For Fox Run Manor residents, spreading kindness rocks

Residents and staff have planted a new garden at Fox Run Manor, but it's not filled with marigolds, daffodils or tulips. This garden is filled with rocks. A sign nearby reads: "Welcome to our kindness rock garden. Take one for inspiration. Share one for motivation, or leave one to help our garden grow." Clinical counselor Cindy Overmyer said the mission of the rocky plot is to spread a little kindness through an encouraging word or a funny picture. "We've got enough darkness in the world," she said. "We need more positivity. And it's crazy how you can just turn an ordinary object into something extraordinary." Overmyer acknowledged that painting rocks isn't new, but she thought it would be a good way for residents to show kindness to one another and to others in the community. "I wanted a spot where they could collect and write positive messages because I'm a big believer in positive affirmations," she said. "If you think positive and tell it to yourself and tell it to others, then it brings positivity to your life." Residents have been enthusiastic about the challenge, she noted. "The residents have been going through some dark years, as we all have. So they wanted something to get them back outside, get them back into nature, but also spread some positive kind words to others," Overmyer said. "They really wanted to let people know that they are resilient and strong, and so are the people out in the community." The first rocks were placed just outside the front door of the facility, at 11745 Township Road 145, two weeks ago. Since then, about 50 stones have been painted by people of all ages and abilities, Overmyer said. "We're getting more rocks every day. People are wanting to paint them inside, and then the community is also bringing them out and taking ones that resonate with them," she said. Resident Betty Calloway has painted four pebbles so far and plans on making another four, including one with an American flag design. Her red, white and blue "Happy 4th" rock is already outside. "I want to fill these gardens," said Calloway, who recently turned 80 and has been living at the nursing facility for a year. "I love this idea." Overmyer said there was another resident who stayed at the facility while she received skilled therapy. "She came out and resonated with a rock that had a special meaning on it and put it on her shelf inside. And she's like, 'This is just motivating me to keep going.' And so it was really neat to see," said Overmyer. "She just recently left, and she threw the rock back out here for somebody else." Residents paint rocks during activity time, as therapy and just on their own, she said. "Most come up with their own ideas. Sometimes they might get creative with a message and we brainstorm together what to do," she said. "Other ones are just silly." She's seen rocks painted with bugs and flowers, as a watermelon and in honor of sports teams. One rock looked like an eyeball, so the resident painted it to look like an eye. "It kind of puts a smile on your face when you come out here," Overmyer said. "I like that and that they've really connected with it. This would be impossible without the residents and without the community involved." A polyurethane spray is used before the stones are taken outside. If someone doesn't have those supplies available, rocks can be left at the front lobby. Overmyer will spray them and then take them out to the garden. Anyone is welcome to participate, she added, or they can just come out and look at the garden. To share the rocks on social media, add #KindnessRocksatFRM on the back. "Let's see how far a rock goes or how it connects to someone. It could end up anywhere," she said. "Our little place could make it around the world. You just never know the impact." Wolf: 419-427-8419