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SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2013
Table of
contents Mike Stromitis, local volunteer firefighter ... D2 Ray and Treda Seifer, making dinner at the NP homeless shelter ........ D3 Habitat for Humanity builds a future for families in need ........... D4 Sadie Trimble gives her time to Women’s Resource Center ........ D5 N. Platte RSVP volunteers are ready to serve others ......... D6
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the north platte telegraph
35 years of fighting fires NP volunteer strives to keep his community safe, protected By Andrew Bottrell abottrell@nptelegraph.com
Mike Stromitis has been a volunteer firefighter in
North Platte for 35 years. He said he enjoys helping the community, and his entire life has centered on the fire station. “I’ve always had a high appreciation and regard for the brothers and sisters who protect our communities,” he said. “When we join, a lot of it is the excitement — running through town with the lights blasting. But at the same time, that goes by the wayside fairly rapidly. It didn’t take long to get over that.” Born in Hebron, Stromitis grew up in Blue Springs and Wymore in south-central Nebraska. The firehouse was the center of activity, whether it be for elections, Cub Scout and Boy Scout activities, or community events. “Everything centered on that fire department,” he said. “I was a Cub Scout, and all the activity occurred at the fire station, because it was the community hall. We were basically always there.” When he reached his teen years, he got a job at a local service station and mechanic shop. The owner, who was also the fire chief, would drop everything and run next
Andrew Bottrell / The North Platte Telegraph
Mike Stromitis is a 35-year veteran with the North Platte Volunteer Fire Department and works part time for the Nebraska Fire Marshal’s office. door to the fire house when a call came in. “I always admired him for that,” Stromitis said. “I guess I was always drawn to the fire department and helping other people.” Stromitis’ first memory of a major fire was when he was a very small
child. His mother had packed the family in the family vehicle to go to a movie in Wymore, and coming up over the hill between Blue Springs and Wymore they could see Marshall’s Produce on fire. He remembered fire departments from Blue Springs, Wymore, Hebron and Beatrice all responding to the fivealarm fire. “I never did get to see that movie,” he joked. Stromitis joined the North Platte force in spring 1978, after already logging 13 years of fire service elsewhere. It wasn’t until July 4, though, that he got a real taste of what being a firefighter in North Platte was about. That day, the department responded to 42 different calls, and were on duty until 1:30 a.m.
“I came home between calls around 11:30 p.m., and I’d purchased a bunch of fireworks. I picked them up took them out to the trash can and never lit them. That was my baptism,” he said. Today, Stromitis works part-time for the State Fire Marshal’s office and continues to train North Platte firefighters for the department as a volunteer. He was also a part of implementing the training program in 1982. Current North Platte Fire Chief Dennis Thompson was one of the recruits that Stromitis helped. “When I started with the volunteers back in 1987, at that time, Mike was one of them who took an interest in me and made sure I was getting the training I needed and involved in everything,” Thompson
said. “That over the years, even when I transitioned to the career side, nothing ever changed. He’s always had the best interest of our department as a whole in his heart.” Thompson said that Stromitis is a very knowledgeable and a valuable resource for the entire department, training the new firefighters. “He spends time with those folks, not only giving them the basics, but mentoring them along as the years go by to ensure that they continue to receive what they need. He is just a valuable, valuable resource. You can’t even speak to it, really. He’s just an exceptional person.” Stromitis was also there for the incident that resulted in the volunteer fire department’s more infamous awards, the Terry Award, given to the firefighter each year who experienced a not-so-flattering moment. “We had a fire call out south of town in a pasture south of I-80. Unbeknownst to us — it was about 6, 6:30 in the evening — and they had strung an electric fence. He went buzzing across there in his bunker gear and went head over heels. It was very, very funny to watch him. We were all behind him and we were saying ‘thank you, thank you.’ It became the Terry Award. Things that happen that are kind of funny, but at the same time, no one gets hurt out of it. That does happen.” Stromitis was involved in an infamous incident himself. “We were on a structure fire. All I remember is the roof is extremely icy and I had a fire axe,” he said. “I was on the roof, and I slipped, grabbed a hold of something else. Of course the axe, I dropped and it went sliding down the roof. It was very dangerous, but it was very funny. No one got hurt. I’m sitting up there and I could have used [the axe] to grab the roof, and I grabbed something else instead.”
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“Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain love for one another.”
