Wesley Palms Archives - Front Porch https://frontporch.net/tag/wesley-palms/ Building Communities & Innovative Solutions for Seniors Thu, 18 Apr 2024 20:30:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Front Porch in the Media: March-April 2024 https://frontporch.net/front-porch-in-the-media-march-april-2024/ Thu, 04 Apr 2024 20:15:56 +0000 https://frontporch.net/?p=4167 Here’s a roundup of articles, news stories and media mentions that feature Front Porch or its communities, programs and services. On March 5, Seniorly announced that Casa de Mañana in La Jolla ranked in the top five in its Best of Senior Living Awards 2024. The San Diego Union Tribune reported on the honor on […]

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Here’s a roundup of articles, news stories and media mentions that feature Front Porch or its communities, programs and services.

On March 5, Seniorly announced that Casa de Mañana in La Jolla ranked in the top five in its Best of Senior Living Awards 2024. The San Diego Union Tribune reported on the honor on April 3. The story was also reported on KUSI’s website.

On March 26, The Oaklandside shared a feature article about how Home Match, Front Porch’s home sharing program, addresses homelessness and on April 2, KPIX also shared a story about the program on its evening broadcast. Home Match was also selected as the 2024 recipient of LeadingAge California’s Best Practice/Innovation of the Year Award in recognition for its work in homelessness prevention.

On April 16, Colorado Public Radio featured a segment on Social Call, Front Porch’s friendly visitor program, titled Overcoming loneliness and isolation with a simple phone call. The story featured conversations with a volunteer and participant as well as with Katie Wade, senior director for creative engagement.

On April 17, KFMB – CBS8 shared a story about the Men’s Shed program that is sponsored by Carlsbad By The Sea as they built a shed for ‘Raptor Ridge’.

On April 3, SuperMoney included Wesley Palms in San Diego in its Best Places to Retire in California 2024 guide.

On March 4, Senior Living Foresight posted about Front Porch’s involvement in the San Diego Senior Women’s Basketball Association.

On March 18, Front Porch shared a press release about Kingsley Manor as it hosted a fashion show in partnership with L.A. Fashion Week.

On March 15, Front Porch shared a press release, celebrating Friends House‘s 40th anniversary serving the Santa Rosa community.

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Wesley Palms resident Ellie Shacter shares lessons learned from working with Martin Luther King Jr. https://frontporch.net/wesley-palms-resident-ellie-shacter-shares-lessons-learned-from-working-with-martin-luther-king-jr/ Thu, 04 Apr 2024 15:35:00 +0000 https://frontporch.net/?p=4135 Explore Wesley Palms resident Ellie Shacter's remarkable journey from the Fellowship of Reconciliation to the forefront of the civil rights movement alongside Martin Luther King Jr.

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Throughout her life, Ellie Shacter has longed to see conflict resolved in peaceful ways. Her work with the Fellowship of Reconciliation in the 1950’s led her to the house of Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Montgomery bus boycott. What she learned from his work of non-violent protest has continued to inform her understanding of the world and how we live in it — an understanding that she has shared with her fellow residents at Wesley Palms.

Growing up in southwestern Wisconsin during World War II, the anxiety of conflict loomed even though the war itself was far away. “Having no idea about geography and distances, I learned to identify planes by silhouette in case they flew over the farm,” she said. 

As a student at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Ellie joined the Methodist Youth Fellowship and attended a presentation by the American Friends Service Committee on the arguments against pacifism. “He was dealing with the very subject of war and peace and how to resolve conflict,” she said. “It answered all my basic questions. I spent the next year reading literature on ethical and moral violence and what a good Christian does.”

After graduating in 1956 with a double-major in English and History, Ellie went to New York City, looking for a role that supported her desire to work for peace. “I knew the names of the peace organizations and told them I was looking for a job.” She was hired by the Fellowship of Reconciliation as one of its first regional field directors, covering Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and Western New York.

Her work coincided with the start of the Montgomery bus boycott. To avoid the impression she and other members of the Fellowship were northerners sent to tell others what to do, Ellie took a leave of absence and paid her own way to Montgomery to observe the movement. 

