Looking Forward Our Way

Our guest in this upcoming episode is Rodney Dunigan, who is the Managing Editor and Weekend Anchor at WSYX and Fox28 in Columbus, OH.

As news coverage continues to rapidly change with all the news outlets available to us, we asked Rodney to be a guest on the podcast to talk about the role of a reporter and media in providing news and information to their audience. And how reporters can stay unbiased, educated and complete in a 24/7 news cycle.

The entire interview will be in your podcast player on Monday 4/18/22.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2023 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

In 1965 the Older Americans Act was passed in Congress to create and strengthen services to older citizens. Amended in 1973, the legislation created the Area Agencies on Aging – a national network of state-based regions to plan and implement needed critical services.

Cindy Farson has led the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging – or as we all like acronyms – COAAA – for 28 years and is turning the page on her career. Guiding this 8 county agency, Cindy has brought vision and growth to our communities. Today we are going to both look back and look forward, tapping into her incredible insight and wisdom on the next steps to “aging gracefully”.

What was happening to seniors in the 1960s and ’70s that moved the Older Americans Act to the forefront?

Now, forty years later, the number of seniors significantly rose, and their needs increased. COAAA serves approximately 30,000 clients with a $10 million budget to cover 8 Ohio counties. We are coming out of a pandemic that dramatically changed the needs of seniors, their safety, and health. Where are we now? What are the top concerns on your list? What is happening to our seniors, their housing, transportation, and health? And how is COAAA addressing those needs?

COAAA has an enormous job in reaching seniors or their family members/caregivers. Without clear communication streams, many seniors would not be able to benefit from all of your programs and services. COAAA has an incredible network to share information. However, what is your greatest fear/frustration with finding those who need you? And how is technology helping/hurting your efforts?

Money is always an issue. Services to seniors can be costly, particularly for personal/health care. Where are we on funding? Do federal and local legislators understand the issues? Do we need to re-think funding models and look for dollars elsewhere (e.g. greater local tax levies)? If so, where?

Housing in Central Ohio continues to create untenable situations for families, and for seniors - rent increases, lack of housing, aging of the housing stock are all situations we face in Central Ohio. Yet, we have a proliferation of new building developments for senior housing. Do you have advice for our listeners on housing trends – what happens if a senior needs housing now and what about 5 years from now?

There are so many other “hot button” issues for seniors – such as transportation. Our community is very lucky to also have some newer services available for seniors to meet those demands, including the “Villages” concept and “Age Friendly” communities which are dependent upon volunteers. Will programs utilizing volunteer teams be the answer to senior needs?

Cindy has been a mentor and role model for so many individuals who have moved into careers serving seniors. It is difficult to convince younger individuals – students and young adults – that a career in senior services can be a fulfilling opportunity. She shares her thoughts on the value and advantages to pursue work in senior services – the types of opportunities (e.g. from administrators to caregivers), industries (e.g. for-profit, nonprofit, governmental), and future needs?

• U. S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved senior housing consultants (Ohio)
• National Association of Agencies on Aging
• Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging - o4a is a nonprofit, statewide network of agencies that provide services for older Ohioans, people with disabilities and their families.
• Central Ohio Network of Villages
• Age-Friendly Columbus | We are Columbus, happy, healthy and strong
• Senior Services Roundtable - The Senior Services Roundtable is a clearinghouse of information and ideas to assist seniors in central Ohio, particularly those striving to remain independent in their later years. Membership is open and includes those organizations, governmental offices, nonprofits and private industries that serve the senior community. For further information contact [email protected]
• Franklin County Office On Aging - The Franklin County Office on Aging is primarily responsible for planning, coordinating, and providing centralized access to diverse services and programs that assist older adults, dependent adults, and their families in the maintenance of independent living.
• Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging - The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) plans, funds, and delivers services that help older adults and individuals with disabilities remain safe and independent in their homes. With the assistance of area providers, COAAA arranges and coordinates services to help individuals with daily living such as homemaking, transportation, home-delivered meals, and personal care. COAAA offers education and resources to caregivers, professionals, and the public and advocates for programs and policies that benefit older adults and individuals with disabilities. COAAA manages services for 10,000 people and funds services for another 20,000 older adults in eight counties: Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union. COAAA is operated under the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

Cindy Farson has been the Executive Director of the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging for nearly 3 decades.

Central Ohio has been so lucky to have had this talented, skilled professional leading our community toward successful services and programs that serve our older citizens.

