This walkable neighborhood around Webster House provides those fortunate enough to live in this boutique community easy access to both cultural and culinary experiences that will fill your days. Whether you are interested in the evening concerts at the local Methodist Church or simply want to linger at a local café, the activities you enjoy are only a couple of blocks away.

A stroll down University Avenue provides a wide range of restaurants and shops to choose from. Local favorites for Webster House residents include Café Mademoiselle Colette, Verve Coffee, Redwood Café and Café Venetia, which are all within easy walking distance of their low-rise apartment homes. This accessibility highlights the essence of independent living in Palo Alto, where convenience and community go hand in hand.

For those interested in expanding their horizons or showing their support for the Cardinal, Stanford University is only one mile away, presenting even more opportunities for engagement and exploration. This proximity to such a prestigious institution further enhances the appeal of Webster House as a premiere choice for senior living in the Palo Alto area. You can also participate in community events, such as the local farmers market or community garden.

Living in a walkable neighborhood is increasingly recognized as a key component of healthy, sustainable living. The essence of a walkable community lies in its ability to support an active lifestyle, foster social interactions and provide easy access to daily necessities and amenities. Webster House, nestled in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, exemplifies the pinnacle of walkable living, offering residents a unique blend of convenience, community and wellbeing.

Research has consistently shown that walkable neighborhoods contribute significantly to physical health by encouraging physical activity. Moreover, the Webster House community itself provides residents with a host of wellness activities, an outdoor heated pool, fine dining and access to care and support. The intimate community ensures that you’ll know your neighbors and find connections and camaraderie. 

In addition to the rich amenities and cultural opportunities highlighted, Webster House is also at the forefront of offering luxury senior living in Palo Alto. Each apartment is designed with the comfort and convenience of its residents in mind, ensuring a high standard of living that caters to the specific needs of seniors. The modern finishes and thoughtful layouts provide an unmatched level of elegance and functionality, making it easy for residents to feel truly at home.

Beyond the physical comforts, Webster House places a strong emphasis on creating a vibrant and supportive community atmosphere. Regularly scheduled social events, classes and gatherings encourage residents to engage with one another, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit. This aspect of social interaction is crucial for a fulfilling senior living experience, allowing residents to form meaningful connections and enjoy their golden years to the fullest.

Safety and security are paramount at Webster House, with measures in place to ensure that residents feel secure at all times. From emergency response systems in each apartment to the presence of attentive staff around the clock, every detail has been considered to provide peace of mind for both residents and their loved ones.

The commitment to wellness extends to the dining experiences offered at Webster House. Nutritionally balanced chef-prepared meals are available, featuring a variety of cuisines to cater to diverse palates and dietary needs. Dining together not only provides nutritional benefits but also serves as another opportunity for residents to connect and share stories over delicious food.

Palo Alto is a culinary haven with an impressive array of dining options all within walking distance. From the comforting ambiance of Fambrini’s Café to the innovative dishes at Son & Garden and the exquisite Mediterranean flavors at Evvia Estiatorio, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The diverse and vibrant restaurant scene around Webster House ensures that residents have access to some of the best dining experiences Palo Alto has to offer, making every meal and adventure waiting to be discovered.

Choosing Webster House means embracing a lifestyle where every need is met with care and every day offers new possibilities for joy and fulfillment. It represents the pinnacle of senior living in Palo Alto.

Come take a walk around Webster House! Schedule a tour and see for yourself how life here seamlessly blends comfort, culture and community, major factors when looking for senior living in Palo Alto. Experience firsthand why Webster House is not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.

The post Walkable Webster House in the Heart of Palo Alto appeared first on Front Porch.

For me personally, Thanksgiving may be the most important holiday celebration on the calendar. In my memory, Thanksgiving was primarily a celebration of friendship and a time to reflect on the bounties, big and small, born of a strength in community – a strength that was fortified by the diverse talents and experiences that enabled goodness even in times of great difficulty and uncertainty. 

I remember having Thanksgiving in my grandmother’s house growing up. We celebrated with a feast for sure, often at several tables simultaneously with 30 or more people spread around the house, all day. In that celebration, everyone contributed something to the effort. All the while, my grandmother would quietly impress upon us to reflect on even the smallest of things to be grateful for, in our lives, in the lives of the people we cared about and in the world. She had a gift that way and from that gift I was given first-hand insights to the Battle of the Bulge, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights movement, the development of the polio vaccine and so much more.

