Living the Life at Linden Ponds

As residents of Cape Cod, Mass., Bob and Jan Calzini explored a number of senior living options in the coastal area before they moved to Linden Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham, Mass., in May 2022.

The couple, who both served as educators with the Department of Defense Schools overseas, knew how important it was to be prepared. "Perhaps as a result of my doctorate work, I do a lot of research before making a decision," says Bob.

"Linden Ponds was unquestionably head and shoulders above all the others," he adds.

Perks of the priority list
To learn more about the community's offerings, they joined Linden Ponds' priority list, which allows prospective residents to reserve their desired apartment home before the general public and grants access to exclusive events and perks.

One of those perks was an overnight stay in the Live the Life suite, where they were welcomed by current residents and able to experience the community lifestyle firsthand.

A special visit
"We chose to visit on my birthday weekend," says Jan. "That was a nice treat and a lovely opportunity to see what day-to-day life is like. It also cemented our decision to move to Linden Ponds. Because the sales team knew that woodworking was important to Bob, they paired us with a gentleman who is very involved in the woodshop."

Jan continues, "We also enjoyed dinner with a couple who are involved in the lifelong learning program, something Bob did on the Cape for many years. It was also just lovely to see people walk through the halls. Everyone is very friendly and helpful."

The time on campus also allowed Bob and Jan a chance to see the wide variety of activities available to Linden Ponds residents. "We saw the pool, the fitness center, the on-campus drugstore, and library," says Bob.

"We also learned about the different trips, the convenience of storage options. Jan and I also enjoyed the wonderful food in the restaurants during our visit, and stopped by the Treasure Chest second-hand shop. It was clear that there is so much to do."

Powerful partnership
Decision made, Jan and Bob began working with Lynne Smithson-Ford, the community's planning and moving consultant, to plan for their move-an advantage that's only offered to priority list members.

"We lived in our house for 19 years," says Jan. "Lynne was able to help us prepare for a successful move."

"She was a miracle to us," agrees Bob. "She came down to the Cape with a diagram of the apartment home we selected. She showed us how we could arrange our furniture, which helped us see what would work and what wouldn't. Her expert knowledge helped us make accurate decisions, and it all worked out as planned."

Living the life
Since their move, the Calzinis have built a jam-packed calendar. Jan volunteers with the travel office and library while also competing in Wii Bowling, participating in a book club, and visiting the fitness center six days a week.

And, as predicted, Bob spends all the time he can in Linden Ponds' woodshop. "I enjoy it very much," he says. "I had a large shop in our garage, which I feared I would miss terribly. But, the shop here has more equipment than I had-and I had a lot!"

He adds, "Also, I practice for the Senior Olympics when I'm not playing with the ukulele club, tutoring English as a second language, joining Thursday night poker, and visiting the fitness center."

As a way of giving back to the residents who welcomed them to Linden Ponds, Bob and Jan have become ambassadors as well.

"We love it! It enables us to share our experiences with prospective residents," says Jan.

'The right decision'
Bob and Jan are pleased to know that their sons, Clint and Derek, approve of their decision to move to Linden Ponds.

"Our decision took a huge weight off their shoulders," says Jan. "They know that we are well cared for here and that there are lots of activities."

"This is the greatest move we've made in a long time," says Bob. "Jan and I are very, very happy here. It was the right decision at the right time!"

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