Stanford “Stan” Cohen sees retirement as another phase of life, another new and exciting career of sorts.
He thinks this stage should begin at 75, not 85, and he feels that Glenmeadow is the perfect place to be employed.
There are no burdens at Glenmeadow, such as caring for a home or cooking three meals a day. Instead, Stan says, there is opportunity for a vibrant social life, intelligent conversation and just plain fun.
“I’ve had dinner with a bishop, a rabbi, doctors, lawyers, a college professor and a kindergarten teacher,” says Stan, a retired executive in the supermarket industry. “I’ve met with male and female executive entrepreneurs, librarians, authors and even a Springfield fireman. We all follow what the team members has set for us as an example: just being nice, and then we all get along and enjoy one another. It works.”
Stan and his friends—Cissy and Gabe Kitchener, Pat Smith, Barb Sullivan, and several other residents—had the opportunity on May 22 to sing the praises of Glenmeadow to about 60 visitors who came for an open house to explore alternative living situations, either for themselves or someone they care about.
It was as if residents were opening their own homes; they engaged in all aspects of the gathering and played key roles in making it as successful as it was. Stan was in the theater, answering questions, and Barb and her husband, Jim, served finger sandwiches and iced tea and handed out tote bags featuring the Glenmeadow logo.
During conversations with guests, Stan says he talked about the incredible amenities at Glenmeadow—including the beautiful landscaping and gardens, the programs and events held in the Great Hall, and most significantly, the team members.
“I’ve spent time in my life involved with hiring, supervising and training, and I am most impressed here because the president and CEO, Tim Cotz, is probably one of the best leaders I’ve ever seen,” Stan says. “He’s a proper executive and a warm, kind individual to everyone he meets.”
“The most important thing about the team members is they are nice to everyone,” he continues. “They’re nice to each other, not just to residents. That goes a long way. It develops a culture in which the residents can be comfortable.”
Stan has been engaged in his new career at Glenmeadow for six years, and he wants others considering the lifestyle to understand that moving to Glenmeadow is nothing like moving to a nursing home.
“Most people don’t fully understand what a retirement community like Glenmeadow is. We don’t sit around and watch television all day,” he says. “The comment I hear most often after a new resident moves in is, ‘I should have come two years ago!’ They’re absolutely correct.”
In her talks with visitors, Barb talked to visitors about Glenmeadow’s swimming pool and also emphasized the importance of the wellness center, which she uses daily. “I use exercise to manage stress, and I take advantage of all the equipment,” she says.
Barb also raved about the food in response to questions about the quality and diversity of the menu. “The food is wonderful,” Barb says. “They have menus that accommodate people with all different health needs, and Joe, the head of the dining room, is wonderful. The waitresses are as well.”
While Barb says there was definitely a transition period for her and Jim after they moved to Glenmeadow, she is certain that their decision was the right one.
“We go to programs and events in the Great Hall. Jim likes to sit and gab in the living room,” Barb says. “It’s done us the world of good, moving here. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
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Stanford “Stan” Cohen sees retirement as another phase of life, another new and exciting career of sorts.
He thinks this stage should begin at 75, not 85, and he feels that Glenmeadow is the perfect place to be employed.
There are no burdens at Glenmeadow, such as caring for a home or cooking three meals a day. Instead, Stan says, there is opportunity for a vibrant social life, intelligent conversation and just plain fun.
“I’ve had dinner with a bishop, a rabbi, doctors, lawyers, a college professor and a kindergarten teacher,” says Stan, a retired executive in the supermarket industry. “I’ve met with male and female executive entrepreneurs, librarians, authors and even a Springfield fireman. We all follow what the team members has set for us as an example: just being nice, and then we all get along and enjoy one another. It works.”
Stan and his friends—Cissy and Gabe Kitchener, Pat Smith, Barb Sullivan, and several other residents—had the opportunity on May 22 to sing the praises of Glenmeadow to about 60 visitors who came for an open house to explore alternative living situations, either for themselves or someone they care about.
It was as if residents were opening their own homes; they engaged in all aspects of the gathering and played key roles in making it as successful as it was. Stan was in the theater, answering questions, and Barb and her husband, Jim, served finger sandwiches and iced tea and handed out tote bags featuring the Glenmeadow logo.
During conversations with guests, Stan says he talked about the incredible amenities at Glenmeadow—including the beautiful landscaping and gardens, the programs and events held in the Great Hall, and most significantly, the team members.
“I’ve spent time in my life involved with hiring, supervising and training, and I am most impressed here because the president and CEO, Tim Cotz, is probably one of the best leaders I’ve ever seen,” Stan says. “He’s a proper executive and a warm, kind individual to everyone he meets.”
“The most important thing about the team members is they are nice to everyone,” he continues. “They’re nice to each other, not just to residents. That goes a long way. It develops a culture in which the residents can be comfortable.”
Stan has been engaged in his new career at Glenmeadow for six years, and he wants others considering the lifestyle to understand that moving to Glenmeadow is nothing like moving to a nursing home.
“Most people don’t fully understand what a retirement community like Glenmeadow is. We don’t sit around and watch television all day,” he says. “The comment I hear most often after a new resident moves in is, ‘I should have come two years ago!’ They’re absolutely correct.”
In her talks with visitors, Barb talked to visitors about Glenmeadow’s swimming pool and also emphasized the importance of the wellness center, which she uses daily. “I use exercise to manage stress, and I take advantage of all the equipment,” she says.
Barb also raved about the food in response to questions about the quality and diversity of the menu. “The food is wonderful,” Barb says. “They have menus that accommodate people with all different health needs, and Joe, the head of the dining room, is wonderful. The waitresses are as well.”
While Barb says there was definitely a transition period for her and Jim after they moved to Glenmeadow, she is certain that their decision was the right one.
“We go to programs and events in the Great Hall. Jim likes to sit and gab in the living room,” Barb says. “It’s done us the world of good, moving here. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
