Music to the Ears of Residents with Memory Loss at Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber (2)
Beautiful Wish Comes True for an Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice Patient (11)
Grant Funds Ease Food Costs for some Ohio Living Breckenridge Village Residents (9) And so much more!
On the Cover:
Tuesday mornings kick off on a high note in Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber’s Bridgewater memory care center, thanks to a passion project championed by independent living resident Bette Dare. She and her husband Jerry moved to the community eight years ago and quickly became involved in helping to facilitate weekly church services and other activities. In 2019, Bette approached the activities team with a proposal to start a new music program, Sing Along with Bette, for residents living with dementia.
“For many years, I have volunteered in early childhood education and church settings,” explained Bette Dare, Ohio Living WestminsterThurber resident and former educator. “My husband and I moved to Columbus in the early 1960s expecting to only stay for a few years, but 60-some years later, here we still are. It’s important to us that we grow where we’re planted, so we’ve prioritized giving of our time, talents and resources to the church and other area non-profit organizations.”
Bette’s idea to develop and host a weekly music program for residents living with dementia was a winning one. The 30-minute sing-along experience features Bette on piano, along with several other resident volunteers who lead the songs, sit with the residents, and hand out tambourines for interactive participation during select numbers. Jerry supports the effort by creating song lyric sheets with large type and making copies for the 12-15 weekly attendees.
“People like to sing, and they don’t get many opportunities,” Bette shared. “This program is a team effort that brings together a group of people who like helping one another. Many of our volunteers are former schoolteachers, and we know that the power of music can spark memories and increase engagement for our fellow residents who are now facing memory loss. Their personalities are still strong and vibrant, and this is evident on their faces as we sing and play instruments together.”
As Ohio Living’s transformational, multi-year effort to enhance memory care throughout the organization continues, initiative. This second phase will extend excellence in memory care to meet the needs of the changing, growing created Memory Care Centers of Excellence at eight of Ohio Living’s life plan communities.
To learn more about how you can support a new era of memory care at Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber, visit
Structure-wise, the music program consists of a series of themed song sections, easy hand motions and interactive moments. One highlight is “Old MacDonald Had a Farm,” which includes a call-and-response opportunity within the song for participants to make the sound of an animal who lived on Old MacDonald’s farm. Later in the program, tambourines are handed out for the lively tune “When the Saints Come Marching In,” and the session often ends with refrains of “God Bless America” and “Amazing Grace.”
“Bette's program is such a gift for the Bridgewater residents, not only because of the music, but also the opportunity to mingle with other residents in the community,” said Sia Steele, activities director at Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber.
“Something special happens when a person living with dementia hears a song they connect with and starts to sing along. The familiar pieces Bette has carefully selected for her program certainly have that effect. The residents' joy while participating is evident, and we are so grateful to her for creating a space where residents can come together, express themselves and have fun!”
Above and beyond her instrumental contributions to leading the weekly music program, Bette and Jerry have generously donated to fund several meaningful projects on campus, including support of arts and gardening programming in the Bridgewater Memory Care Unit. She and her husband also established a charitable gift annuity for the Ohio Living Foundation which will benefit the community’s spiritual life program.
“This is what I do, and I enjoy doing it,” emphasized Bette. “I know we’re making a difference through the music program – you can just see it on the participant’s faces. People respond to music, and we can reach out to them this way. This is my ministry now!”
The More We Get Together, the Happier We’ll Be
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
This Little Light of Mine
If You’re Happy and You Know It
Old MacDonald Had a Farm
This is the Day That the Lord Has Made When the Saints Come Marching In I’ve Been Working on the Railroad
Home on the Range
You Are My Sunshine
The Turtle Song
Swingin’ on a Star
God Bless America
Amazing Grace
Oh, the places they’ll go! This year, Ohio Living Breckenridge Village distributed more than $13,900 in scholarships to 15 graduating high school seniors from Willoughby and surrounding areas through its annual Scholarship Program. Aimed to attract, support and retain high school-aged employees who work at the senior living community, the Ohio Living Breckenridge Village Scholarship Program is funded entirely by Ohio Living Foundation donors.
