Using a mobile notary service can be helpful for seniors who may have limited mobility, transportation issues, or difficulty traveling to a notary's office.

Many documents needed later in life require proper notarization which normally requires someone to visit a Notary Public. The advent of Mobile Notaries has made this process much easier because of their ability to come to you.

Getting important documents notarized can be a hassle, especially if you have to travel to a physical location during regular business hours. Fortunately, mobile notaries provide a flexible solution that can save you time and money. In this article, we'll cover what a mobile notary is, how they differ from regular notaries, the benefits of using a mobile notary, and common documents that may need to be notarized for seniors living in communities.

What is a Mobile Notary?

A mobile notary is a notary public who travels to clients' preferred locations, whether that be at their home, office, or any other location of their choice. They offer extended hours and can often provide services on short notice, which can be beneficial in urgent situations.

How is a Mobile Notary Different from a Regular Notary Public?

A regular notary public works out of a stationary office location and requires clients to visit them. Mobile notaries, on the other hand, can travel to clients' locations, making it easier for those who are unable to leave their homes or offices.

What are the benefits of Using a Mobile Notary

Using a mobile notary provides several benefits, including:

• Convenience: A mobile notary will come to you, saving you time and travel expenses.
• Flexibility: Mobile notaries are often available outside of regular business hours and can provide services on short notice, making it easier for people with busy schedules.
• Personalization: Mobile notaries can provide a personalized experience that meets your unique needs.

Common Documents Notarized for Seniors

For seniors living in communities, several common documents may need to be notarized, including:

• Power of attorney documents
• Advance healthcare directives
• Trusts
• Wills

If you're in the Indianapolis area, Mobile Notary Indy is a reliable and efficient mobile notary service that provides personalized and convenient services. They can travel to your preferred location and provide the highest level of service to ensure your notarization needs are met. To learn more about their services and schedule an appointment, visit Visit the Mobile Notary Indiana website to learn more about their services or schedule an appointment.

Conclusion

Using a mobile notary can provide a convenient and flexible solution for getting important documents notarized. It is especially beneficial for seniors who may have difficulty traveling or have busy schedules. Consider working with a mobile notary to save time, money, and hassle.

Celebrating Resident's Anniversaries at Traditions

We have the privilege of sharing time with some truly fascinating seniors. During Valentine’s Day this year, we realized how many couples we have living together in many of our Traditions communities.

Their love stories are interesting, funny, surprising, and always inspiring. They were kind enough to tell us a bit more about how they met, how long they’ve been together, and their secrets to a successful marriage.

We wanted to share some of their stories.

Billie and Gene Evans
North Willow

Billie and Gene Evans celebrated their 61^st Anniversary on August 14^th this past year. The two met at Union Hospital in Terra Haute. Gene was a student at Indiana State and Billie was an employee at Union Hospital where Gene also worked. After these wonderful 61 years together, Gene said his favorite thing about Billie is her patience with him. Their favorite thing to do together was travel. They have gone to many different places including France and England. Billie and Gene went on to have four beautiful children together. Today they love to relax and watch TV together and Gene enjoys singing Billie’s favorite songs to her during our Happy Hour.

Bill and Judie Kleinschmidt
North Willow

Bill and Judie Kleinschmidt are High School Sweethearts. The two met while attending the same grade at Hem High School in 1954. In a school of approximately 2,000 students, Judie still caught his eye almost immediately as she was pretty, popular, and nice to everyone. The two had a corresponding lunch hour and the rest was history. They attended the freshman dance together, enjoyed going to the movies, and loved bowling. Judie lived about a mile and a half from Bill, and seeing he was still not old enough to get his driver's license, he walked to her home to pick her up and take her on a date, then walked her home before returning another mile and a half back to his house. He said he specifically remembers walking home down the middle of the road singing, as each date he spent with Judie was a great one. After 10 years of dating and building up the courage to ask Judie to marry him, Bill proposed during Christmas by placing the engagement ring inside a box of new bowling shoes and a new bowling ball. They cherished bowling, so this was only fitting that he proposed while incorporating their favorite date to do together. The two are very happily married with three children, Amy, Billy, and Brad.

Gene and Nancy McPherson
North Willow

Gene and Nancy McPherson celebrated 67 years of marriage in 2020. The two met in their early 20s and had been introduced by a mutual friend. It was a ‘blind date,’ as Gene put it. His friend sat him down, pointed at Nancy, and whispered, “This is why you are here.” Gene said it was love at first sight. They met in March of 1953, were engaged three weeks after they met and formally married three months later in June. They went on to have two children together, Lynne and Scott. Gene and Nancy spent many of their married years traveling together. They went on African safaris, rode elephants and camels in India, and spent time in China and Russia along with many other countries. When asked what their favorite thing about each other was Gene quickly said, “I love that she loved me even though I couldn’t dance.” Nancy laughed and agreed that he, in fact, was not a great dancer, but she loved him anyway. Nancy’s favorite thing about Gene is, “the way he thinks about others.”

Dr. Allan & Marge Brisker
North Bend

Dr. Allan & Marge Brisker have been married for 69 years. They met when they were both students at UC. She was in nursing school and he was in medical school. Margorie was a blind date, as the other girl could not go out that evening and sent Marge in her place. Dr. Brisker and Marge dated for about a year and married in Lawrenceburg, Indiana in 1952 for $35. According to Dr. Allan and Marge the key to a successful marriage is arguing and always making up.

Ted and Sandy Clark
Beavercreek

Ted and Sandy Clark will celebrate 61 years of marriage on February 13 of this year. Ted graduated from UD and began working at NCR, where Sandy worked as a secretary. Ted’s boss played matchmaker by sending Ted on ‘errands’ that involved Sandy. They married about a year and a half after meeting. They love sharing the story that Sandy taught Ted how to drive.

Their personalities have complimented each other well over the years. They laugh a lot and can often be seen holding hands across the dinner table. Ted is always the gentleman holding doors for Sandy and pulling out her chair.

Jim and Rose Walters
Reagan Park

Jim and I met in June of 1956. My girlfriend and I were sitting on the front steps of my parents’ home. Two boys drove by, and the rest is history. We dated for two-and-a-half years and married in January 1959. We have five children, sixteen grandchildren, four in-law grandkids and six great grandkids. We’ve lived in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. Four of our kids live near us, as well as most of the grandkids. One of our sons lives in Ohio with his four kids and four grandkids. We had a nice life together and have been truly blessed.

Wendell and Betty Heller
Solana

The Heller’s love story began when Wendell decided to send Betty a note after he saw her cheerleading at Bob Jones. After their first date, the following Friday, ‘that was it’ for both of them, and the Hellers have been together ever since. They continued to pass notes and write each other letters until they were married.

The Hellers have been happily married for 69 years and counting. They raised a wonderful family, traveled the world, and even started the Colonial Baptist Church here in Indianapolis. Their secrets? Do not fight and fuss. Never go to bed angry. And remember that the golden rule is still good after all these years. They love each other even more now than they did 69 years ago and remind each other that they love the other ‘a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.’

