CONNECT WITH THE COLONNADE
With An Eye Toward Maintaining Independence By Ken Reinstein
Colonnade resident Marilyn Vosburg met her husband Gail on the beach in Southern California and they were married for 54 years with two kids, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. After living on the West Coast, Gail was transferred to Ohio. “As people said, we went the wrong way, we should have gone the other way,” Marilyn says. “And our goal all along was to get back West. Really to go back to Southern California.” Eventually the couple ended up in Sun City Grand, moving there in 2003. As is the case for many Sun City Grand residents, Marilyn and Gail started to think about how to remain independent. They loved their home in Sun City Grand and yet they thought ahead to the future. “We were at the end of a very small cul-de-sac, so it was like a little peaceable kingdom back there with the coyotes and the bobcats and the javelina,” she says. “With one child on the West Coast and one child on the East Coast, we didn't really want to leave this area. Yet, we knew that we would have to look ahead to see how we're going to maintain our independence.” “Gail and I looked at The Colonnade twice. Came over, thought it was great, and even
put money down once. And then went home, talked it over and we really had a good location in Grand and I really did not want to move. And then when I was diagnosed with wet macular degeneration after my husband died, I thought, ‘Marilyn, you need to do something.’ And that was a big motivating factor for me.” The Colonnade was a big draw for Marilyn because it is part of Sun City Grand where she was active in the photo club since it its inception. And, where she could remain close to her friends. “I realized, ‘I've got to move while I can still get in,” Marilyn said. “Let's be honest. They're going to give me a health check, and if the doctor says I can't live independently, I'm stuck. So, we crunched the numbers, and it was something I could do and live here a long time. So, I thought the money that I would spend traveling, I'm going to put into making this my home at The Colonnade.” Once her wet macular degeneration happened, she could no longer drive, and she also was not able to read or write. One of the benefits at The Colonnade include transportation services. “I would say the ability to get to doctors’ appointments without having to go down your list of friends and think ‘how many times have I asked them?’” Marilyn says. “I have a big
Grand Lifestyles | May 2022 | suncitygrand.com
network of friends. But to know that I don't have to depend on them because I can call up drivers George or Dave to help me. They are such a plus for this organization. They are so nice, and it helps maintain my independence.” Another plus is the ability to have meals delivered to her casita. “Because knives and I are not a good combination anymore,” Marilyn adds. “To be able to have meals delivered is a real plus. I love the staff, including Joseph, Liz and Caleb. They're so helpful. And I can walk up to the Bistro and if it's not busy, I have a pretty good idea of where the empty tables are. I can go by sound. The team behind the counter Cartral, Carlandus and Damien are so helpful giving me just the information I need to navigate to the right table.” Then there are the fitness classes. “With exception of my
eyes. I am healthier now than five years ago,” Marilyn says. “I walk everywhere. I don't need anyone to come get me unless it's night. It’s the availability of classes that are included in the fee that I pay monthly, and April and Colleen are the best. I take 12 classes a week.” These are just a few of the many benefits residents of The Colonnade have. Everyone is welcome to visit our campus and enjoy a meal at The Bistro, which is open from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To learn more about living at The Colonnade, A Sun Health Life Plan community featuring independent living as well as offering Assisted Living and Memory Support services for both residents and non-residents, call (623) 236-3770 or visit SunHealthCommunities.org/ Colonnade. 15
