At Concordia at Sumner, independent residents enjoy a bountiful menu of activities and the peace of mind that comes with a continuum of care
By Patricia Nugent
Summer in Northeast Ohio is a beautiful time of year. But at some point in our lives, we simply want to enjoy it without the worry of lawn mowing, edging, weeding and watering. If you or a loved one is nearing that point, it may be the time to ditch the home maintenance hassles and embrace relaxing retirement living in a worry-free, maintenance-free environment.
It may be time to explore Concordia at Sumner.
Set amidst a beautiful 64-acre campus studded with charming Tudor-style buildings, the nonprofit Copley retirement community feels like the English countryside, yet residents are just minutes from I-77 and Montrose. The resort-style atmosphere includes authentic antiques and elegant artwork, beautiful grounds, a swimming pool, fitness center, and a well-appointed library.
A Continuum of Care
Concordia residents can choose from 22 villas and 144 apartments for independent living, 40 assisted living private suites, and 48 short-term rehabilitation and long-term nursing care rooms. That means as your needs change, you can remain on the campus.
“As servant leaders, the culture we’ve created here takes the worry away and adds joy to people’s lives,” says executive director Meredith Pasco. “We remove any obstacles our residents might have with their living situation, so they enjoy their independence and the chance to thrive. We learn from them as much as they do from us. And they have the security of knowing our continuum of care will allow them to age in place.”
Meredith and her team are not only committed to being the number one choice for retirement living in the region, but also the top career choice for employees who embrace Concordia’s service leadership philosophy.
Affordable Living
With a history of providing care that dates back to 1881, Concordia is a nonprofit facility backed by strong financial stewardship with a variety of attractive financial options that make retirement living surprisingly affordable.
“Many people are surprised by just how affordable we are,” says director of marketing Rowena Wilkins. “Our villas and garden apartments are available in a range of floor plans to meet residents’ individual needs, including plenty of storage space.”
The smallest accommodations are a 700-square-foot apartment, up to a two-bedroom that’s 1,880 square feet.
And Chef Francine and her team serve up delicious fare in Concordia’s on-premises Terrace Room Restaurant or you can grab a quick sandwich in the deli. Of course, Montrose’s many restaurants are right down the road.
Amenities at a Glance
To match the stately buildings and grounds, Concordia offers a next-level abundance of amenities:
• Fitness center
• Indoor pool and hot tub
• Library
• Market Shoppe
• Deli
• Full-service Terrace Room Restaurant
• Salon
• Cultural, social and educational activities
• Computer center
• Transportation to local shopping and medical appointments
• Concierge services
Summer Concert Series - You’re Invited!
Not all Concordia at Sumner’s events are limited to residents. In fact, everyone in the community is invited to three free summer concerts held at the manor house through September.
On Friday, July 19, from 3:30-5:30 p.m., enjoy everything from bebop to jazz with the Cedric Talbert Trio. On Saturday, August 24, it’s DJ’s Rock & Roll Band, and on Friday, September 6, hear guitarist Terry Ellis. Although walk-ins to the performances are welcome, registration is suggested by calling 330-664-1000 or Rowena Wilkins at rwilkins@ConcordiaAtSumner.org.
Concordia at Sumner is located at 970 Sumner Parkway in Copley. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 330-664-1000 or visit ConcordiaAtSumner.org.
Betsy and Terry Renninger
This engaging and vibrant couple has lived at Concordia at Sumner for the past year-and-a-half.
The Barberton natives have made 35 moves over the years—most of which are courtesy of Terry’s long career—ping-ponging between Florida, South Carolina and the Midwest.
“Downsizing from a condo, we were looking for a place where the people are very active and independent,” says Terry. “In our early 80s, we still have a passion for meeting new people and staying busy. We go out to dinner three or four nights a week, play cards, golf and belong to many resident-run clubs and activities. I’m the treasurer of the residents’ association and Betsy works in the Market Shoppe.”
They say the meal plan is one of the many reasons they are so happy with their choice to move to Concordia.
“There’s one meal a day, so I don’t feel like we’re paying for something we’re not using,” says Betsy. “If we like, we can eat lunch here, or go out, or put something together in our villa’s nicely appointed kitchen. This morning, we went to the new Vicious Biscuit with about 14 fellow residents and had a ball.”
Betsy and Terry describe dining in the elegant dining room as a pleasant gourmet experience.
Safety, security and aging in place were also factors important to the Renningers.
“We have an unusual situation in that our daughter is disabled and cannot drive, and our son and his family live 3,000 miles away in Seattle, so we need to rely on ourselves,” says Terry. “It means a lot to us to have everything taken care of, to have the access to eventually get transportation if needed.”
Residents can choose from wearing a pendant or a bracelet for security, which lends peace of mind.
In terms of amenities, the duo enjoys the aerobics classes, pool and hot tub, the ladies’ choral group, daily walks by the pond and the summer concert series