Jack and Sara Kirby
Middleton

In 1963, Sara was working at IBM in Evanston, IL, her hometown as well as the hometown of Jack. Jack had just completed his Master’s degree in history from the University of Michigan and was working as a social worker for the city of Chicago. He was still deciding if he would go to law school or pursue further graduate studies in history. In Sara’s office, people joked that IBM stood for ‘I’ll Be Moving.’ However, the move would come later. That year would become a departure point for both Sara and Jack.

They knew each other during their high school days— she was a cheerleader, and he was co-captain of the football team. But their love story did not start there. It was about ten years later, in a local pizzeria that they would make a personal connection and begin ‘moving together’ for the next 57 years. From an apartment in Chicago, a year in Florida, two years in Denver, then the University of Illinois, and, in 1971, Granville, Ohio. Sara completed her degree in education, and they settled into their teaching jobs and family. The family consisted of four children, three cats, five dogs, and an assortment of fish and rodents. Ultimately, the children have kept them on the move between college and travels, including Europe, Asia, and much of the US. In late 2019, out of breath, they made a final move to Middleton, which immediately felt like home. It was ultimately (after the trauma of downsizing) an easy move, allowing them to remain in Granville and near all that they had loved since 1971.

Bill and Virginia Baker
Middleton

Their story is a true testament of love through the test of time. Bill and Virginia Baker met in high school when they were both 16 years old. They had their first date at a football game in Martins Perry, Ohio. They were married on January 26, 1946. In the span of their long and loving relationship, they enjoyed dancing and taking trips with their six children. Last month, Bill and Virginia celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary at Middleton! They say happiness is growing old together with the love of your life. Bill and Virginia have been together since their teenage years and have essentially grown up together and grown old together! Now that’s what we call a ‘forever love.’

Bob and Barb Lewis
Middleton

Bob and Barb’s campus love story started at the Salem College in West Virginia where they were both enrolled. Bob was a 20-year-old student from Carnegie, Pennsylvania and Barb was a sweet 18 freshman from Harrisville, West Virginia. Their first date was a nice, romantic walk in September of 1949. Two years later, they were married in Harrisville Methodist Church on December 15, 1951.

Bob and Barb enjoyed taking vacations. Early in their marriage, most of their vacations were spent visiting their parents because they had very little money. They were eventually able to venture out and take a trip to England, Scotland, and Wales, where they rented a car, drove everywhere and made lasting memories. They have been married for 69 years! Bob and Barb said the keys to their successful marriage are compromising and focusing on the good. They have been at Middleton since August 2020.  

Ray and Betty Thompson
Middleton

A classic story of young love and growing old together! Ray and Betty were both 18 when they first met, and on one Saturday night, went to a restaurant for their first date. They enjoyed picture shows on the side of the schoolhouse. They were married in 1947 in Greenup, Kentucky. Betty had a restaurant called “Pine Bluff” and Ray worked in the oil wells. They lived simply and enjoyed the small things. They said they loved one another and have been good to each other and that is the secret for their long and happy marriage. They have been residents of Middleton since December 2018.

Mel and Dee Hayes
Middleton

Mel and Dee are both from Akron, Ohio. Their first date was at a drive-in theater in the summer of 1951. They got married at the Calvary EUB Church on May 22, 1955 and have been together for 65 years. For them, the keys to a happy marriage are partnership with a give and take relationship and having Christ in the center. They enjoy church events, movies and going to the racetracks. Their best memories together are their trips to Israel, Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, England, Ireland, France, Scotland, Jamaica, and Mexico. Mel and Dee have been at Middleton since June 2019.

Ray and Irene Arras
Middleton

It was love at first sight for Ray the day he laid eyes on Irene in 1965. He was 25 and she was 23. Irene caught his attention from afar, but Ray was too afraid to ask her for a dance, so he let that first chance pass him by. Ray could not believe his luck when he saw her again at another social gathering. This time he mustered enough courage to approach Irene, introduce himself, and ask her to dance with him. That was the beginning of their beautiful relationship. They went on their first date on July 15^th, 1965 at a Chinese Restaurant in El Paso, Texas. The inseparable pair also loved to go dancing, horseback riding, and shopping together. Their road to forever took two years, 9 months, and 14 days from the time they first met. Ray and Irene tied the knot at St. Guadalupe Church in El Paso on July 21^st, 1967. For Mr. and Mrs. Arras, the key to a successful marriage is a strong foundation. Ray is also a strong proponent of the “Yes, dear” movement. They moved to Middleton in the summer of 2020.

John and Carol Denison
Middleton

A handsome 27-year-old from Takoma Park, Maryland, John found his true love in a bank in the quaint, small town of Newark, Ohio. It all started when John went to Park National Bank to open a new account. He worked for Owens Corning and was recently transferred from Toledo to the Newark location. John had just gotten his first paycheck and went straight to the bank. He thought that the bank teller was beautiful. Carol Jones was just 22 and fresh out of college. He told himself, “I’m going to go up to her window.” At that time there were no snake lines, and customers could pick a teller. Every payday after that, John would go to Carol’s window, but they did not really interact beyond bank transactions.

John was new in town and did not have any credit, nor did he know anyone. So, when he wanted to apply for a Bank Americard and the person in charge asked him if he knew anyone, John said he knew Carol Jones, a teller. The card manager asked Carol if she knew John and she said she didn’t know him too well, but would like to get to know him better. That fateful day, John not only got a Bank Americard, he got the chance to take Carol out.

On their first date sometime in August of 1967, they went to a Chad Everett war movie, "First to Fight," at the old Auditorium Theater in downtown Newark. After the movie, they had burgers at Freschia’s Drive-in where they sat in the car and talked. Their favorite memory while dating is listening to the beautiful song “The Impossible Dream” by Andy Williams on the phone while Carol was in her apartment and John was in his house. John and Carol were married at the First United Methodist in Carol’s hometown in January of 1968. They have shared 53 years of marital bliss. For them, the keys to a happy marriage are investing in their relationship, banking on trust, lots of laughter, and the wife is always right! They moved to Middleton at the start of 2018.

Bonnie Sevastos and David Priest
Middleton

It was love in the most unusual circumstances. David and Bonnie met in February 2013 at the Columbus airport when Bonnie flew in from Florida to purchase David’s ex-wife’s family home. Bonnie, David’s ex-wife who also flew in from Florida, and David’s son from Montana, were all arriving within one hour of each other. David’s ex-wife introduced Bonnie and David when he picked everyone up and drove them all to the house in Newark. There really was no concept of a first date. Bonnie and David next saw each other at the Newark house. They became fast friends, seeing each other and doing things together every day. This developed into them becoming best friends and soulmates. Bonnie said when you meet in your 70s, it helps to have co-acceptance, lots of laughter, and the grace of God. Bonnie truly believes that God puts people in each other’s path and that’s how Bonnie and David found each other in their later years. They have been residents of Middleton’s Independent Living Cottages since October of 2019. 

Frank and Joan Chester
Middleton

Frank and Joan met on a blind date when they were 18 and 19, respectively. Frank was on leave from basic training and his best friend and Joan’s good friend introduced them. They all met at a local bar for a bite to eat and played some pool. Frank couldn’t stop thinking about her, so they saw each other almost every day of the 10 he was home. He told her he was going to marry her, and Joan laughed.

