Recognition & Awards

LeadingAge Ohio is proud to celebrate the difference our members and residents make in communities across Ohio.  Various programs are offered through LeadingAge Ohio to shine a light on the impact this difference brings.  From our Annual Awards program highlighting accomplishments of member staff and programs, to honoring shining STARS within our members of front line staff who make a difference every day as well as sharing the talents of our residents/patients through our Art & Writing program, LeadingAge Ohio wants to offer this opportunity to share your gifts with the world.

Click on each of the tabs below to learn more.

Annual Awards

LeadingAge Ohio Awards Program

The 2023 award application process is now open!

2023 Award Nominations - Open Now!

Do you know an organization or individual that sets the bar in innovation, care, or service?

LeadingAge Ohio is seeking nominations for outstanding providers and employees that embody the core values and commitment to care in aging services to honor during our 2023 Annual Meeting.  

Nominations for this year’s LeadingAge Ohio Awards are now open and include four different categories. With many opportunities to recognize staff and volunteers, please spread the word about the Awards Program to get the nomination process started. The application period will close on May 31.

Award Descriptions:

Impact Award
The Impact Award is awarded to an individual or LeadingAge Ohio member organization for representing excellence in one or more of the following areas:
- expanding innovative practices for increasing resident quality of life;
- reframing the public perception of aging services; or
- fostering a healthy workplace environment and an environment that promotes a culture of belonging for all staff.

Emerging Leader Award
The Emerging Leader Award is awarded to an individual within a LeadingAge Ohio member organization who demonstrates integrity, leadership, and professional dedication in their career.

Excellence in Caring Award
The Excellence in Caring Award is awarded to an outstanding direct or indirect care professional or volunteer within a LeadingAge Ohio member organization who enriches the lives of those they serve and exemplifies quality of care in the field of aging services.

Visionary Leadership Award of Honor
The Visionary Leadership Award of Honor is awarded to an individual that has made an outstanding contribution in the field of aging through inspirational and visionary leadership.

Heart of Hospice - Rose and Sam Stein Award
Rose and Sam Stein began supporting hospice in the 1980s when they contributed funds to establish Stein Hospice in Sandusky, Ohio. The success of the program prompted the Steins to award a grant to the Ohio Hospice Organization (Midwest Care Alliance) to provide quality hospice care for Ohio residents. In the 1990s, the Steins expanded their giving by setting up the Rose and Sam Stein Endowment Fund. In honor of the Steins’ commitment “to help the people who help the people,” LeadingAge Ohio is proud to recognize a group or individual that have made a significant, innovative and extraordinary contribution to hospice and end-of-life care.

We look forward to honoring the 2023 LeadingAge Ohio Award Winners at the LeadingAge Ohio Annual Conference & Trade Show (August 29-31) at the Hilton Columbus at Easton. 

Questions regarding the annual Awards Program can be directed to Workforce Director, Randi Hamill, at rhamill@leadingageohio.org

Stars Awards

Stars LogoThe Stars program annually offers a moment of public recognition for your employees with a much-deserved day of honor and celebration. Who are the unsung heroes among your staff who work behind the scenes to meet the daily needs of residents, clients, and program participants? LeadingAge Ohio encourages you to identify the front-line, non-management employees who diligently work to provide selfless gifts to those we serve.

Stars District Map

 

2018 Stars Regional Map

How to Nominate a Star

We want your entire community to be able nominate a special staff Star.  To allow that to happen, there are two options available.

If you choose to use the online Nomination Form:

Click on the link to the Star Nomination Form, complete and submit.  A completed Nomination Form must be submitted for each individual Star nominee two (2) weeks prior to the event.

PLEASE NOTE: Please make certain that the HR Director or appropriate person within your organization is aware of the Star nomination prior to submission.

If you choose to use the paper Nomination Form:

Click on the link to download the Nomination Form.  If you choose to use the paper form please write legibly or type.  A completed Nomination Form must be submitted for each individual Star nominee two (2) weeks prior to the event.  Once all the forms are gathered send them to LeadingAge Ohio, ATTN:  Bobbi Dolan or email forms to bdolan@leadingageohio.org.

