Residents Discover their ‘Sense of Place’ at Front Porch Communities

Posted on May 11, 2023

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 Res…

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England Oaks Resident Woodworkers Carve Out Unique Friendship

Posted on March 17, 2023

Gerald Turner and Richard Heath have two very important things in common - they love England Oaks and they love working with wood. "That's all we need to be happy," Gerald said with a laugh. As a young boy, growing up on a farm, Gerald built his own toys: first a wooden tractor, then a miniature barn. As an adult, he shared his carpentry skills for 10 years as a volunteer with Laborers for Christ, building churches around the country, before settling in at England Oaks.

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Falling Is Not a Normal Part of Aging.  Take These Smart Steps for Preventing Falls.

Posted on September 13, 2022

September 22, the first day of fall, is appropriately deemed national Falls Prevention Awareness Day, and is dedicated to raising awareness of falls and how to prevent them. As a leading provider of senior housing, Front Porch treats the risk of falling as a  very serious public health issue. No one thinks they are going to fall, but it happens. 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 t…

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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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