This year, I find myself looking around and all too often I feel distracted by pain and conflict in our world. I know we mustn’t look away from suffering and evil, and in fact, we should look in and help to find ways for all of us to become a light that indicates a way toward peace: peace in our lives, in our work and in our world. At the same time, while we have to acknowledge what must become better, we equally should feel drawn to notice, honor and uphold the many blessings all around us. Being thankful is not to ignore harsh reality. It’s to recognize the beauty that lives within it, at the very least on a day that asks for almost nothing else.

I for one am incredibly grateful for the work that I am fortunate to do among this larger community that we make at Front Porch. I am particularly grateful for the openness and kindness that people throughout our organization have afforded me since the day I arrived. To be sure, the work that is done here can be challenging at times. But our shared commitments to one another, and to carving a better way in community together, can give us inspiration and strength.

As in my grandmother’s house, we all contribute something to the effort. And we are given the blessing of insights from diverse perspectives across generations.

I wish you and yours a joyful and blessed Thanksgiving with every hope that we can brighten our lights to not only illuminate our own path, but shed light for others around us as well.

My best,  

Sean M. Kelly, CEO

The post Giving Thanks… Finding Gratitude appeared first on Front Porch.

The fact is, being smart means you don’t put off planning ahead. You didn’t put off planning in your younger years, and you’re not going to live the rest of your life passively either. You’re proactive, not reactive, when it comes to your health, finances, and goals. You’ve dreamt big and planned big. We’re here to support you in making those plans and dreams become your reality in a community that feels like home.

By considering a move to a Covia Community, you’re beginning the process of giving yourself and your loved ones peace of mind. In fact, a recent Age Well Study by Mather Lifeways Institute on Aging found that people living in life plan or continuing care retirement communities demonstrate higher levels of social, physical, and intellectual wellness.  Add to that our expanded health care resources, and your worries are minimized as you age, knowing you have a team to work with you as your needs change.

Another benefit that makes our residents smarter than the average 70-year-old has to do with maintenance. As you consider the never-ending routine of home care, you’re taking into account what that might mean five, 10, or 20 years down the road. Moving to a Covia Community means no more caring for a house that’s bigger than your lifestyle or a yard that requires continued upkeep.

Along with peace of mind, you’re aware of the social benefits of moving to a community. All your life you’ve surrounded yourself with friends and community. You got to know your neighbors, got involved in your community, and made friendships that lasted. At any of our communities, you’ll be surrounded by people like you – intelligent older adults with diverse backgrounds in a similar stage of life.

Activities and exercise are always close by, with an array of options and a supportive staff always available to you. Whether you want to play bocce in Sonoma County wine country, take an easy walk to the Monterey shoreline, or join an exercise program in your community’s fitness center, Covia Communities have activities to suit your needs. It’s the convenience that sets us apart. Instead of traveling to exercise or trying to find creative ways to stay fit while at home, a life plan or continuing care retirement community naturally makes life easier and more enjoyable.

So, are you REALLY smarter than the average 70-year-old? Odds are you know the answer. You’re already aware of Covia’s reputation as a clear leader in senior living. You’ve planned, you’ve saved, and you’ve lived life with joy. Being smart means you know there’s more to come. All it takes is that next step. We’d love to meet with you and learn more about what that looks like to you.

Smart seniors like you have been choosing Covia for years. Are you ready to add your name to that list?

The post Are you smarter than the average 70-year-old? You better believe it! appeared first on Front Porch.

After the first few months, the couple’s first impressions were confirmed. “We have met all kinds of people,” Brian says. “I think the majority of people here are straight, but there are lesbians and gays and, for all I know, transgender individuals. The community has been unusually welcoming in making sure that people are not isolated and provides all kinds of introductions. People are uniformly friendly.”