“From their first day working at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village, high school-aged employees earn an additional dollar for every hour they work,” explained Eva Allen, director of gift planning at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village. “These funds are then banked and saved until the students graduate from high school. Upon graduation, our students receive a scholarship in the amount of their total hours worked multiplied by a dollar.”
Employee participation in the program has more than doubled since its reimagining in 2021. Recipients are provided funds to continue their education via a path of their choosing, ranging from college to apprenticeships or trade schools. Notably, they are under no obligation to continue their employment after high school graduation, although many do continue to work part-time throughout the year or per diem during school breaks.
“What makes this program so innovative is that it combines scholarships, staff retention and meaningful staff-resident connections in a novel way by offering a ‘forced’ savings plan for high school students, many of whom are just learning about money management and may not have any other way to save for their continuing education expenses,” added Allen.
2024 scholarships were distributed June 10 during a Scholarship Celebration event hosted at the Smith Performing Arts Center on Ohio Living Breckenridge Village’s campus. The special event provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate scholarship recipients and the contributions they’ve made to the community. It even featured a delicious dessert reception with freshly made treats created by the community’s culinary team! Scholarship recipients and their families, community leaders, board members and donors were all in attendance.
“We are so grateful for the support of this program and the donors who make it happen,” said Ryan Wagner, director of culinary and nutritional services at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village and longtime champion of the Scholarship Program. “It means so much to our student team members who serve and care for residents at the community.”
To learn more about how you can contribute to similar employee engagement and care efforts through Ohio Living Foundation’s Workforce Investment initiative, email us at giving@ohioliving.org.
The Ohio Living Foundation is pleased to welcome back Barb Lyon as its chief development officer. In her new role, Barb is committed to offering meaningful and thoughtful opportunities to engage with the Ohio Living Foundation, focusing on stewardship, and deepening relationships with donors and community partners.
Lyon boasts more than 28 years of Ohio-based not-for-profit management and philanthropy experience. Following an extensive career in emergency management preparedness and response, she held the role of vice president of the United Way of Delaware County. In 2021, she served as the corporate executive of gift planning for the Ohio Living Foundation, before departing in 2022, to start her own business, LYON & CO, LLC.
Older adults have been a strong, positive influence throughout my life, and I am grateful for the relationships that have shaped me. Barb Lyon
“I am honored to once again work with a dynamic team and passionate donors,” shared Barb. “Older adults have been a strong, positive influence throughout my life, and I am grateful for the relationships that have shaped me. The commitment to high standards and quality care throughout all of Ohio Living’s lines of service are values that align with my personal and professional beliefs. I am truly grateful to be part of this amazing organization.”
Laurence Gumina, Ohio Living CEO, added, “I believe Barb’s refined skills and expertise, along with an incredible heart for service, best positions her to lead the Ohio Living Foundation into its next chapter.”
For several years, the family of Frances Melfi has graciously supported resident events at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village, such as Frances’ Ice Cream Social with an ice cream truck and steel drum band, and Frances’ Holiday Party with polka music and Christmas cookies. Their continued support stems from a desire to honor their mother’s life and legacy.
Frances Melfi moved to Ohio Living Breckenridge Village in 2014. “All six of her children were involved in her transition to the community,” explained Cathy Melfi, her daughter. “We loved the facilities, staff and people residing at the community, and my mom absolutely thrived there. Over the course of seven years, she was highly involved in activities, especially her favorite – chair yoga. She truly loved her neighbors and all the staff.”
Making an annual gift to support residents is a way of carrying on our mother's legacy. Cathy Melfi
During the pandemic, Frances broke her ankle and underwent surgery, initially moving into the Fairmount Health & Rehabilitation Center and then, long-term care. While Frances was in longterm care, the family provided financial support so that the activities staff could purchase things like CD players, hand-held games, and other items that helped residents pass the time when visitation was restricted. In the summer of 2021, the Melfi family funded an ice cream social on campus for the residents and staff. “I saw how happy it made everyone, including my mom, and it was fulfilling to give back and spread some joy, particularly on the heels of COVID, when things were difficult for everyone,” Cathy recalled.
