My Journey to Otterbein: Vicki A.

Posted on: December 21, 2020
Vicki A. and husband pose for a Christmas photo

Baked acorn squash, pumpkin pie, and...pickle cupcakes? Otterbein Cridersville resident Vicki A. has made them all!

Learn more about Vicki’s passions for baking and playing the piano, and how she does both at Otterbein. 

58 Years of Experience 

Since moving to Otterbein after a rehab stay a little over a year ago, Vicki has shared her impressive baking talents with other residents. She’s been baking for more than 50 years, ever since she first got married.

“Now, I usually give away at least half of what I make,” she said. 

Her repertoire includes Southern Chess, apple, and pecan pies with homemade crusts. She said she’s open to trying just about any recipe - including the aforementioned pickle cupcakes. 

88 Keys

Another of Vicki’s talents is playing the piano. She began taking lessons at age 5 and got her first big break playing the organ at her church at age 16. 

Today, she’s still playing, particularly for the Sunday evening worship service at Otterbein, Monday morning Bible study, and the women’s coffee group on Wednesday mornings. Some of her favorite pieces to play include songs from the ‘50s and worship songs arranged for the solo piano. 

“I’ve always found it as good stress relief,” she said. “At one time, I had a piano student who would come over and play when he couldn't deal with his family anymore. And music is vital in my life, too.” 

Living at Otterbein

In her independent living apartment at Otterbein, Vicki says she enjoys having everything she needs all in one place - including a kitchen that’s perfect for her baking. 

“Selfishly, I like that I don’t have to go outside if it’s nasty weather,” she said with a laugh.

She also had lavish praise for the Otterbein partners, particularly ones who work at the front desk: “Those ladies at the desk - I’ve never heard them raise their voice. They are just always bubbly, sweet, and gentle.”

Learn More About Apartment Living

Vicki mentioned one benefit of an independent living apartment - not having to go outdoors in bad weather to run errands, shovel snow, or go to the mailbox. 

Watch our recent video, featuring several of our apartment residents, to learn more about the benefits of apartment living at an Otterbein SeniorLife community. 

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