Tower Lines

Otterbein Granville Residents Association

Vol.19 No. 2 Groundhog Day Valentine’s Day President’s Day February 2023

 Mary Jane John—State of Flux farm. When that goal was achieved, the farm in
  question included a house built in the 1830s.
Mary Jane continued to teach in the New
     Mary Jane John has
Philadelphia area, first in 4th and 5th grades and later
moved into apartment 102
in the 1st grade. With graduate classes she became a
at Otterbein. Slowly. Over
guidance counselor for high school. At home while
time, she says, she will be
the children were little, she pursued teaching as a
settled. For weeks she
special tutor at the juvenile detention center. She
was in a “state of flux” with
retired in 2008 with 28 years (total) in teaching.  
boxes to unpack and
     Music has long been important to the John family,
ongoing lists of things she
and Mary Jane plays the piano “for my own
wants to bring. She had
enjoyment.” She could accompany her children in
basic furniture here before Christmas. Many of her
their music lessons. At Otterbein Granville she has
things as well as Charles, her husband of 55
already spotted the piano in the O’Neill Room, which
years, are still on the 160-acre farm in Tuscarawas
is gratifying since she is not moving her own piano to
County. That’s about 70 miles to the east.       
Otterbein.  
      At one time there were 4,000 chickens on the
     Mary Jane was raised in a family of quilters and
farm. Mary Jane gathered eggs, aided by a series
remembers church ladies gathering to quilt.
of devices that help the eggs roll from the nests.
Costumes for the kids also drew on her sewing skills.
Light control helped to time the laying schedule. A
But her first love is gardening. She has a little space
major buyer handled the majority of the eggs, and
to garden outside the apartment, and she can plant at
eggs were sold on the honor system at the farm.
her daughter/son-in-law’s Granville home, which is on
The farm also produced beef cattle and grain
12 acres. Grandson Jerry is in college studying
crops. Today neighboring farmers are renting
music, and granddaughter Ella is a recent Granville
acreage to keep the farm active.
High graduate, now working in Granville.
     Home for Mary Jane was east Ohio. Her
     Mary Jane’s daughter Amanda retired as a Navy
parents operated a small restaurant and feed mill
commander and is now with Licking Memorial
in Stone Creek. She and her brother had meals at
Hospital. It was Amanda who introduced Mary Jane to
the restaurant and later helped there after school
Otterbein Granville and encouraged her to look into
until she left for college at Wittenberg University in
the move. That was two years ago. Son Victor, who
Springfield, Ohio. Mary Jane  majored in health
lives and works in Columbus, is helping with the
and physical education and earned a certificate to
move. Mary Jane’s husband has visited at the
teach K-12.
Otterbein apartment, but for now he wants to remain
     After three years teaching in Euclid, Ohio (near
on the farm. Fortunately, neighbors at the farm are
Cleveland), Mary Jane returned to New
around every day.
Philadelphia to be married after her husband-to-
 
be, Charles, returned from service in the U.S.
     Welcome, Mary Jane!
Marines. Charles was a truck driver until he could
 
leave driving and follow a long-term goal to run a
-Ella Mae Bard
 The World is Filled with Stories – including yours!
(Sponsored by the Otterbein Granville Wellness Committee)

     Story-telling enriches our lives, revealing what has…and what continues…to give us meaning and
purpose. In story-making and story-telling, we gain a deeper understanding of who we are, where our lives
have led us, what our legacy has been, and what our life patterns suggest as to how we can continue to
find meaning now and in the future.   
     This discovery can happen through pondering, writing/journaling, diagramming, and photography,
collage, painting/sketching, and sharing in a safe and supportive space.
Each person’s life is unique and their journey of discovery different. 
     You are invited to join a small group of Otterbein Granville residents on
this journey of discovery over six weeks. You will be offered various ways to
discover and share your story.  Some “outside” work of thinking and
recording your discoveries in a format most consistent with your desires will
be most helpful.  
     We will meet weekly on Thursday afternoons in the Hopewell Room
(Pub) from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. beginning February 16 and continuing through
March 23. 
     If you are interested in joining us, please reach out to Diana no later than Feb. 5 to register.  Group size
is limited to 10, and the group will be closed to new participants after we begin meeting. More information
on format, what to bring, etc. will be sent to those registered prior our first gathering on February 16. If you
have questions or wish to register, Diana can be reached by phone or text at 830-708-5477 or by email at
diana78131@gmail.com.
-Diana Beardsley
 
Diana is a new(er) resident to Otterbein Granville. Prior to her retirement and move to Ohio in 2022, she was a Licensed
Professional Counselor in south central Texas for two decades with a practice focusing on life transitions (vocational, physical,
personal, relational, spiritual).

