Golden Geauga 2024

Potti and Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes are There for You

By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com

Homelike and peaceful describes the Potti and Marc F. Burr Funeral Home in Painesville.

Built in the 1830s, the facility contains the main office of owner Marc F. “Burrly” Burr, 42, Chardon native and life-long resident.

Burrly graduated from Chardon High School in 1999 where he played offensive tackle on the football team that was runner-up

at the state championship game in 1998.

He also played for Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., where he earned a degree in theater arts and returned to Geauga County to pursue a career in the funeral business, Burrly said.

Ohio requires a four-year degree for a funeral home license.

Burrly worked for some years in the family business in Chardon before striking out on his own, acquiring the Potti Funeral Home business in December 2018.

Free Smartphone Classes for Seniors

The Geauga County Department on Aging is providing free smartphone classes. These 90-minute classes will teach you how to navigate and use your phone. In part one you will learn how to use your phone voicemail, texting, face time, increasing brightness and font size, password basics and more. In week two you will learn about your phone settings, apps, photos, bluetooth, and your camera. Please pre-register, as space is limited.

Bainbridge Senior Center

iPhone basics (2-part series)

June 14 and June 21

10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

To register call 440-279-1313.

Chardon Senior Center

iPhone basics (2-part series)

June 10 and June 17

12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

To register call 440-279-2126.

Android Basics (2-part series)

June 10 and June 17

2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

To register call 440-279-2126.

Middlefield Senior Center

iPhone basics (2-part series)

June 6 and June 13

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

To register call 440-632-0611.

Android Basics (2-part series)

June 6 and June 13

10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

To register call 440-632-0611.

West Geauga Senior Center

iPhone basics (2-part series)

June 5 and June 12

10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

To register call 440-279-2163.

His background in stage design helped him update the three funeral homes he bought from Robert Potti – one at 1009 Mentor Avenue in Paines ville, one at 538 Fifth Street in Fairport Harbor and a third at 2726 Hubbard Road in Madison.

Burrly shares the facilities of the DeJohn Funeral Home in Chardon where he operates a full service funeral home.

“I’m invested in the Chardon community and I’m invested in all these com munities, as well,” Burrly said.

Some of the families he serves can have far-reaching connections.

demographic has changed and many families are scattered around the country.

While he was growing up in the 1980s, it seemed to him that most of his acquaintances put down roots in Northeast Ohio, but the

That means grandparents can be retired in Florida, parents may still live in the area and their children may have gone to college or sought careers on one coast or the other, so he keeps families in need of his services in the loop via email and texting, Burrly said.

He also helps arrange transportation of a loved one’s remains and offers a wide variety of services to ensure the funeral runs smoothly.

His website provides a full range of options from ordering flowers to choosing burial services and a list of prices to make decisions as easy as possible.

Burr

See Marc F. Burr • Page 5

Local Experts Can Help You Plan for the Future

By Amy PAtterson Amy@kArlovecmediA com

As the golden years approach, many seniors find themselves navigating the complexity of financial plan-ning. From wills and trusts to insurance policies and investment portfolios, having expert assistance in creating and maintaining your most important documents is crucial.

The Geauga County Department on Aging offers free or reduced-cost legal consultations for seniors. Legal services can be reached by making an appointment, or during one of the department’s seasonal legal clin-ics, held at local senior centers.

documents to outline how your estate and finances will be handled in the future. Common documents include a will, durable power of attorney for finances, and a living trust.

• A will specifies how your estate — your property, money, and other assets — will be distributed and managed when you die. A will can also address care for children under age 18, adult dependents, and pets, as well as gifts and end-of-life arrangements, such as a funeral or memorial service and burial or cremation. If you do not have a will, your estate will be distributed according to the laws in your state.

“One of the best gifts that we can give our loved ones when unforeseen circumstances occur, is having our health and financial affairs in order so that our preferences can be recognized and honored,” Director Jessica Boalt said.

For more information on the department’s legal services, contact departmentonagingin-fo@co.geauga.oh.us, or by calling 440-279-2130.

If you’re just getting started on financial or estate planning, Boalt shared some tips and strategies for planning your golden years:

1. Plan for your estate and finances.

Depending on your situation, you may choose to prepare different types of legal

• A durable power of attorney for finances names someone who will make financial decisions for you when you are unable to.

