For Anastasia Bettis, it was never a question that she would step in to take care of her mother, Mardi Marshall, before they ultimately made the decision to look at senior housing options.

According to a study conducted by National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, more than 29% of the U.S. population is providing care for a disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year.  Anastasia Bettis is one of those family members, but the passion, commitment and bond she shares with her mother, Mardi Marshall, would be completely off the charts if one tried to measure it in a research project.

Mardi is a native of Oregon, and after graduating from the University of Oregon she travelled the world teaching English in different locations including the Philippines, Subic Bay and Germany.  Having always admired Mardi’s passion for traveling, Anastasia was fortunate to follow in her mother’s footsteps with her decade-long career in the airline industry.  Through her work, Anastasia said she was able to visit places that she “could have only dreamt about.”

Eventually Mardi returned to school and received her Masters Degree in Special Education at Gallaudet University, where she met her husband. They raised four children, Anastasia being the youngest.

The family actually lived on the campus of Gallaudet for several years, and they are skilled communicators in sign language.  Since Anastasia’s father had a severe hearing impairment, Mardi would communicate with him through sign.  This skill has proven to be extremely valuable to Mardi after a series of health problems culminated in her loss of the ability to type, write and talk. “Having the sign language has been a blessing,” said Anastasia.

Referring to her mother as her “best friend,”Anastasia actually shared a two-bedroom apartment in Silver Spring, Md. with Mardi prior to her health issues.  When Mardi suffered a heart attack and breast cancer, her daughter took a leave of absence from her position to be a full time caregiver until Mardi regained her independence.  In addition, Anastasia’s flexible work schedule allowed her to offer her mom support even when she returned to work.

When Mardi had a stroke, it was again Anastasia who took leave to be by her mother’s side.  This proved to be much more challenging for both of them.  While Mardi received rehabilitation at a nursing center, Anastasia was with her daily and eventually brought her home to continue the rehabilitation.

Not only was Kensington Park a perfect living environment for Mardi, but the retirement community provided Anastasia with a career opportunity that has enabled Mardi to see her loved ones regularly, including her new grandson, Colin.

When Mardi appeared to be stable, her daughter accepted a position traveling with a Saudi royal family on their private airplane.  Although the position required her to be away for 30 consecutive days, she would then be at home for the next 30.  It was during her absence that Anastasia and her sister, Stephanie, discovered that Mardi was truly having a tough time living on her own.  Together, they all determined that finding a community to provide additional support would be a smart move.

They started visiting communities and immediately discovered that the larger campus-like communities would not be a good match for Mardi’s personality.  Once they had narrowed the list of smaller communities within close proximity to Anastasia and Stephanie’s homes, they began more visits.  Among the first options they toured was Kensington Park Retirement Community, an independent and assisted living community in the heart of a peaceful Kensington, Md. neighborhood.

“Mom instantly got a beautiful feeling where she didn’t get the feeling before,” said Anastasia, recalling their initial visit. “I could see mom living here. It was bright. It was comfortable. Everything was perfect for my mom. It was small enough too”

In addition to this welcoming environment, Kensington Park offers its residents security with a continuum of care services.  This includes luxury independent living in the Highlands, premier assisted living in The Woodlands and The Groves, and a specialized memory support program in The Gardens. With its emphasis on personalized services, family involvement and a diversity of programs, the mother-daughter duo knew without question the community would be the perfect place for Mardi.

Now a resident of Kensington Park for over six years, she has made many friends and is able to communicate well with everyone even with her diminished speech.  Mardi especially enjoys playing Bridge with her new neighbors and according to Anastasia, she partakes in nearly every activity that the community offers.

From a variety of entertainment onsite to trips to the nation’s capital, Mardi and her peers have the flexibility of keeping their schedule as busy as they like.  Along with different spiritual and educational opportunities, popular activities include yoga, walking the grounds of Rock Creek Hills Park and bird watching from the community’s beautiful gardens. Residents also have access to a movie theatre, fitness center and beauty/barber salon.