By the time Ellie arrived, the boycott had been going on almost one year. After her first night in Montgomery, she and Glenn Smiley, the national field secretary for the Fellowship of Reconciliation, walked over to Dr. King’s house. “Dr. King, of course, had studied Gandhi and nonviolence when he was in seminary, and he’d been thinking about it ever since,” Ellie explained. “When the boycott began, it was simply supposed to be a one-day strike. But when it became a movement of love and non-violence, [Glenn Smiley] just got on the bus, knocks on Dr. King’s door, introduced himself and the Fellowship of Reconciliation and said, ‘What can we do to help?’ So that’s how I got acquainted.”

Learning from Dr. King and others has continued to inform Ellie’s ongoing efforts for peace and justice. “We think we know exactly what needs doing in a situation whether we know anything about it or not,” she said. “I keep just trying to learn.”

Ellie continues her dedication to peace and non-violence as a member of the Society of Friends in San Diego.

She also shares what she’s learned with others, including a recent presentation to her fellow-residents at Wesley Palms on Martin Luther King Day. Along with recounting her personal experiences, she distributed copies of a comic book still used to illustrate the principles of non-violent resistance. Learning the principles “gives you the tools in advance, so when you do encounter a situation, you’re ready.” 

Even at 90, Ellie has more to do. “I’m always working on one project or another. Who would think that I would still be working and talking about it – something I did when I was 22?”

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Make Living at Wesley Palms Part of Your New Year’s Resolution | Senior Living in San Diego https://frontporch.net/make-living-at-wesley-palms-part-of-your-new-years-resolution-senior-living-in-san-diego/ Thu, 04 Jan 2024 09:33:00 +0000 https://frontporch.net/make-living-at-wesley-palms-part-of-your-new-years-resolution-senior-living-in-san-diego/ Discover a fresh start in 2024 at Wesley Palms, a vibrant senior living community atop Mt. Soledad in San Diego’s Pacific Beach. Choose from independent living, assisted living, or our exceptional memory care neighborhood, Summer House. With main tower apartments and charming Patio Homes scattered across our 40-acre property, we offer the best in California […]

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Discover a fresh start in 2024 at Wesley Palms, a vibrant senior living community atop Mt. Soledad in San Diego’s Pacific Beach. Choose from independent living, assisted living, or our exceptional memory care neighborhood, Summer House. With main tower apartments and charming Patio Homes scattered across our 40-acre property, we offer the best in California senior living. Join us for a vibrant journey at Wesley Palms!

Our life enrichment programs are designed to cater to
a variety of interests where there’s always something to enjoy.

When you become a resident, get ready to dive into a lifestyle with top-notch amenities, services and a wide range of social activities. Our life enrichment programs are designed to cater to a variety of interests, guaranteeing that there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. Join us and experience a vibrant retirement living community that will exceed your expectations!

Pet lovers will find a warm welcome at Wesley Palms, including a dedicated dog park for your furry companions. You may even get an invitation to a community Yappy Hour. San Diego has the perfect climate for year-round enjoyment of our relaxed, casual ambiance for you and your pet.

Culinary delights are a cornerstone of life at Wesley Palms. Not only can you savor chef-prepared meals crafted from fresh ingredients in our stunning indoor-outdoor dining area, with views of Mission Bay and the Pacific. The dining experiences at Wesley Palms means you’re making meaningful connections with friends and neighbors too.

Join our Wesley Palms retirement community in San Diego and step into a community that cares for your well-being but also nurtures your passions. Discover our unique move-in offers by calling 858-274-4110 or emailing WPsales@frontporch.net and arrange a personal tour to experience Wesley Palms firsthand.

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Simple Steps You Can Take to Prevent Falls https://frontporch.net/falls/ Sat, 09 Sep 2023 03:26:16 +0000 https://frontporch.net/falls/ September 22 is national Falls Prevention Awareness Day, As a leading provider of senior housing, Front Porch understands that falls can be prevented and shares simple steps you can take to decrease falls risks.

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September 22, national Falls Prevention Awareness Day, focuses attention on the leading cause of
injury-related emergency department visits. As a leading provider of senior housing, Front Porch
understands that falls can be prevented and shares simple steps you can take to decrease falls risks.