PLEASE NOTE: Please make certain that the HR Director or appropriate person within your organization is aware of the Star nomination prior to submission.

Art & Writing Program

Art & Writing Program


"The artist is not a special kind of person; rather each person is a special kind of artist."
Ananda Coomaraswany

Thank you to our Art & Writing Sponsor:

Link Age All But Wifi Sno

 

2021 Virtual Art & Writing Show

While an in-person art and writing show was not possible in 2021, LeadingAge Ohio showcased the talent of our members' residents/clients and took the opportunity to share the stories behind their creativity.

 

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions Image

Click on image above to read:

Joy Kathy Melton
St. Augustine Health Ministries-Towers Assisted Living

 

Nancy Park - Charlie the Tuna

Charlie the Tuna
Nancy Park
St. Augustine Health Ministries-Towers Assisted Living

 

Mary Pilsner - Inspired by Nature

Inspired by Nature
Mary Pilsner
Willow Brook at Delaware Run

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions Image

Click on image above to read:

These Hands
Molly Holland
St. Augustine Health Ministries-Towers Assisted Living

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions Image

Click on image above to read:


Receptionists
Woodview Residents
Bethany Village

 

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions Image

Click on image above to read:


A Transfiguration
Lillian Moskeland
Bethany Village

 

Marion Stolle - Fall Glory

Fall Glory
Marion Stolle
Bethany Village

Phyllis McDermitt - Mary's Tree

Mary's Tree
Phyllis McDermitt
Bethany Village

 

Janette Matala - Rose

Rose
Janette Matala
Cedar Village Senior Living Community

Ann Rubenstein - Home for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays
Ann Rubenstein
Cedar Village Senior Living Community

 

Ron Cooper - Gazebo

Gazebo
Ron Cooper
Cedar Village Senior Living Community

Judy Siegel - Heart

Heart
Judy Siegel
Cedar Village Senior
Living Community

 

 

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions Image

Click on image above to read:


The DNA That Tried to Hide
Niki Eschen
Cedar Village Senior Living Community

 

Beverly Fordyce - Sleeping Cat

Sleeping Cat
Beverly Fordyce
Kendal at Oberlin

 

Joyce Schuman - LGBTQ Couture Collage

LGBTQ Couture Collage
Joyce Schuman
Ohio Living
Westminster-Thurber

 

 

Ethel Nemoff - Repose

Repose
Ethel Nemoff
Cedar Village Senior Living Community

 

Cedar Village Community Together Apart

Together Apart
Cedar Village Community Artists
Cedar Village Senior Living Community

Marlene Ernst - Majestic Sunrise

Majestic Sunrise
Marlene Ernst
Cedar Village Senior Living Community

 

Debi Rosen - Expansion

Expansion
Debi Rosen
Cedar Village Senior Living Community

 

Monica Siferd - Emergence

Emergence
Monica Siferd
Otterbein SeniorLife-Lebanon

John Kinsinger - Baskets

Woven Baskets
John Kinsinger
Otterbein SeniorLife-Lebanon

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions Image

Click on image above to read:


In Memoriam
Shirley Jeffers
Otterbein SeniorLife - Lebanon

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions Image

Click on image above to read:


An Incident from Grade School
Norma Seaman
Otterbein SeniorLife - Lebanon

 

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions Image

Click on image above to read:


Carol's Christmas Letter
Carol Jefferies
Otterbein SeniorLife - Lebanon

 

Margaret Johnson - Chris's Rainbow

Chris' Rainbow
Margaret Johnson
Otterbein SeniorLife-Lebanon

Linda Fowler - Moonlight

Moonlight
Linda Fowler
Otterbein SeniorLife-Lebanon

 

 

