For Sally and Bill Moore, it was never a question that they would move to Ware Presbyterian Village due its reputation in senior living, rural setting and close proximity to their dairy farm.

their family receiving a Master Farmer award for the mid-Atlantic region.  Therefore, it was not surprising that when they ultimately decided to move to a retirement community, they did not want to stray far from their life’s work.  Fortunately, they were already familiar with Ware Presbyterian Village, a continuing care community in Oxford, Pa. that they knew would offer them an ideal location and security for their future years.

Although farming was their primary career, the Moores had taken on other jobs over the years.  Sally worked for the agricultural extension service for a year and while farming, she wrote for the local newspaper and taught sewing classes in their home.  A Penn State football fan, Bill was a Boy Scout leader and served on different farming boards, including the Chester County Agland Preservation Board.

Naturally as farmers, they enjoyed taking care of the different animals they accumulated.  “We started the farm with 60 cows and now we have 800,” said Sally.  “I also had sheep at one point and used their fleece for spinning.  Today, Bill has four horses and a couple of oxen on the farm.”

The couple was prompted at an early age to look into retirement living options as a result of the experiences they each had with their loved ones.

“When our mothers were 85, we basically had to force them to move, but they ended up having a wonderful time,” said Sally.  “My mother was at Ware Presbyterian Village, so we had agreed when we were closer to 75, we were moving.”

In addition to Sally knowing the Ware family, the support her mother had received and the couple’s desire for a charming rural setting led the couple to immediately put their name on the waiting list, and they were actually able to move sooner than they anticipated.  They attributed this fortune to the fact that, unlike many of their peers, they did not have to worry about selling their property as they gladly went into business with their son and daughter-in-law who now primarily run the farm.

For the past year and a half, the Moores have enjoyed taking advantage of the various amenities at their home while Bill still visits the farm daily.  “It’s only 20 minutes away, which has been very handy for us,” said Sally.

When they are not visiting the property, they are often utilizing the fitness center at Ware Presbyterian Village while Sally remains busy on the Activities Committee.  Although they knew some individuals at the community prior to moving in, the Moores said they are always making friends at dinner or the numerous socials and even went on a cruise recently with a group of fellow residents.

And their amount of friends will only increase as a result of the Ware expansion project which will add new Independent Living villas and apartments.  “Having more people will lead to more activities and opportunities for socialization,” said Sally.

Regardless of its size, the Moores know Ware Presbyterian Village will maintain the reputation they have always known.  They could not be happier with its vibrant environment and the peace of mind they have with the continuum of healthcare services provided by a supportive staff.

“We like this community and we’ve known about it for a long time.  We’re very glad we made the decision,” said Sally.

When she is not visiting with friends for coffee at Frey Village or enjoying a day outing, Mary Klemmer is busy volunteering and addressing birthday cards to her peers at the retiremnet community.

A vibrant, active senior, Mary Klemmer was adamant that she would never leave her home. But when a fall left her unconscious for three days before she was found and hospitalized, she knew she had to revisit her decision.

Her family set out on a search for a Continuing Care Retirement Community that could provide the necessary health-care services Mary needed right away, but also complement the busy lifestyle she enjoyed. Not sure where to turn, they were referred to Frey Village, a Diakon Lutheran Senior Living Community in Middletown, Pa.

“My daughter and granddaughter came here right away, looked at it and loved it!” says Mary, who recovered from her fall with the help of Frey Village’s nursing and rehabilitative care services before moving into her one-bedroom apartment. “The nurses and therapists keep saying, ‘We can’t believe it’s you!’ when they see me.”

Completely independent, the 90-year-old woman fills her days with lots of activities. Whether she is volunteering in the village’s Country Store, assisting the chaplain, or taking her daily walk around campus, she is never at a loss for something to do.

“I really think that my whole family cannot believe the adjustment I’ve made here and that I love it,” she says. “I try to be involved as much as possible. There is always something”””such as the village’s annual Strawberry Festival, Mount Gretna art outings, unique community involvements including one with students from the Diakon Wilderness Center, and a range of interesting and scenic trips”””in which you can become involved.”

