2021 – Celebration of Life Circle

“Did you hear bells last night?” a resident asked one morning.  No one had heard bells, but it ignited the thought of how nice it would be to have a beautiful bell on campus.  As it was brainstormed, the idea came about to have a bell where we could all honor the lives of residents who had passed. 

In November 2021, a generous resident donor contributed the funds to buy and install a Tom Torin bell and three of his benches in the patio between the Care Center and the Tobey Jones building.  This was in honor of her father who lived at Franke Tobey Jones several years earlier.  It is a beautiful and peaceful place to remember loved ones, reflect, commemorate and more.  On the last Friday of every other month at 1:30pm people gather to honor beloved residents who have passed away during those months.  Anyone is invited to attend, staff, residents and family members, and it has become a very special time to reflect on these residents, tell stories and share our memories of these residents who have touched so many hearts.

Shortly after the bell was installed, the Philanthropy Assistant, Melody Federer, and resident violinist, Jane Schuneman, collaborated to write the song “Ringing of the Bell,” which is played and sung each month at the Celebration of Life.

The Ringing of Bell

Peace, let there be peace,
Peace in the memories,
Peace for you and me.

Joy, let there be joy,
Each winter season
Brings forth a reason

CHORUS:
Let there be spring!
Let there be spring!
The spirit it brings,
Fields of green and clover.
And time moving us forward.

Peace, let there be peace,
Peace in the ringing
Out of the bells.
Peace, let there be peace,
For everything changes,
And it always will.
But love remains the same.