Kendal at Oberlin is home to more than 300 people in their 60s and well beyond. They come from near (Oberlin and Cleveland) and far (Hawaii, Canada and elsewhere). The residents share many common values, such as sustainability and lifelong learning, and many have ties to Oberlin College. But each resident has his or her own unique story.
Meet Tom Roese and Bill Franklin
Just about the time that Tom Roese and Bill Franklin decided “aging in place” in their Strongsville house was no longer a viable option, Tom was invited to participate in a Kendal LGBTQ+ themed art show, which included a panel discussion on Zoom.
“I was blown away by the residents’ questions,” says Tom, who creates graphite urban landscapes.
When the couple finally visited Kendal in June 2022, they were greeted by rainbow flags and friendly residents and staff. “This is promising,” Bill and Tom said to each other, and last summer they moved in.
“We thought living in a small town would mean not much to do, but we’re finding that not to be true,” says Bill, as he and Tom list all the activities that are keeping them active at Kendal and in Oberlin. “We’re busy – there’s no need to go anywhere,” Tom says.
Both men have rekindled their joy of playing instruments – piano for Bill and clarinet for Tom. Bill is also working with a Stephens Care Center resident who is a poet to create an album of original songs sung by Kendal residents.
Tom is now part of a clarinet trio, and the three men practice weekly and give occasional recitals. He’s also in Kendal’s THE Occasional Band, whose next gig is the Fourth of July ice cream social. “I’ve gotten significantly better now that I’m playing with others,” he says.
And when they’re not playing music, they can often be found at a concert at Kendal or Oberlin College. “We’ve gone to as many as six concerts in one week,” Tom says.
Both men are involved with Kendal’s LGBTQ+ & Allies Interest Group, which is currently planning several events for Pride Month. An off-campus event Tom and Bill are working on is entitled “Funding Cuts and the Looming Health Care Crisis.” Gil Kudren, a long-time ACT UP activist and public health advocate will focus on how federal cuts will affect programs serving those with HIV and AIDS and “calls to action.” The presentation is June 17, 6:30 p.m. at The Mill on Main, 95 S. Main St., Oberlin and is open to the public.
And both men are swimmers and gardeners so they enjoy having an indoor pool and community garden plot so close to their cottage. They have also enjoyed biking on the North Coast Inland Trail in downtown Oberlin.
Several months before they moved to Kendal Tom had a solo exhibit in the Kendal Gallery and he donated nine pieces to Kendal’s Art Collection.
Tom continues to work as an artist and turned a section of the living room, under the loft area into a studio. The men used to travel to Europe every year and enjoyed recording their travels in a sketchbook so Tom shared tips with residents at a recent Art Studio presentation. “It’s like keeping a journal and is often an opportunity to meet people,” Tom says.
Bill, a retired pharmacist, volunteers as a Medical Companion for residents in the Stephens Care Center.
Along with discovering that a small town can be a hub of activity and a 2-bedroom den cottage can comfortably accommodate all their belongings, Bill and Tom have also found the campus layout surprisingly invigorating. For instance, they say walking outside in winter to get to the dining room makes them feel “healthier.”
“And everyone – staff and residents – are so friendly and respectful,” Tom says. The other day I had to call the front desk and said I was sorry to bother her, and she immediately replied ‘You’re never a bother. How can I help?’”