Mary also looks forward to Frey Village’s weekly dinner outings to a Middletown-area church as a time to socialize and have fun with her dinner companions.

“I go every single week because I am so amazed at the town of Middletown, how friendly all the people are in these churches and how many helpful volunteers there are,” she says. “Even if I didn’t eat, I’d think it was wonderful because of the association with the people in town.”

The carefree lifestyle found at Frey Village is a perfect respite for Mary, who spent most of her adult life working in retail management, an industry known for long hours and high stress levels. For 15 years as the owner of Mary’s Bridal House in Lancaster, she handled the formal-dress needs for a variety of special occasions.

“Some weekends I had as many as 25 weddings. I did prom shows. I also did the Miss Lancaster County pageants,” she says. “I think back and don’t know how I ever did it.”

After closing the shop, Mary put her management experience to work for a number of retailers before retiring. To this day, she still volunteers her time to address and send birthday cards to all employees at Hallmark’s 10 stores in the Lancaster area.

“I also send everyone in the Frey Tower Apartments a birthday card,” she says. “That is my new mission.”

When not addressing birthday cards, volunteering, participating in a Frey Village outing, sharing a cup of coffee with a friend, or visiting residents in the community’s personal care center, Mary tends to the plants and flowers on her patio””or “other living room,” as she likes to call the outside space.

“I get up every morning and love to be out there with my coffee, enjoying the view,” she says. “I sometimes just stand out there and can’t believe that I’m here.”

When you first meet Herb and M-M Harris from Philadelphia, you might be surprised to learn t

For the Harrises, the answer is simple “” they’ve chosen to live at the elegant Parkside at Rydal Park so life can be even more carefree. As the newest neighborhood of Rydal Park, the continuing care retirement community located in Abington Township, Parkside is ideal for people like Herb and M-M, who get the most out of each day they have.

“The truth is, we’re probably busier now than we’ve ever been,” laughs M-M. “Only now we’re doing more things we want to do, since we no longer have to shovel snow, rake leaves or take care of maintenance-type issues.”

The change in lifestyle that many people associate with moving to a retirement community is one people love at Rydal Park, say the Harrises. Rather than giving up their interests or ties to the community, they’re able to experience and enjoy even more.

“We don’t lack for things to do,” explains Herb. “We’re still very active in all the things we did before moving here. And as the president of the Residents’ Association, I’m always meeting with residents to gain insight into ways to make our community the best it can be.”

Currently, Rydal Park offers 45 different committees for residents to choose from, if they want to participate, in virtually every imaginable area of interest at the community “” dining, groundskeeping, programs “”there’s even a committee passionate about promoting healthier lifestyles through sustainability and recycling. Add in the numerous convenient services and amenities on site “” including a pool, fitness center, greenhouse, art gallery, library, restaurant dining and more, and there’s something for everyone. According to Herb and M-M, it’s the continuing care aspect of the community that makes all these new opportunities even more fulfilling.

“We really like the idea of continuing care,” explains M-M. “It’s such a great feeling to know if we ever need care, we’ll have it right here for as long as we need it “” and we won’t have to depend on our children. Both of our parents were in a retirement community like Rydal Park, so we know the advantages of having parents experience such a lifestyle. We want the best for our kids.”

Now that the community is undergoing a major campus renovation project, with recent upgrades including the brand new Club Room, library and salon spa, soon area seniors will have even more reason to call Rydal Park home. Currently underway is construction of the community’s brand new, state-of-the-art medical center, scheduled for completion in fall of 2011.

“It’s a very exciting time to live here,” says M-M. “There’s so much available to you that you wouldn’t have if you were living in a house or apartment somewhere. At Rydal Park, everyone really goes out of their way to meet each person and offer friendship and support. People can be as busy as their hearts desire. We absolutely love it here.”

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/busier-than-ever/feed/ 0 http://www.retirement-living.com/a-team-effort/ http://www.retirement-living.com/a-team-effort/#comments Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:22:56 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1243 If you are looking for Alan and Millie Macfarlan, you might want to check out the Wii bowling activity area at Twining Village. In fact, visiting them may require an appointment.