Falls affect us all. The risk of falling increases with age. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. If you slip, trip or fall, it could change your life. You could break a bone, take a trip to the hospital, be injured or develop a disability. Fear of falling may keep you from walking, shopping or taking part in social activities. Overcoming this fear can help you stay active, maintain your physical health and prevent future falls.

The good news is that there are simple ways and free online resources to reduce the risk of falling and help stay falls free. Here are some tips with hyperlinks on how to prevent most falls.

Exercise to Improve Your Balance and Strength

One easy way to prevent a fall is to improve balance and strength. The National Institute on Aging has tips on fitting EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY safely into daily life to help stay healthy as one ages. It also has tips with the right steps to take to PREVENT FALLS AND FRACTURES. Life enrichment and wellness directors offer many programs. Try walking, gardening, tai chi, yoga or whatever you enjoy.

Talk to Your Doctor or Pharmacist

Regularly review your medications and their side effects with your doctor or pharmacist. The National Council on Aging has a FALLS FREE CHECKUP that allows you to check your risk for a fall to help stay independent. Tell your doctor if you have fallen, even if not hurt. Get your vision and hearing tested. Ask a physical therapist about acquiring a walking aid if needed. Vitamin D and calcium can help keep your bones strong.

Make Your Home Safer

Make sure there are no cords, pet toys, loose rugs or excess furniture in your path. Clutter on your floors and around your home can make it more difficult to stay on your feet. Use the CDC STEADI initiative checklist to identify and ELIMINATE FALL HAZARDS in the home. Adequate lighting in hallways makes navigation easier. Ask an occupational therapist about a home safety evaluation.

Put in a request to add grab bars for the bathtub, shower and toilet if you think you need them.

Make Smart Choices

Be aware of personal abilities and limitations. Request help from someone for difficult or awkward tasks like retrieving objects on high shelves or carrying large or bulky items. The California Department of Aging’s FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM has fall and injury prevention education and information. Stand up slowly with your feet under you. Wear proper footwear. Don’t drink alcohol to excess.

Educate Yourself Today

Understanding fall risks is the first step to staying safer, reducing the risk of falling and helping stay falls free. Check out the free resources above for practical prevention solutions to do the right exercises, take proper care of yourself, make your home safer and ask for help when you need it.

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At Front Porch Communities, Residents Discover their ‘Sense of Place’ https://frontporch.net/residents-discover-their-sense-of-place-at-front-porch-communities/ Fri, 12 May 2023 00:00:47 +0000 https://frontporch.net/residents-discover-their-sense-of-place-at-front-porch-communities/ In academic circles, “sense of place” refers to the subjective and emotional attachment people have to a particular geographic location, shaped by their personal experiences and cultural associations. Drawing on this definition, Front Porch developed the Sense of Place program: a six-part series that allows new and established residents to explore together how they experience […]

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In academic circles, “sense of place” refers to the subjective and emotional attachment people have to a particular geographic location, shaped by their personal experiences and cultural associations. Drawing on this definition, Front Porch developed the Sense of Place program: a six-part series that allows new and established residents to explore together how they experience their community and to share what they value and want to keep – and what they want to change.

Senior Director for Resident Experience Rebecca Johnson created the program to support residents’ connection to the community and to one another. “We feel a sense of place but don’t necessarily articulate it,” says Johnson. This program allows residents to gather over time “to capture in your words why you feel as you do.”

Sense of Place gives residents the opportunity to
explore together how they experience their communities.

Each Front Porch community has its own unique geography, Johnson explains. “When we hear the word geography we think, ‘mountains, landscapes,’ which is certainly part of it,” she says. “But geography is also everything that humans build. When we wrote the program, we were intentional about discussing both the physical and social aspects of geography.”

Sense of Place provides a safe environment for people who may not normally speak up in the community to address concerns. “Sense of Place is outside of the committee or council structure,” says Johnson. “Sometimes residents are looking for a new way to share their voice, a less formal way beyond the surveys and the committees that are already in place.”

“I marvel at people who have the ability to come forward and speak their thoughts,” said one resident participant at Friends House in Santa Rosa. “It doesn’t come as naturally to me, but after listening to others, I feel I can talk like that. I feel comfortable here. I feel I’m in the right place.”