Cindy has committed her professional life to ensure seniors are safe and secure as they age. Guiding an 8-county agency, Cindy brought vision and growth to senior services.

We had an opportunity to both look back as well as look forward, to the next steps to “aging gracefully”.

This full episode will be in your podcast player Monday, April 4, 2022.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2023 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

Today’s families are multi-generational, and each generation has significant needs. Many in our community have struggled over the past years, dealing with not only childcare but in many cases, responsibility for caregiving of parents and even grandparents.

In our next episode, our guest is going to provide us with insights on not just the caregiving industry, but also the challenges today’s families face. And most importantly the hurdles she crosses each day communicating that information to the general public, and to clients and families.

We welcome Lisa Stockdale, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Capital Healthcare Network and host of the podcast, Aging In Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale.

Communicating ideas and information or resources is always a herculean task. But in the senior services and caregiving industries, clients are older. They may not have access to technology and the internet. Their family members or guardians may also have difficulty utilizing technology. And this target audience just may not wish to utilize electronic means of gathering information. Lisa tells us why using electronic marketing is a valued approach.

Lisa was on the cutting edge of radio as a mechanism for communicating and now she is using podcasting. Moving into “voice” marketing is not just an “afterthought." She sees the value in this movement. We talk about what convinced her to move in this audio direction. Then, what moved her toward podcasting.

Social media has completely changed the field of marketing. What we learned 20-30 years ago is not even close to today’s reality of promoting and selling. Lisa covers what social media platforms are most beneficial to you.

Find out more about the Aging In Full Bloom podcast on your preferred podcast player.

We would love to hear from you.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.

• Senior Services Roundtable - The Senior Services Roundtable is a clearinghouse of information and ideas to assist seniors in central Ohio, particularly those striving to remain independent in their later years. Membership is open and includes those organizations, governmental offices, nonprofits and private industries that serve the senior community. For further information contact [email protected]

Today’s families are multi-generational, and each generation has significant needs. Many in our community have struggled over the past years, dealing with not only childcare but in many cases, responsibility for caregiving of parents and even grandparents.

In our next episode, our guest is going to provide us with insights on not just the caregiving industry, but also the challenges today’s families face. And most importantly the hurdles she crosses each day communicating that information to the general public, and to clients and families.

We welcome Lisa Stockdale, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Capital Healthcare Network and host of the podcast, “Aging In Full Bloom.”

This episode will be in your podcast player next Monday, 3/21/2022.

We would love to hear from you.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.

"Don't regret growing older. It's a privilege denied to many." This quote was taken from the Fairfield County OH newsletter, “Alternatives For Older Adults,” and the feature of this episode!

We welcome Anna Tobin, Executive Director of the Meals on Wheels Fairfield County Program! We were at the Center to learn more about the senior services available in Lancaster and Fairfield County. And to celebrate their new facility with incredible services for the community to continue aging in place.

The Meals on Wheels programs actually began in England in the 1940s during the Blitz. It was a civil defense program serving those who lost their homes in the bombings. It grew throughout the UK and hit the United States in 1954. Literally, hundreds of millions of meals are delivered yearly in the US. Anna talks about the genesis story of the Fairfield County program and how many they are serving.

We may not realize the vast number of older adults who are aging in place because of this service. A meal is not just a tray being given out. It includes a visit from a volunteer to check on the senior, possibly a daily wellness check to ensure the senior is safe. It is a way to maintain good health. It may include referrals to other services.

The program includes a high level of socialization also. Seniors may receive meals delivered at their homes, or they can also eat with their friends here at the Senior Center. Those farther away can also meet at two different restaurants. Socialization is critical for aging in place. We certainly saw the issue arise during the pandemic lock-downs. Anna tells us more about the many services they offer that bring seniors together.

Volunteers are a critical resource for every nonprofit. But also volunteering brings so much to the volunteer, not just the agencies and clients.

There are so many other services they provide. We delve into services such as caregiving, representative payee services, home repairs, lifeline monitoring systems, homemaking, and Food 4 Paws.

We would love to hear from you.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.

"Don't regret growing older. It's a privilege denied to many." This quote was taken from the Fairfield County Ohio newsletter, “Alternatives for older adults” and the feature of next week's podcast!

We welcome Anna Tobin, Executive Director of the Meals on Wheels Fairfield County Program! We were at the Center to learn more about the senior services available in Lancaster and Fairfield County. And to celebrate their new facility with incredible services for the community.