Frank returned to OCS training and wrote Joan letters and poetry, then asked her to marry him when he returned on leave. They wrote more letters when Frank shipped out to Korea, and when he returned from the war in December 1954, they were married on May 15^th. Joan and Frank have been married 67 years, have 10 children, 27 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Frank says the key to staying together for him is not to argue. People say things they cannot unsay when they argue. Joan says perseverance in a relationship is the key. It never entered their minds to give up.

Ron and Alma Gibson
Beaumont

Ron was a relief person working for General Electric Company. He would give employees their breaks during the day and met Alma working on the line with her. They formed a friendship, fell in love, and were married on January 3^rd, 1980. They have been married for 41 years. Ron’s fondest memories are their days of working side by side.

Ron and Alma believe that for a successful marriage a couple should keep God in their life and be best friends with each other.

Cleve and Peggy Sheilley
Beaumont

Cleve and Peggy were high school sweethearts who married on October 23, 1954. They have been married for 67 years.

The couple worked hard for everything. Working side by side in family as well as business. They have a great faith in God and are wonderful friends to all of our residents and staff.

John and Karen Mollenauer
Cherry Blossom

We met when Karen's Brother Hale asked me to join in a get- together, double date. We have been married for 60 years and lived in the same home for 56 of those years. Our long-term relationship has been one of joint sharing and understanding each other's needs. Humor has played a role! The secret to this ‘great’ relationship has been support from all family, children, and grandchildren, wonderful friends and participation in local projects and volunteer organizations.

Wayne and Mavis Schultz
Cherry Blossom

We met in Topeka Kansas in April 1957. I was studying to be a nurse. I met Wayne’s older brother and he introduced me to his younger brother. The rest is history. We dated for 18 months and married in September 1958 after I graduated. We have three grown children and three grandchildren. We respect each other as individuals and allow differences. We enjoy reading, watching movies, playing on our iPad, and exploring our hobbies. We came from similar German family backgrounds and Christian values. I married Wayne because he is my best friend. He married me because I make German potato pancakes just like his mother. We enjoy riding our 3-wheeled bikes around the Cherry Blossom complex and visiting the cottage neighbors.

Connie and Howard Swink
Cherry Blossom

Connie went with her girlfriends, Maxine & Ruby, to a Halloween party in 1955 that was being held at the high school they had graduated from the year before. When she set eyes on Howard, she said, “Ruby, you can get me that for Christmas!’” Ruby took the challenge, introduced Howard and Connie, and their love story began. They were married by Easter of 1956!  66 years, wow!

With a spouse in the military while raising a family of four children, helping one another was very important. “’Being right’ was not always as significant as having peace in the home. Before going to sleep, we have always said ‘I Love You’ to one another. Being kind to one another is so dear and easier when you find the one you love. We have also attended church regularly ever since we met. We learned early on that as we live to please God, He promises to bless our lives and make us prosper.”

Ron and Sally Culbertson
Cherry Blossom

We met at school—seems as if we have always known one another. We were in classes together since 4th and 5^th grade and graduated within one year of one another from high school. We have dated since high school and our mothers knew one another since they were in elementary school. We’ve been married 58 years and we dated two years before that, so 60 years. Wow!

In order to make our relationship work, we believe in a lot of give and take. Don’t be selfish. We share similar values. We also have similar backgrounds: church connections, many friends in common, enjoying and playing football in high school, growing up and continuing to live in a tight-knit community. Our parents even took us to the Officers Club at the Depot—there was a swim club there, too. It was a great gathering place for the families.

Barbara and Ron Nichols
Cherry Blossom

I was 14 and he was 16 and he came to my high school’s basketball game to watch the rival team. I was with my friend and he was with his friend. It wasn’t until after the basketball game, my friend and I were walking to the soda shop, and Ron yelled after us and well that’s that. We have been married 61 years, but he chased me for five years prior to that—haha.

Our secret? Always give over 50% each side and always help each other out, working together or it doesn’t work at all. Love and respect is so important.

Bob and Carole Kendall
Ashton Grove

Bob and Carole Kendall met at Olivet Congregational Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where both their families attended. In fact, Bob and Carole snuck one of their first kisses while playing Mary and Joseph in a Christmas pageant at the church! Their families remained close, and Bob and Carole dated throughout high school. After a brief interruption to date others, they returned to their relationship and eventually a life-long commitment to one another. Bob went off to college at University of Connecticut and eventually entered the U.S. Air Force through UCONN's ROTC program. Carole studied at Southern Connecticut Teachers' College as her relationship with Bob continued.

They married on March 31, 1957, a date that fell on Palm Sunday and meant they needed special permission to get married. Then they were off to travel the world through Bob’s various Air Force base assignments. His aviation career of 38 years included 23 years of USAF and 15 years of corporate aviation training and evaluation. He was Commander of a 14 multi-engine aircraft and aircraft accident investigator. Carole supported Bob through each assignment and move, and together they raised a beautiful family.

If you asked Bob and Carole to what they owe the success and longevity of their 64-year marriage, at the top of the list would be God's grace and faithfulness. Following closely behind is a deep commitment to family, including parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, daughters and their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The Kendalls moved into Ashton Grove in August of 2020. It was a challenging transition, as their needs were different. Carole lives in Memory Care and Bob lives in Assisted Living. Bob spends much of his time in Memory Care, eating three meals a day with Carole, visiting with others, and is always a big hit with the ladies. Their dog, Sophia, also lives at Ashton Grove and goes back and forth visiting her mama and daddy. Sophia, along with the Kendalls, is constantly making the staff at Ashton Grove smile. Their relationship is a daily reminder to the Ashton Grove family of true love and commitment. They are the HEART of Ashton Grove in so many ways, and we are very grateful for them and their life story.

Gerald and Ann Roberts
Park Place

Gerald and Ann Roberts have been married 57 years. Ann laughed when I asked her how they met. She said Gerald came up to my door and knocked. When I answered the door he looked at me and said, “Hi cutie.” We have been together ever since. Ann said the best way to make a marriage work is always love one another, communicate, and always take care of each other.

Frank and Rosie Brock
Park Place

Frank and Rosie Brock met roller-skating at the Silver Moon Roller dome in Waterloo, Indiana. Frank said he loved to dance skate, but Rosie never got the hang of it, so he always had a new partner. They married November 16^th, 1947. Frank and Rosie said to have a successful marriage you must love each other, trust each other, communicate, and love your family.

Larry and Sally Gray
Park Place

Larry and Sally Gray met in college. They married June 13^th, 1953. Larry and Sally said a good marriage is loving, caring, and taking care of your family.

Ray and Ginny Quance
Park Place

Ray and Ginny Quance met at the Bartlett’s Dance Pavilion at Lake James. They married October 18^th, 1946. Ray and Ginny said the only way to a successful marriage is always love each other, communicate, never go to bed angry, and always do things together.

Cliff and Peggy Stewart
Park Place

Cliff and Peggy Stewart have been married 42 years. They met in an ice storm in Bellevue, Nebraska. Cliff and Peggy said they have always loved each other through everything. Never go to bed mad, always take care of each other, always be patient with each other, laugh together often, and always communicate.