New Arrivals of the Furry Sort

                                                                
Kitty—the Cat
 
     Kitty—the Cat appeared five years ago in Nancy and Jack Schmidt’s yard.  Kitty
was obviously a feral cat – dirty, scrawny, hissing, hackles rising with fear. She
wouldn’t come near them. Jack thought the cat needed food and Kitty must have
agreed, because she kept coming back for 6-8 weeks.
     There was a cat door already built into the garage, so the Schmidts enticed
Kitty, now her proper name, into the shelter of the garage. Of course, you all know
what happens next. Kitty takes over the main house.
     Immediately on moving to Otterbein, Kitty decided to be part of our community
and help out with maintenance. Her first job in this position was to catch a mouse,
who until then, had 601 all to itself. One night as a welcoming gift to Nancy and
Jack, Kitty dropped the live mouse into the bed.
     Nancy says Kitty is “brilliant.” She has an extensive vocabulary: bird, squirrel,
nap, ball. Nancy was reticent in telling me this last bit as she didn’t want to be perceived as a “crazy cat
person.”
     As you walk the field behind 601, wave to Kitty. She is sitting on her cat tower in the sunroom, watching
you.
 
 -Ellen Rose

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News from the Dining Committee
The committee met on January 11 to review 2022 and
plan for 2023.
     HOW ARE WE DOING?   Resident comments
are REALLY appreciated and always taken into
consideration.  Look for the comment cards on tables
in the dining room and fill one out, letting us know your
likes, dislikes, and general suggestions. Then drop
them in the box near the cookie station. In 2022, 453
comments were received; a little over 73% of these
were positive.
     We know that 96% of our community regularly use
dining services. In surveying the 4% who do not, the
usual response is that those residents enjoy cooking
and appreciate being able to do so in their own home.
However, if you are reading this and wish to comment
as to why you do not use dining services, please
contact Stephanie or a committee member.
     WOW… CATERING??!!  Did you know the Dining
Services team can provide large – and small –
catering services? This includes specially prepared
menus for entertaining in your home.  Call or email
Stephanie if you have a special event scheduled and
need a little extra help.
     CULINARY HIGH POINTS: The Dining Services
team asked what resident-committee members felt
had been the team’s accomplishments in 2022.
Responses included: 1) the Harvest Festival was a
HUGE success; 2) the sandwich-of-the-week idea was
a great hit and all the sandwiches have been popular;
3) holiday meals with families for the first time since
COVID were much appreciated; 4) the catering for the
community New Year’s Eve party was super; 5) the
ongoing offering of ice cream is always amazing and
appreciated; 5) the fact that 96% of our community
uses Dining Services, and the staff enjoy the food
also, are big wins.
     POSSIBLE CHANGES:  Committee members
made the following suggestions:
Offer a periodic “made to order” salad similar
to a “taco bar” concept.  (Due to a number of
factors, returning to a full-fledged salad bar is
not expected in the near future.)  PLEASE
USE THE COMMENT CARDS TO LET US
KNOW WHAT SALAD ITEMS YOU WOULD
LIKE AVAILABLE (nuts, croutons, eggs,
meats, etc, etc.)
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      Possibly identify a different source for vanilla
ice cream, and offer more gelato when it can
be purchased at a reasonable price.
     SPECIAL PROGRAMMING:  Dining Services will
be collaborating with the Wellness Committee during
March to provide special programs on the topic of
nutrition. Joan Novak will be the committee’s resident
liaison for this effort. Stay tuned for more information
on this.
     STAFFING continues to be a challenge, with staff
turnover far too rapid. The kitchen is down one cook
as of early January, and the recently hired assistant
manager for the dining room has resigned. For now,
this precludes a return to table-service. At this point,
Stephanie is the ONLY manager, so be kind!
     HOLIDAYS & THEMED DINNERS:  Chef Ian is
hard at work developing the schedule and menus for
2023. It would be fun to add entertainment to themed
dinners. Upcoming events include culinary “travel” to
Ireland on February 16 and then to Greece on March
16. Any Celtic or hasapiko dancers out there?
     FOOD LABELING:  Newer menus are now being
annotated with “GF” to indicate the item is gluten-free
(thank you, Chef Ian). It was asked if this type of
labeling could also include “vegetarian,” “nut-free,”
“dairy free,” etc., or whether staff could be educated to
know what is in each recipe. Labeling will continue,
but it was thought that asking all dining partners/staff
to know all food ingredients is unrealistic. Concerned
about your sodium intake, calories, carbs, or
allergies?  REMEMBER THAT DIETARY
INFORMATION FOR ALL MEALS IS AVAILABLE ON
TOUCHTOWN ON THE “COMMUNITY
INFORMATION” PAGE.
     FOOD DONATIONS:  Dining Services has a great
crystal ball determining how much food to prepare and
how best to use leftovers. However, sometimes there
is food left over. Before COVID, the Salvation Army
would pick up food to use in their feeding program.
Although they can no longer pick up food due to
staffing issues, they would be most appreciative of any
donations. So, if you are willing to help transport food
to their facility from time to time, please contact Diana
Beardsley at 830-708-5477. Your help would benefit
many.   
-Diana Beardsley
Book Group to discuss noted novel Touchtown Tuesdays Resume with Tech
  Topics – February 7:
     Readers, take note: The selection for the PDF documents in Touchtown
February meeting of the Otterbein Book Group is Some folks are having difficulty viewing
The Vanishing Half, by Brit Bennett This is a well- PDF documents pulled up from Touchtown. If you
reviewed novel that was long-listed for the National are one of those and would like some assistance
Book Award in 2020. The with the issue, visit the Pub on Feb. 7, 10:00 to
352-page book, published noon. Bring the devices with which you are having
by Riverhead Books, was issues.
described by National Public If you are having difficulty on a computer
Radio as “a multi- you cannot bring with you, please put a note in the
generational family saga Touchtown cubby (far right of the cubby wall) with
that tackles prickly issues of your name, unit number, and the issue you are
racial identity and bigotry experiencing. A member of the Touchtown team
and conveys the corrosive will be in touch.
effects of secrets and
dissembling.”  The -Christie Vargo
Vanishing Half will be discussed at the Book
Group’s regular meeting on Thursday, February
16 at 2:30 p.m. in the Amelia Room.
 
