Posts by Jamie Gianopulos
Elmus Miller Jr.: Veteran of the Month | February 2025
Elmus Miller Jr. was born in Wellston, Missouri, in 1940. Shortly before his second birthday, his parents divorced, and he moved to Arkansas, where he lived with his grandparents. His family worked on farms, pulling corn and picking cotton, and would often relocate in southeastern Missouri and parts of Arkansas for work. As a child, he enjoyed…
Read MoreMemories or Mess? When Seniors Struggle to Let Go
As our parents age, we may notice unexpected changes in their behavior or personality. These changes can occur gradually over time or suddenly and unexpectedly. One common change that surprises many people is when an elderly parent begins to accumulate belongings. I have witnessed this firsthand and heard countless stories from families sharing their…
Read MoreHerman B. Albers: Veteran of the Month | January 2025
Herman B. Albers was born in 1915 and grew up on a farm in the small town of Lively Grove, Illinois. Life on the farm involved hard work; he and his siblings—one brother and three sisters—spent their childhood tending to their chores on the farm and learning responsibility from a young age. During…
Read MoreWinter Safety Starts at Home: Tips & Home Care Solutions
As temperatures drop, winter can present specific challenges for seniors, including an increased risk of falls, health complications, hypothermia, depression, and carbon monoxide poisoning. However, with proactive planning and the right support system, such as home care, seniors can effectively manage these challenges and enjoy a safe and comfortable winter season. By taking preventative measures…
Read MoreJT Stewart: Veteran of the Month | December 2024
JT Stewart was born in Turkey, Texas, in 1933, but he grew up in the small town of Levelland. in the Texas Panhandle. Due to his red hair, he was nicknamed “Red” throughout his life. Stewart’s childhood was characterized by hard work and perseverance while living on a cotton farm located seven miles outside of…
Read MoreSalvatore Balletto: Veteran of the Month | November 2024
Born in 1942 as the son of an Italian immigrant, Balletto grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. His father was from Sicily, and his mother was from Ohio. After graduating from John Adams High School, he became interested in cars. He started building and racing cars on the track at Dragway 42 in Ohio. He described…
Read MoreMichael Hayes: Veteran of the Month | October 2024
Hayes was born and raised in a small farming town in Iowa as the youngest of four children, with two older sisters and one older brother. He spent his childhood playing in the fields and has fond memories of getting lost in the woods for hours while hunting with his dog. Helping out in his…
Read MoreDavid Ickes: Veteran of the Month | September 2024
Ickes grew up in rural northwest Ohio, spending much of his childhood on a farm. As an only child, he filled his days with outdoor activities such as fishing, target shooting, and hunting for Indian artifacts. He was also passionate about coin collecting and was involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), where he…
Read MoreRonald H. Cox: Veteran of the Month | August 2024
Ronald H. Cox was born in January 1943 and raised in a middle-class family in the Saint Louis area. As the oldest of three children, Cox experienced a typical middle-class upbringing. He fondly recalls growing up with fun memories of boating, family vacations, and participating in activities typical of middle-class families. Due to his mother’s…
Read MoreNational Grandparents Day – Sunday, September 8th
National Grandparents Day is coming up next month on Sunday, September 8th, and this year’s theme is “Grand Minds: Learn, Love, Legacy.” It’s a day dedicated to celebrating and honoring the love given by grandparents. When my dad became a grandpa, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and often quoted Bill Laurin, saying, “If I knew…
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