Jeannie Pressey, executive director of Spring Lake Village in Santa Rosa says that Sense of Place is “an additional opportunity to gain insight from the residents on what’s working well and what they would like to see improved.”

Unlike a resident survey that provides a quantitative snapshot of the community at a moment in time, Sense of Place collects qualitative information that “puts the how, why, and what together in one place,” explains Mary McMullin, chief advancement officer for Front Porch. “A survey will tell us you think your community is great. Sense of Place allows us to understand why you think it’s great. It helps us identify rather than guess about the true community that’s here.”

Because residents were speaking directly with someone in person or on Zoom “instead of simply filling out the boxes on a survey, I feel that they were more comfortable in sharing their viewpoints,” Pressey notes. “And their views were clearly communicated as opposed to checking a box that says ‘are you satisfied? 1, 2, 3.’ You get some context on what people are trying to say.”

The program was open to any residents who wanted to participate, and a range of residents chose to join. “Having new and long-term residents in the same setting was critical,” Johnson says. She notes that newer residents who may have only experienced their community in the wake of the COVID pandemic with its lockdown protocols have a very different perspective than long-term residents who can recall and explain a community’s traditions. Meeting together gave residents a broader perspective on what community feels like based on their individual experiences.

Johnson compiled insights gathered during each session into reports for each participating community’s executive director, incorporating resident feedback, key questions, and recommendations for follow-up programs. Mark Nitsche, who became the executive director of San Francisco Towers during the Sense of Place pilot program, read the reports as a way to became familiar with the community. They allowed him to “really listen to what people are saying,” he recalls.

“People believe the ED is the last word, but it’s collaborative,” Nitsche says. Sense of Place allowed residents “to be a voice for the community and how you want to see community going forward. The program builds a sense of awareness, a sense of hope, and a sense of belonging.”

After testing the program as a pilot project at three Front Porch communities in 2022, Sense of Place is preparing to launch in more communities this year and may later be developed for use beyond the Front Porch system. Johnson is also gathering a working group to develop a new program called ATLAS, designed specifically for the new resident experience.

Sense of Place is an influencer in decision making,” Johnson says. “It’s a platform for prioritizing the things that mean the most to residents, and one of those priorities is how residents, especially new residents, develop a sense of belonging and attachment in community. ATLAS is our natural next step.

“I’ve learned so much from the resident participants by leading this program. Each community is unique, with its own sense of place. This program has helped me to understand at a deep level what’s important for residents in their particular community. I can’t wait to discover more as we move forward with Sense of Place.”

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Seven Compelling Reasons Why You Should Make the Move to Wesley Palms Today https://frontporch.net/seven-compelling-reasons-why-you-should-make-the-move-to-wesley-palms-today/ Sat, 05 Nov 2022 04:26:21 +0000 https://frontporch.net/seven-compelling-reasons-why-you-should-make-the-move-to-wesley-palms-today/ Here are seven reasons why making the move to Wesley Palms now is the right choice.

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You hear it all of the time … you should wait until you need assistance with life’s daily activities to make a move to a senior living community. But in reality, moving while you are as active and independent as possible offers you the most opportunities to enjoy community life. Here are seven reasons why making the move to Wesley Palms now is the right choice.

  1. Free Yourself from the Burdens and Expenses of Home Ownership

From raking leaves and taking out the trash to washing clothes, cooking meals and cleaning house, there’s always something that needs to be done when you’re living in your own home. At Wesley Palms, we take care of those mundane tasks by doing them for you.

2. We’re Here to Support Healthy Living

From yoga, strength training, balance classes and more, fitness is essential to your well-being as an older adult. Often, the benefits of exercising on a daily basis offset the risk factors. Even medical conditions can be improved with fitness, including memory loss, heart disease, and high blood pressure. At Wesley Palms, we offer a variety of programs, classes and opportunities for you to stay fit.

3. Enjoy Life Enrichment Programs for Body, Mind and Spirit

Meeting and being with others is one of the top reasons why many people make the switch to living in a senior living community. If your weekly agenda is lacking, but you want an engaging social life, then Wesley Palms may be your perfect match. You can join a music group, table tennis team, book club or a bridge or poker game to meet new friends. Residents enjoy calendars full of fun and exciting learning opportunities.

