Future Residents of The Grandview Pursue Shared Interests

Susan Schuck has always loved reading. "In the second grade, I discovered that reading could open up a whole new world for me," she recalls. "I would walk to the library often to check out books."

So, after joining the Priority List for The Grandview, an Erickson Senior Living community coming to Bethesda, Md., she suddenly found herself leading not one, but two, book clubs.

"When I visited the Sales Office, I learned that they were starting a book club for Priority List members. I hadn't planned on leading the club, but here I am," she says, with a laugh.

In addition to gaining right of first refusal on their desired apartment homes, Priority List members are invited to attend exclusive social events and club meetings to meet future neighbors. A variety of clubs are already meeting, including painting, mah-jongg, bridge, meditation, knitting, fitness, and computers--and two book clubs, of course!

Once everyone signed up to join, Susan sent out a questionnaire to see what types of books people like--classics, science, mystery, biographies, and so on.

Initially, there was only one book club, but Priority List members continued to voice their interest in joining. To meet the demand, The Grandview happily created a second.  

"We now have a club for those who prefer fiction and one for nonfiction readers. We may need a third club just for readers of mystery books," says Susan, who notes that about 15 people regularly show up for each meeting.

She continues, "The group decides what book we will all read, and we choose the book several months in advance so that people have time. Some people like to check out the book at the library, so we want to allow them enough time to get the book. We started with Pride and Prejudice, and everyone loved it."

For nonfiction, they have chosen books on pathogenesis (the process by which an infection leads to disease), World War II, and someone who escaped slavery in the South and moved to England.

Susan notes that she discovered Washington Post writer David Ignatius also writes fiction. "I can recognize good writing, and his books are great," says Susan, who already added him to the running list.  

When Susan was choosing where she wanted to live, location was the main factor.

"I wanted to live in a continuing care retirement community that was close by. For 40 years, I have lived in Bethesda, and I have lots of friends and family close by. I have two sons who are nine minutes away. I have two other sons on the west coast, but I grew up in Wisconsin, and that was the farthest west I ever wanted to be," she says, with a laugh.

She joined The Grandview's Priority List in March 2023, soon after learning about the amenities and maintenance-free lifestyle the community will offer.  

"There was no risk since the deposit was refundable, so it made sense. I also got to choose my apartment early," says Susan, who chose the Darcy floor plan, a one-bedroom apartment home with a den. "I wanted sun in the afternoon and a nice view."

Susan looks forward to continuing her swimming routine at The Grandview--as well as the book clubs, which are great for meeting new people and fostering meaningful discussions.

"Some people come to the meetings even though they haven't read the book. They enjoy talking about their families and making new friends," she notes.

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.