By David Eck

DAYTON DEANERY — Mercy Siena Retirement Community administrator John Mauch recently picked up a new, albeit temporary, job title: grillmaster.

Mauch traded in his coat and tie for rubber gloves and cooking utensils and took his place at the grill turning sausages and burgers at a picnic celebrating the community’s 65th anniversary.

More than 120 residents, family members and guests filled an activity room at Mercy Siena for the picnic, which was moved indoors because of unseasonably cool weather.

A small band played while a singer moved through the crowd. A clown entertained and handed out balloon figures to the children.

"I think it’s wonderful," said Bobbie Swango of Centervile, whose two sisters live at Mercy Siena. "I think they had a wonderful crowd."

The picnic is the kickoff to the anniversary year. The anniversary will also be commemorated with a Mass on Nov. 23, the actual date of the community’s opening.

The milestone solidifies the values and ministry of the Sisters of Mercy, who started Mercy Siena, Mauch said.

CT/DAVID ECK

A clown makes balloon figures at a picnic celebrating the 65th anniversary of Mercy Siena Retirement Community.

The community got its start after a Catholic Charities survey in north Dayton revealed a need for housing for the elderly. A 23-acre parcel with an old TB sanitarium on it was purchased, and the Sisters of Mercy were asked to operate it.

Siena Home opened in the former sanitarium building as a home for 50 elderly men and women.

Today nearly 400 residents live at Mercy Siena in a variety of care settings including independent living, assisted living and nursing care.

The original sanitarium building was replaced in 1965. Other buildings were added in 1985, 1992, 2002 and 2003. The community is currently building the Mary Margaret and Paul R. Naas Wellness Center, which 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.

Mauch, who has been administrator at Mercy Siena since 2003, is only the sixth administrator in its history and the first male administrator. Susan Hayes, who was administrator from 1987-2003, was the first lay woman to serve in the post.

The first four administrators were Sisters of Mercy.

Today, Sister of Mercy Agnes Boes, director of resident services, is the last Sister of Mercy working at Mercy Siena. She also serves as mission director for the community, which keeps the Sisters’ original mission grounded.

"The reason we opened Siena is so we could be God’s presence," she said. "We want to extend God’s love and healing."

Sister Agnes said Mercy Siena is continuing a tradition of reaching out to the elderly.
"They come here to make their home with us," she said. "We consider it a privilege to serve our residents at this particular point in their lives."