Bench dedicated in memory of teacher
By KIM DUNNE-Telegram Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 11:56 AM CDT
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HERKIMER - It's another fitting tribute to the Richfield Springs teacher who touched so many lives.

Ellen Beirne, a former member for the Herkimer County Humane Society board, will be remembered at the Society, as a bench was placed and dedicated in her honor on Tuesday morning.

Beirne retired in 2001 as a Richfield Springs Central School Teacher after nearly 30 years. She was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, in 2005. Her battle ended earlier this year, and since then friends and family have been finding ways to keep her memory alive through the Humane Society and the school.


This year's Mutt Strutt held at Herkimer County Community College was dedicated to her.

The bench, which now sits by the entrance to the Humane Society, has a plaque on it that reads ‘In loving memory of a friend and teacher, Ellen Beirne, from your R.S.C.S. Family.'

The bench comes from the teachers at the school, through many fund-raisers that were held.



“When (Beirne) retired she donated over 300 pieces of pet food and supplies to the humane society,” Sue Gokey said. “So now every May we're gong to hold a pet food drive in her memory.”

Mary Weingates, a teacher at Richfield Springs, said every year different fund-raisers will be held to remember the legacy that Beirne left behind.

“There are just so many causes that are worth giving some time and energy towards,” Weingates said. “I think (Beirne) helped us realize that.”



Another bench has been dedicated at the Burnett Park Zoo in Syracuse in Beirne's memory. That comes from the Retired Teachers Association.

ALS is a motor neuron disease in which degeneration in the brain and spinal cord cause muscle weakness and atrophy and eventually paralysis.

According to the ALS Association, the disease generally begins with weakness in the hands, arms or legs or difficulty swallowing or speaking. As the disease progresses, the weakness increases until the patient becomes paralyzed. Eventually, the muscles that control swallowing and breathing become paralyzed as well.



Despite great strides in research throughout the past 10 years, doctors still know very little about the disease and its cause, and have few choices in treating it. That's why Weingates said many of the fund-raising efforts still in place will go to ALS research within the Multiple Sclerosis Association.

The ALS Association estimates there are currently about 30,000 people in the United States with the disease.

The disease generally strikes people between age 40 and 70, but cannot be linked with any genetic or lifestyle factors, race or ethnicity. It is a disease that can strike anyone, anywhere.
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