Carol Vanek Inducted Into Ohio Senior Citizens Hall Of Fame
Carol Vanek changed many lives in her 31 years working at the Donna Smallwood Activities Center. Her co-workers saw it every day. Now everybody knows it. Vanek has been inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame for contributions toward the benefit of humankind after age 60, or for a continuation of efforts begun before that age.
This year, there were 144 nominations; Carol was one of 12 inducted. In that honor, she joins some great Ohioans - Bob Hope, Paul Newman, Erma Bombeck, Phyllis Diller, Dorothy and Lillian Gish, Alice Weston, and Parma’s own Donna Smallwood.
Vanek was recently honored by Parma City Council, Law Director Tim Dobeck, City Treasurer Tom Mastroianni and Mayor Tim DeGeeter. During the reading and presentations of her proclamations, she was given multiple standing ovations from the crowd, which was made up largely of people who came to honor her.
"That's an impressive group that Carol joins in the Hall of Fame," said Mayor Tim DeGeeter. "And that's only fitting because she is an impressive woman."
Carol began her career as an escort driver at Parma’s Senior Center in 1983. After 31 years, she can be proud of starting two programs that touch many people in numerous ways. She started a program called AMRAP for those older adults who are legally blind and severely handicapped. And also before her retirement in 2011, she began the popular ‘Healing Hearts’ support group. This group is open to anyone who is in need of sharing something pressing on their hearts. Her kind heart and gentle nature was the perfect mix to assist so many that were in despair. Three years after her retirement the group is still going strong. When her health permits she comes in as often as possible to lead the group.
To keep older adults active, Vanek often taught craft classes and other groups, always finding new and exciting activities to stimulate students’ interest, their creativity and their well being, including senior exercise and walking groups.
As a bonus, Vanek was able to train all new Center employees in their position, because she had held every position.
Said Jo Ann Mason, Director of the Smallwood center: “Carol’s loving nature and warm smile, her delightful humor, kindness and cheery disposition, was shared with everyone who came through the Center’s front door. Her challenge was to put a smile on the most difficult person’s face. And her success rate is still 99.9%
“Even when she was dealing with her husband’s bout with cancer and eventual passing, her tireless dedication to our Center and our seniors never faltered,” Mason continued. “This unique gift and rare quality will be embedded in the hearts and minds of so many older adults. This remarkable person never turned away an opportunity to make someone’s life better.”
In addressing the assembled crowd at City Council, Vanek gave credit to her parents for teaching her to live by the Golden Rule. “I treat people the way I’d like to be treated,” she said. “If you lead with your heart, your head will follow.”
Jeannie Roberts
Communications Director for the City of Parma