Retirement Communities for Book Lovers~1/01 Export

CHARLOTTE - Cannot tell you how happy I was that you and your husband were there, not only because it was great meeting you and all the other wonderful people, but because you and Milt were older than me! FINALLY, someone older than myself.

Did you see my hand up there when they called out 70? I gave a big sigh of relief when Milt took the prize for being the oldest. I'm always the oldest in the crowd, but what makes the difference as long as I'm in the crowd, right?

DIDN'T WE ALL HAVE A GREAT TIME? And thanks to Milt for giving directions to my Cindy out in the hall! We got around just fine in NY, that wonderful town, that toddling town - how does that song go?

When you find that community that loves books, let us all know, O.K?

Hey Hey Everyone:

It's not just up to me. We need your help to start a community of book, art and music lovers. Scout around. See what you can find out.

To the Amazing Ginny: We love you too. Can't imagine how you do it all .You're everywhere we look. Such Energy. Such Enthusiasmi. Such Charisma.

Walter: Thanks to the indomnitable Kay (Joan Pearson's sister) who drove us in to the city and home again, we made it.

And thanks to you for checking everything out. We got in without any snafus and even saw a bit of the antiques show. It was great to learn a little more about you at table.

Marge: Help us find the place.

Ella: We really enjoyed the little talk we had. Being the oldest ones present was really a change for us. When we first started dating, we were always the youngest.

And who contributed our fabulous grab bag gift FRANGO chocolate?. It's absolutely delicious. Probably the best chocolate we ever had. Sweet memories of a wonderful day.

Charlotte

Hi all:

There's been no activity here. But I just got an email from my niece who lives in MA. She saw a TV program which described a retirement community right on the campus of the U of Virginia. Retirees live rn the middle of the campus and are free to attend classes in their field of interest without charge. Only one out of three are graduates of UV. Can anyone find out more about that?

Charlotte

Charlotte: I've found several pieces of information about the retirement communities on/near college campuses.

"A Golden Age on Campus: More retirees go home to the old alma mater," NEWSWEEK, Nov. 9, 1998, p. 80. It talks about the Colonnades, a retirement community at the Univ. of Virginia at Charlottesville. It also mentions similar communities at Cornell, Dartmouth, and Iowa State.

"Retirement 101:Colleges aren't just inviting older people to attend class-they're asking them to move back to school," NEWSDAY, 14 Nov 1994, p. B04

šjane›

Charlotte,
Here's an article which may be of some interest and an exerpt from the same article: Back to SchoolOff-Campus Housing

The growing market has also created an opportunity for savvy real-estate developers. Many have begun building retirement communities in college towns, in cooperation with the schools, which benefit handsomely.

Eckerd, for instance, retains an interest in a retirement center built on land the college sold to the developer. Kendal Corp., based in suburban Philadelphia, has built retirement facilities in a number of college towns, including Hanover, N.H. (home of Dartmouth College); Charlottesville, Va. (University of Virginia); Ithaca, N.Y. (Cornell University and Ithaca College); Bloomington, Ind. (Indiana University); and Oberlin, Ohio (Oberlin College).

Residents at Kendal's Hanover retirement community can take a number of noncredit classes from the Institute for Lifelong Education, a nonprofit group housed on Dartmouth's campus. The program, in which some courses are taught by Dartmouth professors, costs just $35 a year, plus $30 a course.

In State College, Pa., Pennsylvania State University trustees recently agreed to lease as many as 80 university-owned acres for the development of a retirement community to be known as the Village at Penn State. University funds won't be used on the project, but Penn State is expected to receive more than $1 million as a licensing fee for the use of its name and $200,000 annually from the 35-year lease. A market study indicated strong interest among older Penn State alumni in spending their retirement years in State College.

But, says Penn State President Graham Spanier, "the most important reason for doing this project is the academic programs." Participants in the Penn State system's Go 60 program can take regular college courses free, when space allows. At the flagship State College campus, 180 courses are available.