4. Experience Enhanced Safety & Security

Although you may not need help with personal care, unfortunately accidents can still happen. Household falls and injuries could occur, and if you live alone, the thought of not receiving the help you need can be a little scary. At Wesley Palms, we offer emergency response systems in all of our accommodations to maintain peace of mind and staff is available 24/7. For residents with more advanced health issues, we offer assisted living and memory care services.

5. Enjoy Delicious Meals Served in a Beautiful Dining Environment

Tired of going through the hassle of cooking, buying groceries and washing dishes? At Wesley Palms experience delicious, freshly-prepared meals made by culinary chefs. As a bonus, our indoor-outdoor restaurant-style dining room encourages spending mealtimes with friends and family, making each gathering a fun social event that you will look forward to.

6. Learn, Grow and Travel with Your Friends at Wesley Palms

Aging doesn’t put a stop for your need to grow and explore the world around you. Wesley Palms can make it easier to get out and discover exciting new experiences through planned excursions and travel. You will enjoy group outings to Balboa Park, The Old Globe, Petco Park, Crystal Pier, Del Mar Race Track, Farmers Market and many other destinations.

7. Wesley Palms is a Sound Financial Choice

Many of the services and amenities you desire are included in the monthly fee at Wesley Palms. If you were to pay for all of these separately, you’d soon realize how quickly the costs add up. From gourmet meals and utilities to transportation and gym memberships, you’ll find that a move to Wesley Palms is a good lifestyle and financial choice.

Learn more by scheduling your tour today by calling 858-274-4110 or by emailing WPsales@frontporch.net.

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Wesley Palms Celebrates 60 Years as the Jewel of Pacific Beach https://frontporch.net/wesley-palms-celebrates-60-years-as-the-jewel-of-pacific-beach/ Wed, 14 Sep 2022 23:26:26 +0000 https://frontporch.net/wesley-palms-celebrates-60-years-as-the-jewel-of-pacific-beach/ Wesley Palms celebrates 60 years as the jewel of Pacific Beach. The community grew out of a vision that charted a new course in senior living.

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A message from Executive Director Ben Geske

Happy anniversary Wesley Palms! I think of Wesley Palms as the jewel of Pacific Beach. Tucked on the hillside of iconic Mt. Soledad overlooking Mission Bay and the Pacific, our main building, complete with signature chevron contour and classic midcentury modern architecture, has stood as a beacon for 60 years, predating the surrounding residential neighborhood.

Wesley Palms grew out of a vision that charted a new course in senior living. Until the late1950s, attitudes about senior care were limited to nursing homes and convalescent hospitals. Innovators began to imagine a new concept for more active, communal retirement living that is celebrated daily at Wesley Palms.

For decades, its cottages that dotted the campus, paid tribute to bungalows found at many Southern California beach communities. During its earliest days, Wesley Palms provided basic services to residents, but as the community evolved, those basics turned into a community that now offers gracious living with modern-day amenities.

Between 2015 and 2020 the campus was completely remodeled. Our main building underwent several renovations including a new library, indoor-outdoor dining room, new fitness center, lap pool and hydrotherapy pool.  All of the original cottages were replaced with midcentury modern-inspired Patio Homes that were carefully built around many of Wesley’s existing mature trees. These extraordinary residences feature sleek mosaic glass, cathedral ceilings, full, designer kitchens and large windows that celebrate nature by bathing each home with natural light, bringing the outdoors in.  Much of the campus landscape was replaced with drought-tolerant, environmentally friendly plants and shrubs.

As the result of the campus renovation, the community has won several awards, including those from the National Association of Home Builders and American Builders and Contractors Association. Wesley Palms has also won several “Best of San Diego” polls from readers of the San Diego Tribune.

Inspired renovation did not end with our Patio Homes. Over the years, Wesley Palms has also introduced innovative amenities and services such as Summer House, our unique memory care neighborhood that offers technology-enhanced personal care for residents with Alzheimer’s and related dementias in a protected and comfortable environment. Truly Yours is our brand of assisted living and personal services that bring assistance to residents’ homes if needed.

