Chris Rittenhouse has been described by his friends as, “the biggest country fan I know.”

He grew up in a rural area in Painesville, Ohio and listened to country music his whole life.

“I love country music because of the stories and the great singers…and how a lot of the songs are about life and how quickly it can change.”

Last April, Chris had the opportunity to participate in one of those life-changing moments. 

Sarah Bolen works as a direct support professional (DSP) at PALS — the adult day service that Chris attends.

When she was invited to share her top five country songs on the weekly Hometown DJ program on WCLT’s T-100 county station, she invited Chris to join her.

Not only did Chris get to choose a song — Blake Shelton’s “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” — but he dedicated the song to Sarah and the staff at PALS for all the work they do. 

Sarah also used some of her time on the mic to talk about the important role DSPs have. 

“One of the reasons I love what I do is because I give people dignity and a voice to be heard. Being a DSP, your work matters every single day and you can see the changes that you are making.”

Chris has experienced those changes firsthand. 

Born and raised in Lake County, Ohio, Chris’ life changed significantly after the death of his father. 

He moved to Granville to be closer to his mother and brother. But he struggled with loneliness and missed his friends. 

Two years ago, his family and LCBDD Service Coordinator Emily Dodd encouraged him to spend two days a week at PALS and his life started to open up again. He added a third day a year later.

Now Chris spends time gardening with fellow PALS participants at Dawes Arboretum and Together We Grow gardens. They go bowling, do crafts — which Chris loves —  and take trips around Licking County and beyond.

“It’s a very energetic place,” he said. “We do a lot of fun things.”

Chris also enjoys going to the Licking County Community Center for 60+ Adults with his mom to play dominos, marbles and jokers and enjoy lunch. He is active in his church and loves history and genealogy. 

“I love being outdoors and spending time with my family and friends,”  he shared on the radio. “(I chose ‘Stay Country or Die Tryin’ because) it is a fun song that makes me feel proud and strong.”

Chris got many compliments on his radio performance from his friends at PALS as well as his friends at church and the senior center.  

“I wanted to help make his dream come true and play his favorite song on the radio.” Sarah said.

Although being on the radio was an unforgettable experience, Chris has been working toward other goals as well. 

PALS goes on several trips throughout the year — to the Columbus Zoo, a Columbus Clippers game, county fairs and Kings Island — that involve a lot of walking. 

Chris has been focused on wellness and has been working to build up his endurance so he can walk the entire time on the trips.

So far, he’s made great progress. The staff at PALS have been helping support and encourage him. 

He said he’s feeling healthier and is looking to spend another day at PALS each week, so he can spend more time having adventures with his friends.