Indeed, it's the high caliber of the academic programs that attracts so many seniors to these college-town communities. In contrast with typical senior-center programs -- where a travel-related course might be little more than a series of slide shows -- the college-level courses are rigorous, and often taught by real college professors.

Fairly typical is the program offered by North Carolina State University's six-year-old Encore Center for Lifelong Enrichment. In the current fall term, which runs through Oct. 24, people over 50 can select from 18 six-week courses, including Modern Japan, Our Carolina Heritage, Evaluating Your Retirement Strategies, Aromatherapy and Well Being, and Introduction to Personal Computing. A big bonus: Participants get a student ID card, which enables them to use the university library and to attend on-campus plays and concerts at student prices.

Encore is "doing an outstanding job of presenting short courses on such a wide variety of topics and taught by instructors with amazing backgrounds," says 67-year-old Rosemary Jones of Cary, N.C. "I don't get college credit, but I'm not interested in that. The courses stimulate my intellectual growth."

I think that living in or near a University town has a lot of merit. Personally, I also would love to combine that idea with a warm climate. I'm presently living in the Northeast and don't relish another winter up here. I want it all. The feeling of freedom that comes from open doors and windows, no snow tires, no gloves, and no cold ears - plus the mental stimulation of a sophisticated academic environment. Is there such a place? Oh, and it must be near an ocean.

Sounds like paradise to me, Natasha! What do you say, those of you who know of these?

Ginny

And then there's always Sun City!! Sorry! I can't help it! hahahaha! Just happened in here after a hectic day on the net with Ella, trying to put up a home page for sending photos. Turns out that I have the wrong computer--yes, a MAC! Anyhoo! There are always lots of places in the South to live that have colleges nearby but to have a retirement area devoted just to books, art, and music is a big order. I am thinking of starting one in Georgia! Talk about perfect weather. You even get a change of seasons without that awful winter. Now, you may think that I am kidding but I am going down there to look at land for some condos for a friend of our and will look into this too. Give me an excuse to stay longer. Sounds wonderful to me. How about up in the mountains or over near Athens,GA (home of UGA). There is a community near there that has very high ratings for retirement. Low taxes, affordable housing, beautiful vistas. Might be worth looking into soon.

10 years down the road, when I have more freedom, count me in. I liked Georgia. Tired of sub-zero IL in the winter.

Ann--please do look around!!! A retirement-type community geared to readers who would rather see a play or hear an author speak, or meet to discuss books---now, that would be wonderful. Should be near a broad based university that already caters to all ages.

Ann - There's no reason in the world why you can't have a home page with a Mac and don't let anyone tell you different. My page was done on my Mac. Let me know what your problem seems to be and I'll try to help.

Hi. I actually live on a college campus, or kitty corner. And I could audit courses. However, most of the classes are made up of 18 to 21 year olds. There are graduate classes too but it is a young campus.

I love the idea of a community for book lovers. I am 53 but will probably have to stop working fairly soon due to severe arthritis. It is hard for me to get out very far. I would love to have organized activities nearby. Maybe an art class, book clubs by genre, learn more about some kinds of music. Or just be able to chat with like-minded people. And think of all the talanted people who would want to live there! And share their talent! Come on, lets go. Deb

Welcome, Deb!! A grand welcome to you from all of us here in the Books & Lit!!

Wouldn't it be heaven, tho, but you know what? It's almost as good being right here in our discussions. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you and hearing your opinions in many of our discussions, we're so glad to have you!!

Ginny

Thanks Ginny. Actually I have been around for a long time. I started Bossom Buddies, a forum for breast cancer survivors. I just love the people on it and wish I lived near them. That is why this idea is so appealing.

Yeah, I really think it would be like a paradise and I bet in the future there will be more and more of these types of places. I'm glad to meet you, I know one of those in that folder (and now YOU!) and agree that she's super!!

