We visit with modern retirees all the time who have been exploring retirement communities in Oregon – primarily for the amenities and community environment – but dread the thought of coordinating a move. They worry about coordinating real estate agents to sell their current home, movers to get their belongings from their previous home to their new apartment or cottage, and even cleaners to prepare their home for showing on the market and a potential sale.
As we asked questions to learn more about these prospective residents, we were surprised to learn that it was the cost of services that concerned them as much as coordinating the communication, contracts, and arrangements. When they’re ready to settle down and enjoy retirement, they simply aren’t interested in scheduling meetings and making phone calls and handling the complex details that surround a life change like this one.
For that reason, Sunshine Retirement Living has answered the call by offering a free Easy-Move program to residents in all of its communities, including Garden Way in Eugene, Oregon. The Easy-Move program takes away the stress of coordination so you can choose the retirement you want and let the pieces fall into place. This program includes coordination of moving services in addition to a myriad of other services to make your transition smooth and peaceful for you.
Also known as “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,” the Derby is just as much spectacle and ceremony as anything else, with ladies expected to show off their finest hats and springy dresses, while gentlemen outfit themselves in their dandiest suits and blazers; all to fulfill Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr.’s vision of making it the classiest race this side of Europe.
“Stephanie and George Kahl, our Director of Maintenance, are both big into this event so they like to be present and help out,” says Creekside Pines Life Enrichment Director (LED) Brandi Limbaugh.“Stephanie puts up print outs of all the horses outside our theater, so the residents can choose which ones they like before the race and George makes Mint Juleps (the real deal). We’ll have some pretzels and light refreshments to go with them.”
Some years the crew at Creekside Pines has had a local horse farm bring over ponies for the residents to pet, learn about and take pictures.
“The race never disappoints,” claims Stephanie. “The residents that come to watch get really creative with their hats and all cheer for their favorite horses.”
Likewise, at The Verandah in Lake Charles, Louisiana, residents are also way into the Derby.
Says LED Becky Dent:
“We have a contest on for the best Kentucky Derby attire. I’m decorating up the Tavern and we will be serving Mint Juleps, cucumber sandwiches, pimento spread, and sweet tea.” While quite different, the culture and traditions of Cinco de Mayo are no less important. In fact, Olga Rosalez, LED at The Continental in Austin, Texas extends their celebration of Cinco de Mayo throughout the week. The menu includes Chicken and Beef Fajitas, Rice& Beans, Chips &Salsa, Tres leches cake and Margaritas.
“Since it has become more popular in the U.S., I share the history of the celebration,” says Olga. “Residents enjoy the foods, music, singing and dancing, the overall camaraderie. Mariachi del Alamo parades around the dining room, which everyone loves. After lunch, we play Mexican Loteria (Bingo). It’s a great fiesta!
Since Sundays at Country Club Village in Hot Springs, Arkansas is mostly devoted to church activities, LED Cindy Smith decided to move their Cinco de Mayo fiesta to today (Tre’s de Mayo).
“Celebrating Cinco de Mayo on Friday the 3rd made sense with this month’s calendar, as Happy Hour is held each Friday anyway,” said Cindy. “In addition to our regular beverages (beer, wine, and wine coolers) we’ll be serving chips &Salsa and listening to a playlist of traditional mariachi music. I’ve also incorporated a great supply of Cinco de Mayo decorations.”
Similarly, Brenda Olivarez, LED at Garden Way in Eugene, Oregon draws on her Hispanic heritage to provide an authentic experience for her residents.
“We are actually doing a social hour for the main part with ‘Mock-a-ritas,’” says Brenda. “Chef Martin will be having a yummy Mexican-based meal, along with Churros andChips & Salsa.”
Whether you choose to celebrate the weekend sipping a Mint Julep or a “Mock-a-rita,” singing along with “My Old Kentucky Home” or “DeColores,” we hope your Mayo starts off in grand style.
*This blog was first published here: Sunshine Retirement Living, May, 2019.
The post Hang on to Your Hats (and Sombreros)! May Starts Out With a Bang at Sunshine Retirement Communities appeared first on Assisted Living & Independent Living For Seniors.
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