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— Erma Bombeck,
humorist and writer
VOLUNTEERS 2013
the north platte telegraph
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2013
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Making a connection “
“Volunteering can be an exciting, growing, enjoyable experience. It is truly gratifying to serve a cause, practice one’s ideals, work with people, solve problems, see benefits, and know one had a hand in them.” — H arriet Naylor
Local couple serves meals at homeless shelter every Friday night By Heather Johnson hjohnson@nptelegraph.com
If the Friday night suppers at The Connection homeless shelter taste extra yummy, it could be because they are prepared with a special ingredient — a big helping of love. Ray and Trenda Seifer of Sutherland have made and served meals at the shelter for five years. It’s hard to determine who gets more enjoyment out of the experience — them or the people they help. “It’s kind of our Friday date night,” Trenda said. “We look forward to it every week.” Neal Criddle, executive director of The Connection, said the Seifers are invaluable. “They do a lot more than prepare a dessert for supper,” Criddle said. “Ray and Trenda show residents that people from the community care about them and want to help them succeed and improve their lives.” The Seifers started volunteering at the shelter because of a church project. Five years ago, their pastor took up a “cash-only” special offering. The money was designated for outreach ministries and was divided into envelopes, which were then given to members of the congregation. “They told us to make a difference in someone’s life,” Trenda said. “Ray and I had already been talking about going to the shelter, so we just knew that’s what we were going to do.” At the time, The Connection was in an old building along Jeffers Street. The Seifers called the shelter to see what was needed most and were told that milk was a luxury, dessert was a rarity and that tomatoes and onions were always appreciated. “We started out with $21,” Ray said. “We went around trying to buy things, and when we told people what the food was for, they just gave it to us.” By the end of their shopping trip, the couple had $36 in cash in addition to the tomatoes, onions and milk they sought. “We felt, ‘This is where God is really opening a door. We should continue to walk through it’,”
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“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.” — Martin Luther K ing Jr.
Photos by Sage Merritt / The North Platte Telegraph
Ray and Trenda Seifer of Sutherland have prepared meals at The Connection homeless shelter for the past five years. “It’s kind of our Friday date night,” Trenda says. “We look forward to it every week. Trenda said. “So, we did, and never stopped.” Some things have changed over the years. The Connection is in a new building along Sixth Street, and Walmart donates the milk, onions and tomatoes. But, the Seifers still try to go to the shelter every week to assist in the meal preparation and serving. They always take a dessert. “After we’re done serving the meal, we take a plate of food, sit with the residents and visit with them,” Ray said. The Seifers agreed they’ve met many wonderful people who have bent over backwards to make them feel welcome. Trenda said Ron Snell, the former executive director of the shelter, told her and Ray that some of the residents had hurt feelings because they thought the public looked at them like they were animals in a zoo. The Seifers want to break that stigma. “They aren’t something to be stared at; they are just people,” Trenda said. “Every person you serve is a new opportunity to learn, and it’s such a joy every time one of them gets on their feet, finds a job, moves out and integrates into the community.” About a month ago, the Seifers started a church service at the shelter. It’s every Sunday at 2 p.m., and Ray said he would love to see more volunteers attend to give residents someone else to talk to and pray with. Criddle said the volunteerism in any form is a benefit. “Residents at the shelter are at a low point in their lives,” Criddle said. “They need that inspiration and boost to step up
and make their situations better. Volunteers provide residents with that extra pat on the back that’s so desperately needed.” Trenda said there are other projects at The Connection that people can donate time to — it doesn’t all have to be in the kitchen. She said the key with any of them is to be flexible. “It’s easy to get distracted by the steps, but people are always more important than the task,” Trenda said. “If you go with a certain agenda and everything has to be perfect, you lose the value of the lesson.” Ray said if he and Trenda can volunteer, anybody can. He said they draw inspiration from their community, which is run on volunteers, such as those who make up the fire department. “We can’t do a lot of things other people do, but we can do what we do,” Ray said. “Saying you’re too busy is a poor excuse. We’re busy. God is in charge of time, and he’ll make
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“ sure you have enough time to serve.” Trenda said there’s no time like the present to start. “If you wait for the perfect time, it’s not likely to come. If you wait for a perfect situ-
ation, it will never be there,” Trenda said. “If you just do something because it’s on your heart, it will grow and blossom. When people really give with their hearts they can have a lot of fun.”