As she maintains this active and engaged lifestyle, Mardi and her daughter especially appreciate the fact that she is able to do so not only with the knowledge of available healthcare services, but the numerous amenities offered at Kensington Park.  Weekly housekeeping, 24-hour security and concierge, restaurant style dinners, a wellness clinic and scheduled transportation for appointments are among the many services provided by the community.

Completely assured Mardi is in good hands, Anastasia is actually able to have a rare insider’s view on what her mom is up to each day.  In 2010, she accepted a position working in the marketing department at Kensington Park.  Randy East, the marketing director at the community, said, “We had an opening and I couldn’t think of a better person for the position than Anastasia.  Her first hand experience as a caregiver and having a parent here at Kensington Park give her an authentic perspective that our residents and families really appreciate.”

Despite having a rare insider's view on what her mom is up to each day, Anastasia is completely assured Mardi is in good hands with the community's continuum of care and other amenities.

And for Anastasia, this opportunity has come with a great perk as it has put her back in touch with her best friend. “She comes into the office once or twice a day and brings a smile to my face.  She always brings me treats and hugs and everything,” she said.

Summarizing the unique path their lives have taken, Anastasia said, “It’s just been such a beautiful journey. It’s been a beautiful transition from aviation to settling down to having a job not living out of my suitcase. Seeing mom every day has just been a joy. She just absolutely loves Kensington Park and I do too.”

“These active adults are the largest, wealthiest and fastest-growing segment in the population and they are searching for products, services and programs that are designed specifically for them,” says Lisa Puma, senior director of Marketing of GHA Community Management. Essentially, these individuals are looking for a maintenance-free, activity-filled, and well-managed community where they can begin their transition into retirement.

An option that perfectly complements the lifestyles of these vigorous individuals””while shifting from the common misconceptions surrounding senior housing””are Active Adult Communities, a unique form of housing where individuals move in at the age of 55 or older to enjoy the perks of various amenities. Many communities offer the option of purchasing a home or renting to further accommodate individual financial needs.

As with any other housing option, it is recommended that individuals speak to residents and the management of prospective communities in order to become familiar with their philosophy. It is also important to understand how the management of active adult communities differs from multi-family management.

“Unlike multi-family, active adult communities are unique because they require more complex management to serve the lifestyle of the homeowners,” says Lisa.”The goal is not only to achieve a successful homeowners association, but to build social involvement, exercise, education, stress reduction and a balanced lifestyle.”

GHA Community Management has a specialty division that provides professional management and lifestyle services to meet the needs of active adult communities. This includes services ranging from in-home maintenance to energy and utility management as well as various consulting services, including those for community lifestyle directors and amenity and recreational building design reviews.

Although many do not offer healthcare services, active adult communities are an appealing housing option with their extensive list of amenities and homes that are low maintenance and easily accessible. The communities are typically adjacent to recreational facilities and golf courses, and often include tennis courts and swimming pools among other perks.

With all of these aspects of a community, it is the responsibility of active adult management and key members of the staff to establish a relationship with residents that ensures the different facets of their home suits their needs and overall lifestyle.

After he served in the war, Bob and his brother decided to get involved in the printing business. Five years later, however, his brother decided he had had enough, so Bob bought his share and continued what was a very successful business. Eventually he sold it and pursed his passion as an antiques dealer.

Bob met his wife Mary Susan (Sue) after the war. “I saw her across the room at a party and I told the guy standing next to me, ‘I want to marry that girl,’” he said. After a brief courtship, the two married and raised four children while pursuing their love of traveling. When their house was becoming difficult to manage, their daughter Mary discovered Friendship Terrace, an independent living community in Washington, D.C. near her home.

While everyone was on board with the idea, Sue began developing health problems and needed the care of a nursing and rehabilitation center. The couple had fortunately been prepared and purchased a long-term care insurance policy which helps pay for her specialized care. “I go back and forth to see her everyday,” said Bob.

In his three years at Friendship Terrace, Bob has made several friends and also speaks very highly of its staff and management. “I was a businessman and I like being in a well-run business,” he said.

