Business & Tech
Local Therapist Extends Veteran Contest
Do you know a veteran? Get them a free massage!
During the month of May, in an effort to give back, Sandra Menzel designed a contest where community members would nominate veterans to receive a free massage. The owner and therapist at Oswego Massage and Rehab was surprised when no one submitted any nominations.
Not wanting to give up on her effort to give back, she extended the offer throughout the month of June.
"I'm just really appreciative for all of the sacrifices these people made for us," she said.
So, instead of offering a free massage to one winner, she decided to offer a free massage every week in the month of June - a total of four free massages - to veterans nominated by community members.
"I would really love to give something to someone who (served) in a war zone," she said.
To enter the contest, Menzel is asking for the name, branch of service, the town the veteran lives in, whether they are active duty, whether they served in combat and if they have any special needs.
"The person submitting the nominee should also include a paragraph or two as to why the person should get a free massage," she said.
Menzel is uniquely qualified to offer her services to veteran, who may have physical or emotional impacts from their service. In addition to being a certified massage therapist, she is also trained to treat patients with cancer and those with special needs. She is pre-natal certified in massage therapy. And in addition to massage therapy, Menzel is trained in reflexology and is a reiki master.
"I like the Sherlock Holmes type stuff, where you have their symptoms and you have to find the (source)," Menzel said.
Menzel has been in business in the massage field since 2001. She retired early from the phone company and was introduced to massage in an unusual way.
"I graduated from college as an adult and my friends gave me a massage as a graduation gift," she said. "I've always been interested in natural health."
In addition to running the contest, Menzel is offering 20 percent off any services an hour or longer to veterans. Menzel said the client just has to show proof that they served.
To nominate a service member for a massage, email Menzel at s.menzel@sbcglobal.net.
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