There’s a lot to love about the Erickson Living-managed community; residents share their stories

Living at the community with his wife Patricia since 2018, Barry Thomas started a Veterans Group for the almost 60 veterans on campus. Photo credit: Jenna Burroughs

For community members at Windsor Run, an Erickson Living-managed community, life couldn’t be sweeter, thanks to the plethora of activities and the opportunities for social engagement they enjoy. When asked what they love most about life at Windsor Run, three community couples all pointed to their neighbors, people they did not know prior to their move, but who they now call friends.

These couples are also grateful for the support they receive at Windsor Run to follow their passions, often resulting in new clubs or activities.

Exploring passions

Among Windsor Run’s pioneer residents, Harvey and Yolanda Cohen moved to the community shortly after it opened in May 2018.

“We looked at several communities and decided Windsor Run had more to offer than the others,” says Harvey. Since their move, the couple has been thrilled with the many activities and opportunities for social engagement available to them as residents of Windsor Run.

“While we enjoy the many social activities, we also keep ourselves busy and productive in other ways,” says Harvey. “For example, I produce a monthly newsletter, Windsor Wisdom. I have permission from 15 different magazines in the U.S. and England, to reproduce their material. As a result, I’m able to offer a potpourri of interesting and thought-provoking material.”

In addition, Harvey serves on the resident video committee as the producer/director, currently working on the self-created, “You Be the Judge,” as well as two other programs under development for Windsor Run-TV. He says his true passion is creating beautiful kaleidoscopes, which he donates to charities and has sold at the Mint Museum gift store in Charlotte.

Yet Harvey is not alone in his desire to engage himself in the best of Windsor Run. Since their move, Yolanda has devoted more time to watercolor painting, a talent she continues to improve upon.

“We’ve turned our second bedroom into a craft room to accommodate our artistic passions,” says Harvey. “The wonderful thing about Windsor Run is the opportunity for people to fulfil themselves by doing things they couldn’t do before due to other demands. We now enjoy the luxury of time to indulge our interests.”

Yet, despite the numerous opportunities to involve themselves in life at Windsor Run, it’s the people the couple credit for making it the perfect home. “It takes a long time to develop really close relationships with people,” says Harvey. “Yet, Windsor Run has provided us with opportunities to meet new people and develop satisfying relationships.”

Finding their niche

In July 2018, Jim and Carol Hannah moved to the community and, like the Cohens, immediately began looking for opportunities to engage in activities and meet new people.

“We enjoy doing things we like with people we like spending time with,” says Carol. “That has been very easy to do at Windsor Run. Jim spends his time playing poker, participating in the Men’s Club, and working with the WoodChucks, while I participate with the artists group and work out in the fitness center.”

What strikes the couple most is the kindness and openness of their fellow neighbors. “I first understood what Windsor Run ‘community’ meant when I broke my hip shortly after moving in,” says Carol. “At the time, I didn’t yet know too many people, but I was surprised at the number of visitors, cards, and friendly calls I received.”

As new residents join the community, Carol and Jim appreciate the opportunity to make additional friends and engage in new activities, such as bocce ball on the new outdoor courts.

“Windsor Run is a good place to live—it’s easy to have fun, meet new people, and you’ll always feel safe,” says Carol.

A friendly community

Barry Thomas, who moved to Windsor Run with his wife Patricia, loves that his new home is close to their two daughters who live in the Charlotte area. “We were first drawn to Windsor Run because we were looking for a new community so we didn’t have to ‘fit in’ with already established cliques,” he says. The couple quickly discovered that they had chosen well.

“Windsor Run residents are all very friendly and offer great company,” says Barry. “Folks on our floor really look out for each other.”

Soon after the move, Barry began playing with the men’s golf group, playing bridge, and visiting the fitness center.

“The best part is meeting and playing with our neighbors,” he says. “We also really enjoy dining with other couples. The food is great, the social exchange is even better.”

This newfound group of friends and flurry of activity provided Barry, a retired army lieutenant colonel and graduate of West Point, an incentive to participate in the Windsor Run Veterans group.

“We have almost 60 veterans living here at Windsor Run,” he says. When precautions allow, “Our group meets on the first Monday of each month to discuss current events focusing on military news and veterans’ affairs. Most months, we include a short presentation about historic wartime events in North Carolina. We are a patriotic group and proud of our service.”

For these three couples, living at Windsor Run provides great joy as they continue to explore their passions and broaden their groups of friends.

“We consider ourselves very fortunate to call Windsor Run home,” says Harvey.

About Windsor Run: Windsor Run, situated on a scenic 60-acre campus in Matthews, North Carolina, is one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®. The community is home to more than 450 residents who are supported by a team of more than 110 employees. Additional information about Windsor Run can be found at WindsorRunCommunity.com.

Written by Kelly Shue