Orrin and Pat Jinnings
Park Place

Orrin and Pat Jinnings met through friends. Pat had just turned 18 when they married February 17^th, 1951. Pat said all Orrin had to do is just say yes in their marriage. She also said they had the same goals in life, so it made their marriage a little bit easier.

Larry and Marcie Lothamer
Park Place

Larry and Marcie Lothamer met at Skyline Dance Club on North Clinton Street in Fort Wayne. They married September 11^th, 1948. Larry and Marcie said their marriage was easy. They just clicked, and they were lucky to have a good marriage and a great family together.

Richard and Marilyn Renbarger
Park Place

Richard and Marilyn Renbarger met during a meeting of the Korean War Veterans, in Fort Wayne. Both are US Veterans. Marilyn served in the US Army as General Ike’s secretary. Richard served 27 years in the United States Marine Corp. They married February 23^rd, 1998. Richard and Marilyn feel so thankful to be together in their senior years. Each day they try to look after each other and give their very best for one another.

Ed and Caryl Eppele
Park Place

Ed and Caryl Eppele met at Bowling Green State University in 1955. They married June 6^th, 1959. Ed and Caryl said never go to bed mad, pray together, and always love each other.

Dan and Mimi Kranjc
Park Place

Dan and Mimi Kranjc have been married 67 years. Both were born in Slovenia, but did not meet until they both came to America. Mimi came to America in 1950, and Dan came in 1951. Both moved to Cleveland, Ohio, which was a large Slovenian Community. They met at a singing group. Dan said that having faith in God has helped them through the hard times. Mimi said honesty between each other is very important.

Charles and Isabel Morton
Park Place

Charles and Isabel Morton met in college. Isabel was a roommate of his cousin’s girlfriend. They were sat up on a blind date. Neither one of them wanted to go, but they did it anyway. Their first date was at Circle Theater in Indianapolis, Indiana. They saw Patty Page in concert. This was a Saturday. On Sunday, the cousin of Charles called and asked him if they could take the girls back to Ball State where they attended college. Charles said the only way he could take them back is if they attended church with him. They all went to church, and after church Charles and his cousin took the girls back. Charles asked for her number and called her a week about another date. Even though Isabel went to Ball State and he went to Purdue, he would drive from West Lafayette to Muncie to see her. Charles graduated from Purdue on a Sunday, Isabel graduated from Ball State on a Tuesday, and they got married the next Monday, June 8^th, 1952.

Charles and Isabel said their marriage worked because they are both Christians. Charles laughed and said he yelled at her and got it over with when they got in a disagreement. Charles and Isabel both said you have to love each other, respect each other, laugh together, and obey your marriage vows. They promised each other to stay together, never go to bed mad, and to always kiss each other before they said goodnight. They both enjoy being married to each other. As I was talking to them, you could see the love and respect for each other in their eyes.

Alan and Fern Clemens
Park Place

Alan and Fern Clemens have a romantic story. A friend at work introduced them in 2001. Fern gave Alan her number, but it took several weeks to call her because he was nervous. He finally called, and they started dating. On the day he proposed to her, he took her to dinner at a Japanese restaurant. After dinner, he had ordered a horse and carriage to take them through town. When they got to downtown Fort Wayne, he had the carriage pull over and he got down on his knee and proposed to Fern. They both said communication, and taking care of each other through thick and thin is the way to a successful marriage.

Lowell and Cynthia Fein
Park Place

Lowell and Cynthia Fein met in Fairfield, California. Lowell was Cynthia’s Sunday School Teacher. Lowell said she was in the 8^th grade and he worked in the shipyard. When they got married, June 18^th, 1966 Cynthia just had her 18^th birthday, graduated from high school, and then they got married. Lowell said their relationship and marriage was easy. He said “Yes, Dear” a lot. Lowell adds that they pick their battles and share lots of love and affection.

Ron and Dottie Hill
West Park Place

Ron and Dottie met at the bank in the old O-I building. Ron was a teller and Dottie worked on the 16^th floor. They wanted to get married on Valentine’s Day in 1957, but Saturday fell on the 16^th, so they got married on February 16, 1957. They will be celebrating 64 years of marriage this year! They both enjoyed the outdoors and became campers for 40 years. Plenty of room in the great outdoors!!!

Tom and Maryanne Phalen
Camargo

Tom and Maryanne Phalen joined the Traditions at Camargo community in January of this year. They have enjoyed 57 wonderful years of marriage. Prior to their move to Camargo, Tom and Maryanne lived in Blue Ash. They have five children and twelve grandchildren.

Maryanne’s brother, George (“Bucky”), was a student at Holy Cross. While George was a student there, he had a good friend and roommate for four years by the name of Tom Phalen. Tom had a summer program that brought him to Columbus, Ohio. While Tom was in Columbus, George had arranged a time for them to meet Maryanne in Dayton. Maryanne was working as a nurse at the time and was in the middle of her shift when Tom stopped by the hospital to meet her. A co-worker alerted Maryanne that a gentleman had arrived asking for her. She took a break from her shift and Maryanne met Tom at the coffee shop across the street. Maryanne remembers Tom ordering a Coca-Cola, and Maryanne’s brother, George, took a snapshot of the two of them at their first meeting.

Tom later traveled south for a week to visit George and see the sights in Cincinnati. They planned to spend an evening at Moonlite Gardens at Cincinnati’s Coney Island, a concert venue for Big Band music complete with a dance floor. While George already had a date for the evening, he was unable to find a date for his friend Tom. Tom suggested George ask his sister, Maryanne, if she would be interested. Maryanne said yes and went to Moonlite Gardens as Tom’s date. It all progressed from there.

Tom was scheduled to travel to Southeast Asia for two years on a military assignment. He and Maryanne decided to marry before he was to leave, and they were wed in 1963. Maryanne accompanied her husband to Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand. In Thailand, Maryanne was able to work for the Red Cross while Tom was on assignment.

Tom later became an Administrative Law Judge and he and Maryanne had five children. When asked why their 57 years of marriage has been so successful, Maryanne replied that they were always able to settle any debate, argument, or disagreement amicably. “Whether you are on the right side or wrong side, it’s important you settle things amicably.”

George and Barbara Brinegar
Bristol

George and Barbara met in 5^th grade when George moved into the area and attended the same elementary school as Barbara. They attended the same schools all through middle and high school and were often in the same classes. In 8^th grade science class, they discovered that they both had the same type of blood and were the only two in the entire school that had B-positive blood. Barbara thought he was too tall, but cute. They worked with different partners on their science fair projects, but both Barbara and her partner and George and his partner were the only teams to go to the state science fair from their school. Through high school, Barbara dated another boy, but George and Barbara both attended the same college. One day, they ended up at the same bus stop waiting for the bus. George said to Barbara, “Do I know you?” They became acquainted once again and have been together ever since. They have been married for 47 years.

George is calm and allows Barbara to have her emotions.  If George doesn’t agree with something, he will say, “Let’s discuss this.”  He is supportive and puts up with her temper. They are best friends, lovers, and parents. They have common interests and goals.

