"Maintaining a house, yard, and pool for your family are everyday activities when you're just starting out, but as you age, they take time and energy away from other things you'd really like to do," says Judy Courtemanche.
That's just one of the many reasons why Judy and her husband Gary moved to Windsor Run, the Erickson Senior Living community in Matthews, N.C., in November 2021.
"The decision to move was easy for us. We found that the staff, apartment homes, grounds, amenities, and community feeling at Windsor Run exceeded our needs," she says. "And from our first day, we met wonderful people and began new friendships that made us feel like we had always been a part of the community here."
Judy's excitement for the New Year is shared by her Windsor Run neighbors, thanks to a maintenance-free lifestyle that provides more time to explore hobbies and supports meaningful social connections.
Growing circle of friends
One of the major highlights of 2024 at Windsor Run is the upcoming opening of the community's newest residence building.
"2024 is going to be an exciting year at Windsor Run," says Executive Director Michael Wehrle. "With the opening of our second neighborhood, we will welcome new residents, launch additional amenities, and host some great events. We are ushering in the next five years of active, worry-free living!"
Windsor Run's newest neighbors will receive a warm introduction from Judy, who serves as a member of the Resident Advisory Council and co-coordinates the Welcome Committee with fellow resident Elizabeth Stone.
"Elizabeth and I share the honor of meeting new residents and helping them adjust to the lifestyle here," she says. "Every time a new resident arrives, a current resident meets with them, offers a welcome gift, and provides a contact for them to call when questions arise. Residents have told us that this initial contact has been very helpful, and it's even been the beginning of lasting relationships."
She continues, "I look forward to the continued growth of Windsor Run and the opportunity to meet even more interesting people. All the residents here have such broad interests and have had fascinating occupations and life experiences. There is nothing as nice as sitting down with a friend and learning more about their life and all they have accomplished thus far."
Continued enthusiasm
John and Joan Cook, who moved to Windsor Run in June 2019, also enjoy introducing people to the Windsor Run lifestyle. As resident ambassadors, they are on hand to meet prospective residents at informational events.
"I especially like meeting and welcoming people because those things were so helpful to me when we were still looking at retirement communities. It's rewarding knowing that we are doing the same thing for other people," says John.
He adds, "Many of the prospective residents are thinking ahead, considering a move to one of the buildings currently under construction. It's fun to meet them and hear about their plans for retirement."
In addition to welcoming new neighbors, John and Joan are also looking forward to the abundance of activities and social opportunities in the new year.
John is particularly excited about the addition of bocce and pickleball courts on campus. "I also enjoy playing Mexican Train dominoes, walking outdoors on the grounds, exercising in the fitness center, swimming in the pool, playing with the Windsor Strummers music group, and drawing pencil portraits with a group of artists," he says.
Joan has a long list of her own interests. "She likes playing mah-jongg, Rummikub, card games, and Mexican Train dominoes. Joan is also a floor communicator for our residence building, Beach Hollow," notes John.
A solid foundation
Like many of his neighbors, John appreciates the many benefits that he and Joan enjoy as part of the larger Erickson Senior Living network.
"Confidence in the quality of Erickson Senior Living as an organization was one of the first influences for us in choosing a retirement community," he says. "Since moving to Windsor Run, I've seen that the staff is always seeking feedback from residents--and acting on the feedback received. I have noticed this in dining particularly, but also in transportation, activities, and other aspects of life at Windsor Run."
Wehrle notes that this collaboration is what sets Windsor Run up for success for the future.
"As we continue to grow, the sky's the limit when it comes to what we can accomplish together," says Wehrle.
To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.