Wilmington Teenager, Part of Miss Carolina Organization, Uses Music to Enchant Seniors with Dementia

Wilmington Teenager, Part of Miss Carolina Organization, Uses Music to Enchant Seniors with Dementia

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WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It’s a disease that leads to memory loss and challenges cognitive behavior.

Callie Cromartie, a high school senior at Hoggard High School, is trying to make life a little easier for those with Alzheimer’s disease. Cromartie spends time singing to dementia residents at The Commons at Brightmore in Wilmington.

“I think it gives them some sense of normalcy in their daily lives,” said Cromartie.

In December, she started performing for her community service as part of the Miss North Carolina organization.

Now, she does it for the residents like Anita Liebeskind.

“We all get to hang out and the feet are tapping and we’re singing along. Just makes us feel good,” said Liebeskind.

The music can also help with their memory.

It’s also in honor of Cromartie’s grandma, who was a resident there before she died.

“This is somewhere I was coming when I was younger, like seven or eight years old,” she said. “I spent a lot of time here visiting my grandmother.”

Now Cromartie comes every other Tuesday to sing to the residents. Not only does that make the people there smile, but Cromartie knows she is making her grandmother proud too.

Cromartie says she hopes to turn her singing into a permanent program with more singers that could expand across the state.

A 95-Year-Old’s Trumpet Brings Sweet Tunes and Smiles to Heritage Pointe of Warren

A 95-Year-Old’s Trumpet Brings Sweet Tunes and Smiles to Heritage Pointe of Warren

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Perhaps the most beloved sign of spring at Heritage Pointe of Warren is a joyful sound accompanied by a welcome sight.

Mark Anson, a resident of the senior living community, is a year-round musician, thrilling friends, neighbors, and people throughout the downtown Warren area with his trumpet playing.

As soon as the weather permits, the 95-year-old takes his trumpet out onto the second-floor balcony, where he enthusiastically shares his music.

Mark, a lifelong farmer, grew up with a special love of music. “The man who lived across the road from me didn’t have any children of his own and found out I wanted to be in the school band when I was 10,” he recalled. “He gave me a trumpet, and that’s what I played for 30 or 40 years until I got a new one. That’s how it all started.” While Mark never performed professionally, he played in local area bands for fun. Now he plays frequently for his fellow-residents at Heritage Pointe of Warren.

Mark said that his music sounds better outside where there’s no ceiling. Furthermore, he said, it attracts passersby. “They’ll gather and sometimes call our requests,” he said, adding that a favorite is “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”

“People can’t wait for him to play. They especially love patriotic songs,” said Kelly Jones, residential activities manager.

Not only does Mark’s trumpet playing make people happy…., but it’s also likely responsible for his good health. “I’ve played to entertain myself and others, but when my doctor found out, he told me it’s probably responsible for my good lungs!” he said. It’s, without question, responsible for a lot of joy.

Heritage Pointe of Warren
Heritage Pointe of Warren, which provides a vibrant lifestyle, is located in the charming country setting of Warren, Indiana. The senior living community is situated on a 200+ acre rural campus featuring an on-site golf course, heated indoor pool, fitness area, woodshop, and more. Heritage Pointe of Warren offers independent living in villas, townhomes, or apartments. Assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, and long-term skilled care are provided on the same campus, thus offering a complete continuum of care, also known as Life Plan. Heritage Pointe of Warren is owned and operated by The United Methodist Memorial Home, an Indiana non-profit founded in 1907. To learn more about Heritage Pointe of Warren, visit www.LifeAtHeritage.org.

How One Senior Care Community Is Supporting the Next Generation of Nurses

How One Senior Care Community Is Supporting the Next Generation of Nurses

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With ongoing staffing shortages in the senior care industry, finding innovative ways to support and empower the next generation of nurses is more important than ever. Through a program with a local career institute, Foulk Living, a senior living community in Wilmington, Delaware, has done just that.

How a Partnership Is Supporting Nursing Students
The idea for the partnership began with the goal of giving nursing students necessary hands-on training. The Dawn Career Institute, which provides education and hands-on training for careers in areas including healthcare, needed training opportunities for students in their CNA program.

