North Harford staff reflects on legacy left behind; Remembering Mr. Bob Ott, “who saw the good in everyone”

Kimberly Edgar

Entertainment Editor had several good memories there. She described that one of her all-time favorite memories was the crosswords they would do. “Someone would start [the crosswords], and each day we would work a little more on it,” says Winter. “Mr. Ott always used a pen and many times would get the clue wrong, so I always got on him about using a pencil, which he hardly ever did.”

NH staff and students learned that Mr. Bob Ott, the media specialist, passed away unexpectedly in early January. Ott worked at the Hawk’s Nest for 19 years; he also spent time coaching football, wrestling, baseball, softball, and volleyball.

Many people at North Harford have several fond memories of Ott. Administrative support assistant Mrs. Barbara Matthews remembers “eating lunch in the Maryland room” with their coworkers. “We had many laughs during our lunch,” she says. “[Ott] also liked to ask me about how my girls’ volleyball and softball teams are doing each season. He was a huge sports fan.”

Technology teacher Mr. Timothy Pistel had known Ott for almost 20 years and considered him to be a “good man and friend.” Pistel explains that one of his favorite memories was when he participated in Ott’s book club during the pandemic. “He was not the greatest at running Teams meetings, and his exasperation with the technology would be a welcome source of humor,” Pistel says. “Even though he was frustrated, he always powered through because he knew it was important to connect with his peers and students during that time.”

Like Matthews, Pistel enjoyed having lunch with Ott. He states that he and Ott would find themselves on opposite sides of topics quite frequently. “[Ott] was always willing to listen to new ideas that challenged his way of thinking,” says Pistel. “It was nice to be able to talk with someone who disagreed with me and know that it would not affect our friendship. Those relationships are rare and important.”

Media technician Mrs. Bridget Crenshaw describes Ott as “well-rounded” and believes “he could have an intelligent conversation about just about any content area,” she says. Creshaw added that Ott was naturally curious about everything as well.

Social studies teacher Mrs. Melissa Winter was also a part of the lunch crew with Ott and

In addition to the lunches Ott had with several coworkers on a daily basis, he loved a reason to celebrate, describes Crenshaw. She explains that he also hosted luncheons for the Super Bowl, Christmas, Halloween and especially birthdays.

Winter also mentioned that Ott had made a point to personalize things for people he was close to. “He has some strong old-fashioned tendencies, such as writing letters, which most people don’t do anymore,” says Winter, “but he would handwrite letters to people and it made them very special.”

Math teacher Mrs. Emily Johnstone also remembers Ott’s love for crosswords and adds that he enjoyed completing Wordles as well. She also mentions “one of the things that I will always remember about Mr. Ott is how appreciative he was when someone did something for him.”

Crenshaw describes Ott as “a master lover of Stephen King, and his favorite was Mr. Mercedes.” She also mentions that he was a fan of non-fiction as well - military books, in particular. She also mentions that Ott loved riding his motorcycle and occasionally rode with former NHHS principal Dr. Dave Thomas and former NH Spanish teacher Mr. Julio Fernanadez. According to Crenshaw, Ott really loved the outdoors and spent time fishing, camping, and hiking.

English teacher Mr. David Orth agrees with Pistel and says, “ultimately, the thing I’ll miss most about [Ott] is that he was the type of person that, even if we disagreed about an issue and argued it to exhaustion in complete disagreement, we’d just agree to disagree.” Orth describes that he spent a lot of time with Ott over the years. “We’d eat meals together and fish on the weekends.

To me, this is the most tragic loss,” says Orth.

Orth continues with mentions of Ott’s continuous offers to help in any way he could. “He was always willing and wanting to help others,” says Orth. “If there was a resource I needed, he would order it. Every. Single. Time.” He also mentioned that Ott continued to always be there for others on a personal level as well. “If you ever had a bad day, his door was always open. He’d tell you a joke, listen to you gripe–he was just a kind-hearted person.”

Winter agrees with Orth and adds, “Mr. Ott was an incredible man, always there to lend a hand when needed and listen when struggles happened in someone’s life.”

“Bob’s office was open to all - students and teachers; he was a cross between a teacher and a counselor, and a sports analyst,” adds Crenshaw. “He quietly listened, gave advice, and above all, he gave you his undivided attention.”

She also mentions that Ott was very close with his family along with his work family. “Our ‘lunch bunch,’ as we called it, were devastated to hear the news of his passing. But, like a work family would, we came together and were there for each other during that hard time,” Winter says. “I miss my friend and hope he is at peace.” Coordinator of Apprenticeship, Workforce Development, CTE Programs, and former NH guidance counselor Mr. Matthew Johnstone adds that he also enjoyed talking with Ott. He stated that one of his fond memories of those conversations was that Ott would never let anyone forget his part in the three-time state championship football team at Spring- brook High School. “In fact, the crowd even had a chant: B-O-B O-T-T Bob Ott!” says Johnstone. “Outside of school, we enjoyed some great rounds of golf and attending University of Maryland games.”

However, Johnstone continues by saying that his overall favorite memory was Ott’s help with students interested in the military, “[Ott] would take the time to explain how the military works and about his time as an Army Ranger. When he spoke with the student you could see the pride he had in serving in the Army, and for that, we are forever grateful,” adds Johnstone.

Like Johnstone mentioned, Ott recommended ROTC to students often. According to Crenshaw, this was because Ott felt that it was “the best way to see the world.”

Firefighters are “fuming”

VIEWPOINT

Firefighters are the unsung heroes who bravely respond to emergencies and put their lives on the line to protect their communities.

However, their bravery comes with a cost. These heroes are at a higher risk of developing cancer compared to the general population due to exposure to toxic chemicals and fumes during fires.

According to iaff.org, cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters, with research showing that they are twice as likely to be diagnosed with certain cancers such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

The toxic smoke generated during fires contains a mixture of carcinogens, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, and dioxins, which can be inhaled and absorbed by firefighters.

The nature of their work also exposes them to other carcinogens, such as asbestos fibers, which are found in many older buildings and are released into the air during fires.

This exposure increases their risk of developing lung and mesothelioma cancers.

Despite the well-documented health risks, many firefighters do not have access to the proper protective gear and decontamination equipment, which can help minimize their exposure to cancer-causing agents, According to iaaf.org, many fire departments lack adequate resources for cancer screening and treatment, which makes it difficult for firefighters to receive prompt medical attention if they do develop cancer.

To address this issue, it's crucial that fire departments invest in proper protective gear and decontamination equipment, as well as provide access to cancer screening and treatment. Additionally, the firefighting industry needs to adopt stricter regulations and standards to minimize exposure to carcinogens during fires.

Preventing firefighter cancer requires a multi-faceted approach.

Fire departments can invest in personal protective equipment and decontamination systems to minimize exposure to toxic fumes and chemicals.

They can also implement regular cancer screening programs and provide access to early detection and treatment options.

The firefighting industry should adopt stricter regulations and standards to reduce exposure to carcinogens during fires, and fire departments should invest in training programs to educate firefighters on the dangers of exposure and how to minimize their risk.

Communities can support these efforts by advocating for better funding and resources for fire departments, and by raising awareness about the need for firefighting safety and health.

By working together, we can protect the health of our firefighters and ensure that they can continue to serve their communities without putting their lives at risk.

It's also important for communities to recognize the sacrifices that firefighters make to keep them safe and to support efforts to provide them with the necessary resources and protection to minimize their cancer risk.

The bravery and selflessness of firefighters should not come at the cost of their health and well-being.

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