We consider it a privilege to introduce you to Fern Baumgartner, a special member of our Edgewood family for five years. Fern is an active integral part of life at the facility. She will tell you it’s because she’s nosey and just likes being in the middle of things. But we all know it’s because she is friendly, fun, and a beautiful person to be around.

Fern was born and raised in Oak Harbor where she lived her entire life. She married her husband, Virgil, when she was in her early twenties. They had known each other for years before he finally got up the nerve to ask her out. Fern’s full time career was a homemaker and mother to their one daughter. She did, at times, work seasonally for a fruit company packing peaches.

Fern’s favorite pastime was dancing, which is why she likes the wide variety of music programs offered here. “I can still remember going to the dance halls on the weekends,” she said reminiscently. It is not unusual to see her holding hands with the activity personnel and “chair dancing” to the music. Fern also loves the assortment of games and parties. “I really love the popcorn parties. Popcorn is my favorite snack.”

“I like getting my hair and nails done, too. It makes me feel good about myself,” she said smiling brightly. “I especially love everybody that works here. They are all really nice to me.” When asked what the best thing about living at Edgewood was, Fern replied, “The care they give. They make it easier for me. I couldn’t do it at home on my own. I appreciate everything they do.”

We admire Fern’s outlook on life. She always has a kind word and is grateful for everyone’s efforts. We enjoy her enthusiasm and appreciate her kindness. She is truly one of a kind, and we are all proud to know her.

We would like to introduce Ruth Bliss, a resident at Edgewood Manor for six years. She came to live with us from an assisted living facility in May of 2003 and has become a very active, social member of our family.

Ruth was born in Fremont where she lived with her parents and one brother. As an adult she worked at Henry Frey making toys for children and at Hyman Company. Ruth was married, had one daughter, and resided in Fremont her entire life.

Because of her very close relationship with her daughter, three grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, Ruth decided to come to Port Clinton to live in her later years. She goes out of the facility with them at least once a week usually for lunch or to go shopping. She chose to live at Edgewood Manor after touring the center and seeing how nice it was. Ruth has her room fixed up very homey and comfortable with new furniture, a flat screen TV, and a matching bedspread with curtains. “My daughter did the decorating. I really like it,” Ruth said as she smiled.

During your visits to Edgewood you may see Ruth outside walking the grounds. She loves being outdoors whenever the weather is nice. Being a very social person, she also enjoys a variety of activities indoors. When asked which activity was her favorite, she commented, “It’s hard to choose. There are so many good programs. I guess I like the trips out of facility, bingo, pinochle club, and the in-house luncheons best. I really like the cute bingo prizes. I give them to my great granddaughter.” She also participates in the parties, music, games, and our Red Hat Club. “The Red Hat Club is fun too! We meet once a month and sometimes take trips together,” she added with a laugh. “We have a good time!”

“The people that work here are what I like best about the place,” Ruth replied when asked what her favorite thing about Edgewood is. “Everyone is very nice.”

If you met Ruth, we know you would love her as much as we do. She is a beautiful lady with a kind generous spirit, and we are very grateful she has chosen to touch our lives.