Adams Electric’s Member Meeting on March 21 started off as a fun affair. Hundreds of people packed into the Wyndham, Gettysburg ballroom and heard updates about their rural electric cooperative.
Director Thomas J. Knaub greeted many friends that evening, much like he had at many other member meetings since first taking office in 1999. Towards the end of the program, the Wellsville, York County man fell off his chair. Friends rushed to his side, performed CPR, used an automated external defibrillator on his unresponsive body, and called 911.
Knaub’s artery was 100 percent blocked, a heart attack also known as “the widow maker.”
Less than two months after the health event that doctors say could have killed him, Knaub stood in front of Adams Electric friends Thursday night and thanked those who saved his life – Cathy Wallen, Jennifer Stefanik, Kevin Dehoff and Missy Weishaar. The expression of appreciation concluded the organization’s annual meeting, held at Adams Electric’s Biglerville Road headquarters.
“Adams Electric Coop is about more than poles and wires, it is about the community,” Knaub said. “I didn’t know it would hit home to me that night, but it did.”
Life savers continue support
The support didn’t stop at Wyndham. Adams Electric members and staff followed the ambulance to WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital. They prayed with Knaub’s wife, Jane. When people left, others arrived.
“When you needed a friend, someone showed up,” he said.
Adams Electric CEO Steve Rasmussen said those who saved Knaub’s life reflect the cooperative’s people-centric values.
“It really is about the person,” Rasmussen said. “Take care of the membership so they take care of each other.”
Knaub also thanked his wife, who never left his side and accepted additional responsibilities at their family farm.
“She is a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. I am glad my best friend was with me on this journey,” Knaub said.
Jane blew a kiss toward her husband, thankful for those Adams Electric members who helped him conquer “the widow maker.”
Featured image caption: Adams Electric Director Thomas J. Knaub stands with those who saved his life on March 21 and members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives who recognized their quick response. Pictured, from left, are: Rep. Torren Ecker, Catherine Wallen, Knaub, Kevin Dehoff, Rep. Dawn Keefer, and Jennifer Stefanik. Missing from photo is Missy Weishaar. (Photo by Alex J. Hayes)
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Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.
I went to Adams Electric annual meeting (drive through) I didn’t know what to expect, it was nicely organized and I enjoyed it. Nice lunch, I will be back this next year.