Joan M - Milk Can

Milk Can
Joan M.
Otterbein SeniorLife-Lebanon

Jean Pierce-Jones - Spring Path

Spring Path
Jean Pierce-Jones
Otterbein SeniorLife-Lebanon

 

John Tonkin - Dia De Los Muertos

Dia de Los Muertos
John Tonkin
Otterbein SeniorLife-Lebanon

Cindi Remm - Masks Quilt

Masks Quilt
Cindi Remm
Otterbein SeniorLife-Lebanon

 

Barbara Patterson - Bookshelf Quilt

Bookshelf Quilt
Barbara Patterson
Otterbein SeniorLife-Lebanon

Ann Peacock - Pandemic Blanket

Pandemic Blanket
Ann Peacock
Otterbein SeniorLife-Lebanon

 

Anita Tartarsky - Lavendar Field

Lavender Field
Anita Tartarsky
Otterbein SeniorLife-Lebanon

Ingrid Douglass - Heart in Bloom

Heart in Bloom
Ingrid Douglass
Otterbein SeniorLife-Lebanon

 

Patricia Callahan - Fuzzy

Fuzzy
Patricia Callahan
St. Augustine Health Ministries-Towers Assisted Living

 

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions Image

Click on image above to read:


Robbert Raccoon and the Pandemic Reckoning
Carol Hadley-Hils
Otterbein SeniorLife - Lebanon

 

Sam Webb - A Horse Stable

A Horse Stable
Sam Webb
Canterbury Court-Episcopal
Retirement Services

Joyce Parker - Mini Garden House

Mini Garden House
Joyce Parker
Kendal at Oberlin

 

Carl Jahnes - Shark City

Shark City
Carl Jahnes
Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber

Ruth Jedlicka-Still Life

Still Life
Ruth Jedlicka
St. Augustine Health Ministries -
Towers Assisted Living

 

Mary Ann Mate - Flowers of the Andes

Flowers of the Andes
Mary Ann Mate
St. Augustine Health Ministries -
Towers Assisted Living

Rebecca Taft - Marigold 1

Marigold #1
Rebecca Taft
Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber

 

Deborah Anderson - Calico Storm

Calico Storm
Deborah Anderson
Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber

Anne Wardwell - Hosta Leaf Bowl

Hosta Leaf Bowl
Anne Wardwell
Kendal at Oberlin

Philip Dally - Doing Something

Doing Something
Philip Dally
Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber

Christine Krabacher - COVID Totes

COVID Totes
Christine Krabacher
Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber


 

 

 

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions Image

Click on image above to read:

Going Down Home

Eugenia "Genie" Craven
Ohio Living Thurber Tower

 

Kenneth Satterfield - The Golden Chalice

The Golden Chalice
Kenneth Satterfield
Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber

 

Mary Helen Walsh - The Lord God Created All Seasons Forever

The Lord God Created All Seasons Forever
Mary Helen Walsh
Canterbury Court-Episcopal
Retirement Services

Sharon Webb - The Frog Is Jumping

The Frog is Jumping
Sharon Webb
Canterbury Court-Episcopal Retirement Services

 

Ohio Living Cooperative - 2021 Watercolor Collaboration

Spring 2021 Watercolor Collaboration
Ohio Living Cooperative
Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber

 

Collaborative members: Loretta Ash (posthumous), Sue Ellen Beachler, Sharon Harris (posthumous), Joyce Merryman, Jessie Preston, Kenneth Satterfield, Norma Webb, Deborah Wilke (posthumous)

 

 

Linda Lee - A Few of My Favorite Things

A Few of My Favorite Things
Linda Lee
Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber

Connie Deursch - The Gathering Place - Otterbein SeniorLife Lebanon

The Gathering Place
Connie Deursch
Otterbein SeniorLife-Lebanon

 

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions Image

Click on image above to read:

Scene Through My Window

Keith Dean Myers
Ohio Living Breckenridge Village

Pauline Handman - Treasured Memories Quilt

Treasured Moments Quilt
Pauline Handman
Kendal at Oberlin

 