As one-year residents of Twining Village, a Diakon Lutheran Senior Living Community in Holland, Pa., the couple fill their days with enjoyable activities, including socializing with friends in the new home. Whether attending a bingo game in the afternoon or seeing a movie at night, the Macfarlans keep themselves busy and love every minute of it.

“We moved to Twining Village over a year ago from the Churchville area because our large home was becoming too difficult to maintain,” explains Mrs. Macfarlan. “Along with the security and easy living at Twining, the activities and social aspect are just wonderful for us””and our health.”

Studies have shown that when older adults participate in a variety of activities, their health and sense of well-being improves. For this reason, senior living communities offer a wide range of stimulating programs, so that the individual needs of each resident are met.

As a Continuing Care Retirement Community, Twining Village provides numerous activities and programs while allowing residents a sense of security with its personal care accommodations and available nursing and rehabilitative care. Beverly Gowton, the director of community life, plans a variety of social programs and activities that challenge the mind and stimulate the imagination. Gowton encourages residents to join activities that spark their interest and she assists in starting new programs as needed or requested. Whether they are passionate about art, music, card games, travel, sporting events, or knitting, people will find something for everyone at Twining Village.

According to Gowton, Wii Bowling is a wonderful activity for the older person. “If you break down the actual activity, it provides for a wide variety of stimulation, socialization, eye-hand coordination, finger dexterity, body movement and, most importantly, it challenges the brain to think by remembering patterns. Many of the residents participate in tournaments with other local senior living communities. There is nothing wrong with a little friendly competition to get everyone up and moving.”

In fact, no matter what your age, you should participate in some type of leisure activity, advises Gowton. “As we mature, it is extremely important for us to continue to maintain those activities as much as possible. For seniors, enjoying life can help them delay the aging process and in some cases, slow down age-related illnesses. An active, busy lifestyle keeps your mind and body healthy for a longer time.”

Mrs. Macfarlan experienced several medical concerns before moving to Twining Village, but since then, she says, she couldn’t feel better. “I had several strokes and a hip replacement, but I am able to participate in so much here, nothing keeps me down. In fact, I want to start water aerobics.” Her activities roster also includes Canasta, Rummy Q, and crafts.

Along with Wii bowling, Mr. Macfarlan is in charge of movie night and plays shuffleboard.

“I believe that seniors should not sit around and watch television all day; it is important to get out and get active,” says Mrs. Macfarlan. “I try to encourage all of my neighbors to participate in the activities Twining has to offer. There’s something for everyone here. You just have to look for it and you will find it. And if someone has a new idea for an activity, they can make it happen.”

The Schoenbergs’ journey began with a blind date when Leone was a freshman at Syracuse. As their relationship progressed, she eventually transferred schools in order to start a life with him.

“I fell wildly in love with Malcolm,” she said. “We married and then I started at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.”

With his degree in electrical engineering from MIT, Malcolm had worked for three large national companies until he came upon the opportunity to join a national investment banking firm in New York, where he worked for 21 years.

“It was very demanding, but very exciting,” he said. “I enjoyed building relationships with investors and doing what was best for them; it was a very rewarding career.”

Leone, on the other hand, enjoyed devoting her time to their three sons in addition to creating works as a fiber artist. She also took pride in getting involved with different causes from participating in peace organizations to managing a historic house in Ft. Washington, Pa.

“In the 30-40 years following graduation, I was a volunteer,” she said. In fact, the couple has participated in numerous organizations throughout their lives including the Highlands Historical Society, Montgomery County SPCA and the Visiting Nurses Association Community Services.

While Malcolm has also enjoyed fox hunting and skiing for 25 years, the couple has utilized much of their free time for traveling, their first trip being to Europe in 1953. “We have done about 40-45 trips and cruises all over the world,” said Malcolm. “We’ve visited a lot of wonderful and beautiful places.” Among their array of excursions, the Schoenbergs said their most interesting adventure was in 1982, when they spent three weeks in the People’s Republic of China.

Although the couple knew they always had their wonderful family home to return to when traveling, the time eventually came for them to plan ahead for their potential future needs. Their home of 44 years covered 20 acres of land and they each knew if something were to happen to the other, neither spouse could manage it all alone.