     For Book Group
members who like to read
ahead, the March selection
for the group will be A
There are three ways to get information about
Woman of No Importance:
the menus.
The Untold Story of an
American Spy Who Helped 1. Click the icon called Dining.
Win World War II, by 2. Click the icon Ch.1851, which will show you
Sophia Purnell. Published the slides you see on TV station 1851.
by Viking in 2019, this biography was described by 3. Go to the Community Information icon to see
The Columbus Dispatch as a “Homeric tale of ingredients and dietary breakdown.
adventure, action, and seemingly unfathomable
courage." Sounds like a “must-read” to me! The
Otterbein discussion date for this book will be

Name that
Thursday, March 16 at 2:30 p.m. in Amelia.
 
     All Otterbein residents are invited to participate
in Book Group discussions. You are welcome to
attend even if you haven’t finished the book, but
Resident
there will no doubt be “spoilers”!  Members who  – A monthly Tower Lines Feature
have recommendations to suggest for future
selections are encouraged to get in touch with –
Becky Skeen or Lyn Boone. One of your neighbors is a TV
  personality.  This resident hosted a PBS
- Lyn Boone mini-series that he or she co-produced
and initiated.  Name that resident!

Answer Page 9
- Joan Novak

Page 4
 And Now for Something Completely Different…

Otterbein’s Sunday Chamber Music Lee and Sun Min Kim, both from the Denison
Series most assuredly went over the top on University Music Department.
January 15, when Max Rabinovitsj and Hana Chu      Drs. Lee and Kim plan to offer us a program
wowed a standing-room-only crowd in the Amelia that includes two four-handed classics, Gabriel
Room with Brahms and Beethoven sonatas for Fauré’s “Dolly Suite,” and Emmanuel Chabrier’s
violin and piano. Not only was it great music, but “Cortège Burlesque,” along with another that is a
it turned out to be a memorable recognition of composition by Lee herself, “Frenetic Dream” (for
Max as founder (with Mary Trevor) of the Series, piano four hands, 2002). There will also be
and Hana as the newly minted Friend-and- several selections for solo piano. Lee and Kim
Pianist-in-Chief of Otterbein Chamber Music. We will alternate doing the honors on these, with Kim
expect to see (and hear) much performing Beethoven’s “Seven Variations on
more from both of them! ‘God Save the King’” and Kapustin’s “Variations,”
     In the meantime, however, Op. 41. And Lee will offer “GASP” (for solo piano,
there’s a February concert to 2003), another of her own compositions.
anticipate – Feb. 12 at 4:00  
p.m. – and the Otterbein      But wait … there’s more! HyeKyung Lee plays
audience is in for an yet another instrument – the toy piano, a bona
unusual treat. Who’s HyeKyung Lee
fide unique musical instrument that originated in
familiar with the repertoire the 19th century as a child’s toy, but that has
for piano played with four attracted its own serious repertoire by
hands? Not many of us, I’ll composers such as John Cage, Mauricio Kagel,
warrant, including me. and, yes, HyeKyung Lee herself! Lee will open
Attached to the four hands, of the concert with her composition, “Dream Play”
course, will be two pianists (for toy piano, 2000). I strongly suspect we are all
who will share the Boston in for a musical experience as rare as the
Steinway to captivate their diminutive piano itself.
listeners in fun and  
fascinating ways. Those Sun Min Kim      Admission is free, Otterbeiners … don’t miss
talented musicians in this one!
question are HyeKyung -Lyn Boone