 

 

Wendell Buckley - Harvey the Ape

Harvey the Ape
Wendell Buckley
St. Augustine Health Ministries
Assisted Living

Gloria Waites - Spot the Dog

Spot the Dog
Gloria Waites
St. Augustine Health Ministries
Assisted Living

 

 

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions Image
Click on image above to read:

The Cat's Story

Elaine Courtney
Ohio Living Breckenridge
Village North

Kathy Caldwell - Wildflower in Bloom

Wildflower in Bloom
Kathy Caldwell
Kendal at Oberlin

 

 

Jane Titus - Boy by the Beach

Boy by the Beach
Jane Titus
St. Augustine Health Ministries

Mary Ellen Salo - Skyline

Skyline
Mary Ellen Salo
St. Augustine Towers Assisted Living

 

Parker Don Kendal At Oberlin Timberline Falls Co 5 21

Timberline Falls, CO
Don Parker
Kendal at Oberlin

Marcia Perry Helen Plemmons - 2021 Knolls of Oxford Pet Calendar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Knolls of Oxford 2021 Calendar
of Resident's Pets

Marcia Perry & Helen Plemmons
The Knolls of Oxford

 

Bea Croston - Autumn Barn

Autumn Barn
Bea Croston
Willow Brook Christian Village

 

Rosemary Fisher - 50th Anniversary Quilt

50th Anniversary Quilt
Rosemary Fisher
The Knolls of Oxford

 

 

 

Ernamay Haugse - Ocean Waves

Ocean Waves
Ernamay Haugse
Willow Brook Christian Village

Audrey Hoover - Watermelon Fun

Watermelon Fun
Audrey Hoover
Willow Brook Christian Village

 

 

Joan Murchland - In The Moment

In The Moment
Joan Murchland
Willow Brook Christian Village

Fran Cameron - Flowers in the Moonlight

Flowers in the Moonlight
Fran Cameron
Willow Brook Christian Village

 

Centrum Asst Living Ladies - Birdhouse Quilt

Birdhouse Quilt
Centrum Assisted Living Ladies
Willow Brook Christian Village

Passages Memory Care Coop - A Bird's Life

A Bird's Life
Passages Memory Care Cooperative
Willow Brook Christian Village

 

 

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions ImageClick image above to read:

Harbor Hill
Colleen Huckabee
Willow Brook Christian Village

 

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions ImageClick image above to read:

Snail Male
Nancy Leonard
Green Hills Community

 

 

Marie Betts - Fresh Happiness
Fresh Happiness
Marie Betts

The Landing of Canton AL and Memory Care
(Click image to learn more)

Nancy Bitikofer - My Beadwork w Glass Beads

My Bead Work with Glass Beads
Nancy Bitikofer
Green Hills Community

 

 

Maple Knoll Cooperative - Backdrop for Play

Backdrop for Play: The Admirable Crichton
Maple Knoll Cooperative

Maple Knoll Village

Collaborative members: Ray Abrams, Marilyn Braun, Helen Haberstroh, Margaret Lang, Lynn Murray, and Margaret Sherlock

Roselyn Bauman - Plum Beauty

Plum Beauty
Roselyn Bauman

Copeland Oaks

 

Jeffrey Lemert - Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween
Jeffrey Lemert

Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber

 

Norma Webb - Rosy Sunset

Rosy Sunset
Norma Webb

Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber

 

 

 

 

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions ImageClick image above to read:

Arrests!
John D. Elder
Kendal at Oberlin
2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions ImageClick image above to read:

Perimeter Path Reflections
March 2020 to August 2021
Anne V. Martin
Kendal at Oberlin

 

 

 

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions ImageClick image above to read:

Flourishes from the Med Beds
Kenneth Satterfield
Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber
2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions ImageClick image above to read:

It's Not Heaven, It's Iowa
Roselyn Bauman
Copeland Oaks

 

 

 