The location of the community also gives him access to everything he needs. “I walk down to the McDonalds every morning for a cup of coffee,” he said. “It’s good exercise and it keeps me going.”

While Bob often dines in the community’s dining room, he enjoys eating his lunch when exploring the galleries and museums throughout D.C.. He is also known to hop a bus to pursue a favorite pastime of collecting antique cigar boxes.

There is even more in store for Bob as the community begins its capital improvement project including apartment upgrades as well as public area and general building renovations.

From business principles to valuable antiques, Bob is full of sage advice. When it comes to making a life transition he said, “Stay loose and relax, this might be a little different from the life you were living, but take advantage of what it offers for you.”

“I had three mothers all my life,” she said with a laugh. “I feel I’m blessed by having a good childhood.”

With this close relationship, it is no surprise that Lucille and her two sisters came full circle to live in cottages near one another at The Village at Kelly Drive, a continuing care community with the Lutheran Social Services of South Central Pennsylvania.

They had become familiar with the community prior to its opening having cleaned the buildings as part of their volunteer work through their church.

Over the years, Lucille became the first female county controller in York County. She had married and had a son, but was widowed at the age of 38. It was 10 years later when she remarried and eventually Lucille worked for the director of the Bureau of County Audits and became an administrator for the Department of Revenue in the York office.

When it came to her future, she knew that she would eventually return to The Village at Kelly Drive. Seeing firsthand how happy and secure her sister was had also inspired her to make the move.

“I knew when I volunteered here that this is where I wanted to be,” she said. “I wanted to be independent as long as I could and take advantage of all the activities they have.”

Lucille and her second husband moved into their cottage 15 years ago. His passing, however, prompted her to move into one of the independent apartments to be close to her sisters who were in the assisted living unit at the time.

Maintaining her volunteer efforts throughout the community and for the Salvation Army, Lucille felt a sense of pride recently as she was able to enjoy the celebrations of the Village’s 50th anniversary which she said included good entertainment and a wonderful worship service. Now, she looks forward to even more anniversaries at the home she has known most of her life.

“This place has just fit in with my lifestyle, I never want to be any place else,” she said.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds several rental assistance programs for seniors who qualify. These programs include public housing, or low-income housing that is owned and operated by a local housing authority. To apply for public housing or Section 8 certificates or vouchers, you must go to your housing authority. Each housing authority has a system for accepting applications. Their representatives can explain their system and how to find an available apartment.

HUD’s Section 202 program includes apartments where the government provides subsidies directly to owners of qualified properties developed with loans or grants from the federal government. The owners pass along the federal rental assistance subsidy to qualified residents to cover the gap between the resident payment, generally 30 percent of adjusted income, and rent costs. To apply for housing in a privately-owned affordable housing community, a person will have to visit the management office for each community. Contact your local HUD office to get a list of privately-owned communities near you.

Source: http://www.aahsa.org/article.aspx?id=3780

When Mr. Knott, who is known by the staff at Morningside House in Ellicott City as “Mr. Tom,” starts talking about life with his beloved wife, Mary Jean, and their adventures, people soon realize that they are in the presence of a couple whose life could easily be the subject of a Hollywood movie!

Mary Jean operated undercover and was a known and respected administrator of polygraph, lie detection and interrogation. Tom was a renowned police dog trainer and administrator. His expertise was even called on from programs around the world.

Training dogs was part of Tom’s job, but it also became the couple’s passion in their leisure time. Over the years, they trained and raised many dogs and won countless awards at dog shows throughout the country.

The couple met while roller skating in New York in their early 20s. They both taught roller skating lessons and participated in competitions. This was the beginning of a long successful marriage and partnership as the couple enthusiastically shared a variety of interests, hobbies and vocations. The Knotts moved to Baltimore early in their marriage and eventually settled in a beautiful home on eight acres near Morningside House.

