From left, Dale (Corbin) and Ron Wheeland, along with two mini horses, visit senior residents at Riverview Manor in Owego, N.Y. – just one example of the many community volunteer efforts they consistently make. A benefit in honor of Dale and Ron will be held on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Owego Elks Lodge #1039, 223 Front St. in Owego, N.Y. Ron suffered a major heart attack in June 2014, and proceeds from the benefit will be used for remaining and upcoming medical expenses. (Provided photo)
The community is invited to attend a benefit for Tioga County residents Ron Wheeland and Dale Corbin on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Owego Elks Lodge, located at 223 Front St. in Owego, N.Y.
Ron, age 61, suffered a major heart attack on June 10, 2014. In good health before the heart attack, the episode caused a great deal of heart damage, leaving only about 20 percent function. Wheeland has been undergoing cardiac rehabilitation, and in September a cardiac rhythm device was implanted. Benefit proceeds will help Ron and Dale with remaining medical bills and other medical related expenses going forward.
Unable to work, Wheeland does as much as he can, including one of his favorite activities, volunteering at Fargnoli Farms in Apalachin, N.Y. Dale shared, “There is one boy rider who is attached to Ron, and really seems to do better when Ron is there.”
Fargnoli Farms operates programs involving horses that benefit individuals with special needs, a volunteer activity Ron and Dale have been doing for several years in conjunction with Southern Tier Alternative Therapies (STAP).
Volunteers in Owego and Tioga County for many years, Ron and Dale have given so much of their time and energy to others in need. Both have been bell ringers for the Salvation Army, and work with STAP at Fargnoli Farms, as well as the program, Special Olympics Equestrian.
The couple has also helped in past years with the planters at Draper Park prior to the Master Gardeners assuming the activity, and offered cooked meals and food items to countless families during the Flood of 2011, where Dale was given the honorary name, the “Crock-Pot Queen.”
Another activity Dale helps with is attaching fresh wreaths on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial sign on Route 38 for both Memorial Day and Veterans Day, in honor of her Uncle Steve, who served in Vietnam.
In recognition of Ron and Dale’s community spirit, one of the benefit organizers, Therese Gallo shared, “It’s time to give back to Ron and Dale now.”
A spaghetti dinner with salad will be served, as well as other “grub.” The cost is $10 for adults and $7 for ages seven to 12. There will be a cake wheel, various activities and raffles, and bluegrass music by the Mathews Family Tradition.
For additional information about the benefit, contact Therese Gallo at (607) 687-0707.
