30 Videos For 30 Years
This year we are celebrating 30 years in the senior living industry as a family-owned company! To recognize this momentous occasion, we will be creating 30 videos throughout 2023 – these videos will shine a spotlight on resident stories, team members, and more. Our first video in the series highlights some “pearls of wisdom” that we have received from residents throughout the years. See below for the rest of our videos, and check back regularly to see more throughout the year!
Meet Ron
This year, Merrill Gardens launched a "Kindness Initiative". For this reason - we thought it was even more special that we interview Ron, who began handing out "BE KIND" buttons years ago. He has handed out thousands of buttons, receiving such positive feedback along the way.
Meet Kelsey
Meet Kelsey. She started working at Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill (CA) when she was 18 and has worked there for five years. As she mentions in the video, she has grown exponentially during her time at Merrill Gardens. Learn more about Kelsey by clicking the button.
Meet Derek
Meet Derek: an avid traveler and piano player, and a resident of Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill (CA). Derek has gone on incredible adventures with his sons... also known as his favorite travel buddies. His stories are truly amazing! Learn more about Derek by clicking below.
Meet Iris
Iris climbed Mount Kilimanjaro at 80 years old. Yes — you read that right, no — that is not a typo. 80 years old! She described the experience as "an adventure, exciting, and a challenge". Hear more about Iris' climb by watching this video.
Meet Larry
Meet Dr. Larry! He was a very successful dentist from Gig Harbor, WA, and he certainly accomplished more than an incredible career. Larry led a climbing expedition called the "Denali Traverse Expedition". He describes the experience, his trials and tribulations, and what it was like when he reached the top. Click below to watch this video.
Meet Elta and S
Elta Blake and S Colombotto — the most lovely couple. S talks about all of Elta's Hollywood accomplishments, how they met, and even name-drops a few very well-known people that Elta has met or worked with! 😉 Watch this video by clicking below.
Meet Tex
If you are from the Pacific Northwest, it's likely you are familiar with Emerald City Smoothie. Meet resident of Merrill Gardens at Auburn (WA) and the founder, Tex — in retirement, he started a smoothie shop. To say he was successful would be an understatement!
Meet Ethel
A resident of Merrill Gardens at Brentwood (CA), Ethel was born in 1919, meaning she has over a century of knowledge! She has a great piece of advice for the world and talks about what makes her proud. Watch this video to learn more about Ethel.
Meet Charles
Charles, resident at Merrill Gardens at Renton Centre (WA), sailed around the world one and a half times throughout four years. He describes it as "an adventure of a lifetime", shares some of his favorite memories, and tells us his favorite place he visited.
Meet Tony
Former NASA employee, Texan, Merrill Gardens at Renton Centre (WA) resident, and most importantly, family man. Interviewing Tony was a treat for us; his passion for his career and family was so evident in every answer he gave.
Meet Ray
Once a cowboy, always a cowboy. Ray started in the rodeo at the age of 16 — in bull riding to be specific. We had the pleasure of interviewing Ray in his apartment at Merrill Gardens at Auburn (WA) to give you an idea of his fierce love for the sport.
Meet Peggy
Have you ever met someone who climbed Mount Fuji? If not, Peggy, resident at Merrill Gardens at Renton Centre (WA), will tell you all about it. Peggy shares some great advice — make sure you only climb Mount Fuji once, not twice!
Meet Darlene and Jerry
This incredible couple lives at Merrill Gardens at Tacoma (WA). They met at the community and fell in love! Next thing Darlene knew, Jerry was talking about getting married — and the rest is history. Hear them tell their story in this video.
Meet Patricia
We're not sure about you, but we are a sucker for a good thriller movie or crime podcast. We interviewed Pat, who is a resident at Merrill Gardens at Tacoma (WA) and was a criminal Private Investigator for over 10 years.
Meet Ron
Ron, resident of Merrill Gardens at Renton Centre (WA), worked in the Washington State Patrol for 27 years. Ron worked incredibly hard in his career, but as he says in the video, "my family got me through it.".
Meet Marivic
Marivic is the Garden House Supervisor at Merrill Gardens at Ballard in Seattle, Washington. She received the national HERO Award for her commitment to residents. Watch this video to learn more about her.
Meet Karen
Karen is a nurse at Truewood by Merrill, Riverchase. She has been there for about five years and has been a licensed nurse for over 30 years! This video will warm your heart.
Meet Paul
Paul is an incredibly hard working and reliable dishwasher at Truewood by Merrill, Bradenton who has never missed a day of work. Watch this video to learn more about Paul.
Meet Derek (Part Two)
You may have already seen another video about Derek and his travels — but we couldn't stop there! Speaking with Derek, his passion for playing piano was so infectious we had to share!
Meet Shelly
Shelly is a Resident Ambassador at Merrill Gardens at Woodstock (GA). Both team members and residents speak incredibly highly of him. Watch this video to learn more about Shelly.
Meet Deeny
Deeny graduated college at age 61. "Education is one thing that no one can ever take from you" is one of the many great pieces of advice in this awesome video. Check it out!
Meet Carl
Carl is a very successful wire artist, farmer, and engineer. This video will warm your heart!
Meet Ray
Ray was a criminal investigator and worked with President Bush. Watch this video to hear about it!
Meet Herme
Herme is a resident at Merrill Gardens at Gilroy (CA). She has some amazing advice! Watch this video to learn more about her.
MERRILL MASTERMIND
Watch Merrill Gardens leadership team dive into a competitive game of trivia on the first episode of Merrill Mastermind!
Merrill Mastermind (Part Two)
Watch the Merrill Gardens leadership team dive into a superlatives game on the second episode of Merrill Mastermind!
Tana's Top Book Picks
Check out this video for five books recommended by our company President, Tana!
Meet Gene
Gene is an avid surfer. So much so that he enjoyed the sport all the way into his 60's!
Meet Pawel
He is the maintenance director at Merrill Gardens at Woodstock and the residents love him!
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