Down the road, Mary Jean’s health took a turn and, to complicate matters, Tom was facing some health challenges as well. As opposed to leaving their beloved home, the couple hired home care assistance, but their experience was not a good one. They fell prey to poor care, unreliable help and worst of all, fraud and crime.

“It was frustrating and frightening, and I was really concerned about Mary Jean,” said Tom.

Fortunately, the couple’s physician took a keen interest in their well-being. With the assistance of his wife, he began to investigate better available options and helped the Knotts select Morningside House, an assisted living and dementia care provider.

“This type of situation is what makes my job so rewarding. Mr. Tom and Miss Mary Jean were in a very unsafe environment and to have assisted their physician’s wife in the move to Morningside was as fulfilling as it gets,” says Alan LeMay, Director of Marketing. “Knowing they are in a secure environment where people care about them makes every day better. This is the perfect example of how essential it is for seniors to be aware of all the options available to them in the community and how it affects their quality of life.”

Since their move, the couple has been free of any home maintenance with the community’s range of amenities including housekeeping, linen and laundry services. Morningside House also offers scheduled transportation, three daily restaurant-style meals and a 24-hour emergency call system that provides peace of mind for the Knotts and their fellow residents.

Individuals also have several opportunities for socializing with elegant common areas, weekly trips and private dining areas for family gatherings.

For the Knotts in particular, it was also an ideal location since the community’s close proximity to their large estate still enables Tom to return frequently to get his photos, books and memorabilia. Having so many apartment style choices made it easy for the Knotts to choose a spacious one-bedroom apartment overlooking the courtyard that would accommodate all of their favorite memorabilia and comforts of their home.

With the goal of creating a win-win situation for all residents, Morningside’s fundamental philosophy of keeping couples together despite their different care level needs made the transition and experience for the Knotts a very good one.

Although this convenience along with the location and services of Morningside House have been a perk for Tom, it is the care of the community that has had a true impact for him and his wife.

“The difference is dramatic; Mary Jean is eating and talking more,” said Tom.

For Tom, the advantage is obvious, as he gets to spend all of his time enjoying Mary Jean, whom he refers to as “the other half of the team,” instead of worrying if she is receiving the appropriate care or taking on the caregiving role himself.

Like the Knotts, residents of the community have a great sense of security knowing a range of levels of care are available. This also includes independent living, respite care, coordinated hospice care and on-site rehabilitation.

Now, after finding a home that could provide the optimum care and a range of amenities, it is impossible to accuse this couple of not making the best decision for a relaxing and secure future.

While they consider themselves best friends, the two also refer to one another as ‘pioneers’ in reference to the day that cemented their friendship. Jerry and Lillian are avid walkers and on that particular afternoon, they decided to disregard the sign that warns individuals about crossing the highway.

“We decided we felt like pioneers and were going to brave the traffic,” says Jerry. And they did just that…a number of times.

Although they walk the same road together today, the one that led each of them to Atrium Village is quite unique.

Jerry, a Cincinnati native, had just graduated from high school when the country was on the eve of World War II. After enlisting in the Army Air Force, Jerry had met his wife and spent a good portion of his time overseas in England. With the birth of their first child following the war, Jerry returned to school and received his degrees to become a lawyer.

They eventually settled in Baltimore where they enjoyed the perks of a convenient location. When his wife passed in 1981, Jerry remained busy with his work as a military reservist.

“The Air Force was happy with my work and I retired as a colonel in the Department of HHS ATW as a supervisory attorney, but my greatest accomplishment was receiving the Distinguished Service Award,” he says.

But there was another great accomplishment in store for Jerry when his son approached him about making the transition to a retirement community that could provide the services he needed. At the time, Jerry had been experiencing cardiac problems and was living with his daughter, who had her own health concerns, and her family.

Having lived in military communities for most of his life, he was apprehensive about the move, but had heard nothing but great comments about Atrium Village. What he discovered was that Atrium Village complemented his lifestyle perfectly.

“I wanted enough space to relieve myself of housekeeping duties and I don’t like cooking because I think eating is a social experience, and this community fit perfectly into that,” says Jerry.

