Windsor Run Provides Opportunities to Socialize and Contribute

“Our life at Windsor Run is five-star,” says Carolyn Snyder. “My husband Don and I enjoy outstanding opportunities to socialize. All of the on-campus activities contribute to our worry-free lifestyle. You can be as involved, or as uninvolved, as you want. There is never pressure, but so much to do if you desire.”

Carolyn and Don moved to Windsor Run, an Erickson Living community in Matthews, N.C. in 2019. Prior to the move, the couple joined the priority list to reserve their space, providing them with access to community events and information.

“Windsor Run was the first place we explored,” says Carolyn. “On our first visit, we immediately felt very, very comfortable. Both staff members and residents were open and friendly. It just felt right.”

Informed decision-making

In an effort to ensure that they were making the best decision, the Snyders conducted their due diligence, visiting several other local retirement communities. “But we just didn’t get the same feeling,” notes Carolyn. “So, we took advantage of visiting Windsor Run for a variety of events, including luncheons and apartment home tours. The home tours were especially helpful. In fact, we liked so many, it was difficult to choose.”

After several visits, they selected an extra-large, two-bedroom, two-bath apartment home featuring a sunroom opening onto a screened-in patio.

“It is beautiful and meets our needs wonderfully,” says Carolyn. “Once it became available, we seized the opportunity, moving even sooner than we originally planned.” Unknowingly moving to Windsor Run only months before the pandemic, the Snyders believe the timing was perfect.

Making introductions

“Socializing with neighbors was our number one reason for moving,” says Carolyn. “From the first day, we began meeting them and making new friends.”

Each night, the couple dined at The Grove, Windsor Run’s premier restaurant, sitting with new neighbors, learning about their lives, and sharing stories.

“The Grove was our first social point of contact,” says Carolyn. “As Don and I met people, I wrote their names on a list. It was amazing. In less than a month, I had over 100 people on the list. It was truly phenomenal, better than we ever hoped it would be.”

Focus on fitness

In addition, the couple began attending strength and balance classes at the fitness center and joined the Great Books club.

“We were continually impressed by the number and variety of activities available to us,” says Carolyn.

Less than a month after their move, Carolyn and Don were introduced to an extensive array of holiday activities. Working in concert, the staff and residents on the activities committee plan special gatherings for a wide variety of holidays and special occasions throughout the year.

“Our goal is to ensure that if a celebration has personal, cultural, or religious significance to our residents, that we provide opportunities to celebrate and share,” says Michael Browne, Windsor Run’s community resource coordinator.

“All the activities and programs were wonderful,” says Carolyn. “We were so busy, more than we ever expected.”

It was then that the couple decided to join the activities committee, and from that point, their world grew even bigger.

“One of the things the committee needed was help organizing and decorating,” says Carolyn. “Help was needed not just for the holidays but for events and speakers.”

Even when social distancing efforts were in effect last spring, the Snyders looked for ways to liven up the campus for their neighbors.

“We moved flower arrangements from inside the Grove to the hallways, filling them with fresh flowers,” says Carolyn.

For Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, the Snyders helped to display American flags throughout the community. For Thanksgiving and Christmas, they decorated common areas with both personal items and those purchased locally.

“We both had so much fun bringing cheer to our neighbors,” says Carolyn. “So many have given us great feedback. They enjoy what we have done and that makes us feel good. Don and I continually remark on the great group of people living at Windsor Run. They are so hopeful, friendly, and enthusiastic. We are making more connections than we ever imagined. Every day is exciting.”

If you’re interested in living in a vibrant and active senior independent living community, request a Windsor Run brochure today.

Written by Kelly Shue