I would like to share with my readers this email, received last night from Mike Machol, son of Fred Machol:
Steve...Unfortunately, it looks as though my Dad & I won't be making it to an Ohio State game this fall. Dad's house had over a foot of seawater and sand from the storm surge of Hurricane Ike. Of course, Dad had evacuated to a hotel in Houston and he is okay. Prior to the storm hitting last week my sister from Hallsville (near Longview) had come down and packed all his important papers, valuables and most of his cherished mementos.
Other family members had similar damage to their homes including the following; one sister's home in Friendswood has a very large oak tree in the living room (right through the roof). My older brother's house in Galveston has flooding & who knows what else, my younger brother's house in Seabrook also had flooding and water damage and another sister's house in Kemah also had flooding. My house in Clear Lake City had some structural damage.
The good news is all had evacuated ahead of the storm. All family members are safe and sound. All losses are material. And since I'm sure you have been watching the news, there are many, many others who have virtually nothing. Those are the people really suffering and needing our help.
Dad is staying in Longview and will remain there for a while. I have extra room at my house and have extended an open invitation so he can be closer while the re-building process begins. Do you know of any reputable contractors here in the Seabrook-Bay Area? Perhaps a former Buckeye?! My Dad comes from the era when a handshake is your word and you know too well how some people take advantage of the elderly and those in need
Take care and keep Dad in your thoughts & prayers, at 92 this will not be easy on him.
Your friend,
Mike Machol
Knowing that the Buckeye Nation is everywhere, perhaps some of you would have some Texas connections to a reputable contractor. If you have some information that might be helpful to Fred's family, or just want to send Fred a note of cheer, you may write him at the address below. If you prefer to email, send an email to me at sdavis@q1.net, and I will forward it to them.
Fred Machol
c/o Mike Machol
14323 Little Willow Walk
Houston, TX 77062