Surrounded by similarly active individuals and different opportunities, he has immersed himself in the social environment by helping with the Veterans’ Group and attending public affairs meetings at Atrium Village. He also plans to volunteer in a read-aloud group for residents with vision problems. Fortunately, it was this on-the-go lifestyle that led Jerry to Lillian.

“To find a soul mate is a bonus,” says Jerry, “Because we shared the same feelings and thoughts, it developed into a great friendship.”

Lillian was born in Brooklyn, NY, and since her parents were from Europe, she spoke Yiddish and Polish until she went to school.

“I fell in love with school. I wanted to be a psychiatrist; I was going to teach people how to live the most wonderful life,” she says.

Following her studies, however, Lillian became a teacher, a profession she enjoyed that enabled her to be with her two children more. Over the years, she was able to utilize her psychology background in other part-time jobs, including working with children and adults with special needs in hospitals.

When her husband passed away, Lillian was not quite sure what to do having lived in their Long Island home for 47 years. Although she continued to work, her sons had moved to Baltimore and discussed the next step.

“I was not unhappy, but I was not in the world I had lived in – that was disappearing,” she says. “They said, ‘We found a place that we think you can afford that could work out for you.’”

It was two years ago that Lillian made the move to her apartment in Atrium Village. To this day, she enjoys the freedom of no home-maintenance and constantly being surrounded by others. In fact, she is known by Jerry and her peers as one who can remember the lyrics to any song written since the ’20s and for her knowledge of literary classics.

“I’ve found a home here, I’ve met many welcoming people and I’m very happy,” she says.

And this attitude is exactly what the staff at Atrium Village strives for on a daily basis, especially its newly appointed executive director, Arnold Eppel, who came to the community after having served a storied career as the executive director of the Baltimore County Area Agency on Aging.

This government agency is the largest area agency in the State of Maryland, and under Arnold’s leadership, it created and managed countless programs that have garnered local and national attention. The most well-known program is the annual Baltimore County Senior and Baby Boomer Expo. The Expo attracts thousands of Baltimore County residents and put Arnold front and center to meet and better understand the region’s issues, offerings and challenges.

After completing his graduate studies in the innovative Erickson School of Aging Studies at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), Arnold was inspired to transfer his experience, training and education to a different venue, which led him to Atrium Village.

The position has allowed him to focus his talents and energies on the needs of a tight-knit community as opposed to the massive geographic reach of Baltimore County. Arnold himself is a resident of Owings Mills and lives just a few minutes from the community which only enhances his connection to the surrounding neighborhoods and his ability to serve as a leader.

Arnold’s enthusiasm and drive to make Atrium Village “the best retirement community in the state” are unwavering. He is a fixture in all parts of the community soliciting feedback from the residents, talking to staff and focusing on ways to improve and innovate. His enthusiasm and expertise lends itself to Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Legacy Court, or Memory care.

The constant aspirations of the staff and the offerings of the community further prove to residents like Lillian and Jerry, and their families, that they made the right decision.

“At the time, people told me I should have moved in with my children,” says Lillian, “I thought, they have their own families and homes, and I’m part of that family, but I want my own place.”

And with her budding friendship and a retirement community that strives to meet individualized needs, Lillian certainly found the right place. At Atrium Village, whether it’s simply stretching the boundaries of a walk or exceeding expectations in retirement living, there is no question that there are several “pioneers” among its residents and staff.

However, the Kaffenbergers are not at all resistant to the inevitable change that comes with age. When asked how she adapted to living in a new situation, Jeanne cited her attitude as a big factor in her happiness.

“Situations change, and we all have to change with it,” she said. “You can make yourself happy or unhappy-I prefer to be happy.”

When they moved into Kensington Park Retirement Community about January 2006, they immediately began to forge new relationships within their new living arrangements. Kensington Park offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, in three Victorian-Styled residences.

“When you move into a situation like this, you’re back in a community,” Jeanne said. “It has all the attributes of a good neighborhood.”