Sadly, Frances passed away in September 2021, not long after that ice cream social. She left a lasting impression that is rooted in kindness.
“Making an annual gift to support residents is a way of carrying on our mother’s legacy,” Cathy shared. “She always had an uncanny ability to know what would brighten up someone's day. Whether it was a visit, a loaf of home-baked bread or a home-made dinner, she and our dad would quietly make it happen. It’s meaningful to continue her selfless example by financially contributing to events that celebrate residents, as well as staff, who do such an amazing job taking care of them.”
Luci, the activities director at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village, knows first-hand how much community members look forward to these types of “extras.” “We love being able to provide special moments for residents and transform common days into grateful blessings of joy,” she explained. “We do a lot, but support from families like the
Melfis enable us to do even more.”
The most recent event the Melfi family supported was Frances’ Ice Cream Social in September 2024, held at the community’s Nason Parking Lot. The gathering included ice cream treats and live entertainment for residents and staff.
“Generous gifts like these give residents the opportunity to honor and remember their friends who have passed in a joyful way,” added Eva Allen, director of gift planning at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village. “It’s hard saying goodbye to people you’ve grown close to over the years but having the opportunity to think about them and celebrate their lives and memories brings great comfort.”
If you are interested in learning more about how you can make an impact through planned giving, reach out to us at giving@ohioliving.org today!
Supporting excellence in senior care is way more than a day job for Mark Hasselbeck. As the regional director of business development, Mark works closely with Ohio Living’s diversified service lines to strategize the organization’s mission with both the outreach and marketing teams. His fervent goal is to impact and change people’s lives.
“I’ve been with Ohio Living for 11 years, and one of the main drivers that keeps me here is the culture of caring, as well as the strong relational bonds I’ve formed,” explained Mark. “We do what’s best for our employees, residents and patients, and are willing to work together to overcome barriers and challenges along the way.”
Partnering with the Ohio Living Foundation is also a key part of Mark’s role. “The Ohio Living Foundation impacts our day-to-day business,” he said. “Through grants and programs, this charitable arm supports memory care, hospice, needed campus improvements and beyond – it’s a critical piece of how we deliver on our mission.”
He continued, “We are sometimes made aware of situations where our employees or those we serve are in a predicament. I am very passionate about supporting them in every way we possibly can, and often, it’s made possible through the efforts of the Ohio Living Foundation.”
Interestingly, Mark has a few family ties to Ohio Living. In 1979, his great aunt and uncle were among the first residents to move into Ohio Living Llanfair’s Larchwood Apartments in Cincinnati. His husband, Ben, also works as an executive director for Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice Greater Columbus, Ohio Living Village Home Health & Hospice, and Ohio Living Bethany Hospice.
Outside of work, Mark is a proud dad to Albie, who is currently in his soccer and flag football era. He also enjoys eating out, CrossFit workouts and traveling.
Longtime Ohio Living Mount Pleasant resident Marianne Schumacher was known for her love of animals and gardening. Born in Corryville, Ohio, in 1929, Marianne married the love of her life, Hugo, in 1960. The couple worked together for Proctor & Gamble in the Cincinnati area for more than 35 years.
During their marriage, Marianne and Hugo were active in civic engagement opportunities, including the Tri-State G-A School, where Marianne acted as a board member-secretary for 12 years, and the Masonic Lodge’s Rainbow Girls, where she was a devoted mentor. With no children of their own, they also supported the Fairview-Clifton German School in Cincinnati and acted as a host family for several exchange students.
In 2002, Marianne and Hugo moved into an independent living apartment at Ohio Living Mount Pleasant. Marianne enjoyed taking care of the flowers at the community, playing shuffleboard, swimming in the summers, and volunteering at the Treasure Barn, an onsite resale shop.
Sadly, Hugo passed away in 2014, while Marianne stayed in good health until January 2024, when she entered hospice care. She passed on the following month at the age of 94.