Stick around, we're pretty good here in the Books, too! hahahaha

Love, Ginny

We were voted a top retirement destination in Money during the 90s. We have a 4-year campus of University of South Carolina which has been very helpful to seniors with an active Academy of Lifelong Learning and they also provide the SeniorNet lab space and registration services. I have recently graduated with a degree in English Lit and I can heartily endorse the faculty as being very fine. For those past 60 classes are free on a space-available basis. There are several on-going book discussion groups around town, including a nice one at the library led by the librarians. The Aiken retired community has a large number of retired professionals, engineers, scientists, and medical personnal due to the nearby Savannah River Site, Medical College of Georgia (just across the river) and VA hospital. Haven't seen snow in several years, either.

Louisellen: It sounds like you're in a marvelous area. I've heard about Aiken, and we're hoping to make a trip down that way and visit your area. I don't recognize your name, so I'm going to send you an informational email about SN. If you're an "oldhand" here, just delete it, but if you're new, maybe it'll help you get around SN a bit easier!!

šjane›

Louisellen, welcome Welcome!! And greetings from the Upstate! I had no idea all that was in Aiken, how marvelous for you, do look around here and join us in what we think are the best Books and Literature folders anywhere!

So glad you're with us,

Ginny

Hi,

I just found this discussion and hope it hasn't died. Living on campus is my idea of heaven. Tall trees! Winding pathways! No yardwork! To say nothing of a library, cafeteria, lecture halls, theater, all within walking distance. I could turn our car into a lawn sculpture.

The article by Schellhardt is from 1997. Has anyone found anything more recent on the subject? I'm going to see what I can find.

Rose

Hi, Rose. Nice to see you here. If you find something recent, please let us know. I think Parade Magazine (Sunday insert) does these "surveys" every so often, but I don't know of any index to them, unless they're included with a newspaper's index.

šjane›

Some of you may be interested in a proposed book discussion tentatively scheduled for next year. The book, entitled Where River Turns to Sky by Gregg Kleiner..."a thoughtful meditation on aging" - check it out and leave a message if you might be interested

Where River Turns to Sky
Charlie

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!!

Welcome to this discussion. It's so good to be back and hear from you! Its been a long wait and we never gave up seeing you in here when the Books folder was repaired!!

wellllll I can suggest the climate where I live. it's the best in the world..semi arid and on the coast of southern CA with lots of senior services and colleges and universities nearbye. They do have special courses out of the schools meeting nearbye, and there is seniorn world (if I got it right) with many things happening there, lots of green space and again stuff for us. The only thing missing, I think, is the people. We're in orange county land of retired business people with little or no use for the mind when not playing bridge. It's one of the reasons I hang out here. I'm completely out of the general stream intelectually. It's conservative, and has the new religious right , a big wide bible belt. They do have the best climate in the world though outside of the coast of asia minor.

San Juan Capistrano CA halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego....and they're building accomodations for assisted care and senior retirement homes, condos, etc. I think it might be a bit pricey unless you qualify for the senior housing which is new, small, but pretty and cheap.also senior mobile home parks. . . . I'm not happy here because none of you are HERE. . . just salt of the earth boring people.

Claire

charlie that link is a not found.

Where River Turns to Sky sounds interesting though. count me in.

Claire

Claire: That was from last November. I believe that discussion has come and gone...it may be in the Archives in the Books and Literature folder, however.

šjane›

thanks Jane just a little late here,but can always catch up some day. I'm carting this song around with me today. listening now.

http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/4539/septmorn.mid

Claire

Hi Claire--Geo/Yahoo doesn't allow direct linking of midis anymore, so you get a site unavailable message if you click on the link as posted. For those wanting to hear your delightful music, they can copy and paste the URL in the Location/Site area of their browser.

thanks Joan, changes changes. . . the learning curve has new wiggles in it.

Claire

WhysOne,

Read your March 8 post with interest. Back in late 1980 and early 1981 I spent a bit of time out your way working on the evaluation phase of the 1980 Census. I stayed at a motel just across Route 5 from San Juan (can't remember the same) some of the time, and at other motels up Route 5 part of the time.

Found a great little Mexican restaurant in San Juan called The Adobe. Is it still there? They had the absolutely best baby spinach salad I've ever eaten, very simple, just spinach leaves, a creamy sauce, and finely chopped nuts. The other food was good too.

