Serving Our Seniors Magazine Oct-Dec 2023

Bill Gammie, age 75 and his son, Ben, age 43, have been running Quarry Hill Orchards, together, for the last nine years. This farm has been in the family since 1931. It is a fruit orchard and a farm market at 8403 Mason Road in Berlin Hts, Ohio. Ben left the farm to go to college. He worked as an engineer and returned to the family business after 10 years away. “My wife knew he was coming back to the family farm. I didn’t. I didn’t want him to come back because it’s hard work and it’s dirty work.” Bill admits that he is very glad Ben has returned. When asked what likenesses Bill sees in his son, now that the two have been working together for the last nine years, Bill said, “Ben is not afraid to work. He keeps going. Last night, he worked until 1:00 a.m. and he is back at work today.” On the farm, I work long hours, too, because I enjoy it.” Is retirement in Bill’s future? In a word, “No.” He explained, “When work is more fun than fun, you have reached your pinnacle. My only meaningful hobbies are family sojourns and enriching relationships. Farming is a passion that drives me… And I guess I like to get dirty. The Erie County Health Department (ECHD) received a 1 million dollar grant from U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. Its purpose is to identify and remediate housing-related health and safety hazards in privately owned, low-income rental and/or owner- occupied housing. Priority is placed on units and/or buildings where families with children, older adults sixty-two (62) years and older, or families with persons with disabilities reside. Serving Our Seniors wants to be certain, Erie County residents, ages 62+ are aware of this opportunity. The grant provides up to $10,000.00 per household to conduct healthy home improvements. There are unique cases, in which other sources could be available to provide additional money. (Space prevents me for going into detail.) To qualify, the tenant or the homeowner must meet two of the following criteria: • Household Income criteria described below 1-person household $46,450.00 2-person household $53,050.00 3-person household $59,700.00 4-person household $66,300.00 (NOTE: Larger households with more income do qualify. Space prevents the printing of details.) And one of the following… • Be age 62 years or older OR • Be disabled OR • Have a child under the age of 6 years, living in the household. The Erie County Health Department assesses the home and offers to make the home repairs/improvements, which will have the greatest impact upon health and can be accomplished with the money allotted. Two examples of possible improvements are an accessible tub or shower or replacing single pane windows. To learn more, attend the Healthy Homes public forum on Friday, October 27, 2023, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, the Erie County Health Department and Serving Our Seniors will hold a public forum at the Erie County Office Building, 247 Columbus Ave, 3rd floor, (downtown) – Sandusky. Grant Money to Make Your Home Healthy in Later Life Jeff Hayes, Erie County Health Department Ben Gammie and Bill Gammie Like Father, Like Son By Sue Daugherty 18