A representative from the Institute reached out to Leslie Johnson, executive director of Foulk Living. “We agreed to begin the partnership in 2023, and it went very well,” explains Johnson. “Dawn Institute’s campus president, Shawn Carney, contacted me later that year, telling me their students loved their experiences at Foulk Living.”

When the Dawn Career Institute planned to offer a new LPN program, they contacted Johnson to confirm that Foulk Living would agree to be a training location for that program, too. The program was approved, and the first LPN students started their orientation and training at Foulk Living in July 2024. They completed the training in December, and a second group of students began their training early this year.

How the Program Supports Students
The inaugural group of students were placed with the most seasoned LPNs who have worked at Foulk Living for years. “We knew our nurses would be excellent instructors and role models for the students,” says Johnson. “They gain valuable hands-on experience by shadowing these professionals in their role, with their RN instructor helping to guide them as well.” Students come in every Tuesday morning for six-hour shifts.

Tirus Macharia, director of nursing at Foulk Living, explains that the students learn numerous essential skills during the program. “Skills that the students learn include assisting residents with activities of daily living; taking, recording, and monitoring vital signs; administering medications as prescribed and monitoring for side effects; and collecting specimens for lab work,” he says. Students also learn how to monitor patient health and report changes in condition to supervising nurse or physician, and they provide patient and family education about health maintenance and treatments.

How the Partnership Benefits All Involved
Johnson describes the program as a four-way win, as students, staff, residents, and Foulk Living all benefit. The program has been very positive overall, and the LPNs are generous with their time and knowledge. In addition to the purposeful and important work that Foulk Living staff perform daily, they’re serving an additional meaningful role in training nursing students. Students also benefit by receiving clinical training from caring, talented professionals. Foulk Living residents enjoy visiting with the students during their training.

The program could lead to a career placement that benefits the students and Foulk Living. “Foulk Living, which is helping the LPN students develop and learn in a positive environment, have the opportunity to observe their abilities,” Johnson explains. “When the students complete their training, if Foulk Living has an open position, we hope to be able to recruit them to join our team. It’s challenging to hire LPNs, and us having this program will help us have a steady pool to recruit from when we have openings.”

The partnership provides nursing students with valuable training, and in doing so, it helps foster the next generation of nurses. “Our hope is to help be responsible for providing the senior living industry with a talented and dedicated pool of new professionals,” says Johnson.

For other senior care communities that might want to start similar partnerships, Johnson highlights the importance of getting buy-in from staff members. “Probably the most important component of this is that everyone on the Foulk Living team is enthusiastic and supportive of the program,” she says. Since the program requires staff members to commit time, energy, and patience, their genuine support and enthusiasm are integral to the partnership’s success and the value the students receive.

Here Comes the Fun: Breakfast with the Beatles at Oak Trace Senior Living

Here Comes the Fun: Breakfast with the Beatles at Oak Trace Senior Living

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It was just another day in the life at Oak Trace… as every day at the senior living community has a great variety of programs, events and activities. However, even with the residents’ high expectations for breakfast and a presentation about the Beatles, what they got was something even better.

Breakfast with the Beatles was promoted as an informative and entertaining presentation about the Beatles, led by Gary Wenstrup of the College of DuPage’s continuing education department. His program provides a magical mystery tour to the musical icons’ spectacular rise to fame, cultural impact, and the long and winding road of their musical journey.

 

Surprise Appearance
The highlight of the event was the surprise appearance of American English, the renowned Beatles tribute band dressed head-to-toe as John, Paul, George, and Ringo. The residents were delighted when the musicians arrived at the senior living community’s performing arts center. There, the band launched into a few Beatles hits and led a brief sing-along. They then joined their fans for photo ops and chats.

Breakfast with the Beatles was a tremendous success. Ultimately, all we needed was love… and maybe a muffin.