“We wanted a maintenance-free lifestyle,” said Leone. “There had also been the experience with my mother needing care, so we wanted to solve that problem out of fairness to our children.”

As a result, the Schoenbergs proceeded to explore different CCRCs throughout eastern Pennsylvania. It was the community of Waverly Heights that particularly stood out to the couple.

“I had always said while I would be willing to move, I didn’t want to change my lifestyle having worked hard for many years,” said Malcolm. “We only found a few places that met the standards that I wanted and Waverly was one of them.”

When the opportunity arose to move in, the Schoenbergs did not hesitate to secure their spot in the community, and they have enjoyed life ever since for over a decade. “It’s a very easy lifestyle,” said Leone. “The thing that appealed to me was that it’s not a competitive community; it’s very relaxed, yet busy, and very friendly and caring.”

What has been especially important to the couple is having the ability to remain active on their own terms and maintain outside pursuits. “There are about 50 volunteer committees here. You can be as active or inactive as you want,” said Leone.

As Malcolm still assists a few of his past clients and continues his 26-year role with the Board of Directors for the SPCA, he was elected to the Board of the Waverly Heights Residents’ Association in 2001 and became president for two terms. In addition to serving on three other committees, he was elected to the community’s Board of Trustees. Like her husband, Leone has been a member of the Residents’ Association Board and now co-chairs the Windfall resale shop which earns money for activities and programs. She is also a member of other committees, including the Trips and Tours Committee, and writes for the community’s magazine, The Waverly Window.

The couple has even expanded their volunteer efforts by participating in a community outreach program organized by Philadelphia Contact Reassurance. “We make telephone calls and reach out to people in the Philadelphia area who live alone and may not have contact with anyone else,” said Leone. “One of us in the 20-member group will call them every morning to see how they are, and chat with them for a few minutes.”

Even with their outside affiliations and involvement in onsite organizations and programs, the Schoenbergs still make time to enjoy the various activities the community has to offer.

“I play Wimbledon croquet and we attend lectures, concerts and parties during the month,” said Malcolm. “There is a great social life here with our fellow residents who are very friendly people.”

According to the couple, that friendliness also extends to the staff at Waverly. “They are wonderful. I can’t praise them enough,” said Leone.
For the Schoenbergs, having excellent healthcare was their first priority when making the move and knowing they have such a supportive staff only furthers their peace of mind with Waverly’s personal care and skilled nursing services. In fact, its skilled nursing center, Muirfield, which was renovated and expanded in 2010, has received “deficiency-free” surveys for the past three consecutive years, an achievement rarely seen in U.S. nursing homes.

And Malcolm and Leone are in no way surprised by this since he stayed at the center following an accident. “The healthcare is marvelous, and so convenient,” said Leone. “Muirfield is just a couple minutes away from our villa, so I could walk to see Malcolm and have my meals with him.”

When the Schoenbergs decided to look into a senior housing option, they wanted great healthcare and did not want to sacrifice their busy schedules. Instead, they have found so much more at a community where they not only have a sense of security, but their energetic lifestyles have flourished.

“One of the best decisions we ever made was moving to Waverly Heights,” said Leone.

This comes as no surprise to her peers and the staff of the senior retirement community, located in Owings Mills, who know that Ruth’s motto is to stay busy and involved. Crediting this attitude for keeping her healthy and active at the age of 95, Ruth said, “I just wish I had more hours in the day.”

Born and raised in New York, Ruth and her husband raised a family in their beloved home in Randallstown that they purchased in 1963. Her husband has since passed away, but she has the support of her five children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

While several of her family members live nearby, Ruth enjoys visiting those outside of the area since travelling has always been an important part of her life. In fact, she has several unique destinations under her belt, including a 21-day African safari and a recent trip to Antarctica. She books most of her trips through Grand Circle Travel, an agency founded by Ethel Andrus in 1958, who also founded AARP.

Although her husband loved going on cruises, Ruth has always had a passion for more exotic locations. “Every year we went on a cruise, which I wasn’t too fond of because you would only get one day in a country,” she said. “As long as I went on one cruise a year, he would let me travel by myself on trips I was interested in.”

