Local heroes our strength in troubled times

Residents a godsend to our communities

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   He was part of a medical community that cared about its patients, making house calls and putting the person far above making a profit.
   The late Dr. J. Howard Hornberger would have been proud of the villagers of Roebling who recently gathered to dedicate a new headstone at his grave site.
   Roebling residents never forget members of their community who make a difference.
   While so many of the village’s residents give their all, two residents, Paul and Loretta Varga, are especially selfless individuals who sing Roebling’s praises.
   Loretta, president of the village’s Garden Club, was the catalyst behind the doctor’s headstone. She is always looking for a new way to honor, beautify or improve something.
   When we first met Ms. Varga years ago, she was being honored by the Florence Township Council for leading the work of beautifying the Roebling Circle.
   Ms. Varga made it very clear that she didn’t want recognition just for herself, insisting that it was a group effort that turned the circle into something special with flowers and seasonal decorations.
   Her husband, Paul, always can be seen on the sidelines, making sure that everything is in place, the soundcheck is successful and everything is moving smoothly.
   During the ceremony to honor the doctor, the Vargas were presented with an American flag as a token of the village’s affection for such an active duo. It was a fitting tribute in this time of recognizing those who are doing so much for America, either on a national, regional or community level.
   We are blessed to have local heroes who tend to their backyard gardens, honor the deceased and find innovative ways to improve their municipalities. We need them so much more now in this uncertain time.