Irving and Beatrice Taragano
Deerfield

Irving and Beatrice Taragano lived in New York, in buildings that were side by side to each other. They would often see each other at social clubs where local kids would go to hang out. One day, Beatrice was playing checkers and while Irving was passing by and looking over her shoulder he shouted, “You made the wrong move!” Beatrice turned to him and gave him a look, and he knew to walk away.

Thirty minutes later she walked over to him and asked him if he wanted to go to her cousin’s going away party that evening, he was going off to the army. The very next day they had their official first date. He took her to the movies and asked her on a second date to the same movie theater. They took the public bus home and Irving walked Beatrice to her building. They were standing in the hallway waiting for the elevator and Beatrice asked him “Are we going steady?” Just then the elevator door opened. Irving said, “By the time we got to the fourth floor we were engaged.” Nine months later they got married on November 3, 1951. Irving said their wedding was beautiful and that it must have cost his father-in-law a fortune. At the wedding reception, Beatrice’s mother approached Irving and asked him if he was going to take care of her daughter. Irving replied, “For the rest of my life.” Almost 70 years later and they are still taking care of each other. I asked Irving and Beatrice, “How have you made your relationship work all these years?” Irving quickly responded, “I say yes all the time, I learned that early on.” Beatrice agreed with him. They have two sons, four grandchildren and one great grandchild. They have lived at Traditions of Deerfield since September 2018.

June and Junior Carman
Deerfield

June and Junior Carman were married September 3, 1949 and have been married for 72 years. They met when June was going for a night out with a friend of hers, and Junior happened to be their chauffer. Junior and her friend had been buddies for some time. Once the evening was over, Junior drove them home. June’s friend walked her to the door, then asked June if she was interested in going out with his friend the chauffer. June said yes. The friend planned a double date with his girlfriend and June and Junior. They wanted to go to the bar and June said she would stay behind. Junior said he would, too. June and Junior drove around and ended up at a place called The 60-Second Shop. They spent the evening in the car eating burgers and getting to know each other, and have been inseparable since that day.

A year later they got married. They went on to have five kids, 17 grandkids and 17 great grandchildren including the newest great grandchild born on December 29. I asked June, how she and Junior made their relationship work all these years. With joyful tears in her eyes, she whispered, “trust.” She went on to say they have lived a wonderful and blessed life thanks to Junior. He knew how to do everything and was good at it. They have lived at Traditions of Deerfield since March 2018.

Dan and Susan Shaffer
Deerfield

Dan and Susan Shaffer attended the same High School, but did not know each other until they met in college through a mutual friend. They began a relationship and on December 25, 1964 Dan proposed to Susan. He placed a diamond ring inside a Christmas ornament and asked her to be his wife. She said yes. However, in May of 1965, Susan called off the engagement and they parted ways. They both moved on with their lives and were married for 30 years to other people.

In 1997, Susan reached out to Dan’s mother and wanted to get in touch with Dan. His mother led Susan back to Dan and they met for coffee. They said they picked up right where they had left off 30 years prior. Dan said he always knew Susan was the love of his life and was very happy to have her in his life again. On October 22, 1998 they got married in a small church in Cold Springs, Kentucky with their closest family and friends by their side. In 2001, they relocated to Panama City Florida where Dan owned property. Susan often traveled back to Cincinnati to visit her three children and six grandchildren. However, in October 2018, hurricane Michael hit their town and destroyed nearly everything. They were fortunate and were able to salvage a lot of their belongings, but the town suffered a huge loss and even using a phone was near impossible. Dan realized between the state of their city and how much Susan missed being around her children and grandchildren, it was time to move back. In April of 2019, Dan and Susan chose Traditions of Deerfield as their new home. Asked how they have made their relationship work all this time, Dan quickly responded, “I just don’t argue with her.”

Marie and Ed Frank
Deerfield

Marie Frank was born and raised in Jerusalem and was forced out of her homeland because of war. She relocated to Jordan where she became a fashion designer and opened her own shop. Shortly after, she moved to America, to pursue her passion for fashion in Pittsburgh.

Ed Frank was the first generation of his family born in America. His family immigrated to America from Lebanon. He was a college student at the University of Pittsburgh and lived near campus. One evening when he had a lab, he took the streetcar back to his house and noticed Marie, who was on her way home from work. When it was his stop, he noticed got off at same place. They stopped to chat for a few minutes. Within two weeks they had their first date and have been together since that day. Ten months later, they got married and have been together for 64 years. They have three children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. When asked how they have made their relationship work, Ed said they come from the same ethnic background and understood each other’s culture. They share the same interests and were just meant to be. They have lived at Traditions of Deerfield since January 2020.

Barbara and Roy Dixon
Deerfield

Roy and Barbara Dixon met in 1956. One of Barbara’s friends had dated Roy and thought that he and Barbara would be a good match. She was right. Barbara said she stole him from the world. On November 14, 1958 they got married. They have two children, a cat they refer to as their third child, and one grandkid. When asked what has made their marriage work for 62 years, Roy quickly answered, “sheer endurance.” They have lived at Traditions of Deerfield since December 2020. 

Donald and Claudeen Baltzer
Brookside

Donald and Claudeen Baltzer met in 1960 while he was doing his Anesthesiology residency at St. Francis General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. Claudeen and her friend were talking one day and her friend mentioned that they should go on a double date with Donald and his friend. Claudeen spoke up and said she would like to go with Donald. The date was planned and at the last minute the other couple backed out. Donald and Claudeen went on the date just the two of them and the rest was history! They dated a year and a half and got married in 1961. They have been married 59 wonderful years!

Donald and Claudeen have three daughters. When ask how they have made their relationship work all these years, Donald said there was really no option but to always work things out.  “Once you marry, you stay married.”

Claudeen said they had their ups and downs over the years, but have always tried to give and take in their relationship. Compromising on things along the way.

They have enjoyed many wonderful trips, and after retiring have visited Canada, Nova Scotia, Ireland, Mexico, France, Spain, Morocco, Germany, Poland, and Italy, just to name a few.

They are enjoying their home here at Traditions at Brookside.

Recognizing Our Activity Directors At Traditions

There are so many people who make it possible for us to care for our residents, primarily through a challenging year like this one.

This month, we have chosen to recognize our Activities Director and Assistant nominees, who have been instrumental in supporting our teams and engaging, inspiring, and caring for our residents.

Please join us in congratulating the following nominees for their hard work, creativity, and recognition:

Mary Evans
Traditions at North Willow

Mary is a true asset to North Willow and has a genuine desire to bring happiness to our residents. She has been a fantastic team player throughout her time here, always willing to go above and beyond for our residents and staff.

She thinks outside the box to create wonderful, meaningful activities daily. The residents and families adore her, as does our entire team. Mary has been with us for over three years and we are grateful she is here!

Carol Nadaud
Traditions at West Park Place

For more than 30 years, Carol has brought smiles, joy, and laughter to our residents, families, and associates. Carol never leaves a resident in need, always making sure they get the attention they need. She is fantastic, full of energy, and always here for our residents.

It’s clear Carol loves West Park Place and she takes time each day to listen to residents talk about their days and share their interests. She is sincere, asking for feedback, incorporating new ideas, giving emotional support, and sharing a laugh or two. Residents respond to Carol and trust her to provide honest and truthful guidance. She is a gem in the community.

