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Pat Tamarro: She Made CherokeeCounty a Better Place for Seniors

Homeland Security Begins with YOU!

by Pamela Sindlinger

We were so naïve to believe it could never happen here. No, not 9-11, nor a threat from terrorists from a far off land - we're talking about the "evil doers" much closer to home, in our own community. Earlier this year, thieves were so bold as to literally "move in" to our home of the past 18 years in the Emerald Cove subdivision, and move us out!

While our attention was focused on an urgent family matter in another state, these "evil" people were hard at work dismantling our life. According to Detective Brown of the Cherokee County Sheriffs Department, "It happens more often than most people could believe." This gang of thieves introduced themselves to our neighbor as our relatives who were doing us a favor!

Detective Brown encourages everyone to watch your neighbor's back. If you don't have a neighborhood watch group, start one! If you don't have an alarm system, get one! If you don't want to get involved in asking questions when you see something suspicious, call 911. There is a reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of these thieves. Please contact Detective Brown at (770) 928-0239 with details or e-mail Pamela Sindlinger at pms4sure@aol.com for more information on missing items.

Editor's Note: We are sorry to report that Pamela Sindlinger was recently the victim of a robbery. Even though it has been a devastating experience for her and her family, she had the courage to write this article. The TowneLaker feels it is important to stress to the community that you can never be too careful, and if in doubt, do not hesitate to call 911 for assistance.

Safety Town 2003 Graduates

The City of Woodstock recently lost a friend and a valuable community member - Pat Tammaro. Pat served as the Manager and Recreation Specialist for the William G. Long Senior Center, located in downtown Woodstock. For those who came in contact with her, her spirit and enthusiasm were infectious, and the love of her job and "her" Seniors was evident.

According to Paulette Haines, Director of the Cherokee County Senior Services in Canton, Pat had a natural understanding and affinity for the Senior population. Through her work at the Recreation Center, Pat had developed bonds and relationships with the Seniors and knew what they needed and wanted in a Center. Paulette noted that under Pat's direction, the Center became what it is today - a safe, comfortable and welcoming place for Seniors to gather, socialize, learn and make new friends. Paulette said, "Everyone loved Pat, and she made every single Senior feel important. She had boundless energy. She was the glue of the Senior community."

In February of this year, she took on an additional responsibility as Director of Special Events for the City of Woodstock. She always made the Center a part of every event and encouraged participation. According to JoAnn Hrabar, Assistant Recreation Specialist at the Center, Pat WAS the Center. "Any member of the Center was made to feel like family. She made everyone feel welcome and always showed genuine concern."

Mayor Bill Dewrell describes Pat as an incredible, organizing maniac. "She looked after the Seniors' best interests, and she had a unique gift of knowing exactly what they needed. She will be very difficult to replace," commented the Mayor. David Schofield, Woodstock's Chief of Police, had this to say about Pat, "She was the hardest person to say 'no' to. She was a good friend who never asked anything out of reality. Those were HER Seniors, and she will be sorely missed." City Councilman, Donnie Henriques is often spotted at the Center as the BINGO number caller. He said, "As an employee, she will be irreplaceable. She was the most unselfish and caring individual I have ever seen at the Senior Center. They were truly her life."

Pat also helped The TowneLaker and Sixes Living Magazine tremendously. She provided Senior calendar updates as well as pictures from the various activities and trips the Seniors had taken. Susan Kyle, Managing Editor said, "Pat was always a pleasure to work with and will be missed by the entire TowneLaker/Sixes Living staff. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends."

Paulette believes that Pat's hard work, enthusiasm, and love for the people she worked with brought the Senior community together. "Pat made Cherokee County a better place for Seniors."