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“Consciously or unconsciously, every one of us does render some service or other. If we cultivate the habit of doing this service deliberately, our desire for service will steadily grow stronger, and will make, not only our own happiness, but that of the world at large.” — Mahatma Gandhi
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VOLUNTEERS 2013
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2013
Habitat for Humanity volunteers don’t just construct houses — they help local families reach their dreams of home ownership
the north platte telegraph
Telegraph file photo
Local volunteers have helped more than three dozen families take their first steps into home ownership. Since 1998, the North Platte Habitat for Humanity chapter has completed 37 homes for families.
Building the future By diane wetzel dwetzel@nptelegraph.com
Habitat for Humanity houses are built with love and faith. Since 1998, the North Platte Habitat for Humanity chapter has completed 37 homes for families. As the organization continues to move forward, the drywall is nearly complete on house No. 38 and the walls went up on No. 39 last week. The local chapter was organized by the late Keith Blackledge, former editor of The North Platte Telegraph. Blackledge served as the organization’s president for three years. Lawrence Ostendorf has served as president of the organization for the past three years. This month will mark the end of his term. In July he
presided at the dedication of the 37th house on West 22nd Street, handing the keys to new owner Jackie Fourtner and her four children. “In 2010, someone on the board told me that because of my experience and background I should be on the board. The second meeting I attended, the president asked me if I wanted to be president or vice president. I said, ‘Aren’t you supposed to work your way up the ladder?’ ” Ostendorf accepted the vice-president’s job and at his very next meeting the president was out of town and he was left in charge. Despite his “baptism by fire,” Ostendorf said he has enjoyed his tenure with the organization. “They told me I would have to lead a dedication and I said,
to turn those ideas into brick and mortar. As president, Ostendorf helps find property on which to build houses and helps with the application process. “I may have hit the ground running but when no one shot at me, I just kept going,” Ostendorf said. To qualify to receive a Habitat House, an applicant must have lived or worked in the North Platte area for at least a year. Applicants must show a need for adequate shelter and the ability to make a monthly house payment of $400-$500 while being unable to receive a conventional house loan. The final requirement is that the applicants must be willing to invest “sweat equity” by working on their own house. “Often these are people who
‘What is that?’ ” Ostendorf said laughing. “But the people are living in the house and no one threw rocks at me, so I guess it went alright.” Ostendorf admits he is not a “nail pounder.” He leaves the construction to the volunteers who know what they are doing. “I’m much better at putting things together, at organizing,” he said. “I have rental property of my own and manage rental property for Coldwell. Whenever you hand over the keys to a place and see tears in the new owners’ eyes and watch them go from living in substandard housing to where everything is brand new, that’s what is appealing about being part of Habitat.” A non-profit organization such as Habitat needs idea people and people who are able
are on the lowest socio-economic scale, who have taken orders all their lives,” Ostendorf said. “Suddenly, they have some control and by doing physical labor, they really become invested. It’s great to see them stick their thumbs into their suspenders and say, ‘I did that.’ Some of them keep right on volunteering after their house is done.” Volunteering on the administrative side means that Ostendorf often doesn’t meet the families who are receiving new houses until just before the dedication ceremony when he hands them the keys. “It’s a very personal thing to me,” he said. “Often people will walk up to me on the street and say, ‘You are the guy who gave me my house.’ Did I give them their house? No, they earned it.”
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VOLUNTEERS 2013
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2013
She loves being ‘part of a ministry’ Volunteer gives her time to Women’s Resource Center in NP By Heather Johnson hjohnson@nptelegraph.com
A smiling face and caring attitude can go a long way in her line of work. For 12 years, Sadie Trimble has volunteered her time to helping women facing critical decisions. Trimble is a peer counselor at the Women’s Resource Center, 316 E. Front St., in North Platte. Founded in 1989, the center provides a variety of free services and programs. Those include pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, post-abortion counseling, referrals to community resources and information about pregnancy, fetal development, infant care, abortion and alternatives. Trimble’s job is to offer options and guidance to people who seek out the center. “We have an appointment calendar just like any other business or clinic,” Trimble said. “I look at it and pull the files of people coming in that day. I prepare notes and class information for them. I also visit with walk-ins about the services available.” She heard about the volunteer opportunity shortly after moving to the community in 2001. “I went to a fundraising banquet for the center and filled out a volunteer card,” Trimble said. “That’s how I got started. I love being able to be part of a ministry in North Platte that is run completely by donations and doesn’t receive governSadie Trimble, peer counselor, folds donated baby clothes at the Women’s Resource Center in North Platte. Trimble has volunteered at the center since 2001.