TOWER LINES STAFF CONTRIBUTORS

Ella Mae Bard Agnes Attebery
Lyn Boone Reed Browning
Irmagene Davis Susan Bruno
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
Betty Hullinger Cindy Dill 2/18 – Bill Bishop
Steve Katz Joan Grube 2/3 – Lee Wade 2/19 – Mary Jane John
Eileen McNally Doug Helman 2/8 – Eleanor Cohen 2/21 – Susan Bruno
Joan Novak Jan Hoftiezer 2/9 – Myra Gallant 2/23 – Karen Treece
Ellen Rose Kathie Houchens 2/9 – Ed Nagy 2/23 – Allen Close
Tom Martin 2/10 – Paula Quisenberry 2/24 – Velma Kennedy
Christie Vargo 2/12 – Stan Carpenter 2/25 – Martin Flautt

Page 5
RIDDLE Tower Tales is coming soon!
I can fly but have no wings. I can cry but I
have no eyes. Wherever I go, darkness      Planning is getting started for the Spring 2023
follows me. What am I? issue of Tower Tales, Otterbein’s biannual
Clouds creative writing publication. The Committee
welcomes your article, essay, poem, or other
submission. You may write about a memory or a
life lesson or you could try your hand at fiction or
other writing genres.  
     Please send your submission as a plain Word
document file or as an e-mail (not a PDF format).
If you do not type or use a computer, you may
write your piece in longhand and place it in cubby

In Memoriam 513. Your work will be typed and returned to you

for your review before publication.
     Send your Tower Tales articles and questions
Alan Abel to embohio134@gmail.com by February 10.
F. Trevor Gamble -Ella Mae Bard
Emily Hannah

New Residents
Allen & Bonnie Close (117)
Peter Glaubitz (617) (Mid February)
Martin & Carol Flautt (607)
Saundra Shaffer (108)
     Medication Delivery:  Did you know that CVS,
Granville, will deliver to the skilled nurses’ station
your medications and any other over-the-counter
supplies (Ensure, toiletries etc.) if you have a
credit card on file with CVS? Delivery is about
4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
     In a pinch: Some over-the-counter
medications and supplies can be supplied from
the skilled nursing center. Note – in a pinch!
 -Nurse Kim Oehlmen-Davis

YOU
CANNOT
RECYCLE
THESE!

Page 6
 Your Safety is Important
The Otterbein Granville community has
historically been a very safe and secure place to
live and work.  We have had very few security
related concerns over our nearly 18 year history,
and fortunately, any such concerns have been
largely uneventful in terms of negative outcome.  the maintenance mobile phone after hours.  In
Even so, a recent event involving an unknown
visitor on Friends Lane has prompted me to
share some security related measures all should
think or know about.  the Emergencies Icon.
The first two measures involve safety steps you
can personally take.  First, lock the doors into
your home, including the 3-season room; and
secondly, please do not permit anyone to enter
your home that you do not know or recognize.  I
know that many liken Granville to be like Andy
Griffith’s “Mayberry”, but as we see routinely in
our daily news feeds, bad things can also happen
in Mayberry.  Please do not take your security for
granted.  Lock your doors and avoid inviting
strangers into your home.
 
You may not be aware, but our maintenance
personnel performs safety and security rounds
throughout the night.  In addition to locking all
doors to the community building, Maintenance
has been trained to walk and drive around the
community at various times during their shift.  funded by the Otterbein Home Office, and should
Aside from observation, we have after-hours alert
monitoring that occurs at our front entrance
between 11pm and 5am.  Years ago, we placed
electronic sensors on the stone walls at our
entrance to send an alert to the maintenance
mobile device informing them when someone has
entered the community at a strange time of
evening.  The alert triggers them to jump into one
of our vehicles to check out what may have
activated the sensor.  This doesn’t happen often,
and when it does, common happenings involve
delayed travel or active wildlife.  It is worth noting
that maintenance personnel have been instructed
to notify the authorities of suspicious behavior as
opposed to aggressively confronting any potential
conflict.
Page 7
 Should you encounter a security related
concern, you are encouraged to call the facility
services office at 740-321-0416.  While this
number is typically answered by Sandy Dilts
during normal business hours, it is forwarded to
the event of a major security breach (e.g. break-
in, active shooter), please dial 911.  This
guidance is also available on TouchTown under
One additional security step we can offer entails
installing peep holes on some front doors.  The
front doors of our villa floor plans have a transom
window to view the front porch.  The front doors
of our cottages do not offer a transom window, so
we are offering installation of a peep hole on the
front doors of any cottage dwellers who have an
interest.  Please call Sandy Dilts in the facility
services office if you live in a cottage and would
like a peep hole installed in your front door.  Fire
code prohibits us from installing peep holes in
apartment doors.
 
