After 18 months in development, The Grove at Oakleaf Village of Columbus officially opened November 15 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials, project partners and congressional representatives.

The Grove Columbus –a $7.1 million project—is Wallick’s second memory care facility for seniors with age-related dementias. When fully occupied, it will employ up to 40 full-time associates. Those who spoke at the celebration included:

• Tom Feusse- CEO, Wallick Communities
• Dawn Nero- Executive Director, Oakleaf Village of Columbus & The Grove
• Stephanie Hess- Director of Operations, Senior Living, Wallick Communities
• Jean Thompson- Executive Director, Ohio Assisted Living Association
• Vince McGrail- Executive Director & CEO, Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio Chapter
• Ellen Short- Central Ohio Regional Representative, Office of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown
• Jocelyn Armstrong- District Director, Office of Congresswoman Joyce Beatty
• Hon. Michael Stinziano- President Pro Tem, Columbus City Council
• Reverend Leroy Troy- Oakleaf Village Resident
• Rabbi Areyah Kaltmann- Chabad Columbus

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by tours and lunch. Additionally, The Grove hosted an event for the public that evening.