Benny Fray is the Maintenance Director at Columbia Healthcare Center and Colt Tennyson is one of our residents. These gentlemen had two things in common when they met: neither was enthused by the idea of a “CARE Companion” and both loved Harleys.

At a morning staff meeting, a fellow manager shared how Colt loved motorcycles but thought he would never get to see one again. That caught Benny’s attention. Benny visited Colt’s room with pictures of motorcycles Benny had on his phone. Their friendship took off! Benny continued to visit Colt. Each time, Colt recalled the pictures Benny shared.

Benny wanted to do something special for his new friend, so he brought his bike to Columbia after lunch one day. Benny, Colt, and other members of the community made their way outside where Benny’s Harley awaited. Colt beamed in awe of the shimmering machine he had not seen in so long. Benny could see Colt’s happiness. “You want to turn it on?” Benny asked. Colt turned the key and felt the roar of the engine. “Want me to rev it real good?” Benny asked him. Colt nodded and Benny revved the engine as loud as it could go! Colt’s eyes filled with tears, the bike sang, and Benny beamed knowing he had brought bikes back into Colt’s life.

Meet Micaela Kamps, Activities Director at Spring Mill Meadows, and resident Jerrel Dean “Jewel” Clark.

Micaela met Jewel six months ago when she began working at Spring Mill Meadows. Their relationship began by Micaela checking in with Jewel every day as her CARE Companion, but quickly flourished into much more.

They instantly bonded over their love of sweets and their silly sense of humor. They also love to sing and dance together at the musical events held at Spring Mill Meadows. They have shared many laughs, songs, and desserts together. The sweetest thing about their relationship is that Jewel walks Micaela to the front door every night to give her a hug & make sure that she “gets out on time.” No matter how busy each day gets, they always make time for each other!

Brenda McNulty grew up in the city, but her father instilled in her a great love of the outdoors. As a family, they frequently visited state parks. She spent a lot of time at her great uncle’s farm, where she learned all about trees, wildflowers and animals. They always took the back roads to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.

For Jeneda Butler, Albany, Kentucky was home. She spent a lot of time on the family farm and playing in the woods. Her family always had lots of dogs and cats.

Brenda and Jeneda are roommates at American Village. That is where they met Jan Luckett, Activity Director. Jan’s family instilled in her a love of the outdoors and a deep respect for all wildlife. Jan’s love of nature is obvious in the beautiful photographs she has taken on the campus. It is the shared love of nature and the outdoors that have bonded Brenda and Jeneda with their Care Companion, Jan. When weather permits, Brenda, Jeneda and Jan enjoy golf cart rides around the lake to enjoy the wildlife, such as a variety of birds, ducks and resident swans, George and Martha.

Meet Brandie Cox, RN/DNS at Cypress Grove, and resident Diana Fidler.

The two of them have a history that spans decades, and their relationship has come full circle. When Diana came to Cypress Grove in need of nursing and therapy services, she was understandably nervous. However, seeing Brandie Cox’s familiar face came as a huge relief! Diana had been Brandie’s daycare provider when she was a child, and Brandie’s mother was also a nurse, so Diana knew she was in good hands.

“Diana had a safe and fun house and was always finding ways to help us learn and grow,” Brandie said.

“Diana would care for me even if I was sick, and she was an amazing second mom when I needed her. I feel very honored and privileged to be able to pay her back for all the care she gave me. Diana has reminded me why I love doing what I do.”

Meet Chef Mike Beres, Culinary Manager, and Valparaiso Care & Rehabilitation Center resident and fellow “chef” Eugene Eakright.

Eugene loves to cook. When he became buddies with Chef Mike they connected in the kitchen. Monthly, these men create a special menu to share with residents, family members and the staff at Valparaiso.Eugene makes the menu suggestion and Mike gladly gets the ingredients and sets up a time for the two chefs to create their masterpieces.

Recently they shared pizza puffs with everyone. Chef Mike made the dough, and Eugene helped with the rest, including delivery throughout the building. Everyone raved about how tasty they were!

We are all grateful for this wonderful partnership, as we get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. We are very thankful for Chef Mike and how he demonstrates our core values daily. He truly makes a difference in our residents’ lives!

Meet Lisa Watkins, MDS Coordinator, and Carl Graveson, resident at Good Samaritan Home & Rehabilitative Center.

They have a special bond that formed gradually over time. Lisa noticed that Carl seemed isolated, so she started taking a little time each day to interact with him to provide him with some companionship. Now that their friendship has grown, Lisa says Carl holds a special place in her heart and Carl says Lisa has the best personality of anyone he’s ever met.

If anyone is ever looking for Carl you can probably find him with Lisa. They talk about many different kinds of things. Lisa helps make sure Carl never runs out of the items he likes to have, such as his sodas and peppermint candies. If he is having a bad day, Lisa is the one that can reassure him everything will be alright. When you see them together Carl has the biggest smile that just warms everyone’s hearts.

Meet Christine Salazar, Clinical Education Coordinator, and Coventry Meadows resident Clifton Bittle.

The two began connecting over their shared love of the outdoors, and now they often spend their time telling stories out in the sun on the beautiful Coventry Meadows grounds. Their love of nature isn’t the only thing they have in common, though. They both hail from Ohio and are huge Buckeye sports fans.

They both love getting new clothes. In fact, Cliff has a t-shirt collection he’s very proud of and is always excited when he gets to add to it. He shares with Christine about the meaning each of the pieces of his collection holds for him. Theirs is a friendship that just fits!

Meet Tammy Wright, Activities Director at Canterbury Nursing & Rehabilitation, and resident Ernestine McCowan.

The two have been care companions since the day Ernestine arrived at Canterbury.

They hit it off immediately by bonding over their religion and the love they share for the same pastor. Ernestine loves to travel, attend Bible study and watch movies, all of which she talks about with Tammy in their daily discussions.

They’re practically like family and can confide in each other whenever needed. Their friendship is truly a beautiful thing to witness.

Meet Michelle German, CNA Concierge/SSD at Springhill Village, and resident Gloria Ballard.

Michelle and Gloria love jewelry and always strive to be fashionable. The two of them got to know each other during National Nursing Home Week when they participated in Springhill Village’s “Wild Wheels” wheelchair parade. Gloria knew she needed to do something to wow the crowd, and Michelle had just the idea. The two of them worked together to decorate Gloria’s wheelchair and have her dress as a fairy, complete with a wand, wings and lots of bling!

Now the two of them share makeup tips, and Michelle helps Gloria accessorize. They have such a close relationship, and Gloria has a simple explanation for why they’ve become such good friends. “It’s always fun to talk about pretty things!”

Meet Kami LaRue, Thrive Coordinator at Rosegate Commons, and CARE Companion to resident Betty Briggs.

Betty took the idea of starting a Plarning Club to Kami. She loved the idea and helped Betty get the club started. Working together, they are making a difference by improving the lives of homeless people in their community by transforming plastic bags into sleeping mats for those in need.

The process of making Plarn (“plastic yarn”) involves cutting plastic bags into strips, linking them together and rolling them into balls to store until enough is gathered. Much like crocheting with yarn, the Plarn is woven into patterns that will eventually make a sleeping mat. Because of the varied tasks needed to make Plarn, every member of the Rosegate community is welcome to join. From cutting to organizing to rolling, there’s a spot for everyone.

Their club is truly unique and shows how people can come together to help others. Through their initial connection, Betty and Kami are helping to make a difference, and make friends in the community!