In addition to all items shared above, we are
planning to install approximately 30 security
cameras at identified entry/exit points of our
community.  This initiative is being facilitated and
take place by 2nd quarter (contingent on the
supply chain).  This will enable us to reference
recorded activity in the event that we have
suspicious activity warranting concern.
 
It is important to note that there is nothing to
suggest that our community suddenly has a
security concern.  Rare incidents bring us pause
and cause for contemplation.  This update is not
meant to cause anxiety, sudden alarm or panic; it
is meant to inform and remind us…that Mayberry
is indeed a fictional town.
 
-      Doug Helman
 Genealogy Group – February Program Update from the Wellness Committee
 
   The program for the February 8 meeting of the February is “Heart Health” month. Watch for the
Genealogy Group is titled Preserving Your Digital following programs on this theme!
    
Family History Materials. A webinar presented by D.
 
Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGA will be shown.
     We have spent years collecting data and
photographs and have spent hours wondering how to * On February 11, create your own valentines in
preserve that information as the software and the O’Neill Room from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
hardware we use becomes obsolete. Some guidelines * On February 14 to 22, participate in an ongoing
for digital preservation will be presented.   scavenger hunt (details to follow).
      Come to the Amelia Room at 2 p.m. on *  On February 22, take part in “Minute to Win It”
Wednesday, February 8 to learn more about planning Heart Health Games from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the
for the future of digital preservation.  Amelia Room.

-Ella Mae Bard      In January, we enjoyed events related to “Sleep

Issues,” including two sessions of Yoga Sleep
meditation and a Bed-Making Contest that was
hilarious. (We saw a side of staff/partners we
An Invitation from Agnes   hadn’t seen before and a good time was had by
  all.) A special shout-out to Doug and Ethan for their
good humor and difficult “corners”; to Derik, emcee
     I have been making wine from grapes that we grew
extraordinaire; and to
for nearly 50 years. I made white, rosé, and red wine,
resident judges Lew, Lou,
but no other varieties. That changed when Harold
and Judy!  We also
came into my life. Harold liked to
sponsored a Game Night
pick wild berries to eat and for
on January 17.  Thanks to
pie. One day after picking some
all who participated. 
wild black raspberries (called
     Did you know that the
blackcaps in some areas), he
Wellness Committee has
asked if I could make wine from
its own space on
them. He also asked if I could
Touchtown? When you go
make wine from other berries,
to Touchtown, scroll down until you see “Wellness/
and could I make wine from this,
Fitness” and click on the icon to bring up all sorts
and from that, etc. It turned out that I could—and did.
of information and announcements. I’m updating
Friends began to offer different fruits and empty wine
the contents on a regular basis and have begun to
bottles, hint, hint. We didn’t disappoint. We turned the
include contributions from residents and staff. See,
fruit into wine and our friends received bottles of wine.

for example, Diana’s invitation to join her new


group, “The World is Filled with Stories – Including
     Ultimately, this turned into our hobby, and we
Yours!” and Kathie’s blog entry on “Seven Types of
produced lots of different varieties of wine. We did
Rest.” 
several wine tastings a few years after moving here to
     Speaking of Touch Town, I encourage you to
Kendal/Otterbein, and I have been asked about
add a bit of information about yourself on “My
another one. Since our wine cellar is very well
Profile.”  It needn’t be extensive biographical
stocked, I believe it is time for another tasting.

content that might give you pause, but simply


something about yourself. Mine is somewhat
     I will bring nine or ten different kinds of our wine,
whimsical. Barry Wolfe has said it well: “I think that
and I invite everyone to come sample as many as you
the profile is most useful when it is just the casual
would like. Stop by the O’Neill Room between 5:00
information that you’d share in a conversation with
and 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10 to join in the
a stranger:  It’s the starting point of getting to know
sampling. Just one thing I ask you to
you, not the end-point.”
remember: These wines can be a wee bit more potent
 
than most purchased wines, so keep this in mind while
Cheers -- A Happy, Healthy New Year to All!
sampling.