With a love for adventure, the outgoing and independent Ruth has had no qualms about venturing to various places by herself. “I make friends, so I don’t have any problem travelling alone,” she said. Although she has trips to Norway and Iceland planned, she also looks forward to an upcoming excursion to West Virginia with friends, along with a trip to Gettysburg, Pa. to explore its history with her granddaughter and great-grandchildren.

Aside from traveling, Ruth spent her days working in the library for over 25 years as the head of the clerical department. Retirement, however, was not very easy for Ruth. “I stayed home for one week and I couldn’t take it,” she said.

As a result, she got involved in a variety of volunteer opportunities, one of which involved working at the Liberty Senior Center. It was there she met Arnold Eppel, who was the director of the Baltimore County Department of Aging at the time and is now the executive director of Atrium Village. “I have known Ruth for 15 years. She is an exuberant lady who has fully embraced life and I am thrilled to have her here,” he said.

Although Ruth’s family had looked at several communities in the area, it was her relationship with Arnold that had fully assured them Atrium Village was the best choice, and there has been no question it was the right choice. Since the move, Ruth has made several friends and established strong connections with the rest of the staff as she lends a helping hand whenever she can. “The staff really appreciates the help,” she said. In fact, some even refer to her as “GG.” Ruth said, “It stands for great-grandma, which is what my kids call me.”

One example of the assistance she offers is folding the napkins after she enjoys her breakfast every morning in the Atrium Village dining room. “The food is very good,” she said. Not only good, the daily meals offered at the community are prepared with the goal of further promoting healthy lifestyles for residents.

As part of Atrium Village’s focus on hospitality, its Dining for Wellnessâ„¢ program offers Ruth and her peers creative dining choices that support specific areas of healthy living for seniors. Additionally, a fresh baked bread program and a no-sugar-added dessert program also provide unique options for individuals.

Active Aging Week is another initiative of the community, in conjunction with the International Council on Active Aging, that promotes active lifestyles for seniors. It includes activity for the mind, body and spirit, incorporating the six dimensions of wellness: physical activity, intellectual stimulation, emotional support, spirituality, social opportunity and vocational activity.

The community’s mission is also evident in its award-winning Wellness Everydayâ„¢ programs, classes and experiences that encourage residents to live life with meaning and vitality. This is a hallmark of the Senior Lifestyle Corporation approach, and every member of Atrium Village’s staff is committed to making residents feel like family.

The overall focus and support system at Atrium Village helps keep residents like Ruth thriving as she clearly takes advantage of these programs and amenities that enhance her busy lifestyle. While the community provides numerous activities and an exercise facility, its convenient location allows residents to enjoy opportunities offsite as well.

“I am a big exercise freak,” said Ruth. “I do water aerobics and I take a walk every day; I get up early before it gets hot outside.” She can also be found frequently using the exercise bikes in the community’s fitness center in addition to taking classes at the nearby Liberty Senior Center and utilizing the swimming pool next door at the Randallstown Community Center.

While Ruth maintains her busy schedule of social engagements and exercising, she has peace of mind with the knowledge that extensive health services are available onsite should anything happen to her. Atrium Village has an ongoing relationship with Genesis Rehabilitation Services, who provides physical, occupational and speech therapy for residents. A vibrant and outgoing rehab team assists residents in regaining the highest level of physical, social and emotional level of function by providing them with an individualized treatment plan. The majority of such services are covered 80 percent by Medicare part B and 20 percent by co-insurance while residents also have the assurance knowing they are welcome to use the exercise equipment in the Wellness Center anytime, regardless of therapy status.

For those considering the transition to senior housing, Ruth of course offers the advice of getting involved as much as possible based on her own experience at Atrium Village. Coming from someone who can enjoy the flexibility of traveling knowing she is returning to a home where she will be happily greeted by friends and continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a sense of security, this is certainly sound advice to follow.

A graduate of Columbia University, Frank taught Physical Chemistry most of his career at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. “I was so involved in teaching, I didn’t do much research,” he said.
After retiring, however, Frank became interested in Physics.

These days, he spends his time engrossed in a research project that has spanned several years. It is a passion the 99-year-old credits for his longevity. “I have something to live for,” he said with a big smile.

