Carman, Joe Martin and Cassius Clay (now known as Muhammad Ali). John has led many different lives – from serving food as a restaurant manager to serving his country as a member of the armed forces. He even potentially saved a life. While working as a bouncer, he was shot trying to protect a female bar patron. John now resides at Signature HealthCare.

C. L. Glasscock

Carl Lee, or C.L. as most people know him, first began making a name for himself in 1959 when he started his own logging business. But it wasn’t until 1974 that C.L. threw his name into the public arena when he ran for Spencer County Sheriff. After serving for four years, C.L. went on to be elected as county judge executive, where he guided the community’s progress for 12 years, including obtaining the funding for Taylorsville’s first nursing facility. During his life of service, C.L. also was chairman of the North Central Health District, chairman of the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Association and was a member of the Kentucky Association Accounting Board. Currently, C.L. is working on becoming an ordained minister and writes a weekly column for the Spencer Magnet titled From the Word. Today, Glasscock Sawmill remains a thriving logging and sawmill business in Taylorsville.

Patricia “Pat”

Guthrie

At a time when African-Americans were beginning to embrace the Civil Rights movement, Pat broke through barriers to obtain her degree as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in 1968. She always had dreams of reaching toward the goal of registered nurse, but put her own wishes aside to care for her ailing mother. Between 1989 and 2001, Pat used her nursing skills to assist residents at Taylorsville’s long-term health care facility. Pat is currently a resident at Signature HealthCare.

Barbara Jones

In the 1940s when women were seldom encouraged to pursue careers outside of the home, Barbara was attending Western Kentucky State University to become a teacher. She graduated in 1950 with not one, but two degrees in English and social studies. With her education, Barbara taught in Nelson County for 37 years while simultaneously caring for her mother and handicapped sister. Barbara said she is most proud of her three children, all girls, who were influenced by their mother’s independence and self-sacrifice. Barbara is now a resident at Signature HealthCare.

Joy Shouse

As office manager at Signature HealthCare, Joy has served the residents and staff for a total of 18 years. Joy has been described as honest, loyal and a great asset to the care facility. In addition to her full time job, Joy has found the time to volunteer in the community by helping the Spencer County Fair Board and assisting students at Taylorsville Elementary. She and husband Joe Shouse have also provided a loving, caring home for their adopted daughter, Abigail, who is originally from China.