Talk of the Town by Patty Reiman

If you’ve lived in Hudson for even a short amount of time, chances are pretty good that you’ve met or heard of someone who lived in our wonderful community as a child, teen or young adult and then chose to return here to raise their family.

But chances are pretty slim that the returning Hudsonite you know has lived in or traveled to as many far off places as Katie (Harrison) Disney, who has returned to Hudson with her husband, Patrick, and sons, Sam (17) and Jake (15).

Captain Katie Disney, who grew up in Hudson, served as an Army nurse.

“Now that we are ‘planted,’ I am enjoying having a garden with flowers I can admire for more than one season,” Katie said. “The one thing we missed while moving around was family, and Hudson is where most of my family lives – my mom, brothers and their families, aunts, uncles and cousins.”

The Disney family, (l-r) Patrick, Katie,
Sam and Jake, is putting down roots in
Hudson after living literally around the
world as part of Sam’s military service.
Photos submitted.

Katie is a 1993 Hudson High School graduate. After graduating from Ohio State University, she was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army and was in active service for 10 years in the Army Nurse Corps. She and Patrick met on a USO tour in China when they were both stationed in South Korea.

But where did they choose to exchange their wedding vows in 2005? Hudson, of course! They were married while on military leave at the old Town Hall in a ceremony officiated by former Mayor William Currin.

Between Katie’s and Patrick’s military career, they’ve lived in a long list of locations, including 10 different U.S. states (Texas twice), Honduras and Korea. Their two sons were born during Patrick’s active military service. Sam was born after dad was deployed to Iraq, and Jake arrived while dad was in Afghanistan.

“We really loved everywhere we lived and made lifelong friends along the way, but swimming with sea turtles in Hawaii and living in that paradise was our favorite,” said Katie. “We loved travelling throughout Asia and walking the Great Wall of China.”

Katie brought Patrick, Sam and Jake back to Hudson last year after Patrick retired from military service after more than 26 years. She is consulting at several nearby school districts as a behavior analyst and is part of Hudson Community First and League of Women Voters of Hudson. Patrick is enjoying golfing and a flexible schedule in retirement. Sam plays volleyball and is part of the HHS band. Jake plays several sports through Special Olympics.

“The more experiences I had in life, the more I realized how lucky I was to grow up here. Patrick and I are thrilled to give our sons that same solid foundation as they grow up.”

Resident Erin Long is thrilled about the community’s generous support of her nephew Hayden, who has an extremely rare genetic disorder that causes very low muscle tone. According to Erin, he cannot support his own head, sit up or chew food and suffers seizures and developmental delays.

Hayden Long (4), here with his big brother
Wyatt (6) currently attends preschool at McDowell Early Learning
School and is “thriving there,” according to his aunt Erin Long.

“Hayden will need ongoing physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech, etc. throughout his lifetime,” she said. “Hayden’s care impacts the family in what activities they can attend, whether there is access for him in his stroller/wheelchair, and requires lots of planning such as meal prep.”

Preschooler Hayden Long (being held) gets love and support
from the Long and Hanna families, including (l-r) Ron
Long, Pattie Long, Erin Long, Wyatt Long (in front of Erin),
Steve Hanna, Ashley Long, Eric Long and Sheila Hanna.

After two critical hospitalizations in 2021, Erin and her parents, Hudsonites Ron and Pattie Long, hosted a fall fundraising event to help ease some of the financial burden on her brother, Eric, and his wife, Ashley, who also live in Hudson. Last month marked the fourth annual Help Hayden Thrive event, at the Brewhouse Pub in Kent. Ticket sales and the money raised through sponsorships and raffles go toward Hayden’s care, including a plan to convert Erica and Ashley’s garage into a ground-level adaptive living space for Hayden that will be wheelchair accessible, has its bathroom and a specialized lift. 

Erin said local sponsors include American Fireworks, owned by the Sorgi family, HiHo Brewing Company and The Pansmith-Eizenberg Squad of EXP Realty. The connections go deep. HiHo Owner Jon Hovan graduated from HHS in 2003 with Eric, and they both attended college at West Virginia University. Matt Eizenberg of EXP, meanwhile, graduated from HHS 2000 with Erin and his wife, Shannon Pansmith, graduated in 2003 with Eric. Jim Orwig of Hudson, who works with Equitable Advisors, is another sponsor as well as a close family friend.

She said the event also garners “ongoing support through raffle donations” from The Shoppe Salon and Spa, Salon 180, D’Angelos Ristorante, Zeppes, Spicy Sombreros, Lager & Vine, and Don Patron, as well as Lake Forest County Club, Ellsworth Meadows Golf Course and The County Club of Hudson.

“In addition, our neighbors of Towbridge, where we live, are an enormous support in helping us behind the scenes to put on this event,” Erin said, “as are my sister-in-law’s parents, Steve and Sheila Hanna.”

Best wishes on the garage renovations, and keep us posted on Hayden’s progress!

A career change can happen at any age, and for Hudsonite Chris Gentry, it’s an age-related thing. Not his age, but that of the older clients he now serves. Earlier this year, Gentry opened up the Northern Summit County location of Assisting Hands Home Care in Stow. It’s a national organization that offers non-medical, in-home assistance to those who face challenges living independently. They provide seniors with customized help wherever they are living, incluing personal care assistance, housekeeping, running errands, companionship and more. Their services are not limited to the elderly and can provide family members with a break from caregiving.

Resident Chris Gentry (l) stands with his wife, Tammy,
and her dad, Don, in front of the newly opened Assisting
Hands Home Care in Stow.

“If there’s one word describing this year, it’s ‘stretch.’ I’ve been learning the ropes of caregiving, the intricacies of starting a small business, and the joys of being my own boss,” Chris said. “Hudson has been the perfect backdrop for this career pivot, offering a supportive community that has made the transition smoother and more meaningful.”

The decision to change came after a successful career of more than 30 years in project management and IT. Chris, who has his master’s degree in gerontology from the University of Southern California, said he sought to, “make a positive impact on my community. As I explored different opportunities, I found a strong connection with Assisting Hands.” Chris has lived in Hudson for more than 12 years with his wife, Tammy, whom he calls a “silent partner” in this new business venture. Their children – Caitlyn, Matthew and David – all graduated from Hudson High School.

“For anyone considering a career change like mine, I would say it’s absolutely worth it. You need passion, patience, and perseverance, but if you’re committed to making a difference, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.”

We wish you well, Chris and the Assisting Hands team! As always, please share your news and adventures with us by emailing Hudson Life at news@scriptype.com. ∞