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Ellen and Bruce Tawson Love Wind Crest's Social Atmosphere and Abundant Amenities

Michele Wojciechowski
September 9, 2024
Ellen and Bruce Tawson Love Wind Crest's Social Atmosphere and Abundant Amenities

For Ellen and Bruce Tawson, the best part of waking up isn't settling into a cup of coffee. It's seeing the Rocky Mountains out of their spacious two-bedroom, two-bath apartment home at Wind Crest, the Erickson Senior Living community in Highlands Ranch, Colo.

"We have the most wonderful view," says Ellen.

For the last six years, waking up to this beautiful view is the perfect start to the couple's active and socially engaged day, filled with favorite hobbies, volunteer efforts, and time with friends.

"Chatting with people at the elevators, getting together with friends for dinner, being involved, it's all right here at our fingertips," says Ellen. "It keeps us young and engaged. Through our various clubs and activities, we've met so many people. It's all part of living an enriched life." 

Morning activities

After coffee, Bruce and Ellen take a quick walk to Wind Crest's state-of-the-art fitness center. Ellen often participates in group exercise classes while Bruce trains one-on-one with a personal trainer.

Following their workouts, the couple volunteer their time on the communications subcommittee of the Resident Advisory Council (RAC). In support of these efforts, they each share their talents on the Board of the resident newsletter, The Gazette. Ellen serves as assistant editor, and Bruce acts as the liaison between The Gazette and the committee. Together, they get stories from residents, write articles, and proofread.

In addition to serving their community, Ellen and Bruce enjoy exploring their unique interests. With over 100 clubs, groups, and activities, Wind Crest offers the couple a wide range of opportunities, all just steps from their apartment home.  Bruce is a member of the Wind Crest Car Club, while Ellen, a member of the community's Catholic group, attends Bible studies.

"When we lived in our house, we'd have to get in a car to participate in activities. At Wind Crest, we just walk out the door," says Ellen.

"Everything we could want is right here. It's very nice," says Bruce.

Keeping up to date

On Wednesday mornings, the couple attends the communitywide town hall meetings, keeping up-to-date on-campus activities and offering feedback to staff and administration. 

"Our residents truly have a say in how the community operates, greatly influencing the lifestyle they enjoy," says Executive Director Craig Erickson. "With more than 80 residents serving on the RAC, or one of the committees, residents are best positioned to propose ideas for events and programming. Our staff and leaders are always available to step in and help. This partnership is a key component of our infrastructure and makes living at Wind Crest a great experience." 

Laid-back afternoons

Following their busy morning, the Tawsons enjoy lunch and a walk together before continuing their activities both on campus and within the local community.

Satisfying their love of music, the couple often travels to performances at the Lone Tree Arts Center or Boettcher Concert Hall at Denver Performing Arts Complex. They also like joining other Wind Crest residents on excursions planned by the community's special trips program. Recent destinations include the Cherokee Ranch & Castle, a Colorado Rockies game, and an afternoon tea at The Brown Palace in Denver.

"If we don't want to go out on our own, we enjoy many options for engaging in activities off campus, which we appreciate," says Ellen.

The couple credit Wind Crest's maintenance-free living for removing the stress of home repairs and providing the freedom to live their lives to the fullest. If a lightbulb needs changing, they simply place a call to General Services, and it's taken care of. 

"It's convenient and the staff do a great job," says Ellen.

Engaging evenings

The Tawsons' busy days flow seamlessly into lively evenings as they get together with friends for dinner in one of Wind Crest's nine campus restaurants.

"Our dinners are very social, lasting an hour-and-a-half to two hours," says Ellen. "Enjoying dinner with the people you're involved with on committees, or in clubs, creates a commonality that we didn't have when we lived in our house. Once you're past the age of raising kids and meeting other parents in school, the ability to meet new people changes. When your kids are grown and gone, you may feel isolated in your house. At Wind Crest, we, once again, feel part of a community."

After dinner, the Tawsons enjoy listening to both residents and local entertainment groups invited to perform on campus. Most of all, they enjoy spending time with their neighbors, fostering many of the friendships they've made since their move. 

"The residents here are wonderful. I never expected to have so many friends, many with common interests." says Bruce. "We are very happy."

To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today. 

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