CASTALIA

A star volunteer, Mary Gibbs visits Sherman 1, the 40-person assisted living unit at the Ohio Veterans Home, with an entourage.

The 72-year-old Castalia grandmother isn't flocked by groupies and paparazzi.

Instead, she's trailed by her Girl Scout troop, each of them ready to deck the halls with snowmen for the holidays, and her friendly Jack Russell terrier, Clancy, who has his own OVH photo identification card.

Through her charitable works, Mary has dedicated herself to the education of children, the care of the disabled and the preservation of nature.

This year, that dedication earned her a Register Award, which salutes the endeavors of local individuals or groups for their service to the community. On behalf of the honoree, the Register donates $200 to a charity of their choice.

Mary was nominated by granddaughter Adrienne Gibbs, 19, Norwalk, who noted Mary's involvement with OVH, 4-H, Girl Scouts and Back to the Wild, the Castalia wildlife refuge, on her entry form.

Mary Gibbs

Some of Mary's gestures don't seem particularly monumental -- she's careful to recycle, for example, and encourages others to do the same. She sets up bluebird boxes along nature trails.

Others efforts are a major undertakings -- such as organizing Girl Scout trips to places such as Gettysburg, Pa., and the Grand Canyon.

"Some people don't get to see these things, ever," said granddaughter Stephanie Gibbs, 18, who for 13 years was a member of the troop her grandmother led.

"She believes it's important to be exposed to them," she said.

Born in Gulfport, Miss., Mary grew up in Arkansas "without a whole lot of money," Stephanie said.

She eventually moved to Ohio, and had three sons with husband William Gibbs. They are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary Jan. 15. The homemaker looks for ways to give, Stephanie said, and Mary been an impassioned volunteer as long as Stephanie can remember.

Whatever she may have been without growing up, Mary lives her life making sure travel and education are available to others.

"I'm proud to have her as my grandmother," Adrienne said.

At OVH, Mary has "adopted" the servicemen of Sherman 1 and visits up to three times a week, said Calvin Miller, an OVH recreational therapist.

Miller said Mary takes requests for custom baking, delighting the servicemen with any type of homemade cookie, brownie or pie they crave.

Her work with the veterans carries over into other areas of personal interest -- children and animals.

A member of the Erie County 4-H Fair Board, Mary innovated a special arts and crafts exhibition for the veterans for the first time this summer. She even raised some money for prizes, although the rest of the prize money likely came out of her own pocket, Miller said.

"Mary has always gone the extra mile when working with kids," said Mona Rutger, director of Back to the Wild, where Mary brings the Girl Scouts to volunteer.

Rutger said Mary has taken a strong leadership role in involving children with environmental and humanitarian causes.

"She has a very patriotic sense of duty," said Sondra VanCauwenbergh, Castalia, who leads Girl Scout troops with Mary.

Mary has won numerous awards for leadership and volunteerism from the Girl Scouts, and with her granddaughters now young women, Mary remains involved by assisting fledgling troops.

"She's a true friend, not a fair-weather friend. If you're in need, she'll help you," VanCauwenbergh said.

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