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Resident spotlight: Former teacher cultivates blooms, friendships on campus | |
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Behind her Winter Court garden cottage at White Horse Village, Cathy Bennett keeps a tidy flower garden filled with shade-loving and ground cover plants, taller accents like Phlox, and dwarf flowering plants. The natural beauty of the 96 acres of rolling countryside is part of what drew her to this retirement community, which she has called home since May 2022.
Cathy had often driven by White Horse Village on her way to her teaching positions with the Rose Tree Media School District. She had been living not too far away in a condo, and was tired of the HOA's restrictions. She decided it was the perfect time to give White Horse Village a call for a tour and to look at available cottages in the Garden Courts — and fortunately, a recently renovated cottage was available.
She loves her comfortable cottage with one bedroom and a den. She has already joined a number of committees, maintains three plots in the Harvesters' Garden, and enjoys competitive fun playing bocce, Wii bowling, shuffleboard, and croquet.
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Here at White Horse Village, Cathy feels appreciated and valued and takes part in every opportunity to make memories with her community.
She recommends that if you're considering a move to White Horse Village, do it sooner rather than later so you can make the most of your active senior years. "Come early to enjoy everything and to really connect with your neighbors who quickly become your new, dear friends."
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Volunteering can lead
to unexpected rewards!
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At the tail end of a long, and at times demanding, career in retail with his family’s company Strawbridge and Clothier, Peter Strawbridge began to wonder what was next.
At least part of that, he decided, would be volunteering at White Horse Village. That was about 30 years ago, not long after the community’s founding, and he’s kept at it in the decades since. Now this longtime volunteer is a resident himself, moving in with his wife Elizabeth in 2022.
An English major in college, Peter has always loved poetry, especially classic poets like Wordsworth, Emerson, Whittier, and Frost. He hit on the idea of reading poetry to community residents.
“Poetry, if it’s not complicated, can be not only interesting, but soothing and comforting,” he reflects.
While Peter was sharing poems by the masters, the residents shared friendship with him in return. He enjoyed learning about what they did with their lives, what their families were like and more, building what he calls a “lovely warm relationship.”
People want connection, he notes. “I know that I am in my own little way contributing a degree of lightness to their lives.”
To find out about the many opportunities to volunteer, or share an idea of your own, contact Mission Enhancement Coordinator Kelli Foley at 610-675-2047 or [email protected]. You don’t even have to commit to 30 years!
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Stewardship is key to what we do | |
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As a nonprofit, we’re able to focus resources on the long-term financial health of our community. We’re proud of our track record and look forward to continuing that responsible stewardship into the future.
White Horse Village also has the long term in mind when new residents join this community. Through support from our Foundation’s Resident Reserve Fund, residents can stay on even if unforeseen circumstances put them in financial hardship through no fault of their own.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information to Director of Sales Wendy Patton at [email protected].
As in the past, a copy of our financial disclosure statement is available upon request, or you can view it here.
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Welcome to new sales counselor Tracy McGuckin! Tracy comes to us from the Arbor Terrace community in Exton, where she served as an engagement coordinator. Previously, she worked in sales for multinational medical company Abbott Laboratories, and residential real estate.
Tracy also serves as the board chair for “The Joy of Sox,” a locally-based charitable organization that provides new socks for people experiencing homelessness.
“All the team members have been so welcoming, and I feel fortunate to be working in such a beautiful and dynamic community with such friendly residents,” Tracy says.
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Team member spotlight: Dietician Anna
Patrick offers insights on nutrition and wellness
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Whether residents have dietary questions or concerns, or simply want to make sure they’re eating healthy, Anna Patrick is ready to offer support and advice.
The dietician is part of the dining team, and shares her knowledge on heart-healthy diets, diabetic diets, weight loss or gain, gastrointestinal issues, and more with residents in all parts of the campus. She gets referrals from doctors, but residents also call her directly to set up a time to meet.
She offers one-on-one consultations. “I either go to their villa or apartment, or I meet them in the Clubhouse.”
She also shares her knowledge as a speaker for Wellness University, which offers a resource for residents to learn about a healthy, holistic lifestyle. She’s spoken on nutrition and aging, and on mindful eating at the holidays.
“I’m more than happy to meet with anyone,” Anna says.
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Ballroom dancing has been a hobby of resident Larry Woodward’s for 25 years or so.
He's been leading a ballroom dance group that meets Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. in the Wellness Center, and sees it as a great way for people to meet each other.
“Dancing is about connection,” Larry says. "When it’s all working, and in sync, it’s euphoric. It’s just the most wonderful feeling.”
That said, this group isn’t only for seasoned dancers. “It’s very informal,” Larry reassures. People of any skill level who are interested can just show up. Some have lots of experience, and others are learning.
Competition dancing has lots of specific rules, but that’s not the focus of this class.
“I’m not particularly interested in teaching people elaborate dance routines,” Larry says. “What I want to try and teach people is how to connect with each other and move with the music.”
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Find treasures and enjoy
family fun at Octofair October 14th!
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There’s lots going on at the Octofair this year on Saturday, October 14th. From 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., come for food, raffles, games, and more in this event for the whole family.
The silent auction offers unique choices for Christmas presents, anniversary and birthday presents, or wedding presents, resident Solveig Stetson, who chairs the auction committee with her husband John, points out. There’s something for everyone, from fine china to valuable handmade Nantucket baskets, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, and even a tiny model village.
The silent auction ends at 2:30 when bids are called. Auction aides will be available to help, and cash or checks are accepted.
A new attraction this year features adoptable puppies from the All 4 Paws Rescue organization. Up to 10 lovable pups in search of their forever homes will eagerly greet Octofair guests.
All 4 Paws Rescue is a nonprofit, foster-based, all-breed, no-kill animal rescue based in Malvern that offers rescue, rehabilitation, and sanctuary to animals in need.
Find Octofair information on our website at whitehorsevillage.org/octofair.
Please let us know when you’re planning to attend by contacting your sales counselor.
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The silent auction committee evaluates and prices donations throughout the year. | |
Save the dates for on-campus events in September | |
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Tips on downsizing: September 12th, 10 a.m.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of downsizing, don’t miss this special presentation at White Horse Village from a pro. Amanda McDermott of Right Size Relocation will offer important insights into each step of the process. Light refreshments will be served.
RSVP to Terri McCabe at 610-675-2054 or [email protected] by Monday, September 11th.
An exclusive showcase experience: September 27th, 10:30 a.m.
Tour first-class amenities on our scenic 96-acre campus. We’ll be showing one-bedroom and one-bedroom with a den apartment homes. Join residents for a complimentary lunch and learn how to secure 2023 entrance fees.
RSVP to Terri McCabe at 610-675-2054 or [email protected] five days in advance.
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Here’s a look back at some of our summer fun here at White Horse Village! | |
We celebrated our community’s 34th birthday in style on August 8th, with champagne, live music, dancing and a special dinner. | |
The annual Alzheimer’s Walk on June 21st raised more than $30,000 and counting for this cause near and dear to our hearts! A rubber ducky race in advance of the event added to the fun. | |
Around 100 visitors for Garden Day on June 3rd enjoyed sunny skies, toured beautiful gardens and had a delicious meal to top off the event. | |
Flower photos by resident Jane James | | |
Athletic competition included croquet tournaments, with one in May and another over Labor Day weekend to round out the summer. | | |
We celebrated the more than 50 residents who moved into White Horse Village in 2022 with a “class reunion” on May 31st. | |
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Did you know that White Horse Village has an official Facebook page? Keep up on all our communities events, information, and most importantly, the pictures!
Search White Horse Village Inc and “like” our page.
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