Heather Johnson / The North Platte Telegraph
Heather Johnson / The North Platte Telegraph
Sadie Trimble, peer counselor, folds donated baby clothes at the Women’s Resource Center in North Platte. ment funding. I think it’s so awesome that people care enough about the lives of women that they donate to keep the center going.” Helping people who go to the center for pregnancy tests is part of her responsibility. She outlines options for clients based on whether their tests end up positive or negative. “We try to work closely with the other organizations in the community,” Trimble said. “We offer several referrals for medical and other needs such as food, housing and shelter.” The job required some training. Trimble said 21 hours of that was up front, and continuing education is done every year. “I don’t have a license,” Trimble said. “I just talk peer-to-peer, offering support when someone might be in a tough spot and not
know what to do next. Anything that happens here is completely confidential. We have the same standards any health care provider would have.” The time she spends at the center varies. “Sometimes I’ve come in every week, and sometimes only once or twice a month,” Trimble said. “On average, I visit with six people per day. They come from all over.” The socialization is what she likes most about the job. “I really enjoy connecting with people,” Trimble said. “When a client comes in the door, sometimes I know them and I enjoy being a friend and being involved in their life. If it’s a stranger, I enjoy being able to help them find solutions. I want them to realize they’re not alone — that there are other people who have walked the path
before them.” She said being a peer counselor isn’t for everyone, but she does recommend volunteering in some form or another. According to Trimble, the resource center is a great place to do that. “We’re unique in that we’re not a government agency,” Trimble said. “That’s a privilege because we don’t have the same parameters with red tape. We have regulations and legal policies and things like that, but we can be a little more personal. When someone comes in here, they are not a number. They are a name and face, and we
truly care about them.” She said there are a variety of ways volunteers can help the center. Those include office work and managing donations. “We also have two major fundraisers every year and are in constant need of donations of supplies for babies from birth to age 2,” Trimble said. “So, there are a lot of ways to be involved behind the scenes.” People are welcome to attend a group training for volunteers Sept. 30 through Oct. 5. The hours have yet to be determined. Those interested can call the resource center at 534-1440 for more information.
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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
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“Service to others is the payment you make for your space here on earth.” — Mohammed A li
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“One is not born into the world to do everything but to do something.” — Henry David Thoreau
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VOLUNTEERS 2013
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2013
the north platte telegraph
Sage Merritt / The North Platte Telegraph
Established in 1973, the RSVP program has grown from 20 people to an active membership of 628 volunteers who serve 104 community organizations in North Platte.
RSVP volunteers ready to serve Program is open to people of all ages, serves 104 causes in N. Platte
By diane Wetzel dwetzel@nptelegraph.com
The North Platte Area Retired & Senior Volunteer Program has been part of the community for 40 years. Established in 1973, the program has grown from 20 people to an active membership of 628 volunteers who serve 104 community organizations in North Platte. In July, the program officially became the North Platte Area Ready to Serve Volunteer Program, open to people of all ages, not just those age 55 and older. “We have had some changes in our federal grant funding,” said director Dana Songster. “As you know, the federal budget has been cut. We decided
not to continue to be funded federally, so we lost quite a bit. However, that opens us up for more opportunities. Before we were a program for those age 55 and older. Now we are a program for all ages.” The changes are still in the transitional stages as Songster and her staff work on finalizing new policies and procedures, forms and marketing tools. The group is planning a big kickoff for the new program next year. “It’s a brand new ball park,” she said. “Right now, our youngest volunteer is 7.” Volunteers younger than 14 must have a parent or adult co-sign their application and must be accompanied by an adult during their volunteer
service, Songster said. Volunteer service represents more than $1 million a year. The 628 volunteers currently enrolled in the program, Songster said, include 15 who have volunteered since the beginning of the new program. Of those, 12 are younger than age 55. “The change allows the volunteers to be able to report everything they do in the community, with the exception of paid jobs and things they do for their family,” she said. “Before, the Corporation for National and Community Service did not allow volunteers to report everything.” For example, if a volunteer helped in a church nursery
or Sunday school class, it was not allowed because of regulations, she said. Between July 1, 2102, and June 30, 2013, RSVP volunteers logged 95,731.5 hours. The value of those hours, figured at $21.79 per hour, equals $2,086,686. Volunteers are always needed for RSVP’s literacy program, Songster said. Teachers send in forms asking for volunteers and RSVP matches the request with a volunteer. “We created this program about five years ago where our volunteers go into elementary schools and help children with reading,” she said. “Last year was our best year. We had 55 volunteers in the schools. We probably needed twice that many.”