Oak Trace Senior Living
Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove is set on more than 40 acres of landscaped grounds featuring gardens, walking paths, ponds and abundant greenspace. Oak Trace has private independent living apartments, as well as assisted living, memory care, skilled care and rehabilitation. The Life Care Community offers guaranteed lifelong care with predictable costs. Oak Trace is owned by Lifespace, a not-for-profit organization with more than 45 years of experience in senior living. To learn more about Oak Trace, visit www.OakTraceSeniorLiving.com.

Roaring Twenties Come to Life at Glamorous Grand Opening of Hayes Barton Place Senior Living Community in Raleigh

Roaring Twenties Come to Life at Glamorous Grand Opening of Hayes Barton Place Senior Living Community in Raleigh

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Luxury Senior Living Community Celebrates Its Arrival with Great Gatsby-Themed Celebration

RALEIGH, NC — It was an event of grandeur, glamour, and Gatsby-style glitz as Hayes Barton Place, Raleigh’s new luxury senior living community, celebrated its much-anticipated grand opening. First opening its doors in January, the community formally introduced itself to the public and its community partners with an unforgettable event inspired by the roaring twenties — a nod to the opulence, elegance, and timeless energy of the Great Gatsby era.

The event was a dazzling spectacle of elevated entertainment. Guests were welcomed by towering golden ladies on stilts at the entrance, setting the tone for an immersive and theatrical experience. Inside, attendees were captivated by Gatsby bubble dancers gliding through the pool in inflated globes, beautiful butterfly ballerinas with flowing ribbon wings, and a charming “bubble belle” serving fluted champagne from a rolling skirt. Live music filled the air, accompanying guests as they enjoyed exquisite delicacies and sipped celebratory cocktails.

A custom-crafted cake replicating the architecture of Hayes Barton Place stood as a centerpiece — both a literal and symbolic representation of the community’s beauty and attention to detail.

Designed to reflect the lifestyle of a fine all-inclusive resort, Hayes Barton Place offers concierge services, gourmet dining, spa and wellness options, and beautifully appointed residences — all set in a community that honors the neighborhood’s rich heritage and charm.

Addressing the attendees at the event, Will Purvis, President of Liberty Senior Living said, “Hayes Barton Place offers adults the opportunity to live in a dynamic community with a variety of living options, world-class amenities, and services provided by an incredibly dedicated staff. We look forward to meeting and exceeding their needs and helping create meaningful and enriching experiences.”

Ginger Baker, Campus Executive Director, delivered a heartfelt champagne toast, stating, “Hayes Barton Place isn’t just a beautiful space — it’s a vision brought to life. A vision where elegance meets care, where community flourishes, and where every detail has been designed with comfort and meaning in mind…Here’s to new beginnings, lasting legacies, and the promise of a life well lived.”

The grand opening event was not just a celebration, but a statement: Hayes Barton Place is redefining what it means to age with style, grace, and joy.

Hayes Barton Place
Located on more than seven of the most sought-after acres of Raleigh, North Carolina, Hayes Barton Place is a luxury rental Life Plan Community. Just steps from shops and restaurants, Hayes Barton Place includes 214 independent residences in apartments, flats, and terraces. The community boasts amenities on par with luxury resorts, including concierge services, a salon and spa, a library, a state-of-the-art fitness center with a saltwater pool and hot tub, and more. Hayes Barton Place offers access to all levels of care in addition to independent living, including assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing in the Bloomsbury Health Center. Hayes Barton Place is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, LLC, a division of Liberty Health that specializes in senior living and retirement communities. To learn more about Hayes Barton Place, visit www.HayesBartonPlace.com. To learn more about Liberty Senior Living and the communities they offer, visit www.LibertySeniorLiving.com.

It’s addictive—the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of marketing and public relations keeps you curious, energized, and constantly learning… especially now with Artificial Intelligence reshaping what’s possible.

At IVY, we thrive on finding new ways to set our clients apart. And the truth is—they make it easy. They have incredible stories to tell.

My role is to uncover each client’s goals and align them with the smartest, most effective strategies—always within budget. That means exploring everything from traditional media to digital innovation and every communication channel in between. Whether it’s direct mail, TV advertising, a new website, or PPC campaigns, the goal is always the same: capture attention, spark interest, and drive meaningful results.