Ray Abrams - Red UmbrellaRed Umbrella
Ray Abrams

Maple Knoll Village
(Click image to learn more)
2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions ImageClick image above to read:

Begin Again
Judi Bachrach
Kendal at Oberlin

 

Theresa Wright - Starring William MorrisStarring William Morris
Theresa Wright

Maple Knoll Village
(Click image to learn more)

 

Judy Ebbeler - Pacific Plastic OceanPacific Plastic Ocean
Judy Ebbeler

Maple Knoll Village
(Click image to learn more)

 

Pat Bennett - Woven Chenille Purse

Woven Chenille Purse
Pat Bennett
Maple Knoll Village

Corinne Blanton - Woven Tote Bag

Woven Tote w/ VCR Tape
Corinne Blanton
Maple Knoll Village

 

Shirley Eisentrout - Autumn in New YorkAutumn in New York
Shirley Eisentrout
Maple Knoll Village
(Click image to learn more)

Amy Honebrink - Counted Cross Stitch DollhouseCounted Cross Stitch Dollhouse
Amy Honebrink

Maple Knoll Village
(Click image to learn more)

 

Ruth Brewer - Knitted HatsKnitted Hats
Ruth Brewer

Maple Knoll Village
(Click image to learn more)
Patricia Wade - Knitted Bernie SandersKnitted Bernie Sanders
Patricia Wade

Maple Knoll Village
(Click image to learn more)

 

Merle Popham - Knit HatsKnit Hats
Merle Popham

Maple Knoll Village
(Click image to learn more)
Pat Roeller - Baby BlanketBaby Blanket
Pat Roeller

Maple Knoll Village
(Click image to learn more)

 

John Fay - Nativity Scene
Nativity Set
John Fay
Maple Knoll Village
(Click image to learn more)

Ken Wright - I Can Hear You Now
I Can Hear You Now
Ken Wright

Maple Knoll Village
(Click image to learn more)

 

Margaret Lang - More From DaytonMore From Dayton
(Book Illustrations)
Margaret Lang

Maple Knoll Village
(Click image to see more)

Mary Lee Fay - These 3 KingsThese 3 Kings
Mary Lee Fay

Maple Knoll Village
(Click image to learn more)

 

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions ImageClick image above to read:

Dancing Trees
Mary Lee Fay
Maple Knoll Village

Dan Beam - Wooden Golf CartWooden Golf Cart
Dan Beam

Maple Knoll Village
(Click image to learn more)

 

 

 

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions ImageClick image above to read:

The World is Closed
Patricia Wade
Maple Knoll Village
2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions ImageClick image above to read:

Garden Grown
Marilyn Yungk
Maple Knoll Village

 

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions ImageClick image above to read:

A 2020 Limerick
Bunnie Prost
Maple Knoll Village

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions ImageClick image above to read:

A Gift of Love, My Doll Peggy
Karen Friedhoff
Maple Knoll Village

 

Jean Manning - COVID

COVID
Jean Manning
St. Augustine Health Ministries

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions ImageClick image above to read:

Cherished Memories
Pat Bishop
Western Reserve Masonic Community

   

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions ImageClick image above to read:

I'm So Happy!
David Brooks
Oxford Seniors

 

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions ImageClick image above to read:

My First International Visitor
Marjorie Porter
Kendal at Oberlin

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions Image

Click image above to read:

You're Beautiful (My Neighbor's Garden)
Dianne Carroll Matthews-McQuiller
Maple Knoll Village

2021 Virtual A&W Writing Submissions Image

Click image above to read:

The Chixoy River
Don Parker
Kendal at Oberlin

 

How to Submit

Information on how to submit will be coming soon!

 

CRITERIA FOR SUBMISSION

  • Art piece or written work needs to have been created in the past year/during pandemic (2020-2021)

  • Cooperative art accepted

  • Limit one submission per person or cooperative group

  • Written works must be double- spaced typing, maximum of six (6) pages, font size of 10 or larger, pages numbered

  • Artist/Author must be/or have been a LeadingAge Ohio members' resident/client

Some examples of artist submissions include:

  • Written works: Fictional prose, such as a short story or essay; non-fiction prose, such as an essay, issue or brief based on true events or biographies; and poetry. 