El Adobe resturant is still there, the favorite of one of our presidents. . . think it was Nixon or whoever lived at the Western White House.

This town is full of resturants, mostly italian and of course mexican, but also more junkfood places than in any large city.

The census materials came i the m ail and I (bad girl) tossed them. Some days I just don't want to be COU NTED. . . . makes me feel like a THING.

Seeya, Claire

Messed up the name a bit. When I was there one of the chairs had a plaque on the back identifying it as the chair President Nixon sat in. The menu for the President's party was also prominently displayed. In fact, one of the dishes I think was called the President's Platter, or something similar. That is what I had on more than one occasion.

Would love to go back and visit again sometime. At the time,I was a bit disappointed that after all I had read about the Mission, the swallows had abandoned the Mission and started landing in the parking lot (modern birds, I suppose). There were also gobs of pigeons around; the place was a mess. Still, I was thrilled to be there.

Those cliff swallows like the taller buildings inland better than the two story ones at the mission. I do see them fly bye sometimes though. theyhave flat tails, not the split ones we see on other swallows.

It's really funny though. . . the visitors at the mission pointing to the pigeons and calling them swallows because they're supposed to be.

This is a pretty place to live but I'm a fish out of water having come from Los Angeles where for most of my life I fit in better. The population here is conservative, heavily church -- going and boring to an old-fashioned liberal atheist.

I find ilk on line now and then though. . . works for me.

Claire

Regarding college towns that allow seniors to attend classes free (assuming paying-students haven't filled the classes to capacity), I think this is generally true in Gainesville, Fla., home of the U. of F.

We just moved to Gainesville before Christmas, so don't know the area well, and certainly haven't had time to attend classes.

Right now we're "summering" in Chicago area. Extremely hot in Gainesville now, even by Florida standards, I understand.

Those of you who love books and reading may enjoy a new Discussion Group opening first thing tomorrow morning. We are going over Alexis deTocqueville's book, "Democracy in America," and will examine America as it is today compared with what deT saw in 1830.

Please join us. We'd love to have you!!

Robby

I am looking for ideas for senior housing, relatively inexpensive in a nice climate and some culture around. Any ideas? Deb

There's a very nice retirement community south of Chapel Hill, NC. It's in a countrified atmosphere, but not far from a plaza for shopping. I can't begin to detail the cultural events in this area, but there is a choice of really fine art museums and galleries, concerts, sporting events, lectures, and so forth at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and Duke University in Durham, as well as other universities in the Raleigh-Durham area. The UNC Hospitals and Duke Hospitals are very fine.

The climate is warm in the summer and cool in the winter. If there are ice and snow, they melt quickly. Carolina Meadows retirement community has vans to transport people into town for shopping and other activities, by the way. There is also public transportation in Chapel Hill and nearby Carrboro.

Click the link below for:
Carolina Meadows

As a book lover, I don't need proximity to other readers, except as a source for new books. My Amazon.com bill is over $1000 a year (I think it is under $2000, but not sure). I love to relax in the cockpit of a sailboat--at anchor or tied to a slip--and just sip coffee (decaf) and read. Then go to bed with the sun and be up to greet the sunrise.

Here is a case where the internet is not much help. I would like a convienient place to swap books I've read for those I have not. The cost of shipping is so bad, that I've seen some sites where books ar a fraction of the cost of shipping. If you order enough books and can ship them as a group, it is better. However I sent a box of books to a friend in the Netherlands and it cost close to $60.00. The books were worth maybe half that amount.

I would also like to see college courses (and not just pipe courses) at much reduced cost for seniors (I qualify).

camw

(AKA: Cam Whetstone)

Cam, I've just found you here, love your comments, I think we all dream of being near enough to stimulating circumstances but that is not possible for all of us, so we have the Books on SeniorNet, a blessing, and YOU now!

Boy have you come to the right place to ask about Book Swap!

Here is our premiere idea, The Book Exchange.

