VOLUNTEER WEEK PASSES, BUT PENZEL KEEPS BUSY

Upon entering Monticello House in Jackson, I am escorted by Ray Penzel, a Monticello volunteer the past five years. He also volunteers at Elder Care of Marble Hill.

Imogene Unger of the Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging, which sponsors the ombudsman program Penzel is involved in, is the person who brought Penzel and his valuable efforts to my attention.

This year has been designated the year of the volunteer, and what a volunteer we have here in Jackson.

Volunteer Week has passed, but that does not change Penzel's role.

Not all residents in long-term care have the benefit of an ombudsman. The word ombudsman means "one who speaks on behalf of another."

Penzel said:

"These people are going through a difficult time in their life; losing their independence. It takes a visit or two before they even start talking. Residents are sometimes reluctant to speak up, they feel intimidated. If they have concerns, I speak on their behalf. If it merits strong concern, I write reports. Residents sometimes just want to air personal concerns. I'm here for that."

Penzel of Cape Girardeau is a retired teacher and school administrator in Jackson, Perryville and Cape Girardeau.

He has received 18 hours of training to become an ombudsman.

Penzel felt comfortable in nursing homes because his parents were in nursing homes, and he has a sincere interest in seeing that residents retain their rights when they walk through the door of a residential-care facility.

Penzel said he gains as much as the residents from volunteer work.

It's visiting time with Bertha and Carl Koeberl. I am cordially invited into their room and soon learn Bertha Koeberl and Penzel go way back. It seems Bertha Koeberl was a mother's helper when she was 17 and Penzel 4. Penzel's mother certainly appreciated the help, having four boys in four years.

The Koeberls have been residents for two years.

Carl Koeberls said it takes a little getting used to being in residential care, but added that "you can't find anything better" and that they are "well taken care of here."

Koeberl's hobby in his younger years was hunting. The activities offered at Monticello House are bingo, cards, Bible class and a musical group, led by the activities director, Cindy Hohler.

Before you know it there are more visitors knocking at the Koeberl's door. In walks Jerry Schreiner to visit and take Karl Koeberl to the doctor for a shot.

The Koeberls said Penzel was like a brother to them.