Carol is also here to help residents through the transition of a move and get them engaged and active in the programs they want and need most, whether it’s exercise, bingo, entertainment, or educational activities. She has even had the opportunity to serve two generations of seniors in the same family and remembers everyone who has resided with us. Our residents and families love Carol.

Johnna Hale
Traditions at Beaumont

Johnna is one of the best activities directors we have ever worked alongside. Her enthusiasm and dedication are truly unique. Our residents just love her and she loves them right back. She will do anything in the world for them.

I am nominating her not only because she goes above and beyond each and every day, but because she is also a beautiful person inside and out. She recently took time out of her day to help me with a new resident who had gone from living at home independently to needing a lot of help. This woman was highly resistant to moving to a community and her family was anxious.

Johnna drove the bus to pick our new resident up from home. I reminded her of our situation, but Johnna walked right in with that beautiful smile and personality and asked Laura if she liked to play bingo. She did. Johnna had her talking about all kinds of games and things to do, telling her she was going to be right there with her all the way.

I am so excited to work with many amazing people, but Johnna has that special gift. She is truly an angel from God for these residents.

Jamie Kowalczyk
Traditions at Solana

Jamie is an incredible, skilled, and valuable addition to our team. She goes out of her way to make our residents happy and we appreciate the effort it takes to maintain a positive attitude, even when faced with challenging situations.

When Jamie sees something that needs to be done, she does it. She is the first to stop and help a resident with a technical difficulty and follows through until the problem is solved. She is the epitome of above and beyond, without a complaint! The words no and can’t are not in her vocabulary.

Jamie runs errands on her own time and is constantly doing research and trying new ideas to engage our residents. She’s always in a great mood and it’s infectious. She treats everyone like family and they reciprocate that feeling back to her!

Robin Hoffman
North Bend Senior Living

Robin brings joy to our residents and community. When you are having a bad day, she is always there to lift your spirits. Besides all of the fun she orchestrates with our residents, she continues to connect residents with their families with FaceTime and phone calls. Robin makes a point to know each resident and their families on a personal level. We are lucky to have her on our team.

Emma Simendinger
Cherry Blossom Senior Living

When Emma walks into the community, our residents know they are in for another special day. She puts residents first, is generous with warm hugs, and you can feel her smile even from behind her PPE mask.

COVID precautions have not slowed her; she’s simply reached for new, creative ideas and activities. Tea parties, Christmas caroling, daily exercises, gardening, painting, creative crafts, happy hours, card clubs, devotions, resident council, scavenger hunts, brain teasers, games, and more; Emma is constantly introducing new residents and is instrumental in encouraging friendships among neighbors.

We can’t wait to see what 2021 will hold with Emma’s planning and COVID-19 vaccinations happening now. She has been so creative over the past several months, and we are happy to have her.

Melissa Kell and Kim Hensley
Highgrove at Tates Creek

These lovely ladies have gone above and beyond to entertain our residents during these trying times. They have continuous enthusiasm and love for our residents and have been doing one-on-ones since March, when group activities have been few and far between. Melissa has been able to pivot activities on the move, bringing joy to everyone daily.

I can’t say enough nice things about them, and I appreciate everything they do for my staff and residents.

Carla Reed
Traditions of Brookside

Carla has been with me since we opened, and we are blessed to have her. She is very good at what she does and goes above and beyond to engage residents and meet their needs. Carla is a true team player who brings positive energy to our team.

Bettye George
Park Place Senior Living

Bettye has always made sure our residents feel special and cared for every day. She helps to keep them entertained in the activity rooms, in their apartments, and in the common areas, doing whatever is needed about activities and everything beyond her regular job duties.

Thank you for showing love, grace, and fun to our residents, Bettye, and all you do!

Mary Jordan, Michael Loyola, and Kelle Gerding
Traditions of Deerfield

Both Mary and Michael were originally servers at Deerfield. Michael was promoted to Activities Assistant about a year ago, and Mary to Director a short time ago. They have always been active, upbeat, and willing to support residents in whatever they do.

Mary is full of energy and love and has excellent ideas to keep staff and residents energized. I swear she has a unique closet at home just for costumes! Michael has always been engaged with every resident at Deerfield. He even took a day off to attend an outing at the zoo with residents. He loves each and every one of them as if they were his own grandparents.

These two were a dream team in the dining room and now a power duo in activities. We could not ask for a better team to engage residents and keep them social.

I would also like to recognize Kelle Gerding, who is so kind and loving toward our residents in Memory Care. She knows what they need to occupy their attention, especially when having a rough day.

April Seibers and Makayla Keith
Traditions at Reagan Park

Before becoming an Activity Director, April was a caregiver. Although her title has changed, she will always be a caregiver at heart. Throughout the pandemic, April has worn many hats. She is willing to do whatever it takes for the greater good of the residents, community, and team.

During the outbreak's height, April gladly rolled up her sleeves and worked what became our ‘Covid Unit.’ She helped to nurture our residents back to health and still supports the nursing staff by filling in when they need her. She also takes the initiative to make sure that PPE is stocked and continues to assist with daily sanitation. April always goes above and beyond to make sure team members are ok and to support them. She has a servant’s heart, and we are grateful to have her on our team.

Makayla supports our Varietas programming. During the height of the outbreak, her job description changed dramatically. She went from engaging residents in meaningful activities to assisting the residents with important things like eating, staying hydrated, providing bedside companionship and keeping them connected with their loved ones through text messaging, phone calls, photos, videos and FaceTime calls.

Makayla played a huge part in nurturing our residents back to health and in helping families feel a part of their loved ones’ recoveries. She has a tender soul, a huge heart and she loves big. The residents have felt her love not only throughout this pandemic but every single day.

Sharlene Burford
Middleton Senior Living

Sharlene started in activities and was promoted to Memory Care Activity Director when we decided to dedicate staff to serve our population better. She does a beautiful job with our residents.

Sharlene also stepped up when we did not have an Activity Director to oversee all departments. She was one of our staff members who stayed for a two-week lockdown in an attempt to isolate and eradicate Covid when the pandemic first started and was here to provide activities, meals, care or whatever else was needed during this time.

Sharlene’s passion is memory care, but she continues to make a difference throughout Middleton. We feel blessed to have her on our team and grateful she loves what she does.

Tips and Resources for COVID-19

Coping-19 Addresses Mental Health, Stressors, and Personal Experiences onset by COVID-19 and Connects Us With Important Tips and Resources

It’s okay not to be okay right now. That’s the message Coping-19, an online resource dedicated to providing resources to help people do more than just cope, wants you to remember. The website (Coping-19.org) is the fruit of a collaboration between the Ad Council and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), designed to offer helpful tips, tools and resources to get us through this unexpected and unsettling time.

The site was created in partnership with mental health experts and offers ideas on how to take care of ourselves, resources for dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, isolation and sleeplessness. It also connects visitors with information on exercise, nutrition, family activities, medical guidance, quarantine, crisis support and much more.

“From working at home and caring for family to being on the frontline as an essential worker, each experience is unique, important, and matters. Know that you are not alone and many others might be feeling similar emotions as you.”

Recognizing Our Servers at Traditions

There are so many people who make it possible for us to care for our residents, especially through a challenging year like this one.