Fueled by curiosity, Frank has discovered a flaw in Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. He has documented his findings in great detail and has begun to share them with physicists at several universities across the country. Frank quipped, “I am not brighter than Einstein, and he knew a lot more about Mathematics than I ever will, but I think he was wrong.”

Born and raised in New Zealand, Frank left the country when he was a teenager. He shared how his father was prone to drinking alcohol when the U.S. was under Prohibition. “It was a golden opportunity for my mother,” he said with a laugh.

Before permanently moving to Potomac Place, Frank and his wife had actually stayed there for two weeks as he recovered from a head injury that had put him in the hospital. When Frank’s wife started showing signs of memory loss, however, they looked around but were again drawn to the community based on their experience and its location less than a half mile from their home.

As time went on, she began to have more pronounced memory loss issues and moved to The Rose Memory Care Center, a specialized section focusing on Memory and Alzheimer’s Care. “She is quite happy there, which I think is very important,” said Frank. And he is certainly happy that he can visit and spend time with her regularly while continuing his research knowing she is in a safe and secure environment.

_To read “The Expansion of the Universe is Spherical,” by Frank C. Collins, Ph.D. and see video from the interview visit www.retirement-living.com._

“My mother is so much happier with her new best friend. It’s made all the difference,” said Juliette Lloyd, Fedora’s daughter.

According to Juliette, Fedora was a “War bride” and was living in Florence, Italy when she met her future husband. After the war, with the eventual blessing from Fedora’s father, they wed and had two children before moving to the U.S.

Continuing to visit relatives in Italy each summer, their family resided in Johnston, Pa. After selling the family home, Fedora and her husband moved to the Florida apartment where they had spent winters. Juliette, however, saw that maintaining their lifestyle was becoming difficult and hired in-home help for them. When her father passed away, Juliette and her mother agreed it would be best to move Fedora closer to her in Washington, D.C.

After a tremendous amount of research on senior living communities, Juliette felt that Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue, which offers assisted living and Alzheimer’s care, was the best. Instead of moving in permanently, Fedora did a respite stay for two years, spending summers at Sunrise and the remainder of the year in Florida.

“That gave her a chance to adjust so she didn’t have such a stark change,” said Juliette. “When we finally decided to make her full-time move up here, it was a lot easier. She knew the staff and felt comfortable.”

Fabrizio Moriconi, Jocelyne’s son, grew up in Tenleytown after his parents came to the U.S. in the 60s to pursue a dream of starting a wine business. While helping with their business, Jocelyne worked at the Belgian Embassy and enjoyed taking long trips to see her sister in her native country Belgium as well as her daughter who had moved to Italy.

When Fabrizio returned home after graduating, he noticed some changes in his mother who was soon diagnosed with dementia. He continued to live in their basement to care for her, but it was becoming harder and as a newlywed, he knew he eventually needed to move out. “We were never trained to take care of a person with this illness,” he said. “She wasn’t going out anymore; she was just watching TV all day.”

The doctor’s recommendation for an assisted living community was a challenging concept for Fabrizio. “It’s unheard of; in Italy, people take care of their parents at home,” he said. Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue, however, offered a perfect location right down the street from where she had lived many years. The family scheduled a lunch appointment, which is when Jocelyne met Fedora. Afterwards, she was filled with excitement after not only finding a friend but a future home she felt was very elegant.

Now the best friends are enjoying one another’s company in the active environment Sunrise provides. The staff at the community works with the families and residents to incorporate their backgrounds and passions into the daily activities. Fabrizio said, “A lot of times my mom’s not here and I have to look at the schedule because she’s on a boat to Baltimore, or a scenic trip to Rock Creek Park or the Art Gallery.”

Most importantly, Fabrizio and Juliette have peace of mind knowing their mothers have one another and an incredible support network. “It’s an enormous relief,” said Fabrizio. “It’s been a wonderful experience – the people here are great with my mother. You can tell when something is genuine.”

The Pyles, had been living in a 55+ community when they decided to look into different housing options that offered more support.

“When I retired, I thought I should’ve done it sooner. Now, I always say I should’ve moved sooner, I’ve enjoyed it here that much,” said Donn Pyle.

