Blood drive to honor memory of Dr. Bartol

Sparta —Blessed Kateri Parish will hold a blood and platelet drive on Saturday, Nov. 11 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the church, located at 427 Stanhope Road, Sparta. The event, conducted in conjunction with New Jersey Blood Services, will be held in memory of the late Dr. Henry J. “Hank” Bartol. As an active member of the parish, Dr. Bartol organized Blessed Kateri’s annual blood drive for over twenty years. Mary Stanek, now continues Hank’s work, and says of her predecessor, “Hank’s dedication to this ministry truly made a difference in the quality of life for thousands of people over the years.” Bartol, who passed away last January at the age of 69, was a 1958 graduate of Penn State University. He received his Masters in Physics from Temple University and his EdD from Lehigh University. He was a major in the U.S. Marines and spent a good part of his military career between Texas and California. In 1961 he and his family moved to Sparta where he took a job teaching Physics at Sparta High School and then at High Point Regional High School. During his illustrious career of over forty years, Bartol taught astronomy at the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. He also taught astronomy and physics at Upsala College, Fordham University, Montclair State College, Mills College, and Newark Academy in Livingston. Bartol’s widow, Jane Bartol, will chair the event next month. The Sparta resident says of her late husband, “Hank was the epitome of community service. He touched so many lives in so many ways.” His life of commitment to community service is further evidenced by his membership in the Jaycees, Sparta Ambulance Squad, Sparta Board of Education, Sparta Library Board of Directors, and the Sussex County Vo/Tech School Board. He also served as the town’s Civil Defense Director and was a Council Volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America, where he received the Silver Beaver Award, which is the highest award given to volunteer members. In 2002, Blessed Kateri’s blood ministry began collecting platelets in addition to whole blood at the church in Sparta. Due to Bartol’s positive attitude and gentle support, he recruited Melissa O’Malley to run the platelet drives. O’Malley recalls that her awareness of the need for blood and platelets dates back to the early 1980’s when her father needed emergency surgery at 11 p.m. O’Malley says, “Eight hours and 18 pints of blood later, my dad survived a ruptured aneurysm. It’s still overwhelming that such a large number of employees at the hospital stepped forward to donate blood that they had to turn many people away. After that, I vowed to become a regular donor. Close to 2,000 men, women and children in our regional community need blood transfusions each day. Blessed Kateri’s blood and platelet ministry is a very active one and donors are comprised of many different religious faiths and come from towns all over the area. New Jersey Blood Services distributes whole blood and platelets to patients right here in Sussex County and our local hospitals. Platelets are desperately needed for premature babies, patients with cancer, trauma victims, heart surgery patients, and bone marrow transplant and organ transplant recipients. Because platelets only have a seven day shelf life, a constant supply is required to fill the increasing need.” When asked what she would like to see for her husband at this blood drive, Jane Bartol put it simply, “I just want people to come and donate. That’s what Hank was all about.” The public is invited to take the opportunity to honor Bartol’s memory by joining in his commitment to help others through this very important gift of life. Eligible donors are between the ages of 17 and 75 (or older with a doctor’s written permission), in good health and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. To schedule an appointment, volunteer to help out or for more information please contact Mary Stanek at 973-770-0429 or e-mail mdstanek@hotmail.com. Walk-ins are most welcome for blood donations. However, appointments are necessary in order to donate platelets and may be scheduled by calling Melissa O’Malley at 973-729-2660.