Carlisle-Nicholas County Chamber of Commerce

Chamber honors Dr. Villaflor

Printed in The Carlisle Courier on Aug. 25, 2010

The Carlisle-Nicholas County Chamber of Commerce held a reception in honor of Dr. Osias Villaflor beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 22 at the Neal Welcome Center and presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his positive impact on the community.
Mrs. Mary Catherine Knapke welcomed the large gathering of friends, family, professional associates and civic leaders to the formal presentation, which began with an invocation by Dr. Jack Robinson, Pastor of the Carlisle Presbyterian Church, where Dr. Villaflor and family have attended for several years.
Mrs. Knapke related her personal experience of being the head nurse over surgery when Dr. Villaflor arrived in 1982. For the next 17 years, they completed more than 2,000 surgeries.
“When I first learned he was coming, I was a little concerned,” admitted Mrs. Knapke, “After all, we were talking about my operating room. But I had nothing to worry about. We worked together beautifully. Dr Villaflor was always a caring man; a compassionate man; a man of the highest integrity.”
Chamber of Commerce President Sue Conley then explained the background behind the Lifetime Achievement Award. “Shortly after we got things going at the Chamber, we decided that we needed to recognize various businesses, farmers, and other individuals in the community. Dr. Robert Sparks suggested that we recognize Dr. Villaflor and all agreed that a Lifetime Achievement Award would be appropriate. This has been a dream for the Chamber all year long. We didn’t announce it for months and did our best to keep it a secret from Dr. Villaflor for as long as possible. We will be recognizing others in the future, but was honored to present Dr. Villaflor with the Chamber’s first award.”
Dr. Robert Sparks then addressed the audience, “Osias and Ruby have been my patients for a long time. And I was their patient for a long time. Over the years, I’ve seen their commitment to the hospital and to the community. In Kentucky, we recognize exceptional people by presenting them with a Kentucky Colonelship. I recently learned that Dr. Villaflor is already a Kentucky Colonel, but felt it is appropriate to recognize Ruby as well.”
After presenting Mrs. Ruby Villaflor with her Kentucky Colonelship, Dr. Sparks also gave them a beautiful, wooden mantle clock. Dr. Leon Riggs seconded the sentiments expressed by Dr. Sparks, adding that Dr. Villaflor has given more to this community than he has ever received from it in return and in recognition of his contributions presented him with a handmade wooden box.
Mayor Ronnie Clark spoke next, recognizing the greatness of the family that supports those who do great things for the community, stating, “It says a lot when you come to a community and then stay here, raise your kids here, and dedicate your life to making it a better place.” The mayor then presented both Dr. and Mrs. Villaflor with a key to the city.
County Judge Executive Larry Tincher chose to direct his comments primarily to the family: “I know you are proud of your parents – and you should be. Not only did they come to Nicholas County, they stayed here through some hard times, showing true commitment to the hospital, the community, and their patients.” Judge Tincher presented the Villaflors with a Nicholas County throw, adding, “I know it will be a few years before you’ll decide to wrap up in this as you sit in front of the television to enjoy a well-deserved rest.” Doris Ecton, Administrator and CEO of Johnson-Mathers Health Care thanked Dr. Villaflor for helping to make quality health care available in Nicholas County and joked, “Are you busy tomorrow? We could use your help covering one of the shifts…” She then turned serious – even somewhat emotional – as she expressed her personal gratitude. “As the senior member of the medical staff, you’ve been like a father to all of us. You were always there to keep it going.”
Dr. Frank McKemie presented a tribute from Dr. Villaflor’s medical peers in the community. “Many may not be aware of the jewel the community received when Dr. Villaflor came here. Most doctors specialize in one field, but Dr. Villaflor had completed his residency in family practice, general surgery and orthopedic surgery.” However, in addition to praise for his medical expertise, Dr. McKemie expressed what he feels makes Dr. Villaflor truly great – by quoting 1 Corinthians chapter 13, “…If I give away everything I own, and if I give over my body in order to boast, but do not have love, I receive no benefit. Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up. It is not rude, it is not self-serving, it is not easily angered or resentful. It is not glad about injustice, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends...”
Dr. Villaflor’s son, Osias P. Villaflor, then gave a stirring tribute to his parents, teasing his mother for constantly asking him, “What are you going to say?” to speaking fondly of his father’s wonderful sense of humor.
As with Dr. McKemie’s statements, Osias’ words focused on his father’s love – his genuine love for his patients and his concern for their overall well-being, not just their present state of health; his love of Carlisle and Nicholas County; his love of this country that has “adopted” him and given him so much; and his love for his family.
“You’ve seen my dad’s character in action,” Osias concluded, “He is the best man I know.”
Dr. Villaflor then requested the opportunity to share a few brief comments.
“We did not do this alone,” he stated, “Without the support of the community, there is nothing.”
He continued by giving an impassioned plea to continue the work that has been so meaningful to him: “We need to keep the hospital in the community. I don’t want to live in a place without a hospital. We need to support it. Thanks to all of you.”
Also present were Bob and Betty Hester. Bob was the administrator at the hospital and was instrumental in bringing Dr. Villaflor to Nicholas County in 1982.
The Chamber of Commerce wishes to publicly thank the Hospital Auxiliary for providing the wonderful, delicious foods and desserts for the reception, and Ed Taylor of the Carlisle Café for providing the beverages. They also wish to recognize Deposit Bank of Carlisle, Johnson Mathers Health Care, the Nicholas County Historical Society and Whitaker Bank for their support and contributions that helped make the event a success.