“Pride Month is a demonstration of caring through respect and celebration of our differences,” says Front Porch CEO John Woodward. As part of Pride Month, Front Porch dedicated its monthly resident and staff “Strength of Community” video chat to sharing stories from LGBTQ residents, staff, and those who are working toward greater inclusion of the LGBTQ community. “Creating welcoming, diverse, and inclusive communities is Front Porch’s priority all year round,” John explains.​

Jerry Brown, Senior Director of Affordable Housing, shared the work he has been doing with the Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI), an initiative of the Human Rights Campaign that helps senior communities understand what steps they can take to ensure members of the LGBTQ community feel welcome. The two-year LEI process helps communities evaluate their policies and procedures, and works to educate staff on LGBTQ concerns. “Communities start with the basics: just the mission statement being included in the personnel policy, but it also goes out to contractors, contractors that come in from the outside to your building, to make sure that they’re going to be inclusive and welcoming of LGBTQ folks when they come into contact with them.”

“We really should all feel very proud of our organization,” Jerry says. “We did everything we could to keep residents safe during the pandemic. Inclusivity is about safety too. Making members of our community — gay men like me — feel welcome at a community is really about feeling safe.”

Among the featured guests for the chat were residents who have spent their lives fighting for LGBTQ rights. Long before she moved to Wesley Palms in San Diego, Beth Coye lobbied for the repeal of the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. “My life for the first 42 years on earth revolved around the US Navy,” she shares. Her father was a naval officer and went on to be an admiral. Beth herself then joined the Navy and was on active duty for 21 years.

From 1978-1980, Beth was Commanding Officer of a shore station. While up for promotion to captain, Beth learned that she had been tailed by her boss to determine if she was a lesbian. She chose to retire early, and “began to come out to anyone who would listen to my story.” She lobbied for the end of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell “to help free others from unnecessary pain and agony.” She helped compile a series of letters called We Are Family Too from military personnel who had been affected by Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. In part due to Beth’s actions, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was repealed in 2011.

Now at Wesley Palms, Beth has a rainbow flag on her patio. “Cara, who’s our director of sales and marketing, said the prospects really like the fact that we have diversity,” Beth says. “I think, there are little things like that that you can do too if you really are serious about wanting to bring in more people from our community.”

“America’s attitude and values have dramatically changed since I was tailed 42 years ago by my boss for being possibly a lesbian,” says Beth. “New laws and policies are giving hope for liberty and justice for all.”

Brian agrees. “It’s a lot different than it was 43 years ago. My experience and my partner Henry’s experience over the years is that as we have been a little bit forthright in who we are, that the response has been almost overwhelmingly positive with very few exceptions, both in our families and in the communities we’ve lived in.”

You can watch the Strength of Community chat on the Front Porch Retirement YouTube Channel. You can subscribe to future chats here.

The post Caring with Pride: Welcoming and including the LGBTQ community appeared first on Front Porch.

As you are well aware, the presence of COVID-19 in our country has impacted all of us in ways large and small. Every day, the story seems to shift as another news article or chart or special report appears. Coronavirus at the same time seems at once close and also very far away. It has affected all of our lives, even if we know no one who has become infected.

Through all of the sudden changes, the social distancing, the shelter-in-place orders, I have seen how everyone at Covia has worked together to care for each other. It is a sign of the strength of the communities we have built that things have gone as smoothly as they have in the midst of such uncertainty. It is a sign of the value we place on community that we have been able to provide multiple sources of connection even as we have been required to distance ourselves from one another.

We chose the name Covia as a way to announce that we “come together on the path of life.” I can think of no better place to be on this unexpected path than with all of you.

Thank you for everything you do. Stay safe, stay well, and stay connected.

Kevin

Kevin Gerber
President and CEO

News and updates about Covia’s response to COVID-19 can be found on our website at https://covia.org/covid-19-response-and-resources/

The post Letter from Kevin Gerber, President and CEO appeared first on Front Porch.

Art with Elders at Oak Center Towers

Art with Elders provides weekly art classes led by professional art instructors to over 450 residents in communities around the Bay Area. Their classes focus on teaching art skills such as composition and color as well as fostering community. Participants are invited to submit their artwork for the annual exhibit that showcases their hard work to the public around the Bay Area.

This year, artwork created by residents at Oak Center Towers for the Art with Elders program is featured in the 27^th Annual Art with Elders Exhibit, currently on display at the Gerald Simon Auditorium at Laguna Honda Hospital through November 18^th. Aliona Gibson and Oak Center Towers residents attended the exhibit’s Opening Celebration on October 27th where, Gibson notes, residents were “very proud and excited about their work being on display.”

One resident’s art was even selected to be printed onto greeting cards that could be purchased at the event. Gibson purchased one of these cards, saying that “it was invaluable to me to have such a beautiful and professional reproduction of the resident’s work.”

