Faces of North Olmsted

Meet three volunteers dedicated to giving back to the community. By Linda Feagler

Bob Lamb

Olmsted Historical Society (OHS) Volunteer

In 1999, North Olmsted resident Bob Lamb visited OHS’s Frostville Museum and its 19th-century historic buildings to research his family tree. As he became acquainted with his ancestors, who began making the community their home in 1874, his passion for history was sparked. He’s been volunteering there ever since. Echoes of the Past: Lamb spent nine years as a Civil War reenactor to honor his great-grandfather and three great-uncles who fought for the Union. He and his unit presented living history programs at Hale Farm and Village and Zoar Village and set up Civil War encampments at Gettysburg. “History is something worth remembering,” he says, “because you don’t want to repeat the bad things that happened.” Giving Back: In his role as an OHS volunteer, Lamb launched the yearly Trash n’ Treasure sale at Frostville Museum in 2002. Last year, when all events were cancelled due to the pandemic, his determination to hold the sales in a social-distancing way raised $15,000 and kept the museum financially afloat. “There are a lot of wonderful, one-of-a-kind items that are donated for the sales,” he says, adding that he couldn’t have held this year’s event without the help of the other volunteers. Sense of Place: Lamb and his wife, Debbie, a North Olmsted native, have lived in the city for 30 years, and raised their three daughters here. He couldn’t be prouder of the place he calls home. “It’s a safe and beautiful community,” he says. “The folks who live in our neighborhood have been there for a long time. They’re a good group of people.”

Chambers We can handle all your flooring repairs! Flooring by Lopriore Funeral Homes We have all your flooring needs: • Carpet

Family-owned and Operated, Family-owned and Operated, • Vinyl • Ceramic

Serving Greater Cleveland and Serving Greater Cleveland and • Marble • Wood

Northeast Ohio Since 1933 Northeast Ohio Since 1933 • Laminate • VCT • LVP 216.251.6566 Call us today for a free estimate! www.chambersfuneral.com (440) 716-3263 c.lopriore@sbcglobal.net | 23536 Lorain Road, N. Olmsted, OH 44070

Full Service and Cremation Services Pre-Need SpecialistsChambers Funeral Homes NORTH OLMSTED 29150 Lorain Road • BEREA 86 Adalbert Street Full Service and Cremation Services • CLEVELAND Pre-Need Specialists 4420 Rocky River Drive

NORTH OLMSTED 29150 Lorain Road • BEREA 86 Adalbert Street • CLEVELAND 4420 Rocky River Drive

216.251.6566 www.chambersfuneral.com

Phones | Tablets | Computers | & More

Avon: 440-695-8108 North Olmsted: 440-777-0179

Bill & Sarah Dziatkowicz

Oxcart Pantry Volunteers

The city’s Oxcart Pantry is dedicated to providing food assistance to families and individuals in need. For Bill and Sarah Dziatkowicz, who have volunteered their time at Oxcart for three and five years respectively, the chance to help others is a gift for which they’re grateful. Family Ties: The couple was introduced to the pantry through their children. Daughter Megan volunteered there while she was in high school, and son Bill is a case manager in the city’s Division of Youth & Family Services, which operates the program. “Since I work from home, my time is my own,” says Bill, president of Bill D. Design Group Inc., an art studio he operates out of the family home. “Sarah is a retired preschool teacher. We enjoy giving back to the community we’ve lived in for 34 years. This is a wonderful way to do it.” One For All: Last December, the couple participated in the city’s adopt-a-family initiative, created to make the holiday season a bit merrier and brighter for those needing it most. “We adopted a mother, father and four children,” Sarah says. “It’s fun because although you don’t know who they are, you know when you’ve finished wrapping the gifts you selected for them that you’re making Christmas morning a lot happier for them. So many people deserve this kind of joy, but don’t experience it because of circumstances that are no fault of their own.” Heartfelt Journey: The couple spends much of their volunteer time sorting food and distributing it at the drivethrough Oxford Pantry Produce Market. “You look around, and you realize that you are blessed,” Sarah says. “And if I can give back in a little way and make someone’s day a little bit easier, it makes my heart feel good. As long as we can continue to do that, I am grateful for the opportunity.”

Friendly family neighborhood dentist caring for patients of all ages.

Preventative dentistry • Restorative dentistry Dentures • Bridges • Crowns • TMJ And more!

29473 Lorain Road, North Olmsted • (440) 777-4444 • dependabledental.net