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Long-time sweethearts Raymond E. and Valerie Hanks spent their Cinco de Mayo sitting side-by-side Wednesday outside of the adjoining senior living facilities in Bankers Hill they call home.
In normal years, it wouldn’t be strange for the married couple of 55 years to spend an afternoon in the shared courtyard of St. Paul’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and St. Paul’s Manor.
But after a year kept largely apart due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the afternoon felt special.
When Valerie, 76, first moved into St. Paul’s Nursing four years ago because of her worsening dementia and multiple sclerosis, it was difficult for Raymond, 82, as he adjusted to her absence. He soon moved into the adjoining Manor an independent living facility to be closer to her, and they would visit about six times a day either in his apartment, the courtyard or at the nursing home.
Special to The Times
Photo by Carri Graham
Monroe County Commissioners Mick Schumacher, from left, Bill Bolon and Diane Burkhart discuss matters during Monday’s morning meeting.
Monroe County officials hope to save the county around $180,000 over the next eight years by refinancing three of its U.S. Department of Agriculture loans.
Michael Burns, managing director of Public Finance Ohio, met with Monroe County Commissioners Diane Burkhart, Bill Bolon and Mick Schumacher on Monday to discuss the possibility of restructuring some of the county’s loans. Burns said interest rates are near the lowest point they have been in the last 10 years. If anyone is interested in financing or refinancing, now is the time to do it, he said.
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The coronavirus pandemic is unlike any infection-control situation that Alpine View Lodge owner and Administrator Linda Cioffi has experienced in the 42 years since she and her parents opened the East County memory care facility.
Due to an outbreak last month that sickened 30 out of 34 residents and 17 out of 28 staff, during which eight residents died from the virus, Cioffi has worked 41 days straight as of Friday without an end to her streak in sight.
Without negative pressure rooms in which to isolate residents, like those available in limited supply at hospitals, keeping residents safe has been especially challenging even though the majority of residents in her 38-bed capacity facility have complied with requests to remain in their rooms. Quickly accessing the vaccine will ensure the remainder of her staff and residents continue to be COVID-free.