I’m also fortunate to work alongside an exceptional team. The people at IVY are creative, thoughtful, collaborative—and genuinely fun to be around. There isn’t a novice in the group; just seasoned professionals who care deeply about doing great work.

And our clients? Just as inspiring. Many have been with us for years, and their passion for serving their communities never gets old. They’re committed to innovation, to responsibility, and to making a difference—and that’s something I truly admire.

So yes, it’s true what they say: when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.

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IVY was established in 1990 with a basic premise to offer professional, ethical and highly creative marketing, advertising and public relations services. We have successfully maintained our core values and have been part of many amazing projects, client growth and changes in the world of marketing that continue to happen at lightening speed. Most of our clients serve older adults in some capacity so we keep abreast of the opportunities and challenges they face.   Each day, we keep it real and fun and consistently deliver positive results to our clients and their markets.

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As a hybrid graphic and digital designer/web developer with over 17 years of experience, I am always on the lookout for innovative digital and print visual communications. IVY Marketing Group’s broad range of projects keeps my job challenging and rewarding, as each campaign is a new and exciting opportunity to effectively communicate our clients’ messages and help them achieve their goals. It’s my passion!

My body of work encompasses a diverse design style and wide base of clients, ranging from national associations, small businesses and big name brands like Hyatt and LiftMaster. I firmly believe that form follows function and highly value the communicative power of simplicity. 

Areas of professional expertise include Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Word Press, Responsive Design, CSS3, and HTML5. The industries I’ve served include senior living, health care, hospitality and finance.

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All my life, I have loved writing. As a child, I could often be found in my room “writing a book.” While “novelist” is not (yet) on my resume, I am a storyteller. I believe that everyone and everything has a great story, and it is my joy to find that story and share it with the world.

After earning my bachelor’s degree in journalism and completing my master’s studies in the same field, I joined a small advertising agency with powerhouse clients in the hospitality industry, such as Hyatt, Hilton International and Carnival Cruise Lines. I began as a proofreader and achieved the position of senior copy writer within a year.

After my first son was born, followed by two more, I started a freelance writing business that included (among several others) such clients as Advocate Health Care and Coldwell-Banker Realty. Clients in the education arena included DeVry University’s Becker CPA and Stalla CFA Reviews, DePaul University, and Naperville School District 203, for which I won two state public relations awards.

For nine years, I was employed as Communications Director for a large faith community, where I managed all aspects of internal and external communications. I was writer, editor, designer, web master, and content manager.

As such, I am experienced and comfortable writing multimedia for a broad variety of industries, products and services.

I joined IVY Marketing Group in 2013, when I began writing client press releases on a freelance basis. I loved the work—and my teammates—so much, I was thrilled when I was invited to come on board in a greater capacity.

I have immensely enjoyed getting to know our valued clients in the senior housing industry, the people they serve, and telling the many wonderful stories that come out of content marketing done right—with the love and care our IVY teams puts into everything we do.

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It all starts with one idea. Working with the Ivy creative team for over two decades has always meant taking one great idea and bringing it to life to help our clients meet their goals. We enjoy the challenges offered with every creative opportunity and try to make the design process itself enjoyable for our clients.

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Making certain that the projects IVY produces are word- and picture-perfect is my specialty. But I also love implementing marketing campaigns and programs that bring our clients success. Details are my thing, so it is a pleasure to have worked with IVY twice now, first after college four years ago and, recently, for the past two years.

The IVY Group is a terrific team of creative, positive and talented professionals that I love working with and, judging from the length of stay of our clients, I think they love our team, too!

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Rock-climbing, training for an 80-floor stair climb event, running a 5K…This is just a tiny peek into what people 20 and even 30 years older than I am, are doing on a fairly regular basis at some of the retirement communities that IVY represents.

I’m of the generation that still has reoccurring nightmares about what the next step looked like when my grandmother could no longer live by herself. The very best option at that time was living at a “facility” and  included eating rubbery chicken and playing an occasional game of BINGO. Period. That’s why my parent’s generation begged us not to ever put them into “one of those places.”