But to me, Wesley Palms is much more than first-class amenities and beautiful landscape. Like any true community, the residents are our greatest gift. Their energy and friendliness are what our community is all about. My goal since becoming executive director in 2007, and one that I pass on to our staff, is to make each resident feel special because this is their home. We do so by trying to create an environment of purpose, belonging, security, continuity, fulfilment and significance. We are truly a culture of people who care about one another.

Residents often tell me they wish they had moved here sooner. They enjoy learning new things by getting involved in the dozens of social, educational and well-being opportunities here. If anyone has a special hobby or passion, they are encouraged to continue it here. It may inspire other residents to join them. Wesley Palms has always been a great place to live and develop and maintain vital social connections.

Here’s to another 60 years and more of inspired senior living at Wesley Palms!

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Meet the Furry, Scaly and Feathered Friends of ‘Wesley Paws’ https://frontporch.net/meet-the-furry-scaly-and-feathered-friends-of-wesley-paws/ Wed, 25 May 2022 03:25:47 +0000 https://frontporch.net/meet-the-furry-scaly-and-feathered-friends-of-wesley-paws/ One of the reasons pet owners and their pets love it at Wesley Palms is the nearly 40-acre park-like setting with beautiful landscape, walking paths, mature trees and a new off-leash dog park that hosts a monthly “Yappy Hour,” where dogs and their humans gather to frolic, play and socialize.

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“Hi, my name is Mazel. Mazel means luck and I am a very lucky dog to be living at Wesley Palms. I am able to walk with the human who I live with three times a day throughout the lovely grounds at Wesley Palms. We have a newly renovated dog park that we visit often. My human enjoys looking up at the trees, birds and butterflies, while I am inspecting and sniffing each blade of grass. We often meet friends along our walk and we enjoy socializing with them. They like to pet me and I love it! At home, I look forward to my meals, snoozes and squeaky toys. So, you can see why I AM A VERY LUCKY DOG to be living here with her.”

We love our pets at Wesley Palms.

Like Mazel’s “human,” resident Sima Oppenheimer Jacobson, every three months, other pet owners may enter the community’s “Pet of the Quarter” contest (also affectionately known as “Wesley Paws”), by submitting an application with a brief autobiographical statement in their pet’s “own words.” From among the entries, the community’s life enrichment team randomly chooses three pets and residents vote for their favorite to determine which proud little critter gets to take home the title of Wesley Palms “Pet of the Quarter.” Winners receive a bundle of treats, snacks and toys. Their photos are prominently displayed in the community’s lobby.

“It’s a fun and friendly competition,” said Wesley Palms Marketing Manager Sean Heuer who started the contest in fall 2021. “Because we ask the residents to submit an ‘autobiography’ from their pet’s point of view, things can get really creative and fun. Residents are very proud of their pets and want to show them off. Some of the applications are funny and some are heartwarming.”

“My name is Benito the cat, the unofficial ‘Ambassador of First Impressions’ over at our memory care neighborhood Summer House,” reads one recent entry.  “I belong to one of the newest and sweetest Summer House residents who can’t stop gushing about how special I am to him. He’s awfully special to me too.”

Of course, the Wesley Palms’ animal kingdom is not limited to dogs and cats. Hamsters, birds, fish, turtles and other furry, scaly and feathered friends have all called the senior living community home at one time or another and are all eligible to enter.

Many residents realize the competition can be stiff. Just ask Dr. Gloria Harris whose miniature poodle, Misty, recently entered the contest.

“Misty is my beautiful standard poodle, and can you believe the last time she entered, she lost to a cat? Misty couldn’t believe it – a cat!” Gloria said with her tongue firmly pressed against her cheek. “That’s okay, next time my canary Allegro is going to enter the contest. I have high hopes for him.”

One of the reasons pet owners and their pets love it at Wesley Palms is the nearly 40-acre park-like setting with beautiful landscape, walking paths, mature trees and a new off-leash dog park that hosts a monthly “Yappy Hour,” where dogs and their humans gather to frolic, play and socialize. For years, “Yappy Hour” was one of the community’s most popular events, where even non-pet owners could be found enjoying the camaraderie.

