In the rolling hills of Marietta, Ohio, a celebration like no other recently took place at The Glenwood Community, a United Church Homes senior living campus. Glenwood, the sister community to The Harmar Place Community, reached a significant milestone—all 60 independent living apartments on campus filled, marking a moment of growth, connection, and shared joy.
Rather than a typical party or toast, the Glenwood family did what they love most—they built a puzzle together.
Piecing Together a Milestone
For the 72 residents who call Glenwood’s independent living community home, puzzles are more than just a pastime. They are a way to come together and create something meaningful. So, when it came time to celebrate this historic moment, it was only fitting that each resident was given a blank puzzle piece to design—no rules, no instructions, just a canvas to capture their part of the story.
The results were as unique as the people who created them.
Judy Geary, most recent resident at the community.
One resident, who was the very first to move into Glenwood when it was part of The Memorial Health System in 1999, decorated her piece simply with the numbers “1999”—a nod to the beginning of something special. Another resident, with a talent for art, painted a stunning depiction of the front of the community, capturing the warmth and welcoming spirit that Glenwood embodies. Others filled their pieces with symbols of their interests, creating a mosaic of lives beautifully intertwined.
When the final piece was placed, the assembled puzzle became more than just artwork, it became a testament to community, creativity and the power of belonging to something greater than oneself.
A Lasting Legacy
Now framed and displayed at the entry to the independent living portion of the community, the completed puzzle is a permanent reminder of this remarkable milestone and of the people who made it possible. It’s more than just a decoration—it’s a living history of Glenwood, capturing the moment in time when the community came together, filled with vibrant life and connection.
For those interested in experiencing this close-knit community firsthand, Glenwood’s independent or the assisted living neighborhood, The Pines at Glenwood, welcomes visitors Monday through Friday and after-hours tours.
Because, at The Glenwood Community, there’s always room for one more piece in the puzzle.
About the Author: Ashley Bills
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