This episode will be in your podcast player Monday, March 7, 2022.

We would love to hear from you.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.

We continue our look at small business owners in this episode, but with a twist.

We talk about the value of our local chambers of commerce in supporting local businesses. These organizations can create not only successful entrepreneurs but also lend to successful communities with a thriving economy!

David Polakowski is the President/CEO of the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership. His background includes business ownership being a business owner, working in government in economic development, and in the nonprofit world.

The Tri-Village Chamber Partnership (TVCP) represents the Village of Marble Cliff, the City of Grandview Heights, and the City of Upper Arlington, Ohio. These three suburban communities, located in the west/northwest area of Columbus, constitute a total population of around 40,000 residents. They are dynamic communities with great school systems, libraries, and active governments.

Five years ago two chambers representing this area combined to form a new entity, and today the TCVP has over 400 members. David gives a better picture of what was going on and how this combined effort of the TVCP leads to greater economic progress in the area.

The role of a business owner takes on so many different forms in today’s economy. Individuals can open their own shop, buy a franchise, sign on to companies as independent workers, or become consultants. All of these options show potential, even in our new normal. We talk about the overall skills David sees as most important for business owners.

We have gone through many changes in our economic landscape over the past two decades. We came back from 9-11, made it through a major recession, and now trying to conquer a pandemic. All of these had a major impact on businesses. David gives some insight into 2022 and how businesses should prepare.

One major change over the past year or so was the quick but constant need to pivot to new circumstances in businesses. Technology played a huge role. Everyone learned Zoom. Restaurants had to change their products and services. Other employers had to deal with online ordering and delivery. And still, others still had to figure out how to market their business and stay relevant. How was the TVCP supporting local businesses during this time?

The Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is a great opportunity to network with business leaders throughout Central Ohio, all are welcome! Watch the TVCP events page for details and registration on https://business.chamberpartnership.org/events

If you are outside of the Central Ohio area, here are some ideas on where to network:

• Check your nearest Chamber of Commerce (see links below to find local chambers) for their networking opportunities – you may not have to be a member to attend, although there could be a fee.
• Think about volunteering with a local organization of professionals. Here in Central Ohio we have 2 groups you may want to check: Columbus Gives Back https://columbusgivesback.org/ or BESA https://www.besa.org/
• Check local nonprofits that provide networking events. In Central Ohio you may want to check
• Networking Professionals of Columbus  https://www.networkingprofessionalsofcolumbus.com/ 
• Columbus Young Professionals Group https://www.cypclub.com/
• EVOLE Women’s Networking https://www.evolvewomensnetwork.com
• Check online event groups like MeetUp www.meetup.com
• Google is a great resource to find your local organizations!

We would love to hear from you.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.

We continue our look at small business owners in our next episode, but with a twist.

We will talk about the value of our local chambers of commerce. How these organizations can create not only successful entrepreneurs but also lend to successful communities with a thriving economy!

We welcome David Polakowski, President/CEO of the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership.

This episode will be in your podcast player on 2/21/22.

We would love to hear from you.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.

It’s no secret that women have long faced barriers in the business world.

While today’s landscape is more embracing of women, systemic gender bias and discrimination still exist, which makes starting and growing a business difficult.

We talk with Ava Edmonds who is the owner of Ava Jewelers in Lancaster, Ohio.

Lancaster is a fairly large city of nearly 40,000 people. It's located less than an hour from Columbus, Ohio. Even though her business is located in a small business core, this is still a great place to create a business! As Ava began this journey to develop her business, she tells us what made her decide on Lancaster and what were the first steps she took.

As there is with starting any business, there are hurdles to jump. Ava identifies the top three issues and what about her background prepared her to overcome those challenges. And were these challenges more impactful because she is a woman-owned business?

Often, owners need other individuals to support the business – such as accountants, suppliers, HR experts, etc. Her advice on finding the right people is extremely insightful.

Employers need skilled employees. As a business owner, you can't do every task, however, bringing on other individuals into a business can be messy.

Social media can be an incredible boost to a business, or disaster. Ava discusses her online social media presence, and what she is finding that works.

Networking is critical, for business owners, job seekers, everyone who wants to succeed. But for many, that's a difficult step, particularly for women. Ava tells us about the networking steps she considers to be most important to growing her business.

More networking opportunities in Lancaster include Destination Downtown Lancaster, and the Lancaster Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce.

We would love to hear from you.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.