To continue her legacy of civic service and giving back to causes she cared about, Marianne left a very generous gift to support Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice. The funds will allow the Ohio Living Foundation to provide extra layers of service that go beyond what is conventionally funded through Medicare, Medicaid, and other health insurance plans – things like alternative pain therapies, bereavement support and continuous care at the end of life. It will also support our Make it Happen® program, which brings moments of joy and meaning to those nearing the end of their lives by fulfilling their life-enhancing wishes.
As we near the end of life, what matters most is the compassion and support that surrounds us.
Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice
As we near the end of life, what matters most is the compassion and support that surrounds us. Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice understands this deeply, and believes in the power of community, empathy and generosity to transform the lives of those in their greatest time of need. Furthermore, Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice is committed to providing more than medical care. Going above and beyond to meet the unique needs of our hospice patients and their families, programs extend far beyond what is conventionally funded, ensuring those served receive the holistic care they deserve, just like Marianne and her family.
If planned giving is an option you would like to explore for you or your loved one, contact us at giving@ohioliving.org today.
A recent Healthy Aging grant of $75,000 from the Lake County Board of Commissioners is making a tangible difference for residents at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village’s Shafer/ Schweitzer House. The grant funds, which are part of the Ohio Department of Aging’s leading Healthy Aging initiative, will fund five warm and healthy meals per week for 75 Shafer/ Schweitzer House residents.
“The expense of obtaining nutritious meals poses a financial challenge for many adults 60 and older, causing individuals to compromise other areas of their budget,” explained Susan Schweitzer, division manager of grant development, Ohio Living Foundation. “As a result, many are tempted to forgo certain doses of prescribed medications, delay refilling prescriptions, or even reduce the dosage of their medication. Providing meals to our Shafer/Schweitzer residents will ensure they receive proper nutrition, enhance Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and assist with food budgets. Having a wellbalanced diet is essential for older individuals to maintain optimal health as they age.”
For more than 40 years, the Shafer/Schweitzer House at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village has provided excellent and affordable, governmentsubsidized housing to low/moderate income adults. Its operations are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, private pay from residents and philanthropic support.
“Extra financial support enabled by the Healthy Aging grant has been a huge blessing for our residents,” said Katie Cooper, Shafer/Schweitzer House social worker. “Many residents have shared that the savings brought by the grant subsidy is now allowing them to hire extra housekeeping or private-duty home care services. I’ve also heard from residents who have been able to go to the Bistro for lunch with friends, attend activities on campus they would not normally be able to afford, and even pay off some other bills.”
If you are interested in helping seniors like those residing at the Shafer/Schweitzer House at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village, email us at giving@ohioliving.org.
“I just really enjoy civic philanthropy; I love being involved in community,” shared Alice Frazier, new Ohio Living Foundation board member. Alice is a retired family physician who practiced mostly in the greater Columbus area over a career-span of more than 30 years. Treating patients who were less fortunate at clinics or who didn’t have health insurance, helped to instill the compassion in Alice we see today.
Alice knew becoming a board member with the Ohio Living Foundation, an assignment she accepted this year, was a natural next step for her after being a donor and advisory board member at Ohio Living Sarah Moore. She was drawn to Ohio Living because of their strong mission and proven track record of offering the highest quality of care and services to employees, residents and patients. “The Foundation is an essential part of the organization, and through it, we are able to champion growth, innovation and best-in-class work environments and employee engagement programs,” said Alice.
Supporting the Ohio Living workforce is something that Alice feels very strongly about. “Helping our employees ultimately helps our organization and helps our society as a whole,” Alice explained.
“When people are supported and educated, it improves their quality of life.”
Alice is excited to get her feet wet, dive in and learn more about being part of the Ohio Living Foundation board. “I want to be a resource and bring my expertise because of my particular background,” she stated, as she contemplated the current state of the aging care sector. “If joining committees and being a board member is a hobby, then that’s my hobby,” Alice added, as she reflected on how she spends her time. When she isn’t busy with grandchildren, Alice also spends time tending to a small vegetable garden and enjoys reading. She is drawn to books based on politics, economics or how we can help our climate, but does enjoy the occasional mystery!
