Walking into Kathy Chorpening’s room in the Health Care Center at Brethren Care Village (BCV), one can tell of her love for her parents, weiner dogs and Christmas ornaments. However, what is most apparent is her brimming affection for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
“I am a nut for the buckeyes,” Chorpening said.
Born and raised in Ashland, Chorpening has always been surrounded by family including her mom, dad and brother. Paul Chorpening, her father, was very active in the local community as an attorney, law director, mayor for the city of Ashland and Common Pleas Court judge throughout his lifetime.
Chorpening has lived at BCV for 10 years, first living in the cottages with her dad then moving to Belmont Tower and now in the Health Care Center. She has made many memories while on campus including winning games of bingo and cruising around the area in an Ohio State Buckeyes themed golf cart she and her father purchased.
“They do my nails and my hair for me too,” Chorpening said as she held out her red and silver fingers and fluffed up her hair.
Decorated with photos of Ohio Stadium, crowds of fans and arguably the best coach of all time, Woody Hayes, Chorpening’s space is all decked out in scarlet and gray.
On a wooden table near the entrance, Chorpening adoringly displays a variety of Ohio State Buckeye’s ornaments she receives once a year from a subscription box she signed herself up for. During the Christmas season her niece will bring in a tree for the baubles to be hung.
“I get a new ornament every year at the end of Oct. or beginning of Nov. and then I get to put them all on my Christmas tree,” Chorpening said.
She knows all sorts of fun facts about players and coaches for the buckeyes, like how Hayes was in the military when he was a young man and dates of important games in Ohio State University football history.
When asked who her favorite player was, she said “I don’t have a favorite player. I like anyone who is a Buckeye.”
And don’t you dare say the ‘M’ word in her room, it’s forbidden.
Her love for the Buckeyes began at a young age, taking after her father’s interests in sports. Going to and watching games was an activity the two connected over often, a bond shared between dad and daughter.
“My dad and I have been fans for years,” Chorpening said. “We went to see them play Michigan once and we had seats all the way up in the boomers. I didn’t even want to go to the bathroom because I didn’t want to miss anything.”
Chorpening still watches the games on television when she can, keeping her and her father’s tradition alive.
When asked what her favorite part about football was, Chorpening simply said “When we win,” with a big smile on her face.
The BCV Health Care Center provides care to those who need assistance in daily living. To learn more about specific amenities, visit their website or call 419-289-1585.
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