Run by our own Larry Hanna, it will send you any book somebody has listed as available for just the cost of the postage. (We figured why make the donor pay the Book Rate postage too, in addition to wrapping and mailing out a book?)

It works. It has worked in spades, we've sent out to date, as you can see, more than 830 books! With NO problems and NO complaints!!!!!!

YEs!!!!!!!!!!!!

Book Rate just went up, but I still mailed three books Thursday for $1.75 (used to be $1.37 for the same weight). The good news is there are many bestsellers and some rare and out of print books there and it's like a gift to get them and the new Book Rate is faster!

Please go over there and read all the offerings, there are so many they are in links in the heading, and offer some of your own, if you like.

As Martha Stewart would say, "It's a good thing."

ginny

I have a large covered plastic bin (about 3' by 2' by 2') with a snap-on cover. In order to clear some of the junk laying around in our living room and bedroom, I have taken to putting books I've read there. My plan is to get to it this weekend, and simply make a list of everything in there. Some are hard cover, some are paperbacks. There are a bunch. My wife and I went to visit my daughter over Christmas. She likes the same books I do pretty much. I took a box for a computer mid tower case and filled it with books for her. These were just from the ones laying around that I had not gotten into the polastic storage box yet.

Watch for my list.

Cam Whetstone

Super, Cam, thank you so much for your generosity, this will be great fun!

ginny

I just found this place, posted a couple of times, and now no one posts. Is it my computer? Heavens, is it ME?

camw

Yeah, camw, it's you.

I guess we are all too busy reading... to worry about finding a community with lots of bookie places... I guess I found mine right here at SN..

Look here for all the book discussion we have going or starting soon. Books & Literature Index

Yes, sorry, All, thanks, Pat, this particular discussion just addresses places people can go to live in the perfect Bookie Retirement Community. If you scan over our main B&L menu you will find tons of good places to chat about specific books, and generalities (the Library) and all sorts of genres, try it!!!

It's NOT you, Cam!

hahahaha

It's just that nobody has anything new to say today about Retirement Communities geared to the Book lover.

ginny

Goodmorning all. I am going to post this in two places. Maybe I will find someone as confused as I am . Have you read " ROSE COTTAGE" A Book by "MARY STEWART' Shows as published in Britain in 1997. I finished it last night and could not understand why she ended it the way she did. I checked to see if there was a sequiel to it but I don't find any. I know that she must be in her 80s by now. Did she mean to write one and die? Really leaves you hanging as to. Her mother dead or alive and who her father was. I hate books that leave me in the dark.

Jeanne

LOL, when I saw the title of this discussion I thought I would see posts about actual real life Retirement Communties that catered to the book lover.

That said, I think it would be neat to have a retirement community just for us book lovers. The main feature would be a big library with lots of places to sit and read. There would be a fireplace for those cool nights and days that happen even in warm places, and each comfortable chair or sofa would have a small table beside it on which one could place a cup of tea or coffee and one's book. There would be rooms with lots of windows and round tables to sit around where a specific book could be discussed.

I see the whole thing like these B&L books discussions...only physically real. It is fun to think about, isn't it?

Nellie, like you I just discovered this place by pushing the wrong button. I like you suggestion. That sounds like my kind of place. Of course there would be no time limit on how long we lounged.

CMac, I can picture myself sitting comfortably in an overstuffed chair with my feet up on a footstool, drink -cup of tea or glass of cold lemonade -at my side, reading through the night to finish an exciting book. We sure could lounge around as much as we liked.

Have you ever had the experience, when you read something, that you need to talk to someone about it? I jump up and pace around; Sherlock, my cat, looks at me like I've finally flipped my lid (she knows it is coming,just not sure when!). Nellie, your library is the perfect place. There would always be someone there, reading, ready to share/listen. Of course, we need a couple of pets, cats, dogs.

Wouldn't it be nice to have such a place near a beach where we could walk the doggies? Lots of books inside, wind, sand and stars outside!

