Gillette marks 90 years

WARREN -- Gillette Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation celebrated its milestone 90th anniversary Wednesday afternoon at its facility at 3310 Elm Road NE.

Although Gillette Community Liaison Angie Stulgis coordinated the event, she said the day's celebration grew out of pure devotion and wasn't put together by a single person.

"It was a deeply unified effort by the management team working hand in hand with our residents and staff," Stulgis said.

She said she dove deep into the nursing home's history by researching both state and regional records.

"What I discovered completely took my breath away. Gillette stands proudly as the oldest continuously family-owned and operated multigenerational care facility in the entire state of Ohio. Other facilities have opened their doors over the years, but many have changed hands, closed or been bought out by corporate chains. Gillette stands unique in the longest-lasting, unbroken legacy of family-led care in Ohio history," Stulgis said.

She added that when Mahoning Valley families entrust their loved ones to them, they know they are in safe, loving hands, and that Gillette's longevity reflects the faith placed in it.

Brothers Doug and Todd Stein are fourth-generation owners of the facility. The story began 90 years ago on the farm property that stood where the current facility now stands. Virgil and Emma Gillette, the Stein brothers' great-grandparents, owned a dairy farm. At some point in the 1930s, the barn on their property burned down. In 1936, great-grandma Emma opened their farmhouse doors to neighbors unable to care for themselves.

"One of the first residents at the farmhouse was the first Trumbull County Commissioner, Jay Wadsworth," Todd Stein said.

Mildred Stein was the next generation to own the property. Mildred Stein married and moved to Vienna, but later moved back in with her mother. Doug Stein reflected on his time with his grandmother, Mildred, as they spent Christmas Eves together and she took Doug and Todd shopping.

"I wish I had spent more time sitting down and talking with my grandparents. Grandma lived to be 100," Todd Stein said.

Todd and Doug's parents, Chuck Stein Jr. and Janet Stein, were the third generation to own the business.

Todd Stein described his staff as "truly the heartbeat of our organization by turning this building into a home."

Director of Nursing Paula Zigmont of Champion said the Stein brothers are like family to her.

"They are like my brothers. It has been a wild ride, but in the end we are all good. My sister is an activity aid here and my niece also works here as an STNA. My daughter also worked here before becoming a nurse," Zigmont said.

Stulgis described current owners Todd and Doug Stein as "hands-on owners."

"Walk past their office on any given day, and you will see a literal line of residents waiting to talk to them. Doug and Todd are truly their friends. They know every resident's name," Stulgis said.

The current facility was built in 1987, and in 2010, all the rooms were privatized.

Mayor Doug Franklin offered a proclamation from the City of Warren, thanking the family for being a valued economic anchor through the decades and providing a true home to area residents.

"The City of Warren recognizes and celebrates this extraordinary 90-year milestone and the enduring contributions of the Gillette and Stein families, whose commitment to compassionate care has enriched the lives of countless seniors, families, employees and residents throughout our community," Franklin said.

Trumbull County Commission President Tony Bernard said he has known the Stein family for many years, that his son played ball with Todd's son, and he also knew his parents, adding that they are a very respected family in Trumbull County. Bernard wished the Stein family many more years of continued success.

"A resolution was passed by the Trumbull County Commissioners congratulating Gillette Skilled Nursing Home, signed by Rick Hernandez, Denny Malloy and Tony Bernard," Bernard said.

An Ohio Health Care Association representative from Columbus, Diane Dietz, thanked the Steins for their dedication to staff and community. She said she was at Wednesday's celebration on behalf of state lawmakers, who also issued proclamations.

"When Angie Stulgis called me and talked to me about this wonderful celebration, in a nice way, I challenged her. I can think of a few families that are multigenerational, but clearly you are the longest standing, so you should be very very proud," Dietz said.

Mark Kholos, account executive from the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, extended the appreciation from the chamber.

"You make our job easier because you add to the quality of life here that goes beyond the years," Kholos said.

Todd Stein said that Stulgis informed him last week that they would have a little celebration this week. It was a total surprise to both Stein brothers. They did not realize the extent of the anniversary celebration.

"This is so humbling. So many wonderful people have come into our lives and so many amazing employees and families who have touched us all the way back to Emma and Virgil. I sit back and think about it -- 90 years. I wonder if my great-grandparents ever dreamed that a barn fire would lead to a rest home and their great-grandsons continuing the operation. I wish I could say to them, 'I hope we made you proud'," Todd Stein said.

Longtime friend of the Stein family, Tom Ferguson, presented the Stein brothers with a large plaque with the words "1936-2026 90th Anniversary Generations of Care."

"We are shooting for 100, God willing," Todd Stein said.