Glenwood News

United Church Homes faced opposition and concern from some Glenwood Community residents when the nonprofit organization sought to acquire the community from Memorial Health System.

But Roger and Sally Roberts, who have lived at Glenwood for seven years and have been leaders on the residents’ council, helped to convince others the purchase would bring about positive change to the community.

During that time, Sally was secretary on the residents’ council and Roger was president.

“We tried to emphasize it was a nonprofit acquisition, because they had heard too many horror stories about for-profit organizations. It was really a sign of relief that not only was United Church Homes a nonprofit, but it has a spiritual base,” Roger said.

United Church Homes purchased Glenwood and Harmar Place Rehabilitation and Extended Care, both in Marietta, Ohio, in 2015.

Memorial Health System considered selling its property to United Church Homes to ensure Glenwood would remain successful.

“We understand the benefit of having an owner with more expertise and focus in the senior living industry,” said Jennifer Offenberger, a spokeswoman for Memorial Health System.

Sally said several residents had reservations about the deal, but it was an easy sell for others.

“United Church Homes offered experience in housing; the hospital did not. It was also a nonprofit and a faith-based organization. It was a win-win situation,” Sally said.

UCH leaders relied on Roger and Sally during negotiations and resident meetings about the deal to help ease residents’ worries about the transition.

“Roger was invaluable to me as a liaison to the Glenwood residents. This made our transition all the more effective in building the residents’ confidence and peace of mind very quickly,” said Rev. Kenneth Daniel, president and CEO of United Church Homes.

The Robertses, who met at a leadership conference committee meeting at West Virginia University, have worked together and with others to improve their communities wherever they have resided. Both say it’s something they have strived to do most of their lives.

Roger served in the United States Air Force for two years as a legal officer. After his military career, he became an employee benefits specialist in Wheeling, West Virginia, and participated in several organizations to develop new housing. Sally served on local Girl Scouts councils and on the national board of directors. They both were a part of the Civil Rights Movement in the Wheeling area in the 1960s.

“Early on, we developed a social concern. It’s just a part of our makeup. We’ve tried to have our voices heard,” Roger said.

Linda began her role at Glenwood in Marietta, Ohio, on April 26. She wanted to be a part of United Church Homes because of its mission, vision and values. In addition, Linda is extremely excited about working at Glenwood, which offers independent and assisted living services and has an active residents’ association.

“When I first became an administrator, I was drawn to the community concept and communities where residents become a family,” Linda said.

Linda joins UCH after serving as the administrator of Golden Living in Morgantown, West Virginia. Previously, Linda was the CEO of Fox Run Center for Children and Adolescents and deputy commissioner of operations at the Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities in West Virginia.

David Zack, director of operations, said Linda was the best fit for the role because of her ties to the community and her work experience.

“As a resident of Marietta, Linda brings a great deal of local knowledge, energy, enthusiasm and professionalism to Glenwood. Her diverse background and experience will add benefit to Glenwood’s team,” David said.

Linda has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ohio Valley University and a Master of Business Administration from West Virginia University.

Additionally, United Church Homes recently named Megan Williams its new corporate director of sales and marketing. Megan began her role at UCH on April 17.

“United Church Homes is a great organization. I am excited about this new opportunity. I look forward to growing the brand and being a part of UCH’s mission and vision,” she said.

Megan has more than 27 years of marketing and sales experience in the senior living and retirement housing industry. Most recently, she served as the regional director of sales and marketing at Life Care Services (LCS).

She also has experience as the executive vice president of marketing and branding for Shamrock Companies and the area director of admissions management for Kindred Healthcare.

“Megan’s expertise and background in marketing and communications, particularly in the senior living industry, made her stand out among other candidates. We look forward to working with Megan and believe she can help the organization grow,” said Rev. Kenneth Daniel, United Church Homes president and CEO.

Megan is a native of Washington, D.C., and has lived in Shaker Heights, Ohio, for the past 10 years with her three children. She is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing.

“It was my birthday present,” Betty said after the concert.

Performing for Betty was a treat for Janet Blessing, director of the ensemble, and the boys. “I hate for people to say all these good things after people are gone. We wanted to do it for Betty,” Felice said.

The Smoot family has had a major impact on the Parkersburg, West Virginia community. Betty, her sister and others helped save the historic theater in Parkersburg from being demolished and turned into a parking lot in 1989. She also is a part of the family that owned the Camden Theatre in Parkersburg in the early 1900s before it was destroyed by fire in 1929. Her family later purchased the Smoot Theatre, built in 1926 as a vaudeville house. Her father and uncle who owned the theaters were civic-minded men who worked in advertising and promoted events at the Smoot Theatre.

The Smoot Theatre was purchased by Warner Brothers in 1930 and for 56 years was primarily a movie theater. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. When Betty and others helped save it in 1989, it was returned to a performing arts theater and continues to provide live entertainment with the help of volunteers.

Betty grew up watching troupes perform at the Smoot Theatre, and as legend has it, she once sneaked on stage and sang along with performers until she was picked up and carried off stage, said Michelle VanNoy, the independent living activities coordinator at Glenwood.

As an adult, Betty was active in the community and at the theater. She attended shows, especially concerts by the boys’ ensemble, sat on stage and educated the boys on the history of the theater and networked with local politicians.

“This is a tribute to Betty and her family and all the good work she has done for the theater and all the good work she has done in the community. She cares about people. She is truly one of those kinds of people who is altruistic and a giving soul,” Michelle said. “She is generous with her spirit and she has all of the core values that United Church Homes is about.”

Gabriel Bookman, 13, of Belpre, Ohio, who has been member of the choir for two years, said singing for Betty and the family who founded the theater was special.

“The theater holds a special place in my heart and it will for a long time,” Gabriel said. “I felt like I was doing something that was always intended. Typically, when you go into things like this you don’t expect to sing to her in this special of a time. It makes her so happy. It’s like traveling in a time machine.”

Betty’s daughters, Susan Budros, of Columbus, Ohio, Becky Miller, of Perrysburg, Ohio, and Cookie Smith, of Evansville, Indiana, said the concert was special for them and their mother.

“At 99, she’s very happy to have this evening. This is really wonderful because she loves this choir,” Becky said. “We all live out of town so to come back and experience this with Mom is great.”

Bringing the concert to Betty gave her a treat her daughters didn’t think she would have again because it has become challenging for their mom to go to the theater.

“I don’t think there’s been anything like this for Mom. It’s over the top for her,” Susan said.