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Small town cares for its own
(by Barbara Christian - October 15, 2008)
WINDOW ON MAIN STREET, BY BARBARA CHRISTIAN
Small town cares for its own
The good thing about living in a small town is you know everybody, and everybody knows you. The bad thing about living in a small town is you know everybody's business, and everybody knows yours too.
That may sound contradictory, but consider this. Knowing what's going on in the lives of others around us also puts us in the cat bird's seat when it comes to helping folks you know could use a hand.
Alec Singer, owner of Rick's Cafe, one of Chagrin Falls' best watering holes, keeps an eye on the people he knows, and, on Sunday, Oct. 26, he is opening his restaurant for a party for one of his favorite patrons, Pat Lax Davidson. But this is a party she cannot attend.
Pat found out she had the neuromuscular disease ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) two years ago. In that short time, she progressively lost the use of her arms and legs and is now bedridden.
According to Pat's brother Scott Lax, when Alec heard about Pat, he wanted to do something to help. Thus the benefit.
Proceeds from the 2-5 p.m. party will help pay for 24/7 high-cost professional home care for Pat, which her insurance does not cover.
Pat has lived in Chagrin Falls most of her life, graduated from Chagrin Falls High School in 1966, where she was a straight-A student. She went to college in Florida and taught school in Boston's inner city before returning home.
Scott said his big sis loved her work as a guidance counselor in the Richmond Heights School District, is a doting mother of Tyler and Jamie and the happy grandmother of a baby girl born to Tyler and wife, Lyon, last year.
As we said, the good thing about living in a small town like Chagrin Falls is knowing when someone needs help. Now, after years of giving of herself to others, its Pat's turn to receive.
The benefit promises to be a lot of fun, in spite of the seriousness of the cause. Popular lady about town and Cleveland television legend Jan Jones will preside over the afternoon, and there will be a silent auction too.
Cleveland dance band City Heat will provide the music. One of the band members, bass guitarist Tony Cuda, is Pat's boyfriend. Their song, the Kinks hit "You Really Got Me," will become Sunday's anthem to Pat.
Making appearances during the afternoon will be Cavaliers all-star Campy Russell and Austin Carr, along with Cleveland Browns all-pro defensive back Ernie Kellerman and All-Big 8 wide receiver Dave Jones.
There will be a cash bar, great food, and a family-friendly atmosphere is promised. And you won't have to miss the Browns-Jaguars game. The 4 p.m. match will be shown on Rick's large-screen TV.
The donation is $50. Cash and checks, payable to "Pat's Friendship Fund," will be accepted at the door, or you can send them in care of fund administrator Helen Pointer, 36 Bellview St., Chagrin Falls 44022. Helen will accept checks in any amount, so please donate what you can.
Scott said Pat's good nature has helped her through the excruciatingly brutal disease that is ALS. "Pat struggles every day, every moment," he said.
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