May 18, 2005

STalk about putting your heart into something. That's what Lee Schoff has been doing for years.

Lee lives in West Leyden. But when it comes to working to make America's Greatest Heart Run & Walk a success, Lee went far and wide from home.

I don't know how much money Lee is responsible for raising, but it is many tens of thousands of dollars. Of that I am sure.

The money raised by Lee, as well as by teams such as Boonville's Charlie's Trekkers, goes to the American Heart Association. The money is used for heart research and education.

Lee raised money for the Heart Association through his team, the Black River Generals, a team which has been renamed Team Lee in recognition of its leader. Quite fitting. He deserves that honor and more.

Lee has been working to make America's Greatest Heart Run & Walk the success that it is since 1990. When I think of Lee's efforts, words such as "dedication," "enthusiasm," and "tireless" come to mind.

The reason Lee is on my mind is that Jeff Owen, a representative from the American Heart Association's Utica office, stopped in Boonville the other day to get directions to Lee's house.

"We want to present him with an award," Owen said.

"Quite fitting," I said. "He deserves that honor and more."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Joe Kelly is the editor and publisher of The Boonville Herald & Adirondack Tourist and THE GRIFF.