According to the Kaffenberger’s, their decision to move was not a need-based one. In fact, the move was made with the goal of remaining independent while being connected to a network. When asked if she had any advice for those seeking senior living options, Jeanne advised seniors to take action before it’s absolutely necessary.

“Make decisions before you’re forced into them,” she said. “Don’t wait until you lose control.”

Karl graduated with honors from Brown University in 1939. He and Jeanne met through Karl’s sister, who was Jeanne’s friend and set them up on a blind date. They hit it off, and were married 10 months later in 1943, shortly before Karl served in the United States Air Force as an aviation cadet in World War II. He flew fighter planes back and forth between factories and other shipping points, delivering passengers and cargo. Jeanne was involved with a blood bank for many years before and after his military service.

“She was Mrs. Bloodbank,” said Karl, laughing. During his career, Karl was involved with the Episcopal Church, the YMCA board, the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Grandby land trust. In 1956 the couple was one of 75 families who paid $100 each to found The Grandby Tennis Club, which Jeanne said is still “thriving” today.

“It’s similar to how it was back then,” she said. “The integrity had to be maintained.”

After the war, Karl started up his own real estate appraisal business, and Jeanne worked for Betty, her husband’s secretary in the office. He retired in 1993 at age 75.

When the couple decided to move out of their home in 1997, several factors weighed into their decision. The yard work was hard to maintain, the weather had been bad in recent years and frequent power outages left the couple in the dark.

“Somebody sneezed and the power went out,” said Jeanne.

At first, they moved to an apartment complex in Reston, Va. to be closer to their daughter Jan, who lives in Northwest Washington, D.C. However, the two quickly became dismayed by the transient nature of the people who lived there.

“The community in Reston wasn’t a good match for us because the people were temporary,” Karl said. “It was people who were in transition.

After Jeanne had a heart attack during her family’s vacation in Cape Cod, Mass., she knew it was time to consider other living options. When back in Reston, she said she was plagued by thoughts about what would happen if she or her husband were to have a health emergency.

“I kept on thinking, we don’t really know anybody around here, or what if something happens in the middle of the night,” she said. “Moving into a retirement community relieves your children tremendously.”

The couple said the actual transition to Kensington Park Retirement Community wasn’t as hard as they imagined because they had already given away furniture when moving to the Reston apartment complex. Jeanne has a minimalist view about moving and downsizing.

“Our house was a building – you make your home where you are,” she said. “Stuff is stuff, and we were not going to drag everything we owned with us.”

Now that the two have been situated in their new home for about 8 months, they said they couldn’t be more pleased with how things turned out.

“You’ll never have to know another electrician, a plumber, a painter,” said Jeanne. “All those guys who served you well as a homeowner are somebody else’s problem!”

For Mary Slaughter, home has consisted of two key places. The resident of Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge grew up in Charlottesville, Va., but spent a large portion of her life in Illinois where she worked at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. The decision to move back into the town where she grew up came as a surprise, even to her.

“I had never really thought about ever coming back to Charlottesville,” said Mary. “Now, I’m playing golf at the same club I played tennis at when I was growing up. I have come full circle.”

Mary grew up and attended public school in Charlottesville, and had a father who was a university professor. She went to college at the University of Virginia where she was always very active, playing on the Men’s Varsity Tennis Team and studying to become a physical education teacher.

“There was no women’s team at that time, so I just played with the men,” she said.

Because of her successful tennis background as a young woman, she made her way straight to the top upon graduation. Her first job out of school was as a professor of physical education at Mt. Holyoke College in Massachusetts.

“I had an extensive background in tennis that enabled me to jump right into the college level,” she recalled.

When she decided to get her master’s degree, she chose the University of Illinois. When the institution began to prioritize research more than teaching, she went on to get her Ph.D. Even though she was busy working with the Physical Fitness Research lab at the university, she still participated in tennis tournaments.

After spending almost her whole career at the university and later as manager at a tennis club in Illinois, Mary became ill. During this time, she said she began to appreciate how much her family meant to her.