And because we know it takes a team to make it happen, we’d like to recognize the servers who have gone above and beyond expectations this year. This special group of people has been instrumental in supporting our team and caring for our residents in and outside of the dining room.

Please join us in congratulating the following team members for their hard work, commitment, and recognition.

Jiv Tailor
Traditions of Brookside

“Jiv is outstanding in all aspects of the word. Never late, very reliable, always shows compassion and love and gives her full attention to our residents.”

Teanna Hightower
North Bend Senior Living

“Teanna always has a smile on her face, strikes up conversations with our residents and staff and has proven herself a reliable and positive asset to our team. She has picked up shifts and worked whenever we need her, is very pleasant and a hard worker.”

Renzo Alib
Traditions of Deerfield

“Renzo has been with the company for over a year and is much loved by all the residents, to the point where they miss him and ask about him when he has a day off. He has memorized meal preferences and idiosyncrasies and always has a bright and cheery demeanor. He even dressed as a leprechaun last St. Patrick’s Day, handing out chocolate gold coins and played the victim in our community murder mystery to rave reviews.

I can’t give enough examples of the things that Renzo has done to contribute to our residents’ happiness.”

Haley Ramsey
Traditions of Deerfield

“Haley has a strong dedication to policy and procedure as she’s worked her way up from entry-level server to management. She is indispensable to our department and others and has only become more dedicated during COVID-19, willing to come in when we need her without question.

Hayley knows each of our residents’ likes and dislikes and is very proactive about making sure everyone gets what they want and need on a daily basis. She uses her detail-oriented skill to track our room orders and special diets as well. Her focus is always on the success of the whole community.”

Joe White
Highgrove at Tates Creek

“Joe White is a dishwasher (rather than server) who has been a part of the Highgrove family since March 2020. He is a friendly, down-to-earth gentleman who gets along with everyone and is willing to help others.

Joe always makes sure that the dish room and his area are clean and looking good. Most importantly, he always comes to work with a smile, even during a tough year.”

Daveon Johnson
Traditions at North Willow

“Daveon has an exceptional work ethic, not limited to serving in the dining room. He supports our team daily with a positive attitude, great attendance and is always willing to help where needed, including filling extra shifts.

The residents and staff love Daveon for his kindness and care. North Willow is fortunate to have him.”

James Wright
Traditions of North Willow

“James title is dishwasher at North Willow, but he is so much more. Despite being inside the kitchen for most of his shifts, he knows the residents, their preferences, and most importantly, how to make them smile. His positive attitude and overall cheery demeanor lift our entire building.

James shows his dedication to North Willow in a lot of ways, including his perfect attendance and willingness to pick up shifts when needed. This is a man who truly understands the meaning of teamwork and teaches others along the way.”

Karlton Woodard
Traditions of North Willow

“Karlton has a terrific work ethic, perfect attendance, and kind-heartedness. His knowledge of our dining services is exceptional and extremely helpful for everyone. Our residents and staff members treasure Karlton for his excellent attitude, resident care, and regard for their preferences.

A true gentleman to everyone each and every day.”

Jade Baker
Traditions at Beavercreek      

“Jade has been a godsend for the department. She gladly picks up shifts when we are short, and when she is here, she goes out of her way to make residents feel special. On numerous occasions, I have witnessed Jade sitting with one of our residents while she eats (the only way we can get this resident to eat is if someone sits with him), escorting residents back to their rooms or to the activities area rather than call a PCA. She finds one task a day that needs to be completed and does it without being asked.

Jade makes it a point to know the personal stories of each resident, and she brings a smile to their faces and to ours. I cannot think of a more deserving person for this honor.”

Lily Bohde
Park Place Senior Living

“Lily has surpassed expectations Every. Single. Day. during this pandemic. She comes in whenever needed and does her work with a smile regardless of whether things are chaotic, stressful, or we have staffing challenges.

Lily makes sure to deliver every meal, drink or anything else with the biggest smile (even if you can’t see it right now because of the mask, you know she is smiling). She’s come in on her days off just to sit with residents, make them smile, laugh and connect with them. She brightens the days of our residents and her co-workers every day and is more than deserving of this award.

Lily’s love, dedication, loyalty, and hard work never go unnoticed. We are so incredibly blessed with her energy and love.”

COVID-19 Vaccines

Holiday gifts came early to residents and staff at Traditions communities as they began receiving the first rounds of the COVID-19 vaccine the week of December 21st.

Local pharmacies visited communities and safely began vaccinating eager residents—bringing smiles and reassurance that staying safe and protected is rewarded. All of us at Traditions thank our staff, residents, families, and local communities, and we’ll continue to provide vaccinations in the coming days and weeks!

Stay tuned for more updates!

Festive Activities at Traditions

Local families, churches, schools, and businesses reach out to Traditions at Beaumont residents In the days leading up to Hanukkah and Christmas

This time last year, we celebrated the holidays with gatherings of family and friends, festive traditions, and, if we were lucky, an abundance of good health and happiness. No one could have predicted just how lucky we were to hug our loved ones at the holidays.

This year was primarily one of disruption to our daily routines, our relationships, and the way we stayed connected. But it was also a year of resilience, giving us a new appreciation for simple blessings we may have taken for granted.

Traditions at Beaumont, located in Louisville, KY, have ensured its residents will be reminded of life’s blessings this holiday season.

Earlier this month, Johnna Hale, Activities Director at Traditions of Beaumont, reached out to its Facebook followers, families of past and current residents, healthcare partners, local businesses, and organizations to come through for the seniors in their community.

“Our program is called Blessings in a Stocking because we ask our generous donors to bring us little gifts we can sneak into our residents’ stockings when they’re asleep,” says Johnna. “It’s the little things that really bring a smile to their faces, especially this year.”

Potential donors are asked to drop off small ‘stocking stuffer’ gifts, and Johnna and others on the staff surprise residents in Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Independent Living. Popular items include handwritten cards and letters, hand-drawn pictures from children, candy, playing cards, comfy socks or slippers, gloves, hats, puzzles, word searches and puzzles, lotions, small room decorations, handkerchiefs, notecards, and more. Gifts continue to stream throughout the month of December and are placed in stockings right up until Christmas Day, perhaps up to New Year’s Day this year.

“You might be surprised at how much joy it brings to a senior’s day to know someone is thinking of them. It really is a blessing.”

To find more and donate to the Traditions of Beaumont Blessings in a Stocking program, please visit their Facebook page or find contact information at TraditionsatBeaumont.com. We hope it inspires others to get involved in their own communities. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and may it be a happy and healthy New Year!

Recognizing Our Maintenance Director at Traditions

There are so many people who make it possible for us to care for our residents, especially through a challenging year like this one.

And because we know it takes a team to make it happen, we’d like to recognize the maintenance directors who have gone above and beyond expectations this year. This special group of people has been instrumental in supporting our team and caring for our residents.

Please join us in congratulating the following team members for their hard work, commitment, and recognition.

Mike Tinner
Traditions at Solana

“Mike is excellent! He always goes out of his way to help our team and the residents. Even when his mom was in the hospital, he took time out to come and help one of our garden homes that needed assistance.

