Submitted
Fifty years ago, Circleville experienced a tragedy at Bingman’s Drug Store. A box full of dynamite was brought into the store and killed five community members as well as destroying three businesses.
Joni Foster, one of the five children of Ted Foster, a victim in the tragedy, began a search for answers to a few different questions. Most of those questions revolved around how and why this tragedy happened.
Joni recently released a book detailing her findings on those questions. The book, titled “When Normal Blew Up,” includes interviews from several members of the Circleville community speaking from their point of view on the event.
One of the most compelling interviews is one with Arnold Holbrook, the son of the bomber. Arnold lived in an environment that is still a major issue in our county today. Arnold was a witness and victim of domestic violence. Joni recalled, “It was no longer just a thing that happened to others.”
That day changed the life of another child, Larry Schieber, the son of Charles Schieber who died that day. The aftermath of that day resonates today.
“There were a lot of emotions while telling my story to Joni, but we are going to lose a lot of people who lived through it, so it had to be told,” Schieber said.
One of the silver linings of that event was that many people in Circleville reached out and helped all those impacted by the bombing, Larry included.
Many individuals acted as mentors in many different ways. Being a businessman and community servant, Larry and his wife, Kim, have been active philanthropists, giving their time and resources to many community organizations.
Schieber Pharmacy became an outlet to purchase the book, and they decided the proceeds would go to Haven House for its new facility. After reading the book, it just made sense to Larry and Kim to donate the proceeds.
“One statement really resonated with me, ‘Would this have happened if there was an outlet like Haven House?'” Schieber said. “The theme of the book and the cause Haven House supports, it was a perfect fit.”
One in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. Many domestic violence victims don’t know how to remove themselves from the relationship.
Opening its first shelter in 1994, Haven House has again grown out of its facility, both for housing and program services. Haven House is the place for shelter, resources and a new start for families affected by domestic violence. Haven House expanded from a single shelter to a full service agency with counseling, programs for children, outreach and prevention programs, advocacy, public awareness and education. It is the only shelter in Pickaway County. The growth has dictated the need for a larger permanent facility.
All gifts to capital campaign are recognized. Gifts can be given as in a lump sum or spread over five years. Individuals may go online at havenhouse1180.com and click on the Capital Campaign tab to make a donation.
“All the board members are readily available to meet with individuals or answer any questions about the campaign,” said Chris Mullins, Board Chair.
For more information, please contact at Haven House at 740-477-9113.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
