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Roehll’s heart beats to the sound of symphony

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By Rick McCrabb, Staff Writer 6:15 PM Thursday, January 26, 2012

MIDDLETOWN — A local cardiologist has become the heart behind the fundraising for the Middletown Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Walter H. Roehll Jr., who began practicing in Middletown nearly 50 years ago, has led the chair campaign that has allowed the symphony to remain in the black at a time when other symphonies — even some in much larger cities — are struggling or silent.

For his effort the past 10 years, Roehll, 83, will be recognized prior to the symphony’s performance at 8 p.m. Saturday at Towne Boulevard Church of God.

“We are very fortunate to have this orchestra,” said music director Carmon DeLeone, who is celebrating his 30th year with the orchestra. “We have people who have a burning flame inside them.”

Roehll has been one of those stoking the flames. Years ago, Roehll, other volunteers and board members hosted a fundraising luncheon at Brown’s Run Country Club for prospective supporters of the chair program. Symphony donors could fund an instrument chair for about $1,200 a year, and Roehll said about $30,000 to $35,000 was raised annually.

The program has generated more than $300,000, DeLeone estimated. He called Roehll the “perfect contact for us” because of his longevity and respect in the Middletown community.”

DeLeone said the symphony has ended its seasons in the black in recent years, then added: “It may be only $1.75, but it sure is a better picture than our orchestra friends around the country.”

He said Middletown’s symphony has also survived these difficult economic times because of support from the all volunteer staff and board, people whom are “all too busy to be doing any of this.”

Roehll still works seven days a week in the cardiac care center at Atrium Medical Center that is named in his honor. Outside the hospital and the orchestra, He has served on the boards of the American Heart Association, Middletown Rotary, Brown’s Run Country Club and Middletown Civic Association.

Roehll and his wife of 60 years, Mary Lou, have four grown children, Debi Lynes, Lorri Goodridge Cribb, Geoff and John; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2842 or rmccrabb@coxohio.com.

how to go:

what: CONCERT II “From Russia With Love”

when: 8 p.m. Saturday

where: Towne Boulevard Church of God, 3722 Towne Blvd.

How much: Adults $25, students $20

More information: www.middletownsymphonyorchestra.com or (513) 424-2426

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