 


-Mary Ann Willis
-Agnes Attebery

Page 8
 Happy Endings – New Beginnings!
Answer to Name that Resident
Kitty Update
  (page 4)
     We are “over the moon” with regard to the Ella Mae Bard co-produced and hosted
capture of our last feral kitten. Thanks to the “Parent Talk” on WBGU-TV, a PBS
determination of Molli Stickle, Cindy Dill, “Pat station located in Bowling Green.  This
the Trapper,” Diana Beardsley, and me, the six-session series featured interviews
Otterbein Granville feral kitten was captured with pre-school children, parents, and
less than 48 hours before the December child development specialists.  Each of
22nd deep freeze hit Central Ohio. This Wild Thing, hoping for her the 30-minute sessions addressed a
tiny 1.8-pound kitten was named Casper. forever home soon topic like the role of play, toy safety,
He was adopted by Diana after he was parenting, and foods for children.
neutered. He hangs out in the three-
season room on Friends Lane with his new
mom and is becoming acquainted with his dog Art Studio Orientation
sister, Sarah. If you are walking the path behind Anyone interested in learning about
the houses on Friends Lane, you may spot and using the art studio on the second
Casper keeping an eye on you from the floor of the community building is invited
top of his amazing scratching tower! to drop in between 2:00 and 4:00 on
Casper lovingly held in the
     “New Beginnings” is a phrase that also Sunday, February 26, for an orientation.
applies to Casper’s littermates, Oliver (aka arms of his new mom, Diana Artists provide their own supplies and
Otter) and Rosie. Oliver is happily settled Beardsley storage is available. All media
in his Dublin, Ohio, forever home. Rosie appropriate to the confines of a studio
has an exciting story as well – she is now are welcomed!
the grand-kitty of Otterbein Granville’s Director, As is the case with the woodshop and
Doug Helman! Rosie is off to college with pottery studio, the art studio will be
Doug’s daughter, Olivia. Rosie is now known as locked beginning in early March. Keys
Tilly and is keeping Olivia company at school.  will be issued to those wishing to utilize
     These are the perfect endings and new the space and who have attended an
beginnings for Wild Thing’s babies. On January orientation. Contact Christie Vargo or
19th, Wild Thing joined HER new home with Jane Heller for more information or if you
an older couple living in the area.  She would like an orientation but are unable
was renamed Maggie and the latest news Tilly (AKA Rosie) with to attend on February 26.
is that she has already permitted her new Grandpa Helman -Christie Vargo
mom, Mary, to pet her on her head!! 
Happy endings for Maggie (Wild Thing), Oliver (Otter), Tilly (Rosie),
and Casper!  LIFE IS GOOD!! The deadline for Tower Lines articles
is the 20th of each month
Wild Thing, Oliver, Tilly and Casper benefitted greatly from the
Send articles to Eileen
TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) organization.  Dr. Reen, a local vet,
emcnally2535@gmail.com
donates time to neuter feral cats in Licking County that TNR
traps.  Sometime in the next few months, we will hear first-hand
how TNR and Dr. Reen are making a difference in Licking Except for November and December,
County in attempting to control the feral cat population.       the newsletter will be printed/
distributed on the 25th.

- Barb Gross You can reach me by phone or text

(preferred)
740-404-9926

Page 9
Calling Anyone Interested in Nest
Box Monitoring!
Did you know we have 38 nest boxes for cavity nesting
birds on our property? In a typical nesting season, we
successfully fledge bluebirds, chickadees, tree swallows,
and house wrens. But the boxes require regular attention,
monitoring and maintenance, and our monitoring team will
tell you that it is an exceptional experience to help steward
baby birds into the world. Some
of us even refer to ourselves as
midwives.
Each spring we invite
additional volunteers who are
interested and willing to make
the commitment to join the team.
In general, the season begins in
March with bluebirds and
progresses through late
August/early September with Photo by Christie Vargo
the later nesting house wrens.
If you think you might be interested, we need folks who
have:
Curiosity and desire to learn (nest types, egg
identification, bird behaviors)
Ability to walk on uneven terrain
Stamina in all weather from spring snows to
the heat of August
Willingness to dispose of house sparrow
nests, and eggs. (monitoring frequency
minimizes hatching of house sparrows,
which are detrimental to the bluebird
breeding)
Commitment to weekly monitoring with more
frequency at the height of the nesting
season
Outdoor gear, particularly footwear
Our volunteers…
Conduct weekly monitoring of the boxes
(more often at the peak of nesting
season);
Clean boxes between broods
Record and report data
Watch for and report signs of predators
(snakes, raccoons)
Do routine hardware maintenance on boxes
Report major box maintenance issues
As stated, nest box monitoring is rewarding, fulfilling,
awe-inspiring and, yes, extraordinary. If you are thinking
about joining the team, please reach out to Christie Vargo.
-Christie Vargo
Page 10
Otterbein Granville Annual Appeal
Each year Otterbein Granville conducts its annual appeal
during the month of February. Philanthropy has been at
the core of this community since its inception. We exist as
a community because of generous gifts from our founding
residents and individuals and organizations in the broader
Granville community. Here are some facts about the
appeal:
     Contributions may be designated to support
Caring Friends, assistance to our partners
(employees), small capital projects that may not
have been foreseen during the budgeting
process, or be left undesignated for use
wherever Otterbein Granville has a need.
     Gifts are voluntary, confidential and tax
deductible to the degree allowed by law.
     Residents, board members, staff, and families
of those in assisted living and skilled nursing
are all asked to make contributions.
     No particular dollar amount is suggested, but
rather the decision on how much to give is left
to the individual or household.
     When board members agree to serve, it is with
the expectation that they contribute to the
annual appeal and that we will have 100%
participation.
     There are many ways to make a gift including
by check, credit card, and 10 monthly pledge
payments invoiced with your monthly fee
(March through December.) Gifts of stock and
IRA roll-overs are also possible.
     General questions may be directed to Christie
Vargo, Philanthropy and Marketing Committee
Chair. Questions about stock and IRA gifts may
be directed to Lisa Love.
Look for a letter from Christie in early February with more
information regarding the annual appeal together with a
gift/pledge form. Thank you for considering a gift.
 - Christie Vargo
  Furry Otterbein Friends
    Shadow
 