• A living trust names and instructs a person, called the trustee, to hold and distribute property and funds on your behalf when you are no longer able to manage your affairs.

2. Plan for your future health care.

Many people choose to prepare advance directives, which are legal documents that provide instructions for medical care and only go into effect if you cannot communicate your own wishes due to disease or severe injury. The most common advance directives include a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care.

• A living will tells doctors how you want

to be treated if you cannot make your own de cisions about emergency treatment. You can say which common medical treatments or care you would want, which ones you would want to avoid, and under which conditions each of your choices applies.

• A durable power of attorney for health care names your health care proxy, a person who can make health care decisions for you if you are unable to communicate these yourself. Your proxy — also known as a representative, surrogate, or agent — should be familiar with your values and wishes. A proxy can be chosen in addition to or instead of a living will. Having a health care proxy helps you plan for situations that cannot be foreseen,

such as a serious auto accident or stroke.

These documents are part of advance care planning, which involves preparing for future decisions about your medical care and discussing your wishes with your loved ones.

3. Put your important papers and copies of legal documents in one place.

You can set up a file, put everything in a desk or dresser drawer, or list the information and location of papers in a notebook. For added security, you might consider getting a fireproof and waterproof safe to store your documents. If your papers are in a bank safe deposit box, keep copies in a file at home.

See Planning • Page 5

The Geauga County Department on Aging offers exercise and balance programs at various Senior Center Locations. Daily Senior Center programming can be found at departmentonaging.geauga.oh.gov, or staff can assist seniors looking for programs that best meet their needs by calling 440-279-2130.

Planning from page

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4. Tell someone you know and trust where to find your important papers.

You don’t need to discuss your personal affairs, but someone you trust should know where to find your papers in case of an emergency. If you don’t have a relative or friend you trust, ask a lawyer to help.

5. Talk to your loved ones and a doctor about advance care planning.

A doctor can help you understand future health decisions you may face and plan the kinds of care or treatment you may want. Discussing advance care planning with your doctor is free through Medicare during your annual wellness visit. Private health insurance may also cover these discussions. Share your

Marc F. Burr from

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There are more opportunities for growth of his business, Burrly said. Sitting in his Painesville office, he points out a neighboring building previously occupied by the Knights of Columbus that he purchased in July 2022, and converted to Events on the Avenue. He now offers an event space for between five and 125 people for funeral luncheons, birthday parties, first communions, as well as many other events. Events on the Avenue

decisions with your loved ones to help avoid any surprises or misunderstandings about your wishes.

6. Give permission in advance for a doctor to talk with your caregiver as needed.

If you need help managing your care, you can give your caregiver permission to talk with your doctors, your insurance provider, a credit card company, or your bank. You may need to sign and return a form. Giving permission for your doctor to talk with your caregiver is different from naming a health care proxy. A health care proxy can only make decisions if you are unable to communicate them yourself.

7. Review your plans regularly.

It’s important to review your plans at least once each year and when any major life event occurs, like a divorce, move, or major change in your health.

is available to clients of the Potti & Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes, but is also available to the general public.

“When people walk out of here, I want them thinking, ‘Marc took care of everything,’” he said. “It’s not a high-volume type of funeral home. It’s more of a niche. I do everything for you.”

With only one other full-time employee, Burrly said he is very involved in every detail and works with each family very closely.

“They know I’m going to be there,” he said.

Maplewood Talks Unlocking Longevity

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In the quest to unravel the mysteries of longevity and well-being, researchers have long been captivated by the phenomenon of blue zones — regions around the world where residents not only live longer lives, but also enjoy enhanced vitality and health.

From the sun-drenched coasts of Okinawa to the rugged landscapes of Sardinia, these enclaves offer insights into the factors that contribute to a fulfilling and prolonged existence.

One such beacon of blue zone living can be found nestled within the serene landscapes of Maplewood Senior Living in Chardon, where the principles of blue zone living are exemplified in their approach to senior care. Consistently ranked among the top senior living communities in the nation based on reviews from residents and their families, Maplewood serves as a prime example of how embracing the habits and values of blue zones can enrich the lives of seniors.

connected and supported.

In addition to promoting social engagement, Maplewood places a strong emphasis on the benefits of nature for overall well-being. With thoughtfully landscaped outdoor spaces, residents have ample opportunities to reconnect with the natural world, which has been shown to have profound effects on both physical and mental health.

