
Although it’s only been six months since Rod and Patty Vance moved to Avery Point, the Erickson Senior Living community in Short Pump, Va., they’re already settled in and are enjoying everything the community has to offer.
“We’ve participated in a lot of activities in the fitness and aquatic centers, as well as in clubs and groups,” says Rod.
The Vances chose a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment home in Boynton Place, the most recent residence building to open on the 94-acre campus. With more than 1,300 square feet of space, Rod and Patty have plenty of room to make their apartment home their own.
“We looked at other retirement communities, but Avery Point was just the most modern, beautiful place,” Rod adds. “Also, all apartment homes have an open concept layout that we were looking for. We love having a separate laundry room too.”
Convenience matters
While the couple hails from Farmville, Va., a little more than an hour away from Avery Point, they were already familiar with the Short Pump area.
“We’ve lived in Northern Virginia for quite a while, so we’ve been around the block a few times,” jokes Patty. “If we moved to Avery Point, we’d still know everything around us. That was a huge draw. Plus, the Short Pump area also has just about any kind of store or mall we would want to visit or shop at.”
Short Pump also boasts fantastic restaurants, but the couple appreciates having three restaurants on campus just steps away from Boynton Place.
“The variety of dishes that the restaurants serve and the presentation of them has been excellent. And on days when it’s cold and rainy, we don’t have to go outside and drive to get a nice meal–all the buildings on campus are connected via climate-controlled walkways,” says Rod. “We love trying new foods and meeting new people in the restaurants.”
He adds, “The social environment at Avery Point has been fantastic. It attracted us here, and it’s exceeded our expectations.”
Social butterflies
Avery Point residents find it easy to make friends, and Boynton Place newcomers are no exception.
“Resident Services held a number of social events designed to help us get to know our neighbors,” says Rod. “We’ve attended happy hours as well as Coffee and Conversation–informal gatherings encouraging people to chat with someone new. It’s been great!”
To find even more opportunities for connection, Rod and Patty signed up for clubs and groups that piqued their interest.
Rod attends the men’s group and is learning pickleball, while Patty participates in water aerobics and seated volleyball. Together, they’ve attended presentations by the history club and have participated in some wine club events, including one about South American wines and another about pairing wines with different types of chocolates.
“The South American wines were paired with tapas, so we could compare how one wine tastes really nice with a chicken dish and another is really good with beef,” says Patty.
“The resident leading each event gives us the history behind the wines and information about the geography of where the grapes are grown,” Rod adds. “Four people sit at each table, so there’s always a chance we’ll meet someone new. It’s educational and social.”
Paying it forward
When the Vances first visited Avery Point, they were impressed with the resident ambassadors–people already living in the community who give tours and answer questions.
“Meeting and talking with them was beneficial because they provided the inside scoop. We asked them what day-to-day life was like and some general questions,” recalls Patty.
The couple liked the program so much that they have become resident ambassadors themselves.
Patty adds, “It’s rewarding, helping people who are looking to moving here–especially if they have questions they don’t feel comfortable asking during sales presentations. It’s also an opportunity to meet some future neighbors and form friendships early on!”
Safety and security
In addition to the stunning campus, spacious apartment homes, top-notch amenities, and social activities, the Vances were drawn to the peace of mind that Avery Point provides.
All residents have access to health care at the on-site medical center, staffed with a primary care physician who specializes in senior care. Security, on staff 24-7, is just a call away in case of an emergency.
“We love the carefree living, the comfort, and the security we have here at Avery Point,” says Rod.
“So do our kids,” says Patty. “They know they don’t have to worry about us or our safety anymore.”
“And neither do we!” adds Rod.
To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Avery Point, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.
Caption: Rod and Patty Vance didn’t waste any time getting involved at Avery Point! Since moving into their apartment home, they’ve joined the wine club, attended presentations by the history club, and met new friends through happy hours in Boynton Place–their residence building.
Written By Michele Wojciechowski