Beyond their work at Oak Center Towers, Art with Elders also provides classes at Lytton Gardens in Palo Alto, and Executive Director Mark Campbell and Instructor-Exhibits Manager Darcie O’Brien spoke as part of Covia’s 2019 Creative Aging Symposium, which celebrates the importance of creativity in creating a sense of self and living with purpose. The Creative Aging Symposium will return on January 29th, 2020 to explore more aspects of creative aging featuring speakers with backgrounds in eco-friendly fashion, choreography, and medicine.

Monthly Art Projects

In addition to the Art with Elders program, Gibson has been introducing residents at Oak Center Towers to monthly art projects that allow them to try out different mediums and materials. Residents have created everything from tie-dye t-shirts and terrariums to painted flower pots and tissue flowers.

One popular event even had an edible component where residents created rainbow fruit skewers with strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupes, pineapple, green grapes, and blueberries. Gibson notes that the event was particularly popular because residents “got to take them home and some residents ate while creating.”

Beyond the monthly art projects, there is also a weekly coloring activity where a small group of residents gather to color with gel pens, markers, and colored pencils.

Oak Center Towers’ diverse population means that not all of the residents share the same language, which can make craft projects and teaching difficult. Gibson says, “There is usually one person who speaks English who will relay what I am saying but mostly they go by pictures. I always bring examples of the craft we are doing, sometimes a prototype and sometimes pictures from the internet.”

Between the monthly art projects, regular coloring group, and Art with Elders program, Oak Center Towers has created a number of beautiful pieces that have been displayed around the community on top of the art accepted into the Art with Elders’ exhibit.

The Art with Elders Annual Exhibit is open until November 18th at the Gerald Simon Auditorium at Laguna Honda Hospital. After November 18th, the exhibit will move to the Rincon Center in Downtown San Francisco through January 18^th, 2020. Artwork from the Art with Elders exhibit is also available on their website.

*Image of Oak Center Towers group courtesy of Art with Elders

The post Art Programs at Oak Center Towers Let Residents’ Creativity Blossom appeared first on Front Porch.

As part of what was labeled a “Public Safety Power Shutoff event” by PG&E and dubbed a “Massive Blackout” by the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Spring Lake Village residents and staff were without electrical power midweek during the second week in October 2019.

Residents and staff relied on generators—big and small— battery-operated lanterns, ingenuity, problem solving and community spirit to weather the corporate-made outage.

Planning for a big storm or an earthquake started in the 2013 re-model of the Village Center when a new generator system was installed. This generator powered the kitchen and emergency lighting throughout the week. “Don’t worry, we’ll have lots to eat,” promised Dining Director Larry Brooks.

Melissa Anderson, Activities Director for Assisted Living residents, reports, “The kitchen was amazing, making sure our residents had hot food for all our meals, even though our own kitchen was down. With no elevators, Assisted Living staff went up and down stairs to be sure that the 16 residents on the 2nd floor had all they needed. The staff joked that we lost 10 pounds each in the stair climbing.”

Programs and activities for residents throughout campus continued – with changes necessitated by the lack of electrical power. A 2000 piece Cinque Terre puzzle donated by a resident was moved next to the Great Hall windows for better light. Dogs helped their resident owners stick to a walking schedule, regardless of a power outage.

The swimming pool closing was expected due to the need for filter, circulation and pool heating systems. What was unexpected was the prompt steaming up of the floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding the heated pool area. With the power outage, there was a fear of mold developing from lack of air circulation. Staff rigged up generators and fans to keep the air moving.

A power strip and generator with the sign Charging Station turned out to be a big hit. “What started as a single table, doubled in size to accommodate the demand as dozens of devices were recharged at the station on the Creekside Patio,” reported Facilities Director Dennis McLean.

Seventy motion-detector, solar-powered walkway lights installed in September lit up the covered sidewalks. The lights worked well during the power outage. For many residents, the first and last word was “the lantern” which lit up kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and halls. “You need to have at least three,” was the agreed-to number. “I bought four for Christmas gifts and used them all,” exclaimed another resident.

Small generators were threaded into the business offices around the Village Center and Resident Health Services. Keeping computers going was essential to maintain “business as usual.”