At Maplewood, the importance of social connections is deeply understood and prioritized. Residents are encouraged to engage in a variety of programs and activities that foster genuine relationships and a sense of community. Whether it’s participating in group fitness classes or enjoying shared dining experiences, every effort is made to cultivate an environment where residents feel

Maplewood also embraces the concept of purposeful living — a hallmark of blue zone communities. Residents are encouraged to pursue their passions, continue learning and contribute meaningfully to the community. Whether through artistic endeavors, educational pursuits or volunteer work, residents are empowered to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

As the world continues to explore the secrets of blue zones and their impact on longevity and vitality, Maplewood Senior Living communities stand as a shining example of how these principles can be put into practice. By prioritizing social connections, embracing nature and fostering purposeful living, Maplewood offers a blueprint for seniors seeking to live their best lives well into their golden years. To experience the essence of blue zone living and embrace the joys of a life well-lived, the staff invites you to schedule a private tour of Maplewood Senior Living. Connect at chardoncrl@maplewoodsl.com or call 440-285-3300.

Summer Outings & Trips

For more information on programs, call the Geauga County Department on Aging at 440-2792130. All checks (except Everly Brothers) made payable to Geauga County Department on Aging, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 200, Chardon, OH 44024.

Phase 5 – A Motown

Tribute and Revue

June 20

Join us at LaMalfa Party Center for lunch and performance of “Phase 5!” Drive yourself to LaMalfa, located at 5783 Heisley Rd, Mentor, OH 44060. Doors open at 11:00am for seating, lunch is served at 12:00pm, and the show begins at 1:00pm. $68 per person.

Senior Day 2024 –“Music in the Meadow” June 27, 11:00am-2:30pm.

Senior Day will be at the beautiful Meadow Ridge Events property located at 17305 Mayfield Road, Windsor 44099. Activities begin at 11:00am, catered lunch served at 12:00pm, and musical guest entertainment, NorthCoast Mix will play from 12:00-2:30pm. The venue is handicap accessible, with grass and gravel parking lot. Sponsored by Ohman Family Living at Blossom, Briar, Holly and At Home. $45 per person. Deadline to register is June 14th.

Lights Out! – A Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

July 24

Join us at LaMalfa Party Center for lunch and performance of “Lights Out!” Drive yourself to LaMalfa, located at 5783 Heisley Rd, Mentor, OH 44060. Doors open at 11:00am for seating, lunch is served at 12:00pm, and the show begins at 1:00pm. $68 per person.

The Everly Brothers Tribute Show at Hartville Kitchen

August 1

Departing by bus from Chardon Senior Center (470 Center St, Chardon 44024) at 8:00am and returning at approximately

5:00pm. Our day will start by visiting the Hartville Shopping complex, then head into the Hartville Ballroom for a plated lunch that you get to choose tableside. After lunch, enjoy the Everly Brothers Tribute show. Finally, we’ll have time to shop their on-site Amish Bakery and fine gifts store before heading home. $109 per person. Checks made payable to JKL Tours.

Rabbit Run Theater –Clue On Stage

August 15

Departing by bus from West Geauga Senior Center (8090 Cedar Rd, Chesterland 44026) at 3:15pm or Chardon Senior Center (470 Center St, Chardon 44024) at 3:45pm. First, travel to Grand River Cellars Winery for dinner which includes chicken breast/ribs combo, salad, garlic potatoes, vegetable, dessert, and coffee/iced tea. Then, head to Rabbit Run theater to see “Clue on Stage” from 7:30-10:00pm. Return to CSC at 10:45pm, and WGSC at 11:00pm. $85 per person.

Cirque Du Soleil & Hofbrauhaus Cleveland

September 22

Depart by bus from Geauga County Office Building (12611 Ravenwood Dr, Chardon 44024) at 11:00am or West Geauga Senior Center (8090 Cedar Rd, Chesterland 44026) at 11:30am. First, head to Rocket Mortgage Field House for the Cirque Du Soleil “Ovo” show at 1:00pm. After the show, travel to Hofbrauhaus Cleveland for dinner. Choose one entrée; Pierogies, Gegrillet Hahnchenbrust, or sausage plate. Dinner includes fountain drink, entrée, sauerkraut balls, and apple strudel. Return to WGSC at 6:30pm and GCOB at 7:00pm. $130 per person.