In working on our annual Senior Living advertorial (September-October issue of Lancaster County Magazine), we met residents of local retirement communities who have incredible talents, interesting hobbies and creatively designed living spaces. We hated to see all of Nick Gould’s wonderful photographs go unseen, so we are sharing them through online blogs.
Prior to making the move to Luther Acres two years ago, the Jacobsons had lived in Manheim Township for 33 years. They both took great joy in decorating their home with family heirlooms and treasures, mementos of their travels and items that reflected their interests in golf and cooking. They continue that strategy at Luther Acres.
In making the move to Luther Acres, the Jacobsons were prepared to downsize and start a new chapter in their lives. They agree that the transition was made easier with help from Beyond the Fork in the Road, a locally owned business that specializes in assisting older adults in downsizing or moving. A representative met with the Jacobsons to help determine how their furniture would make the transition to the new floor plan. “They measured everything, and they figured out what we could take with us,” says Brenda. The couple was thrilled to be able to bring pieces such as their china hutch, corner cupboard, a beloved grandfather clock and more to their new home. Except for purchasing a new sofa and a chair, they were able to furnish their cottage entirely from their former home. “At first blush, it’s overwhelming to think about the move, but then you get your head around it,” Lloyd remarks.
One of their first purchases as a married couple was a beautiful crystal chandelier for their dining room, and for sentimental reasons, they knew it had to make the move to Luther Acres. It now hangs in their dining room space and complements the hutch that displays Lloyd’s collection of martini glasses and Brenda’s collection of stemware purchased from an antiques shop in New Orleans. Meanwhile, the corner cupboard holds Lloyd’s grandparents’ china set, as well as crystal pieces collected by Brenda over the years.
The décor of their cottage includes many nods to their family heritage. Lloyd’s pride and joy is an antique steamer trunk that belonged to his grandfather; it’s filled with memorabilia from Lloyd’s childhood in Iowa and precious antiques and photos passed down through his family. Many paintings done by Lloyd – he’s a landscape architect by trade who enjoys art as a hobby – hang throughout their home. Their hobbies are also well represented. Lloyd’s den reveals his love of golf through flags that serve as mementos of major tournaments they have attended. Brenda loves to cook and bake, hence her hobby is represented by a (downsized) collection of cookbooks, vintage aprons and other items.
According to Brenda, she and Lloyd love “the wonderful people and community” that comprise Luther Acres, where they have found many ways to become active and involved. Lloyd is the current Residents’ Council president and is taking a watercolor class being taught by a local art instructor. Meanwhile, Brenda, who has always loved thrifting and antiquing, volunteers with the resident-led “Attic Treasures” sales and continues to enjoy entertaining, cooking and baking.
As Amy Kenn, who is Luther Acres’ communications director, explained, the Jacobsons embody the spirit of a community in which residents are open to expanding their horizons and embracing new adventures.
For more information about Luther Acres and other Luthercare communities, visit Luthercare.org.
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