Retirement village calendar benefits Alzheimer’s research

Dublin Retirement Resident calendar benefiting Alzheimer's research

For the full feature video story: https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/cincinnati/news/2022/12/05/dublin-retirement-village
By Dennis Biviano Columbus – PUBLISHED 11:45 AM ET Dec. 09, 2022

DUBLIN, Ohio — Ladd McDonald and his wife of 41 years Margaret had a blast taking part in last year’s resident calendar shoot at Dublin Retirement Village.

They decided to come back this year, and dress as some of their favorite characters from the classic TV show Gunsmoke.

And like last year, proceeds from the 2023 calendar go toward Alzheimer’s research.

“It’s a pretty close issue with our age and all of that, so we’re all for it,” said Margaret McDonald.

At one time, the McDonalds had a private practice working as psychologists in California, but it was the opportunity to be closer to family that brought them to Ohio.

They’re two of more than a dozen residents taking part in this year’s second annual calendar, showcasing TV shows such as the Golden Girls, the Honeymooners, Green Acres and The Andy Griffith Show.

The idea of funding Alzheimer’s research is personal to resident and research ambassador Frank Henson.

“My wife is in the memory unit here,” said Henson. “I have come to appreciate the need for more research and more activity and involvement by the community.”

The community interaction continues to bring a smile to the face of the McDonalds.

“We really love each other and we’ve been together a long time so, we depend on each other a lot,” said Ladd McDonald. “We basically are a pair.”

They hope to continue remaining active in their 80s and beyond, and both say they’re lucky to share this experience together.

“It’s a great way to learn not to just drop everything and just stagnate, but to keep active,” says Margaret McDonald.

Copies of the 2023 Dublin Retirement Village resident calendar can be picked up at their 6470 Post Road location. The calendars cost $20 each and are available for purchase on Dec. 14.

Organizers hope to raise $2,500 for research at the Alzheimer’s Association.