By DORIS COOK

Staff Writer

dcook@starbeacon.com



ANDOVER TOWNSHIP - - Ana Verba believes she was at the right place, at the right time on April 4 when she saw a co-worker choking on food at Ashtabula County Jobs & Family Services offices in the Donahoe Center.

"I just didn't have time to think. I just hit Bruce (Martin) hard on his back and it didn't help. So I grabbed him and applied the Heimlich maneuver," Verba said recalling those tense moments.

The 30-year-old mother of two young sons, a native from LaPac, Mexico, was sitting alongside Martin in the lunchroom when he appeared to be choking on a sandwich. Certified in advanced lifesaving techniques taken when she lived in Mexico, Verba immediately gave aid.

Her dark eyes sparkle as she relates that day and today is humble about her actions. "It was nothing really. I just knew what to do," she said.

On Tuesday during the Ashtabula County Commissioners session, Verba found herself in the spotlight once again. Unknown to her, she was there to receive a special commendation for her life-saving act on April 4.

"I came with my Jobs & Family supervisor, Martha Gillespie. I thought it was to observe more about county government. I had no idea I was getting this honor," she said excitedly.

Patrick Arcaro, JFS executive director, spoke some kind words about an employee and when she heard her name, Verba was completely surprised. Her husband also was invited to the brief ceremony as a surprise.

Verba came to the U.S. four years ago after meeting and marrying her husband, Robert. The couple met in Loreto, Mexico when she worked with a tourist related business firm.

"We had a real connection from the start - - like how do you say - - soul mates," she laughed. "He was in Mexico looking into an investment for his father."

As the oldest of four children, Verba said she was the last to get married. Her family gave their blessing to the couple's wedding plans and move to the U.S.

"My mother Josephine is a pediatric nurse and my dad has a Masters degree in biology. Education also was stressed in my family. My father now is director of Ceva Education in LaPac and well respected," she said.

Moving thousands of miles from her family, Verba said was hard at first, but Robert's family easily accepted her. Next, two sons were born, Victor Joseph, three and half, and Robert Luis, an active two-year-old.

"I was a stay-at-home mom for awhile. In Mexico I graduated from high school and went on to attend college for a couple years," Verba said.

"My parents have taught me that all things are possible. Education as I said is very important to my people in Mexico. My generation has teachers, engineers, doctors and my family were good role models for my two sisters and brother," she said.

Deciding to take a job in Ashtabula County came after attending a Job Fair in 2005. She applied at JFS Job Source office in October 2005 and landed an office position /bilingual interpreter.

"I owe so much to Martha and Mr. Arcaro for helping me. I just want to give back and be a great citizen. I cannot take out my citizenship until I have been here five years," Verba said.

So in 2007, Verba plans to prepare for the citizenship tests. She's kept all the necessary documentation from her Mexican work and family background.

"The job I have at the JFS is the best job I have ever had. I'm helping people, who need our services. It's a reward to make an impact on people's lives. We are having a special program May 31 for the Spanish speaking community in the county. It's called Bridges to Success. I helped plan the program," Verba said.

The Verba family moved from Concord Township in Lake County to a home Robert's grandfather built some years ago close to Pymatuning Lake.

"It is so quiet here, but took getting used to," Verba joked.

Next year the family looks forward to visiting Ana's family in LaPac, the first time for a reunion since the wedding. As for her life-saving endeavors, Verba said, "I never had to use my training before. Martin is such a fine gentleman and thank God I could help him that day."