“It made me realize the importance of family and the need to be near them,” she said. “And it’s really interesting so many of the people who are at Westminster are here to be near their children.”

Mary moved into Westminster Canterbury about a year and a half ago. While she admitted she initially had difficultly adjusting to a new situation, she said most of her concerns were put to rest after just a couple months.

“It was remarkable,” she said. “Although it was challenging at first, I re-connected with old friends and made new ones rather quickly,”.

Because Mary is a Charlottesville native, many residents who are new to the area have come to depend on her navigational skills, answers to questions or just a caring ear to listen. She said she finds herself driving her newly-found friends around the Charlottesville area, which she knows quite well.

“It’s been a really great marriage, if you will, because I enjoy being out in Charlottesville and I can drive,” she said. “It’s always nice to be helpful to others and it gives me the chance to take friends along, which is always fun.”

These days she spends her time involved in the many offerings at WCBR, as well as golfing 2-3 times a week, spending time with her dog Buster, and even manages to fit in a card game she hasn’t played since her days at the University of Virginia.

“I’ve taken up bridge and I hadn’t played since college,” she said with a laugh. “Now I’m playing a lot of bridge.”

Mary is one of the younger residents of Westminster Canterbury, and she said she enjoys the diverse age range. While difference in age is something that may have mattered in high school, now the years between her and her friends don’t matter as much, she said.

As a teenager or a child, it does make a difference,” she said. “But I really am very lucky because I now have the opportunity to interact with a wide range of ages.”

When asked what advice she would give to those considering a move, she advised seniors to monitor their health vigilantly as to not miss out on the activities their community may have to offer.

“So many people wait too long to move, and then can’t take advantage of the opportunities,” said Mary. “If you don’t have energy and health, you can’t appreciate all that is around you.”

Though Mary’s lifestyle in Virginia is a little different from the one she left behind in Illinois, she has no regrets about relocating back to her old stomping grounds. With one brother living near her in Charlottesville and another close by in Richmond, the decision was almost made for her.

“It makes sense for me to come back here because I had no family in Illinois,” she said. “I had known about Westminster-Canterbury and knew a lot of people here before I moved back, primarily friends of my parents and family. Personal connections were easy.”

And looking back, Mary knows her decision to come full circle was the right one.

“I could have made the decision to stay in Illinois, but I’m so glad I didn’t,” she said. “I’m having a great time. It’s another stage of life.”

While sitting in the private dining room at Dresher Estates, with daughter Sharon by his side, we listen to his stories of boating down the Schuykill, camping, ice skating, and driving his ’29 Ford Roadster, complete with rumble seat and 19 cent a gallon gasoline. Siggy makes his world come alive. He speaks lovingly of his wife Elaine. They first met when she was 14 years old. “She was too young,” he says. Five years later, Siggy and Elaine remet and eloped shortly thereafter.

In those five years, Siggy attended and graduated from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. He dreamed of buying his own pharmacy, and Elaine’s father lent them $2,500.00 to buy a store in West Oak Lane. Together, Siggy and Elaine built a business that provided a handsome living for the Rosenberg family.

As Siggy and his daughter reminisce, he shares the secret of his 49-year marriage. A weekly date. Wednesday was dinner and movie night for the couple and every Sunday was family day. Sharon spoke of memories of the pharmacy: watching her dad fill prescriptions, dispense advice, and mentor the teenage boys who worked at the soda fountain. She is still in touch with some of those boys, now grown men, who remember with fondness, Siggy’s customer service training. “The customer is always right.”

Siggy has made a new home at Dresher Estates. Ellen Newman, Executive Director of the community, speaks warmly of Siggy and the other residents, families, and employees. “In the four years we have been open, we have become a family,” she says.

Siggy has made new friends with his peers and with the staff. He has continued to participate in activities he was involved in before moving and has found his artistic side designing and making jewelry. He also plays poker a few times a week with the guys. Siggy’s stories about fishing at the Jersey shore charm his new friends.

As we end our conversation, Siggy smiles and his eyes light up. When we grow up, we all want to be Siggy!