Actually I have such a place. My boat. I have it in a luxury marina in Baltimore, Md., right in the inner harbor, and it costs about $250 a month. (The boat is paid for.) You are rocked to sleep by gentle waves, and in the marina there are always gentle breezes. Only on the hottest days does anyone need an air conditioner. I can watch ducks and ducklings swim by, watch the tiny litle fish swarming around near my boat, and sit back and enjoy life. For $45 a year I can ride the water taxi (it stops at my marina) around to supermarkets, west marine, and other stores including the pavillions of Harbor Place. Think about it. I invested just over $20,000 in a 36-foot sailboat, and have plenty of room for two. For one it is almost too much room.

Camw

Mrs. Watson, I like the pets idea! Cats to curl up on your lap while reading and dogs to take out for long walks on the beach Jo has suggested we be near, during which we talk about the books we are reading. I would also love some singing canaries to cheer us with their songs.

There should be enough land for a lovely garden to walk through and sit in on warm days.

Yes, Nellie, and water, falling water, dripping, water in motion. While i line, surrounded by clutter and (let's face it, mess) I long for the serenity and pareness of the Japanese landscape. When reading Shogun, is was struck by a description of the inner retreat to solitude in the midst of an overmuchness of humanity. Something about watching a rock grow, was it? A cat on one's lap, a dog at one's feet, books, fire light, and enchanting vistas to gaze at in moments of reverie (with the sound of the surf gently hissing in the background). SIgn me up!

Ahh, yes! Sign me up, too!

CAMW, aren't the winters COLD?!!!!

When it gets cold, just untie the boat and head south to Florida and visit around there for a few months. In the spring, head back.

camw

You have chosen an ideal life! How long have you had this "lifestyle"? What are your favorite places to visit in you boat?

Camw: How did you come to choose life on a boat? I was tempted, at one point, but since I know nothing about boats, navigation, etc., talked myself out of it. I just know that I love being around the sea. Lakes, rivers, etc., not the same.

Jo Meander You wrote: You have chosen an ideal life! How long have you had his "lifestyle"? I bought the boat on May 2nd of this year, and retired on May 8th. I am currently checking everything out, making some modifications, and learning to handle it. I plan on going to Florida via the intracoastal waterway next October (2002). What are your favorite places to visit in you boat? I just like to get out of the marina (and even to stay aboard in the marina). I like short afternoon sails down the Patapsco River and back, and weekend trips to the Chesapeake bay.

Also, I can go where ever the mood takes me and I have my home with me--no packing and unpacking!

Mrs. Watson You wrote: How did you come to choose life on a boat? I was tempted, at one point, but since I know nothing about boats, navigation, etc., talked myself out of it. I just know that I love being around the sea. Lakes, rivers, etc., not the same. I have wanted to live aboard a boat for a long time (,maybe because I don't like cutting grass?). I have had some experience sailing smaller (22') sailboats on the Chesapeake Bay. But the idea of having a larger sailboat that would allow me to live aboard has been there for years. Two years ago I decided I could either follow my dream or forget it, so I started looking into a suitable sailboat. I finally settled on a Hunter 34. The hunter is a fine boat and would have done well. Then a friend who owns a 26' foot Columbia suggested I look at some columbias. I was concerned because they have not made Columbias since the 70's, but I fell in love with the interior layout of the Columbia 36. The lower cost had nothing to do with it (oh yea...). My sailboat sells for about $24,000 in reasonable condition. A 1980's Hunter 34 is in the mid 30's.A beautiful (new) Hunter 40.5 would cost me over $150,000.

If I find I don't want to stay aboard any longer, I can realize most of my investment out of the Columbia. I would probably lose more on the Hunter. Also, the COlumbia was designed for blue water (ocean) sailing, where the Hunter is intended for coastal sailors.

Sorry to go on and on, but I guess you can tell I am into this now.

Come to Baltimore and go for an afternoon (or weekend) sail with me. Bring your family, because my boat can sleep six. We have had eight adults and three children aboard one afternoon. We fed everyone aboard and then settled in to watch 4th of July fireworks. Not bad. And afterward I just sacked out in my bunk whiile most of my guests had to drive home through terrible traffic!

camw