No power meant no school, but if you were lucky, you became part of the impromptu Spring Lake Village Take Your Kids to Work Day. Bistro Sous Chef Adrian Alberto brought his three daughters to work to provide a no-school day option. Housekeeper Carmen provided on-the-spot assistance with activities. “We wanted to make sure our staff had an option for taking care of their kids,” reports Assistant Executive Director Kris Hermanson on the “bring your kids” impromptu program.

Anderson adds, “As we delivered the trays, the residents were so concerned about us, asking about our kids, our homes, our families and our power situation, wanting to make sure we were safe. The residents adapted to the routine, without a negative word. We are family.”

The post Planning, ingenuity, and community support Spring Lake Village through power outage appeared first on Front Porch.

Currently serving as Professor of Social Welfare and Public Policy at UCLA, Director of the UCLA Center for Policy Research on Aging, and an Adjunct Professor of Gerontology at USC, Dr. Torres-Gil was born and raised in Salinas, the son of migrant farm workers and one of nine children. After contracting polio at the age of 6 months, he spent much of his childhood in and out of hospitals. In an interview with the American Society on Aging, Torres-Gil reports, “I credit this experience with my educational success; I would return after long absences from mainstream K–12 schooling and I was always ahead of my fellow students because of receiving home-schooling, personalized attention and mentoring. My mother fought the school district to keep me with the ‘normal’ kids, saying, ‘There is nothing wrong with his mind, only his legs.’”

Dr. Torres-Gil has a distinguished background in public service. He advised three separate presidential administrations on the topics of aging and disability and he currently co-chairs the National Academy of Science’s Forum on Aging, Disability and Independence. In 2013, he received the John W. Gardner Legacy of Leadership Award from the White House Fellows Foundation and Association.

“I remember when I first looked him up before taking him on a tour of the community, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh! Can I just be myself when I meet him?’” says Jody O’Connell, Director of Sales and Marketing for Canterbury Woods. But when she met him, “He is so laid back and so engaging. What he’s about is just amazing, but as a person, he’s just one of us.”

“He is passionate about the fourth quarter in life,” says O’Connell. For his presentation, Dr. Torres-Gil will discuss smart aging, current trends, retirement options, and supportive systems. Those who attend will have the opportunity to learn about developing a longevity plan and more.

O’Connell is thrilled with the partnership Canterbury Woods is developing with Torres-Gil. “He loves that we’re a non-profit and our whole purpose,” she says. She hopes this event will demonstrate how living in a community like Canterbury Woods can be part of a successful longevity plan. “Medicine is something, but quality of life and how to live your fourth quarter – this is it. People are doing it right here.”

Space for the event is extremely limited. Please contact Jody O’Connell to reserve your spot at 831-657-4224 or jo’connell@covia.org.

The post Dr. Fernando Torres-Gil to speak on Smart Aging in the 21st Century appeared first on Front Porch.

Today, as she prepares to turn 102, Ruth still lives independently and remains very active in the San Francisco Towers community, serving on three committees. For Laura, living close to her mother has provided special moments and has even critical support. A few years ago, when Stephen had a bad accident and came home after three weeks in the hospital, he couldn’t be left alone. When Laura had to leave the house for critical errands, she was able to call her mom to come downstairs and be with Stephen. “It couldn’t have worked out more perfectly!” Laura said.

Originally published in Community Matters

The post San Francisco Towers: A Family Home appeared first on Front Porch.

Raspberry-Jalapeño Pepper Jelly
1 4-oz can diced jalapeño peppers, drained
1 medium-large red bell pepper, diced
1 ½ – 2 cups fresh raspberries
1 ½ cups white vinegar
6 cups sugar
1 packet Certo fruit pectin (there are two in each box)
Red food coloring (optional)

Place in blender the first three ingredients and blend until there are no large particles, adding a little of the vinegar if it’s too thick to blend well. Place in large pan with the rest of the vinegar and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring throughout. Add the sugar; bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add the Certo and a little red food coloring, if desired (I do). Spoon the foam from the top. Pour into 7 or 8 half-pint jars, that have been sterilized by boiling. Cover with the sterilized sealing rings and tightly screw on the tops. You will hear them popping within an hour to make sure they are sealed. Don’t move for several hours. I serve with crackers and cream cheese.

Enjoy!

The post A holiday recipe from Canterbury Woods appeared first on Front Porch.