Barry Schneck and I sat down for our pre-arranged interview. Then his phone rang. It was a hospital checking on some information. We started over. Then his phone rang. It was a call from the adult son of a potential resident. We started again. Then, he excused himself to make a couple follow-up calls concerning the potential resident.

Barry was in his typical, "I'm really sorry about this," mode. He was also in his element: being able to help someone with an immediate need.

After all, I asked to talk with him about his role as community service representative for Richland Manor, 7400 Swaney Road, Bluffton. Sometimes actions speak louder than words, as you know. Barry's actions spoke volumes.

Barry's been on the job for eight months and appears to enjoy his role at Richland Manor. The 2002 Pandora-Gilboa graduate attended Bluffton University two years, transferred to Lima OSU and became its the first health management graduate. His minor was business.

Between the phone calls, Barry told me about his profession. "I'm involved in marketing, admissions and lots of public activities with senior citizens in the surrounding communities," he said.

Four times a month he's calling Bingo at very intense games anywhere from the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center to Ada or Lafayette.

"I guess a big part of my job is being in the middle," says Barry. That means being the management between Richland Manor and a hospital or other nursing home in reference to a resident or future resident.

His speed dial has telephone numbers for Bluffton Hospital, Lima Memorial Hospital, St. Rita's Medical Center, Blanchard Valley Hospital and Kindred Hospital, located inside St. Rita's.

He says that it all comes down to being able to help someone and make a difference in that person's life, often behind the scenes. "When I was in college I realized that I really wanted to enter a profession where I could help people. That seemed to always go back to health care," he said.

In addition to his community services work, admissions and marketing role at Richland Manor, Barry serves on the leadership team, helps serve meals at times and does whatever else needs done.

"It's a lot of fun to work here. I love the staff," he said, adding that the staff is compassionate and caring. "They really enjoy what they are doing," he said.

Richland Manor has a strong outreach program involve providing monthly meals to area organizations. Barry helps out in this program once a month at Allen East Schools, through the Ada Visiting Nurses, and also at Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce.

When not wearing his Richland Manor hat, is active in the Beaverdam-Richland Fire and EMS squad. He's been a member for six years and serves as the department secretary. He's trained in CPR, but although is not an EMT, often goes on EMS runs as the driver or someone to help lift.

And when not wearing his fireman's outfit he's at home with is wife, Mandy, and their three children, Lilian, Lyla and Brody. The Schnecks live on Lincoln Highway, west of Beaverdam.