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PIX #1 - Baseball and softball entertain the veterans in session.

PIX #2 - Recreation Hall provides pastime activities.

PIX #3 - Picnic Pavillon accommodates 500 people.

(AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is the second and last in a series about the Ohio Vet- eran's Home in Sandusky.)

Veterans requiring domiciliary care are housed in 12 cottages of stone. Those needing hospitalization become patients of the nursing home. Of the 17 ori- ginal cottages, 13 are still used. Eleven of these have been rebuilt and mod- ernized.

The first nursing home consisting of 50 beds, minor surgery facilities, and pharmacy and office spaces, was opened June 25, 1950. Upon completion it con- sisted of six wards, each containing 32 beds with a total capacity of 240 patients.

NEW NURSING FACILITY DEDICATED 1979

It became apparent that there was a need for a much larger nursing home facil- ity for veterans in Ohio and in 1970 the board of trustees with the combined support of all veterans organizations and the Veterans Administration request- ed legislation for the construction of a 300-bed nursing home. Legislation was introduced and soon gained the support of the Ohio Legislature. Governor Rhodes signed into law the state's share of funding on April 4, 1975. Ground- breaking for the facility took place on Memorial Day in 1977. The nursing home was dedicated two years later on Memorial Day of 1979.

The physical and occupational therapy departments have been considerably ex- panded and a large sundeck was constructed to serve the cafeteria. A multi- purpose room with a capacity of 275 was included. Dietary services to accom- modate 650 personnel and a laundry to service the entire institution are now parts of the facility.

COMPETENT STAFF OF DOCTORS, NURSES, AIDES

The nursing home is staffed by a nursing home admistrator, two full-time physicians, four part-time technicians, a director of nurses, registered and licensed practical nurses and nursing aides.

The Cleveland Veterans Administration Hospital is used for specialized treat- ment and surgery, after which the members are returned for convalescence.

The recreation building provides pool and game tables, an air-conditioned theater and an assembly hall. Bingo games are held several times a month. All cottages and nursing home recreation areas have television and radio. Other entertainment is furnished by various organizations.

PICNIC PAVILION COMPLETED THIS YEAR

During the summer months, baseball games by area teams are held several times a week and every Sunday afternnon on the home's own diamond. During the sea- son three games a night are scheduled for the lighted softball field. Bus trips to various community events and veterans organizations are scheduled year-round.

Picnics for the residents of the home commenced during the summer of 1981. Those events wre so successful and brought so much joy to the residents that it was decided a covered pavilion should be built to permit more residents to participate.

Requests for contributions to make this dream a reality were begun. Various civic, fraternal, veteran organizations and caring individuals donated funds to assure the construction of the facility. The dedication of the new pavil- ion was June 15, 1984.

The pavilion is large enough to accommodate approximately 500 people. There are two complete kitchens and four restrooms. The two fireplaces are con- structed from limestone salvaged from the demolition of buildings previously on the property. The total cost of the project was approximately $100,000.

Harry Stoneberger, Fostoria, an enthusiastic supporter and frequent visitor of the home, informed me that visitors are always welcome to inspect the grounds and facilities.