Activities Abound at Eagle's Trace

Sandy and Tom Wills had just returned from their 70th cruise when they stopped by Eagle's Trace, the Erickson Senior Living community in West Houston, Tex., for a sales event in December 2014.

"The day after our visit, we boarded a ship for a three-week Caribbean cruise," recalls Tom. "We discussed the sales event on board and realized that the lifestyle and amenities at Eagle's Trace are very similar to what you find on a cruise ship! That realization sold us on Eagle's Trace."

Upon their return to land, the Wills revisited the community and promptly joined the Priority List to secure their dream apartment home.

"We committed to the Eagle's Trace lifestyle and never looked back," Tom says.

Since moving to the community in 2016, the adventurous couple has made the most of their carefree lifestyle by filling their calendar with an array of activities and club meetings. Every day holds something engaging, meaningful, or fun--or all of the above!

A day in the life

Early risers, Sandy and Tom are often up with the sun, taking a brisk walk with Gracie Bell, their English springer spaniel, to the on-campus Happy Tails dog park or around the community's lovely Lake Aquila.

"Then it's coffee and the newspaper at my personal 'command center' at our kitchen counter," Sandy says, with a laugh. "After that, I get in my daily exercise. Either a Zumba-style workout at the fitness center, water aerobics at the aquatics center, or walking the trails on campus."

Sandy's afternoons are filled with committee work, including chairing the entertainment committee. On Saturday afternoons, she shows matinee movies in the Amarillo Terrace theater. She also sings in the Eagle's Trace Singers and volunteers with Tom as a resident ambassador, sharing the vibrant Eagle's Trace lifestyle with prospective and new residents.

Taking the lead

Tom is just as busy, managing four wine clubs--including the 250-member Soaring Eagles Wine Club.

"I've been managing that club for the past seven years. The annual Christmas party is a ton of fun!" Tom says. "Last year, we had 170 attendees."

Tom's wine club activities require about 40 volunteer hours per month, and a little more in December and January.

He also stays physically active, getting in about 5,000 steps a day. "My walks with Gracie a couple of times a day help," Tom says.

Dining with friends

"At 4 p.m., we call it a day," says Tom. "We have happy hour, followed by dinner and some TV time."

The couple loves grabbing lunch at The Eagle's Roost Cafe in the Audubon Clubhouse, so many suppers are homecooked meals, but they do love meeting neighbors for dinner from time to time.

"I enjoy cooking, so I prepare most of our evening meals in our apartment home, where we have an awesome 'cook's' kitchen!" says Sandy. "But occasionally, we dine at one of the eight restaurants on campus with friends."

Carefree living

Sandy and Tom credit their maintenance-free apartment home for the robust, fulfilling schedules they love.  

"After owning and maintaining homes in several states, we were ready to say goodbye to the responsibility of home ownership," she explains. "Now, we don't have to worry about maintenance! One call to General Services results in a visit to repair or replace items at no additional cost."

Because the couple still has their sea legs, their apartment home also allows them to 'pick up and go' whenever the ocean calls.

"We really appreciate the on-site, round-the-clock safety and security measures built into the community," Sandy says. "We know that we and our apartment home are safe, day and night."

'Our forever home'

Resident Life Director Kristen Kennedy notes that, like the Wills, Eagle's Trace residents are always out and about in the community.

"From fitness classes and entertainment to lifelong learning series, we have it all," she says. "Every department is committed to supporting residents by creating programs, groups, and activities that match their interests. Everything seniors need to live an active, engaging life is right here."

While Sandy and Tom are both active and healthy, making the most of their cruise ship on land, they have peace of mind knowing that additional care is available, if or when they need it in the future.

"We know we can age in place without worrying about leaving our forever home!" Sandy says.

Invest in your future self at Eagle's Trace. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free apartment homes, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!