He is always willing to bring tools/equipment from home (eg lights for Halloween), puts in extra hours, comes in on his days off to help with projects and ensure the community is in the best possible shape and keeps us laughing with his jokes.

Mike stays busy, but will always stop to chat with staff and residents. He is very witty and will put a smile on your face no matter what kind of day you’re having. Traditions at Solana is incredibly lucky to have him on our side!! Every community needs their own Mike!”

Gerald Keys
Traditions at Reagan Park
Traditions at Brookside

(Reagan Park)

“Within two weeks of starting at Reagan Park, our Maintenance Director had to go on an unexpected leave of absence. At that time, we did not have a maintenance assistant and we were also down a housekeeper. Mr. Keys was asked to help support our community and he did so enthusiastically while also maintaining his own community.

Mr. Keys came to Reagan Park every day with a positive attitude and a smile, even though he was working seven days a week and innumerable amount of

hours during a global pandemic! He leads through example, has a strong work ethic, a can-do attitude, a strong sense of teamwork, the ability to multi-task and prioritize, and last but certainly not least, he is KIND in all things! Our team at Reagan Park would like to express our gratitude for Mr. Keys supporting our community through a difficult time. Be blessed, sir. We are proud to know you.”

(Brookside)

“I am honored to nominate Mr. Keys for this award. Most of you know Mr. Keys and know his dedication to this building and the company. There are not enough words for me to say about him and how much he is appreciated and respected here at Traditions at Brookside.

Mr. Keys is exceptional at everything he does. He has tremendous passion about how things should be done and it shows in all his work. He is always willing to step up and help anyone in any situation, including our sister communities, and is always happy to do so.

Mr. Keys is more than just a maintenance director, he is a friend to all residents. I have seen him praying with them. Most holidays you will find him here at the building because he enjoys making sure residents are happy and have a nice holiday! This is just who he is and what he does. We are truly blessed to have him on our team.”

Mark Turkily
Apple Blossom Senior Living

“Marc is so easy to work with and seems to be two steps ahead of us when it comes to preparing for new residents. He is proactive in so many situations, making suggestions in the best interest of Apple Blossom, and keeping everyone happy.

I appreciate Marc’s calm demeanor and also the fact that he listens and understands what I am communicating. He is intelligent and very invested in the day-to-day operations of Apple Blossom.

Marc goes above and beyond for our residents and staff, remains professional at all times and we definitely wanted to put in a good word for him.”

Bob Poor
Traditions at Beaumont

“Our Maintenance and Housekeeping Director, Bob Poor, has been a wonderful asset to our community since his arrival in late June 2020. Over the past four months, Bob has arduously led his staff through a tumultuous time in our industry and has gone to great lengths to make a positive impact on the lives of our residents.

Bob is a kind and patient person who can always be counted on to go above and beyond the call of duty for our team and community.”

Steve Doth
North Bend Senior Living

“Steve is always smiling. He is very friendly and helpful with residents. He always answers his phone and is here for us. If there is a problem, even if it’s after hours, he jumps right in and never complains.

Steve knows our residents and goes out of his way to make sure they have everything they need. What a positive addition to our North Bend team.”

Merle Stellar
Park Place Senior Living

“Merle has been with Park Place for almost nine years!! Every day, he goes above and beyond to make our community look great, and he makes sure our residents have everything they need to feel safe and secure in their apartments.

Merle comes in whenever he is needed and stays late to get an apartment ready for its residents. He also does whatever is needed to keep our residents healthy during these times and leaves whomever he is talking to with a smile.

What an asset to our community, residents, and staff. Merle is so deserving of this.”

Troy Miller
Ashton Grove Senior Living

“Troy Miller goes above and beyond to make sure Ashton Grove is the very best. Maintaining a property the size of ours is not an easy task. From keeping the grounds watered and green, to fixing cracks and leaks that are sometimes par for the course with new construction and fixing one problem only to find a few more, we could give countless examples of how Troy handles himself with skill and class. But here are just a few:

Among the first things Troy did when he started the job is to ask for a tour from our CRD. He wanted to see exactly what our prospective residents see when they visit. He took notes in every room visited and then went back to be sure every stop along the tour was in perfect condition for showing.

Since then, when we know a tour is going to look at a particular apartment, Troy personally inspects the room himself prior to the visit to make sure every light is on, the door is unlocked, the temperature is comfortable and the carpet is freshly vacuumed.

Each day, he puts our residents first. Maintenance requests from our residents are top priority, day in and day out. Is the TV not working? Call Troy! He drops what he is doing and comes to fix it. Because in times such as these, something as small as the input needing to be changed on the TV can make the difference between a good or lousy day.

Right now Troy has volunteered to be the Project Guide for an Eagle Scout project. He just spent a weekend supervising a Boy Scout Troop while they made raised gardening and flowerbeds for our residents to enjoy this spring. When we asked him what his title and role is for this project he said, “I don’t know, it’s not about me.”

Troy means it when he says ‘it’s not about me.’ He doesn’t look for the spotlight or beg to be praised. He does his job with passion, enthusiasm, and grit, all while smiling and laughing along the way.”

Jason Gentry
Traditions of Deerfield

“Jason has only been with Deerfield since the middle of October but has been with Traditions since November of 2019. He fit into this community immediately and quickly received the nickname ‘Speedy’ for the amount of work he accomplished in such a short amount of time.

Jason is keeping our community beautiful while training and coaching new housekeeping staff. I have residents tell me daily how much they love Jason and share with me the extra little things he does for them.

Jason is appreciated by staff and residents and is a great asset to Team Deerfield!”

Scott Poulin
Highgrove at Tates Creek

“By definition, a Maintenance Director’s job description states, ‘Maintenance Directors manage an organization maintenance department at the highest level. They are responsible for setting the overall goals, strategies, and objectives for not only the entire department but also for individual team members.’

This is all fine and good, and our Director of Maintenance does all of these things. But I am here to talk about the extra little things he does that make our building such a comfortable home for our residents and a wonderful place to work for our staff.

Scott is willing to help any department, in any way. Not only is he always on call for emergencies, he is also always on hand for all staff meetings, community celebrations and to help a resident move.

Scott loves these residents and they love him, as does the staff. He is a therapist to boot, as employees often seek him out for advice and counsel.

These tiny things all combine to show how Scott goes above and beyond for this building and his team. I feel that the relationship between an Executive Director and Maintenance Director is one of the most important in the building. And I feel blessed and lucky to have gotten the best of the bunch here at Highgrove.”

Alex Signor
Traditions of Beavercreek

“Not one of us can possibly understand what Alex Signor, Maintenance Director for Traditions at Beavercreek, faces in a single day. The ode below begins to describe our appreciation of Alex and what he does for our community:

Ode to the Maintenance Man
By Lance Halladay

People come home to things repaired and replaced,
They don’t know about all the problems you faced.
There’s much to be fixed between the windows and walls,

But you never flinch whenever maintenance calls.
You do what you do, fixing faucets and doors,
Toilets and heaters and cleaning the floors.
You don’t go unnoticed, you don’t go unseen,
Since you fixed the light in apartment fourteen.

Thank you, Alex, for keeping us from having too many loose screws!”

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