By David Eck

DAYTON DEANERY - With a bright smile and an occasional tear, Paul Naas recently helped break ground for the Mary Margaret and Paul R. Naas Wellness Center at Mercy Sienna Retirement Community.

CT/DAVID ECK

John Mauch, administrator of Mercy Siena, Paul Naas and architect Dave Bills at a reception following the groundbreaking for the Mary Margaret and Paul R. Naas Wellness Center.

The couple, who moved to Mercy Sienna in 2003, wanted to leave a gift to the residents of the complex, and after Mary Margaret died in 2004, Paul Naas decided to build the wellness center.

"She had a vision. She had a passion for wellness," said Susan Hayes, a vice president with Community Mercy Health Partners. "When I heard Mary Margaret's vision, I knew it was something that would fit in perfectly with our mission."

The center should be in operation within a year, Mercy Sienna officials said.

About 75 residents, friends, family and corporate officials attended the groundbreaking. Naas, 93, a member of Emmanuel Church in Dayton, sat on a sofa as leaders spoke of the couple and what the center will mean for Mercy Sienna residents and the community.

A wellness center has been a "dream" of Mercy Sienna officials for years.

"By this time next year, thanks to the generosity of Mary Margaret and Paul Naas, those on our campus will have access to the programs and equipment to take back the years," said John Mauch, administrator of Mercy Siena. "It does take determination to get out of that corner of the room and commit to an active lifestyle and have the most life in those years. The choice will be there to change the future from that of 'life happens' to 'health happens.'"

Dr. Robert Johnson, senior vice president at Sinclair Community College, compared Naas to the founder of Sinclair.

"He's found a need, and he's endeavoring to fulfill it," Dr. Johnson said.

The wellness center will be a single-story addition to the complex's assisted living building. It will feature a lounge, fitness center and will house rehabilitation services with a therapeutic pool. It will also include multi-purpose rooms that can be sized for various events.

The equipment and activities at the center will give residents the opportunity to live longer and healthier lives.

Mauch outlined some of the benefits of physical activity, including weight control, better sleep, more energy, relief from depression, reduced stress, a stronger immune system and a lower risk of some diseases.

"There are no guarantees in life; staying active doesn't mean you'll automatically live to 100 and never be sick" Mauch said. "But with regular physical activity, you'll increase your chances of living a longer, healthier and more independent life."

About 320 people live in the complex. Mercy Siena consists of patio homes, apartments, an assisted-living building, and a nursing facility with rehabilitation.

While extreme heat kept most of the celebration indoors, Naas and several Mercy officials went outside for the formal groundbreaking. He moved slowly with his walker and several friends, but once in place he grasped a golden shovel and lightly tossed aside a bit of dirt.

Back inside a reception area, Naas greeted a stream of friends and well-wishers.

"He is a treasure," Hayes said. "There isn't anybody like him."