This past summer, Ned Dewire brought 50 of his neighbors and friends from Friendship Village, a senior living community in Dublin, Ohio, to Lakeside during the last week of August. Their visit was part of Lakeside’s growing Learning Journey Group Travel program, which offers groups an immersive experience centered on learning, connection and renewal.
Unlike traditional group trips packed with nonstop activities, Learning Journeys at Lakeside balance structured programs with free time to explore. Set along the shores of Lake Erie, our historic community invites guests to linger on front porches, stroll shaded paths, attend enriching performances, or simply enjoy a quiet moment by the water.
Groups often find that learning together sparks deeper conversations, strengthens friendships and creates shared memories that last long after the trip ends.
For Dewire, Lakeside is deeply personal. As the former Director of Religious Life, he knows the community inside and out – and loves sharing it with others. When this initiative launched, he was the first to sign up.
This visit marked his second trip back since retiring and his first with such a large group of friends. During their stay, the Friendship Village group experienced the arts, relaxed on the front porch of Hotel Lakeside, explored nearby Kelleys Island, and took part in the rhythms of daily life that make Lakeside special.
“What makes Lakeside special hasn’t changed,” Dewire said. “The spirit of the people who visit, their response to programs, and their willingness to support the community financially is remarkable. That doesn’t happen everywhere.”
Learning Journeys are designed especially for retirees, church groups, schools, senior living communities and other organizations seeking both enrichment and connection. While Lakeside handles logistics like meals, accommodations and programs, group leaders can focus on fostering conversation and community.
Participants return home feeling refreshed, inspired and deeply connected, not just to one another, but to the Lakeside community itself. For Dewire, the program is more than travel; it’s a way to invite others into a place that shaped his life and faith.
A Lifelong Connection to Lakeside
Lakeside has long been part of Dewire’s story. His first visit was for the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church, never imagining he would one day leave a legacy here. Beyond sharing Lakeside with his Friendship Village friends, he continues to support the Preacher of the Week endowment, modeling generosity and dedication as a true Lakeside ambassador.
Dewire served as Lakeside’s Director of Religious Life from 2014-2018, strengthening the Religious Life pillar with programs that continue to shape the community today. He introduced Sunday evening Vespers, now called Sunset Praise, strengthened teen ministry, and reimagined the Monday-Thursday services into Faith for Living Hour, giving Preachers of the Week more freedom to lead in ways that inspired both thought and reflection.
A Life of Faith & Leadership
Born in Mariemont, Ohio, Dewire attended Ohio University, where he met his late wife, Shirley, and served as president of the Wesley Foundation, the Methodist student movement on campus. Encouraged to explore ministry, he went on to Boston University School of Theology, focusing on social justice. During his time there, he shared a campus with Martin Luther King, Jr., whom he described as “phenomenal.”
Dewire’s ministry led him to Detroit, where he served as Associate Minister at Central Methodist Church and later as Missions Director for the Detroit Conference. He went on to hold national church leadership roles before becoming President of the Methodist Theological School in Delaware, Ohio, a position he held for 20 years before retiring in 2006.
After a few years at Bay View Chautauqua as Director of Religion, Dewire and Shirley felt drawn back to Lakeside, where he joined the staff and continued to leave a lasting mark on the community.
Share the Lakeside Experience
Just as Dewire has welcomed friends into the magic of Lakeside, you, too, can introduce your loved ones to this special community. Learning Journey Group Travel makes it easy to plan an immersive visit full of learning, connection and discovery. Whether you’re bringing retirees, a church or school group, or family and friends, Lakeside takes care of the logistics around the meals, accommodations and programming so you can focus on renewal and building memories together.
Start your own Lakeside journey and share the experience with those you care about. Contact Theresa Barger, Manager of Conference & Events, at [email protected] or (419) 798-4461, ext. 279 to learn more and plan your group’s visit.