A wife, a mother of three, grandmother, physician and breast cancer survivor - we are proud that Alice has joined the Ohio Living Foundation board and look forward to all that she will bring!
Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice – Greater Columbus recently organized a garden party for hospice patient, Lucille, who is an avid gardener and cherished member of the local garden club, through its Make it Happen® program. This special event coincided with Lucille’s birthday, making it an even more joyous occasion.
The Ohio Living Foundation’s Make it Happen® program is dedicated to fulfilling life-enhancing wishes that bring special moments of joy and meaning to those nearing the end of their lives. Thanks to donations that fund the program, each moment is unique and personal and aims to make a lasting difference.
“Programs like Make it Happen® bring light and hope to those in challenging times, creating cherished moments and lasting memories that enrich both the patient’s journey and their family’s experience,” said Lisa Thomas, volunteer coordinator.
To bring Lucille’s wish to life, Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice – Greater Columbus collaborated with two local businesses, Natural Image Landscaping and Albyn's Landscape & Nursery Center. Natural Image Landscaping was eager to donate labor to create a beautiful flower bed, while Albyn's Landscape & Nursery Center generously donated the vibrant plant material.
The garden party was attended by Lucille’s family members and several members of the local garden club, who came together to celebrate her birthday and passion for gardening. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, love and the fragrance of fresh flowers, creating a perfect day for Lucille and her guests. Throughout the event, she expressed immense joy and excitement, appreciating the efforts of everyone involved.
“This heartwarming celebration underscored the mission of the Make it Happen® program, which strives to enhance the quality of life for hospice patients through personalized and meaningful experiences,” added Thomas.
Happen® bring light and hope to those in challenging times, creating cherished moments and lasting memories. Lisa Thomas
Visit ohioliving.org/foundation/your-options to learn more about the Make it Happen® program.
Throughout the pages of Caring Connections, we hope to share just an ounce of the immeasurable impact that Ohio Living Foundation donors make through their generosity. In a world full of choices, your decision to embrace compassion stands as an inspiration. What you do matters and we are forever grateful!
With your help, we supporting our amazing team members, with dedicated workforce investment programs to attract and retain top talent in the senior care industry. Infrastructure improvements to keep our life plan communities vibrant and functional also benefit from your gifts, along with the ongoing roll-out of our transformational, multi-year effort to enhance memory care. Your contributions go beyond monetary — it’s a testament to the depth of your commitment to our shared cause.
Thank you for partnering with us to advance and secure the future of our beloved organization; you are an integral part of our the continued success of Ohio Living and Ohio Living Foundation!
Roberta Albert, Corporate Manager of Stewardship & Annual Giving
614.888.7800, ext. 1084 | ralbert@ohioliving.org
Eva Allen, Director of Gift Planning
440.497.5237 | eallen@ohioliving.org
Serving: Ohio Living Breckenridge Village
Elizabeth Bonfield, Director of Gift Planning
614.629.5857 | ebonfield@ohioliving.org
Serving: Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber
Paula Brock, Director of Gift Planning
513.235.6974 | pbrock@ohioliving.org
Serving: Ohio Living Cape May, Llanfair and Mount Pleasant
Barb Lyon, Chief Development Officer
614.888.7800 ext. 1054 | blyon@ohioliving.org
Liz Conley, Corporate Executive of Gift Planning
614.888.7800 ext. 1122 | lconley@ohioliving.org
Serving: Ohio Living Sarah Moore
Nancy Hamilton, Director of Gift Planning
419.290.1715 | nehamilton@ohioliving.org
Serving: Ohio Living Dorothy Love and Swan Creek
John Olmstead, Corporate Manager of Corporate Giving
614.888.7800, ext. 1148 | jolmstead@ohioliving.org
Serving: Ohio Living Corporate Partners, Lake Vista, Quaker Heights, and Rockynol
To learn more about the Ohio Living Foundation and sign up to receive Caring Connections directly to your inbox, scan this code or email giving@ohioliving.org!