Resident Sue Heath loves that pets are welcome at Wesley Palms.  the same about her best friend Gracie, a green-eyed tabby. “Pets make our lives so much richer,” Sue said, whose best friend Gracie is a green-eyed tabby. “Everyone here just loves Gracie and I could not be happier.”

Sean said if the competition remains popular there will be a “Pet of the Year” contest in which quarterly winners will compete.

“We definitely have a fun-loving group here,” Sean said. “We may have an ‘official’ pet of the quarter, but staff and residents all know that all of our pets and their owners are winners every day. No matter if you are a pet or human, you will feel like you belong at Wesley Palms.”

Editor’s note: When you call or visit Wesley Palms, please ask about the details of our pet policy.

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Flutter By: I’m Happy to Be Part of Our Communities’ Efforts to Save the Monarch Butterfly https://frontporch.net/flutter-by-im-happy-to-be-part-of-our-communities-efforts-to-save-the-monarch-butterfly/ Fri, 13 May 2022 04:18:58 +0000 https://frontporch.net/flutter-by-im-happy-to-be-part-of-our-communities-efforts-to-save-the-monarch-butterfly/ Amazing residents live at every Front Porch community. But let me tell you about a particular group of resident gardeners who believe that getting dirt under their fingernails and planting milkweed seeds – the monarch caterpillar's only source of sustenance – is the best way to save the endangered butterflies. 

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Amazing residents live at every Front Porch community. But let me tell you about a particular group of resident gardeners who believe that getting dirt under their fingernails and planting milkweed seeds – the monarch caterpillar’s only source of sustenance – is the best way to save the endangered butterflies. 

The Walnut Village Monarch waystation.

This group inspired the “Front Porch Monarch Butterfly Collaborative” project. When I brought all our monarch butterfly enthusiasts together, I was in for a treat!

I am the volunteer engagement manager for Front Porch and It all began when I received an email from a Wesley Palms resident in early 2021, informing me that the annual monarch butterfly count in California was at an all-time low. She wrote …  “We have had such success with our monarch waystation at Wesley Palms and we thought it would be a great idea if saving these beautiful butterflies from extinction could become a Front Porch Communities project. Every community could do their part to contribute to the project. It could be just some milkweed plants in pots on a terrace or a whole garden devoted to saving the monarchs. The population of monarch butterflies is rapidly plunging towards extinction and anything that the Front Porch Communities could do to help to save them could make a huge difference.”

A monarch haven at Wesley Palms.

And just like that, the collaborative project was born. I took her email to heart, so to do my part, I invited everyone in the Front Porch family who was interested, to meet quarterly via Zoom. During these chats, we feature the work of one community each meeting, share ideas and exchange stories of wonder. We always learn something new, and come away with great inspiration.  So far, six Front Porch communities have created monarch habitats with at least four others planning to join them soon. Wesley Palms and Walnut Village have both recognized monarch butterfly waystations certified by Monarch Waystation Program, an organization based at the University of Kansas that promotes the creation, conservation, and protection of monarch habitats.

It was also my pleasure to host a “Strength of Community” Zoom chat that spread the word across all of Front Porch and beyond about the wonderful and important work this group has done.

But this project is a catalyst for so much more – this effort builds community. Friends meet in the garden to get their hands dirty together and to watch hungry caterpillars eat and grow. They nurture new friendships as they nurture monarch habitats.  Butterflies are a symbol of metamorphosis – new life – something our residents understand as they leave the familiar and make their new homes with us. They understand the monarch’s journey of change better than anyone. The monarch brings back memories long left behind, and residents delight in rediscovering, counting, and releasing beautiful butterflies.

We have deepened our understanding of the science surrounding this important pollinator, and we have learned that based on geography, our communities are differently suited to support the monarch. That understanding alone makes our collaboration worthwhile. Residents have helped their communities gather the best information to establish and maintain healthy and supportive settings for the monarch.   

This project has endless possibilities: These days I see monarchs all around when I visit our communities. I experience the impact our resident monarch enthusiasts make when they share their research and collaborate with staff.  Our collaboration has opened us up to learning how simply choosing native plants can benefit the monarch while bringing beauty and sustainability to our campuses.  I am inspired by the joy our residents experience as they grow and learn. I look forward to our communities creating opportunities for their local school children to visit our campuses and learn from our residents.