     Shadow Grube is an 8-year-old tabby cat with
luminous green eyes. She was rescued by Joan
Grube just before the Pandemic, having been found
on the internet. Joan was mesmerized by Shadow’s
green eyes and fell in love. Shadow had been placed
with an organization called Purrfect Companions. She
came to be there as a result of a death in the family of
her forever home family in northeast Ohio.
 
     It was with deep concern that Joan went ahead
with the adoption. Thinking that the timing was
perfect, just before the
great lockdown, she
was nonetheless not
sure how this lovely cat
would go over as a
house cat with husband
Dave. They had always
had barn cats on the
farm, but farmers and
their wives know the
rule: no cats in the
house. As an added deterrent, Dave is a “dog” man.
This was of particular concern for Joan in the adoptive
process, but all has turned out well. When Joan was
away, Dave took over the caretaking and performed
“purrfectly,” even giving Shadow her insulin shots for
her diabetes.
 
     When I asked Joan and Dave what Shadow does
or has done that is naughty, neither one could come
up with any transgression. She is particularly fond of
food and the word “treat” will bring her running.
 
     Both Grubes will tell you that Shadow’s greatest
asset is her friendliness. Once when she escaped into
the hallway, the doorbell rang and one of the
maintenance men stood there with Shadow in his
arms. She had been meowing outside the door.
 
     Shadow lives at 212. Come visit, and bring a treat.
-Ellen Rose
Page 11
 FEBRUARY SPECIAL EVENTS
 
Feb. 2, 7:00, Denison Vail Series, Lviv National
Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine, Swasey Chapel.
Purchase tickets at vailseries.org. Info at 740-587-6557.
Bus leaves Otterbein at 6:15.
Feb. 6, 7:00, SPEAKERS SERIES, Mitchell Lerner,
“The Atomic Bomb in History and Memory,” Amelia Rm.
Feb. 7, 7:00, An Evening with Joy Harjo, 23rd U.S. Poet
Laureate, Sharon Martin Hall, Eisner Center, Denison.
Tickets free but required, https://denison.edu/events/
event/143843. Info at 740-587-6297.
Feb. 7, 10:00-noon, Touchtown Tuesdays session for
help with PDFs on Touchtown, The Pub
Feb. 8, 2:00, Genealogy program, “Preserving Your
Digital Family History Materials,” Amelia Rm.
Feb. 9, 5:00, Meet and Greet, Amelia Rm.
Feb. 10, 5:00, Wine Tasting hosted by Agnes Attebery,
O’Neill Rm.
Feb. 10, 7:00, MOVIE, “Hyde Park on Hudson,” (2012),
Amelia Rm.
Feb. 11, 10:00-noon, Create your own Valentines,
O’Neill Rm.
Feb. 12, 4:00, Sunday Chamber Music Series, Amelia
Room
Feb. 14-22, Wellness Committee Scavenger Hunt
(details to be announced)
Feb. 15, 7:00, ENTERTAINMENT SERIES, Derik &
Jessi Kroeze, Amelia Rm.
Feb. 16, 1:30, OGRA Meeting, Amelia Rm.
Feb. 20, 5:00, New Employee Welcome Reception,
Amelia Rm.
Feb. 20, 7:00, SPEAKERS SERIES, Nanette
Maciejunes, “Great Experiences, Great Art, and Great
Imagination,” Amelia Rm.
Feb. 21, 7:00, ENTERTAINMENT SERIES, Rachel
Azbell Quartet, Amelia Rm.
Feb. 22, 1:30-3:30, “Minute to Win It,” Heart Health
Games, Amelia Rm.
Feb. 23, 5:00, Meet and Greet, Amelia Rm.
Feb. 24, 7:00, MOVIE, “In the Heat of the Night,”
(1967), Amelia Room
Feb. 25, 7:30, Heisey Wind Ensemble, Reese
Amphitheatre, OSU-Newark, 1209 University Drive.
Tickets $10 at door; bus leaves Otterbein at 6:45.
Feb. 26, 2:00-4:00, Otterbein Art Studio drop-in;
orientation for new users. 2nd floor, Community Bldg.
 
