England Oaks Resident Becky Robertson Knows no Artistic Bounds

Posted on April 11, 2022

When it comes to creating art, England Oaks resident Becky Robertson knows no bounds - watercolor, acrylic, encaustic (also known as hot wax painting), alcohol ink, paper making and even antique furniture restoration are among her creative passions. "I like doing it all," exclaimed the retired elementary and middle school teacher and principal. "Any time someone gives me the opportunity to create something or learn something new, I say yes!" Becky is a self-taught artist, although she…

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Enjoy the Benefits of Active Senior Living

Posted on January 11, 2022

Searching for a retirement community can be daunting when faced with a plethora of industry specific terms. One such term that shows up often when researching communities is "active senior living." Like life plan communities (also known as continuing care retirement communities or CCRCs), active senior living communities typically have age restrictions and provide both interior and exterior home maintenance services. Unlike many life plan communities, there is no "buy-in" fee and residents o…

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England Oaks Resident Marge Harrington Quilts Threads of Hope for Service Members

Posted on December 1, 2021

From participating in potluck suppers to taking a turn hosting the monthly coffee chat to her regular swims in the community pool, England Oaks resident Marge Harrington describes her life as full of joy. But Marge's favorite activity is one that gives back to military service members and war veterans. "I have been a member of Quilts of Valor for about five years," Marge said. "It's what I love!" Quilts of Valor Foundation is a national organization that awards quality quilts (machine…

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Demystifying Resident Contracts

Posted on September 21, 2021

For people who are considering moving to a community, many of the benefits are obvious: a beautiful location, friendly neighbors, great amenities, and supportive staff. But moving to a senior community is a big decision, and one that can raise many questions - especially when it comes to signing a contract or resident agreement. The resident agreement may seem imposing at first, but it also holds the answers to many questions prospective residents may have, such as: What's included and n…

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Arlen & Blondell Jowers Make England Oaks a Home Base for Adventure

Posted on August 25, 2021

After living near Pineville, Louisiana for most of their lives, college sweethearts Arlen and Blondell Jowers built a full life for themselves--raising kids, teaching 1st grade for Blondell, Arlen's work as a civil servant, and collecting and restoring antiques. When retirement rolled around, it was time for some new adventures. They bought an RV and for the next 15 years they explored the U.S. enjoying favorite spots like Mountain View, Arkansas where they became RV park hosts for a sea…

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Margaret Koehler Enjoys Healthy Lifestyle and Helps Others Do the Same at England Oaks

Posted on July 9, 2021

As a retired nurse, England Oaks resident Margaret Koehler had dedicated her life to the wellbeing of others, but after a series of personal medical scares she realized it was time to prioritize her own health. At the advice of her physician, she joined a gym and began putting her own physical fitness front and center. However, it wasn't long before Margaret turned her own therapeutic experiences into something that would benefit others. After 32 years of working as a nurse, she retired …

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Resident Pattie Milligan Welcomes Friends to the Garden and the Kitchen

Posted on May 4, 2021

If you are looking for England Oaks resident Pattie Milligan, you need only follow your nose to her backyard, a vibrant garden oasis, alive and vivid with colors and fragrances, making a visit a treat for the senses. "I just ordered five more rose bushes!" she said smiling. While her green thumb alone would give anyone garden envy, Pattie's talents extend from the garden to the kitchen, where her reputation for preparing delicious, home-cooked meals, together with her generous hospita…

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Meet England Oaks Residents Ward and Linda Crowe

Posted on October 29, 2020

It was in 1995 when Ward walked into the insurance company where Linda worked, on the pretense of buying a policy to cover his truck. But there was something about Ward's flirtatious manner that made Linda question his motivations. "It was obvious that he was not there to buy insurance," she said with a smile. Ward left without a policy, but managed to finagle something even better – Linda's phone number. Two years later they were married. Around 2007, the couple moved to Englan…

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Meet England Oaks Resident Advisory Board Member Linda Yeager!

Posted on August 25, 2020

One of the first people you'll meet when you move to England Oaks Adult Living Community is Resident Advisory Board member Linda Yeager. Armed with a welcome basket full of goodies and a warm smile, the former beautician and barber is a 16 year resident of England Oaks. Drawn to the lifestyle and the beautiful grounds, Linda was just under the age requirement for the 55+ community when she first moved in. "My husband was 55, so I got in on his coattails!" she laughs. Linda quic…

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Coming Home to England Oaks

Posted on June 4, 2020

Wherever life takes England Oaks resident Robbie Gill, she is sure to provide a great soundtrack. Originally from Germany, Robbie grew up in a musical family where she learned to sing, play piano, recorder and the accordion. After college, she and her brother formed a band that toured Europe. When she moved to the US in 1982, she performed in a country music show: "Super Country USA" in Alexandria. She's lived all over the country, but when she decided to retire, it was Alexandria that c…

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