Stay Tuned! There is more to come!

— Mary Kott is the volunteer engagement manager for Front Porch

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Coming Out and Coming Alive in the Fight for Social Justice https://frontporch.net/coming-out-and-coming-alive-in-the-fight-for-social-justice/ Wed, 10 Nov 2021 14:55:00 +0000 https://frontporch.net/coming-out-and-coming-alive-in-the-fight-for-social-justice/ As the daughter of a famous World War II submariner and later admiral, for Wesley Palms resident Beth Coye the Navy was a powerful career draw. She joined up in the 1960s–a time when opportunities for women in uniform were limited. “I graduated top of my class in an otherwise all male postgraduate program, but […]

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As the daughter of a famous World War II submariner and later admiral, for Wesley Palms resident Beth Coye the Navy was a powerful career draw. She joined up in the 1960s–a time when opportunities for women in uniform were limited.

“I graduated top of my class in an otherwise all male postgraduate program, but was denied my top assignment choices,” Beth said. Rather than letting her experience discourage her, however, Beth chose to focus on championing women’s rights. “I always come back to my favorite quote, from Howard Thurman, who said, ‘Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.'”

A natural leader, she brought together a group of women to highlight the issues they were encountering. “I love working with other people to affect change,” she said. In the 1970s, Beth headed a comprehensive study on women in the Navy that led to expanded women’s access and roles. Her recommendations contributed to a dramatic increase in the number of both officer and enlisted women today–15% active duty (18% including reserves) compared to just 2% when she joined.

Although her work to foster a more inclusive environment for women in the Navy is a point of pride, it was her experience as a lesbian serving her country that shaped Beth’s later activism. When she was on the cusp of making captain, she was forced to make a difficult decision. “Making captain was a lifelong dream of mine,” Beth said, “but after 21 years of service I chose to leave the Navy early for being forced to compromise my integrity.” As a commanding officer, she was having to discharge gay and lesbian enlisted personnel while living as a closeted lesbian herself. “I felt I had no choice,” Beth said. “To maintain my integrity and sanity, I needed to say goodbye to a professional relationship with the United States Navy. It was the only way I could live my truth.”

After working as a professor and lecturer at Mesa College and then San Diego State and the University of San Diego for many years as well as penning her creative memoir, Beth received a critical call that would once again make her “come alive.” She learned that a Navy captain who had also served for years as a closeted lesbian had chosen to retire. Inspired, she joined the fight to repeal “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” a policy that prohibited gays, lesbians and bisexuals from serving openly in the US military. “We got the people behind us, the newspapers behind us, and the courts behind us,” she said. “Communication is how you change the world.”

As part of the prominent Service Members Legal Defense Network (SLDN), an activist group of retired and former gay and lesbian veterans, she spent time talking to and educating the Congress. To engage policymakers, Beth edited and distributed We Are Family Too, a revelatory book of letters written by gay and lesbian veterans. With help from friends, she worked tirelessly to distribute the book from the Pentagon to the White House. “United by courage, strength, determination and respect for our country, we were able to deliver this important package to a broad coalition of stakeholders.” That steadfast determination by Beth and other veterans led to the eventual repeal of the discriminatory legislation, which saw approximately 13,000 service members discharged between 1993 and 2010. Finally, gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans could serve openly in their military.  

As a proven community builder, it’s no surprise that Beth has quickly taken on a leadership role at Wesley Palms. As president of the resident-led Wesley Palms Club, she has helped the organization make great strides in defining its bylaws and responsibilities. Being surrounded by intellectually curious and like-minded community members keeps her inspired to continue making a difference. After all, she said, “I’ve always believed that activists are people who need people.”

So, what advice does Beth have for the next generation of change-makers? “Find your passion. Talk to others who have the same fire in their belly. Then get out there and fight. We can all do something.”

About Wesley Palms

Wesley Palms is an award-winning San Diego retirement community that features a modern take on senior living. These retirement homes in San Diego can be found on 35-acres of parkland overlooking scenic Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

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