Donn, of course, is referring to Riddle Village, a Lifecare Retirement Community in Media, Pa., where he recently moved with his wife of 33 years, Meg.

Although he may have delayed his retirement, Donn had a longstanding career in communications with AT&T while Meg worked as a secretary. Over the years, their family grew with a son and grandson. After retirement, Donn volunteered for AARP and served as treasurer of the Springfield chapter for 11 years.

“Our home was not hard to maintain, but my husband always has a plan,” Meg said with a laugh. “Our number one priority was to have a facility that offered healthcare. We wanted to have our cake and eat it too.”

After looking at several communities in the area, the Pyles put a deposit down on a place that they eventually realized was not right for them in the long run. It was when they came across Riddle Village that there was no question where they would be spending their future years.

“We found exactly what we wanted. Riddle Village had more of the amenities we were used to and we didn’t want to give those things up,” said Meg.

While it was their second time downsizing, the couple found that the community helped further ease the moving process.

“It was the easiest move we’ve made,” said Donn. “It was so convenient here; we were able to bring with us anything we wanted and they accommodated it.”

For the Pyles, the smooth transition was not only due to the assistance with the actual move, but also the welcoming atmosphere they found from day one.

“People are extremely friendly, and that goes for the staff here too,” said Meg. “They go out of their way to speak to you and make you feel welcome.”

In addition to making friends, the couple has been busy as ever with various activities and organizations. With amenities including a Billiards/game room and putting green, there is never a dull moment for residents, and according to Meg, there is something to do every night in Riddle Village’s Towne Hall. The Pyles also particularly enjoy utilizing the community’s fitness equipment regularly.

“There’s a pool for water exercises and a beautiful workout room with state-of-the-art equipment and a wonderful trainer,” she said.

Whether they are on-the-go or relaxing on their scenic patio, the Pyles could not be happier with the flexibility they have found at Riddle Village. Most importantly, they know they can maintain their active lifestyles with the assurance that healthcare services are available for them as needed. Knowing that they can remain together with a personal care and skilled nursing care facility onsite means a great deal to the couple.

It is this sense of security along with the engaging atmosphere of Riddle Village that leaves the Pyles wishing they had only made the move sooner. “People will say ‘I’m not ready yet,’ but when you get over that, it’s really surprising,” said Donn.

Meg continued, “It’s just a wonderful place for people our age. We like it here very much.”

Natalie Levine was quick to take advantage of the Energy Club’s spacious facilities, especially the heated, indoor swimming pool. Before moving to Martins Run in December of 2008, Natalie lived in Florida where she was an avid swimmer. “I swam every day in Florida,” says Natalie, who is thrilled to once again have a pool she can use year round. It takes her about 30 minutes to swim 10 laps in the Energy Club’s 18-yard pool. “I get a lot of satisfaction from swimming.”

Natalie also walks regularly, a healthy habit she began decades ago after her husband suffered a heart attack and was advised to walk as part of his rehabilitation program. “Walking not only helped him, it helped me,” Natalie says, noting that in all her 91 years of life she’s never had a serious illness. “We found it so enjoyable because we conversed on subjects we never would have talked about otherwise.” A deep appreciation for nature developed, and Natalie loves strolling around the Martins Run campus to admire the beautiful trees and flower beds.

For variety, Natalie also takes a yoga class. With her apartment-home connected to the glass-walled Energy Club by one short corridor, Natalie can easily walk over to attend the yoga classes that are held in the large group exercise room. “It’s relaxing,” she says. “The instructor tells us to do the best we can and not worry about doing it exactly as she does.”

Jack Goldfarb, who has been a resident of Martins Run since November of 2006, also participates in the yoga classes. “Yoga tones my muscles, gives me greater flexibility, and is good for relaxation,” he says. To enhance his strength, Jack has used some of the air-pressured resistance training equipment, which is located in another room of the Energy Club along with cardiovascular machines, such as recumbent steppers and bicycles. He also builds strength by walking in the pool. “One reason I love the Energy Club is because I’ll have a warm pool in wintertime!”

