Frank and Sandy
Frank and Sandy credit a visit to their friends, Strode residents Bobbie and Forrest, as the moment that spurred their decision to explore independent living for themselves.
“We left thinking it was a good time and place for us to make a similar move,” the couple shared of their first visit. “We were impressed with the building. We loved the scenic site and considered how the move would place us closer to some of our children and our siblings who are north of us.”
The couple had been living in Springfield, Vt. for the last 46 years. Sandy – raised in Quebec by her war bride mother and Canadian soldier father – worked as a nurse in various settings. Frank, an alumnus of Notre Dame and MIT, worked as a structural engineer first in Boston, then in Springfield until his retirement in 2010.
Their life was a busy one, especially as they are parents to eight children. In addition to managing their household of ten, the couple was active in their local church. Sandy as a reader, minister of communion, a member of the altar society, and a seamstress for the parish. And Frank was just as involved, serving as cantor and choir director while also assisting with several building projects for the parish.
But the draw of Randolph Center’s central location and of the Strode community itself called to them. So much so that when their financial advisor informed them that the move would work financially, they immediately signed up.
After a quick house sale, they transitioned to their new apartment in the summer of 2019. And a year on, they’re reasonably settled though they’re still working through some of their stored items. Most importantly, they’re happy with their decision and apartment.
“We really like the open kitchen and large living room, and the walk-in closet in the master bedroom,” they shared of their new space. “There’s excellent climate control and easy access through the adjacent stairwell to the outdoors.”
And while they miss their Springfield friends, the couple has quickly adapted to the community and their new neighbors.
They’re playing ping pong in the Game Room, working on puzzles with several of their neighbors, and Frank has plans to lead sing-alongs with other residents. Outside of Strode, Sandy has begun volunteering at the local food shelf, and the couple has become active in an area church.
Since moving in, Frank and Sandy have enjoyed getting to know the other residents, whom they are very comfortable with and feel are one of the best things to have happened to them since their arrival.
“More recent arrivals have said the friendliness of the residents was the deciding factor for them. We couldn’t agree more.” The couple noted, something they feel anyone thinking of moving to Strode should know. “We’re nice people and feel you’ll fit right in too.”
[box title=”Looking to embrace a more relaxed lifestyle?” bg_color=”#dbf3f1″ align=”left”]The independent living lifestyle is about swapping tiresome property upkeep so you can do more of what you love and create a new, more relaxed lifestyle.
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