Red Font = off-campus event
This version of calendar is accurate as of
01-20-2023.
RECURRING EVENTS CALENDAR

NOTE: Group events may be cancelled or postponed. Check TouchTown for updates.
SUNDAY, 2:00, every Sunday, Church Service, Amelia Room
SUNDAY, 2:00, every Sunday, Bridge, O’Neill Room
SUNDAY, 5:00 - 6:00, every week, Pub Gathering, Pub (Hopewell Room)

MONDAY, 9:15, every Monday, Pilates, Amelia Room

MONDAY, 11:00, every week, Chair Yoga, Amelia Room
MONDAY, 1:30, Bible Study, every week, O’Neill Room
MONDAY, 3:00, first Monday, Tower Lines staff meeting, O’Neill Room
MONDAY, 3:30, third Monday, Blog Squad, O’Neill Room in Feb., May, Aug., Nov.
MONDAY, 5:00 - 6:00, every week, Pub Gathering, Pub (Hopewell Room)

TUESDAY, 9:15, every week, Water Wellness, Pool

TUESDAY, 1:00, every week, Fall Proof Balance, Amelia Room
TUESDAY, 2:00, every week, Bus to Granville shopping, sign up outside O’Neill Room
TUESDAY, 3:00, first Tuesday, Entertainment Committee, O’Neill Room
TUESDAY, 10:00, second Tuesday, Gallery Committee, O’Neill Room
TUESDAY, 3:30, second Tuesday, Movie Committee, Pub
TUESDAY, 5:00 - 6:00, every week, Pub Gathering, Pub (Hopewell Room)

WEDNESDAY, 8:45, every week, Gentle Flow Yoga, Amelia Room

WEDNESDAY, 11:00, every week, Cardio Plus, Amelia Room
WEDNESDAY, 1:30, every week, Euchre, O’Neill Room
WEDNESDAY, 1:30, first Wednesday, Wellness Committee, Amelia Room
WEDNESDAY, 2:00, third Wednesday, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Pub (Hopewell Room)
WEDNESDAY, 2:00, second Wednesday, Dining Committee, Heller Room
WEDNESDAY, 2:00, second Wednesday, Genealogy, Amelia Room
WEDNESDAY, 5:00 - 6:00, every week, Pub Gathering, Pub (Hopewell Room)

THURSDAY, 9:15, every Thursday, Water Wellness, Pool

THURSDAY, 10:00 - 11:30, every week, Fiber Arts, Fiber Arts Room 263
THURSDAY, 1:30, second Thursday, OGRA* Council, O’Neill Room
THURSDAY, 1:30, third Thursday, OGRA* Meeting, Amelia Room
THURSDAY, 2:30, third Thursday, Otterbein Book Group, Amelia Room
THURSDAY, 4:00, second Thursday, Caregiver Support Group, O’Neill Room
THURSDAY, 5:00 - 6:00, every week, Pub Gathering, Pub (Hopewell Room)
THURSDAY, 5:00, second and fourth Thursday, Meet & Greet, Amelia Room
THURSDAY, 7:00, every Thursday, Pinochle, O’Neill Room

FRIDAY, 9:00, last Friday, Muggers, Heller Room

FRIDAY, 9:15, every Friday, Chair Core, Amelia Room
FRIDAY, 11:00, every Friday, Chair Yoga, Amelia Room
FRIDAY, 1:00, every Friday, Bus to stores, sign up outside O’Neill Room
FRIDAY, 1:30, every Friday, Wii Bowling, O’Neill Room
FRIDAY, 5:00 - 6:00, every week, Pub Gathering, Pub (Hopewell Room)

SATURDAY, 11:00, every Saturday, Flower Committee, Heller Room

SATURDAY, 5:00 - 6:00, every week, Pub Gathering, Pub (Hopewell Room)
SATURDAYS (Most), 9:30-12 noon, Granville Winter Farmers Market, Universal Church of Granville,
115 West Broadway

* OGRA = Otterbein Granville Residents Association

Red Font = off-campus event

Page 12