Open daily from early morning to mid-afternoon, the Energy Club is connected by a walk-thru to all the residences, eliminating the need to go outside. With large windows overlooking an outdoor patio, the attractive club also has a juice bar with tables and chairs that residents can use for post-workout refreshments. Locker rooms provide a convenient place to change clothes, store belongings, and shower.

Professional fitness instruction is a crucial part of the Energy Club’s services. “We have a fulltime lifeguard/fitness associate on staff,” says Linda Beaver, who is the fulltime fitness coordinator for the Energy Club. “In addition to leading exercise classes and teaching everyone how to use the exercise equipment, we provide individualized exercise programs to those residents who would like to follow a regimen designed specifically for them.”

When not exercising, both Natalie and Jack enjoy reading and frequently visit the newly renovated library at Martins Run. “I go there every day to read The New York Times,” says Natalie, who loves how the library was refurnished and redesigned for greater ease of use. Having a penchant for mysteries, Jack finds plenty of good reads from the 5,000-plus books in stock.

“Libraries are wonderful; they can stimulate your mind,” says Ann Ritterman, the community’s librarian and a resident of Martins Run for four years. “I try to provide whatever information I can to keep the residents here fully informed and entertained.” The library’s business center, which houses several computers, a printer and a copier, is well used by the residents, too, giving them access to the Internet and a wealth of software and other services.

A former elementary school teacher, Jack also enjoys the Martins Run University lecture series that are held in the auditorium. Led by college professors, the educational lectures cover a range of topics from politics and religion to music and medicine. “I also love going to the concerts and movies in our modern theater,” Jack says. The remodeled theater boasts plush seating and a large projection screen with surround sound, making it ideal for first-rate movies and live performances.

As for mealtime, Martins Run residents were recently introduced to the community’s new Terrace Dining Room. The Terrace offers buffet-style lunches and dinners, including a salad bar and dessert bar, in a casual environment. “I like being able to serve myself whatever I want,” says Jack. “The most delightful part is that I can have ice cream every night.”

Hilde and Jack Jagodzinski are fans of both the Terrace and Fireside Dining Rooms, admitting their decision on where to eat boils down to the menu for the day. “The buffet at the Terrace Dining Room usually wins us over, and my daughter and grandsons love going there for the wider selection of dishes.”

Natalie prefers dining in the elegant Fireside Dining Room where the ambiance is more reserved. “I enjoy the sit-down service,” she says, “and the fact that they offer a kosher menu.” For added entertainment, Martins Run hosts demonstration cooking events on certain nights throughout the year. Frequently, the executive chefs offer new, fresh menu choices much to the pleasure of residents.

Natalie’s busy social life also involves playing bridge three or four times a week and studying other languages. Yet, she still finds ample time to relax in her lovely apartment-home. “Before deciding to move to Martins Run, my husband and I stayed here for a three-month trial. It worked out so well that we decided to move in permanently,” Natalie recalls. “I love the view of the golf course.”
Hilde is also fond of her apartment view, which overlooks the golf course. Her and Jack moved into Martins Run this past February, and couldn’t be more pleased with their decision. “We’re still in the process of hanging pictures on the wall so our apartment is a bit bare, but we don’t notice much because it is such a pleasant atmosphere here,” says Hilde. “The people here make it feel like home.”

All of the apartment-homes are being newly designed to feature the latest in home design and deluxe living amenities. In addition to spacious, modern kitchens and baths, the one- and two-bedroom apartments have walk-in closets and washers and dryers. The upscale décor includes durable bamboo flooring as well as energy efficient windows, patio doors and HVAC system.

While Hilde and Jack are still becoming acquainted with the senior living community, they are aware of the many opportunities available to them, and Hilde says “the staff keeps residents well-informed with all of the memos, as far as the abundance of activities going on throughout the community.” An avid reader, Hilde is especially looking forward to taking advantage of the large assortment of books in the library.

“The Energy Club, Terrace Dining Room, new apartment designs and other renovations enhance the active, diverse lifestyles our residents seek,” says Linda Sterthous, CEO of Martins Run. “The changes have transformed Martins Run, opening the door to a whole world of new recreational, culinary and social experiences.”