  • Fine Art: Painting and pastels; drawings, charcoal, pencil, calligraphy, etc.; 3D works of any material including clay, metal, stained glass; woodworking and carving; photography; computer art. 

  • Fiber/Jewelry Art: Needle arts, such as counted cross stitch, needlepoint, embroidery; wearable art, such as jackets, sweaters, dresses, hats, doll clothes, gowns, etc.; woven arts, such as knitting, tatting, crochet, and weaving; quilted works, including bed covers and decorative wall hangings, clothing, pillows; and jewelry. 

  • Cooperative Art: Works created by groups of 2 or more individuals, such as craft or quilting groups.

  • Special Art: Works created by individuals or groups with cognitive challenges, from any category. Artists may receive assistance or use a kit.

Visit the LeadingAge Ohio Flickr page to view some past Art & Writing submissions.


 To learn more about the LeadingAge Ohio Art & Writing program, contact:

 

 

LeadingAge Ohio Statewide Coordinator
Danielle Paluscsak
Jennings
Email: danielle.paluscsak@jenningsohio.org
Phone: 216-581-2900

 

 

LeadingAge Ohio Art & Writing Contact
Bobbi Dolan
LeadingAge Ohio
Email: bdolan@leadingageohio.org
Phone: 614-545-9025

Employer of Choice

What is the Employer of Choice?

The LeadingAge Ohio Employer of Choice initiative:

Establishes the operational standards for strengthening workforce practices among aging services employers;

Creates criteria/thresholds by which to evaluate the standards;

Provides a public recognition of this excellence so that residents, clients/customers, prospective employees, payors and other stakeholders can be aware

Through this instrument, LeadingAge Ohio members demonstrate that they strive not just to be residences/providers of choice, but they seek to be employers of choice as well.  They acknowledge the importance of treating their employees – those that serve their residents/clients – with the same care they wish these employees to provide. 

Requirements for Eligibility and Criteria

Before beginning the application process, please note there are several minimum requirements an Employer of Choice must meet:

  • In order to apply for this designation, if a nursing facility or home health organization, the facility must be a 3-Star or above (as of the most recent published rating)[see page 6 of application for additional information]; and
  • For newly opened communities, an occupancy rate of 80% or better for at least one year as of the date of application; and
  • If an organization has less than the appropriate benchmark median number of Days Cash on Hand or Current Ratio, additional supporting materials will be requested in order to validate financial viability [see page 8 of application for additional information]. Additional supporting materials should be submitted in advance of completion of the application.

The Employer of Choice designation is applicable to individual communities/locations, that is, it is not applicable to a multi-site.  Note, however, that exceptions to this requirement may be granted on a case-by-case basis to multi-site organizations that centralize their human resource functions. 

The LeadingAge Ohio Employer of Choice recognition program is based on twelve (12) categories of measurement.  The categories are defined in the criteria for Employer of Choice link below. 

Questions

Questions about the application process should be directed to Susan Wallace, President/CEO of LeadingAge Ohio; swallace@leadingageohio.org; 614-545-9024.

Need Help?

None at this time.

Susan Wallace, MSW, LSW

Susan Wallace

President / CEO
614-545-9024
swallace@leadingageohio.org 

  • Staff oversight, fiscal & operations of organization
  • Primary contact for policy priority development & advocacy 
  • Staff liaison to Advocacy Committee, Nursing Facility/Assisted Living Reimbursement, Billing/eligibility and Clinical/ Operations Subcommittees
Our national partner, LeadingAge, is an association of 6,000 not-for-profit organizations dedicated to expanding the world of possibilities for aging. Together, we advance policies, promote practices and conduct research that support, enable and empower people to live fully as they age.