OLMSTED FALLS, Ohio -- Every name has a story.
Mine has a sidebar to it. Nancy was my parents’ original choice. However, a close family friend had a girl just prior to my birth and named her Nancy. So, Joanne Jeanne Berger came to be -- me.
I am not quite sure how my mom and dad landed on Joanne. Maybe because they already had two sons and wanted to make up for that by combining two female names -- Joan and Anne. Whatever the reason, I like my name.
My middle name is that of my godmother, although a bit different. We knew her as Jean Barylski, a cousin of my mom. Some in Olmsted Falls may recognize that last name. Yes, Mrs. Barylski, an Olmsted Falls School District teacher, is married to my godparents’ grandson. Small world, isn’t it?
Our two children have familial names: Jessica Rose, her middle name after my grandmother; and Charles Frederick, for both of his grandfathers.
My oldest brother’s middle name is Frederick, after our dad. Another is named after my mother’s brother, Kenneth, who died as a child. Gerard Daniel Berger, my fourth brother, is named after St. Gerard, the patron saint of expectant mothers, and Daniel, after the doctor who delivered him.
Our parents’ fifth child -- a girl -- died the same day she was born, only living a few minutes. She was born the year prior to Gerard’s birth. Dad was the only one who saw her.
My mom had a very difficult time after that experience. She placed a statue of St. Gerard in their bedroom. Gerard and Mark, the last two brothers, were born without any pregnancy or birth complications. We all consider that St. Gerard had a hand in that.
It’s our mother’s name -- Eunice -- that has stumped my five brothers and me. None of us know for whom she may have been named. Her middle name, Helen, is in honor of my grandmother Rose’s sister.
Last week, one of the readings during Mass mentioned Timothy’s grandmother and mother -- Lois and Eunice. Attending 9 a.m. Mass that day at St. Mary Church in Berea, the Rev. Robert Cole spoke about Lois, Eunice and family connections during his homily.
Cole, Bob and I talked about the name Eunice as we left church together. That is when this whole name/relation/background search began.
My mom was born on Jan. 22. That reading always appears around that time -- and sometimes on her birthday. Could my grandma have named her Eunice due to the Scriptures? Well, that’s my take on it. As Catholics, the connection just makes sense.
St. Paul spoke of Timothy’s grandmother and mother as having “sincere faith.” Our mom certainly lived that.
Why didn’t any of us ask our mom about it? Do you see me slapping the side of my head? Well, I am.
Are you named after someone? Is there a special significance to your name? How about your parents or grandparents? If you are unsure, please ask them. It may lead to some family history -- or even Scripture. Once they are gone, so is that history.
If you have a fascinating story about your name, why not email me about it. It may lead to a discussion here.
Wings galore: This Saturday (Feb. 4), enjoy all the wings you can eat at the Olmsted Falls Kiwanis Club’s Wing Ding Fundraiser.
It is from 6 to 8 p.m. at Razzles, 27128 Bagley Road. Tickets are $25 and include all-you-can-eat wings, pizza and refreshments.
The fundraiser also has a DJ, sideboards, a 50/50 raffle and gift baskets.
The proceeds of the event go directly into the club’s scholarship fund, which financially aids graduating high school seniors. Tickets are available from Kiwanians and at the door.
Book sale: The Olmsted Falls Library has an ongoing Friends of the Library Book Sale now occurring.
Adult hardcovers, books on CD, DVDs and Blu-rays are $1; adult paperbacks and children’s hardcover books are 50 cents; and children’s paperbacks, 25 cents. You also will find specialty items priced as marked.
There are many selections. Find that special book or other media for yourself or someone you love.
Bulldog footwear: The Olmsted Falls High School cross country team is selling Bulldog slides as a fundraiser.
You have a choice of two colors -- blue or white. Each slide has an embossed photo of the Bulldog. The right foot reads “Olmsted” while the left has “Falls.”
They cost $35 a pair. Go to olmstedfalls.itemorder.com to order a pair, which will be delivered to the school or sale organizer, with distribution 30 days after the sale ends March 1.
Senior fun: There are a few upcoming events in which seniors may participate at the Jenkins Center or Olmsted Community Center:
• Lunch N Learn at 12:15 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 2) will feature the topic of fall prevention. The discussion will help seniors stay safe in their homes and offer skills to help prevent future falls.
• Quick Tips & Lunch at noon Feb. 14 will feature “BLUES or SAD.” Winter can be a downer. Is it related to the blues or SAD -- Seasonal Affective Disorder. Learn the difference and how to combat them both.
• Fitness is not only for the body, but the mind. Join others at noon Feb. 7, 21 and 28 for Brain Fit & Lunch. The sessions offer different brain exercises, group activities and fun each week. A light lunch is provided. Riverview Pointe, Arden Court and Emerald Village sponsor these gatherings. You must register by calling 440-427-2519.
• Join the exercise group that meets at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the Olmsted Community Center’s gym. It’s free -- and fun.
Ladies shopping night: Tickets are still available for Galentine’s Day Thursday (Feb. 2) at the Grand Pacific Junction.
Ladies may shop from 5 to 8 p.m. and enjoy specials, prizes and fun. You will earn raffle tickets as you shop. Then place them in the many gift baskets inside Grand Pacific Hotel for a chance to win.
Tickets are $10 and are available at The Artists’ Colony, Posh Elements Boutique, Ohio Wick House and Second Thyme Around.
Kampus kudos: Olmsted Township’s Lynne White graduated from Valdosta State University after the fall semester with a master’s degree in library and information science.
Several local students earned the president’s list at Miami University. They include William Distin, Elyse Walker, Jacob Kerkay and Amber Blevins. These and others on the president’s list are among the top 3 percent of undergraduate students.
Earning the dean’s list at Miami University for the fall semester are Chloe Thach, Darcy Hayes, Kevin White, Sean White and Megan Walston. They are among the top 20 percent of undergraduate students within each division.
Information, please: To include news, tidbits, honors or activities in Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township, contact Joanne DuMound at jdumound@yahoo.com. She is also on Twitter, @JoanneDuMound. The column’s online version at cleveland.com/olmsted has direct links for many news items.
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