I am so proud that IVY’s clients are at the very forefront of an industry that creates opportunities, challenges, and most of all freedom for seniors, allowing them to explore hobbies, interests, passions…the next chapter of their very full lives.

I feel reassured for my own future. Even more, I feel honored to be able to share the impactful stories about this paradigm shift in the world of senior housing. What we hear and see at our clients’ communities is fascinating and inspiring!

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Keeping up to date on new public relations strategies, online engagement tactics, and promotional tools is my passion.

With my hospitality background in marketing top Chicago restaurants and hotels, I was eager to bring fresh concepts and communication strategies to our clients and have really enjoyed learning various industries.

Our clients have such exciting and unique events and programs, which really makes it motivating for me to make the most of their content.  Results like increased sales leads, website visits and social media connections make everyday rewarding and interesting.

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I oversee, plan and implement projects and processes at IVY.  Often,  I am the conduit between our writers and designers, with printers, and other vendors to fulfill the marketing needs for our clients. I also manage media buys and coordinate production of advertisements.

Working for a flexible and fluid company that is constantly growing, changing and evolving is fun and rewarding. There is always something new to learn.

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My bio has a big blank in the beginning—Mom and Dad rescued me in Wisconsin, and no one really knows my origins. They were probably ruff. What matters though is where I am now, running IVY Marketing Group. There are humans here who think they’re in charge. In truth, they do actually have amazing experience in content marketing and public relations, but I’m super important and the center of attention. I mean, look at this face. Right? And I know I’m the top dog because honestly, I’m the only one allowed to sleep through staff meetings and eat things that people drop on the floor.

The fact is though that I truly love staying awake at staff meetings. Everyone talks and laughs and they’re always excited. That surprises me a little because it’s not like anyone has thrown a ball to play fetch or anything. But I guess what gets my pack of peoples’ tails wagging is their work and their clients. I don’t know what a website or a blog is, but I do know that my pack must be good at them because they’ve earned all sorts of awards for these and other things. My bed had to be moved because the framed certificates were taking up so much room. Despite the inconvenience, I’m proud of these awards!

I serve several important purposes at IVY. I always let Mom (and the world) know when the mailman is here. When people come into the office, just one (usually) quick non-invasive (usually) sniff, allows me to determine important characteristics…like if they had anything good for breakfast, own any pets (pet owners are the best!) or if they stepped in anything on the way in. (It’s sort of like me conducting a first job interview.) I generously share my tummy because I know people like to give it a good scratch. I always give kisses, whether one is feeling lonely or not. And I’m always happy to share someone’s meal, especially if they’re trying to lose weight. My pack describes me as being engaging, amusing, and entertaining. (When I hear a siren, I “sing” along and it makes them laugh.) NPR talks about the benefits of having a pet at the workplace. Studies show pets lower stress hormones and improve morale and productivity. I wholeheartedly agree that a dog in the workplace is the best thing since rawhide bones.

As for my pack of people at IVY…they are amazing and always make my tail wag!

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I could not be more thrilled to work alongside the IVY team.

For over 25 years, I have been employed in top executive positions across the Chicago area and have consistently built profitable businesses, generated sales, and developed and launched new product lines.

Strategically positioning companies and commodities for growth is a strong suit I’m eager to bring to ResponderHub™, IVY’s new crisis communications solution. I’m also excited to help expand IVY’s reach in the senior marketing industry.

I believe people are more open than ever to thinking outside the box and looking at new ways to reach their customer base, while at the same time reducing their cost of sale. The senior industry is exploding, and IVY is perfectly positioned to respond to the need for innovative, quality content marketing services and effective crisis communications.

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I love being able to use my skills to help improve other people’s lives, and with a growing elderly population, it’s important to create meaningful and user-friendly digital solutions to aid the senior living industry.I have a wide range of technology and design skills with a deep interest in Human-Computer Interaction– helping IVY provide outstanding web design and print design services. IVY has a long-proven track record of excellence, and I’m proud to be able to help carry on that tradition. 

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