Say Hello to Judson Park

Say Hello

to Judson Park

Our residents share their stories.

Where Beauty and Purpose Converge Judson Park is like a peaceful oasis, convenient to Seattle and Tacoma, but away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a little piece of paradise on Puget Sound, with fantastic water views. But it’s not just the prime location that makes this community so special. It’s the close relationships built between our residents that make Judson Park a truly remarkable place to live.

The residents of Judson Park are incredible, warm and caring individuals, actively shaping the experience of our community.

They’re working, traveling, volunteering, socializing and learning — soaking in the best of what life has to offer.

But don’t take my word for it. Meet a few of the residents who make our Judson Park community so special.

Jonathan Boyar Executive Director, Judson Park

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Say Hello

to Judson Park

CONTENTS PAGE 4 LIFE BLOSSOMS IN UNEXPECTED WAYS

PAGE 9 KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

PAGE 14 BLUE FRIDAYS

PAGE 6 GETTING OUT ON THE SOUND

PAGE 10 EXPLORING NORTH AMERICA’S NATURAL HISTORY

PAGE 16 PERPETUAL MOTION

PAGE 8 ALDA’S STAR SNIFFER

PAGE 12 COLLEGE OF INTELLECTUAL INSPIRATION

PAGE 18 PURSUING PASSIONS

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“My bulbs are happy here.”

Life Blossoms in Unexpected Ways 4 JUDSON PARK

Doris Mech When the newly widowed Doris Mech moved into Judson Park, she thought she might have to sacrifice many of the things she cherished most, including her acclaimed annual garden party and her community of friends.

The longtime beekeeper arrived at her new home carrying a gallon jar of her honey and her greatgrandmother’s dahlia bulbs.

But rather than giving up the things she loved, her life blossomed in new and unexpected ways. At Judson Park she discovered a fertile place for new friendships, her green thumb and love.

With help from Judson Park’s Life Enrichment Team, Doris was able to host her Garden Party on campus and start a new Judson Park tradition. Surrounded by floral bouquets, feasting on petits fours and enjoying the melodies of harpists, friends both old and new came dressed in their Sunday best and competed for the “Best Garden Party Hat” award.

Throughout the year, Doris regularly attends the Garden Club.

They tend to the flower beds outside and ensure that the common areas are decorated with beautiful floral arrangements. She says the climate at Judson Park is ideal for her beloved dahlias — the blooms have increased tenfold in their new beds — as well as her posies, which she gifts to residents on their birthdays.

“My bulbs are happy here,” says Doris.

And so is Doris, having found the ideal place to enjoy her favorite hobbies and to foster new relationships.

The author of the recipe book Joy with Honey: More Than 200 Delicious Recipes That Make the Most of Nature’s Own Sweetener — rated five stars on Amazon — Doris may also get her bees.

She’s lobbying for a Judson Park bee garden.

But in the meantime, her honey attracted something much sweeter.

The jar she carried in with her on move-in day sparked a conversation with another resident. Paul is now her new love.

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GETTING OUT ON THE SOUND Tom Smith gazes out the window of his Judson Park apartment at the 180-degree view of Puget Sound. Off in the distance, he can see the Point Robinson Lighthouse at the tip of Maury Island.

That view was one of the reasons Tom and his wife, Marilyn, selected Judson Park as their new home. It’s the perfect setting for a man who always has felt most at home by the sea.

“I like being out on the water as often as I can,” says Tom. “That’s where I have a sense of independence, peace and quiet.”

Most days, you can find Tom at the nearby marina tinkering with his 28-foot Four Winns Cabin Cruiser Jessie Mae, named after his mother. He loves taking her out for a day of fishing.

“My joy comes from the act of fishing, not so much the outcome,” says Tom. He also enjoys watching boats come and go, and tracking them on a maritime app that allows him to identify everything from the type of vessel to its port of origin.

But it’s some of the low-tech pleasures that give Tom and Marilyn the most enjoyment, whether that’s strolling along the nearby boardwalk or looking out their window at the end of the day. “Every evening is a glorious sunset,” he says.

Tom Smith 6 JUDSON PARK

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Alda Weaver

ALDA’S STAR SNIFFER To say that dogs are her passion would be an understatement for Alda Weaver.

She’s off campus four days a week at the Family Dog Training Center, where she works with her dog to improve his agility, obedience and “Nose Work.” K9 Nose Work is a competitive sport in which dogs learn to recognize certain odors.

Alda’s star sniffer is Walker. Her 12-year-old black Groenendael Belgian sheepdog holds six Nose Work titles.

Walker doesn’t let his celebrity go to his furry head. Alda and Walker are regular fixtures around Judson Park, bringing comfort and kisses to residents. “He gives extra attention to those who greet him with a doggie treat!” says Alda.

In addition to her training work, Alda delights in serving as a decoy at SeaTac Airport training TSA dogs to sniff out substances.

After a busy day, Alda enjoys returning to Judson Park and taking an evening stroll with Walker around campus on the well-lighted paths.

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“Fundamentally people want to feel connected.”

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK Serving other people has been Paul Poehlman’s life’s work. As a Baptist minister at churches around the Seattle area, Paul spent his life ministering to the spiritual and emotional needs of his congregants.

Paul Poehlman

volunteered at Judson Park for many years before becoming a resident. “Fundamentally people want to feel connected and like they belong.”

Even though he’s technically retired now, you would never know it. He continues to provide guidance to Judson Park residents, no matter where they are on their spiritual journey.

While his faith continues to be a source of fulfillment for him, Paul also finds joy on the water. He recently traded in his boat for a bigger one, which is docked at the Des Moines Marina down the road from Judson Park.

“A pastor is one who speaks to your spirit, listens to your heart and understands what words can never say,” says Paul, who

“I’m pretty excited about taking the guys out boating!” says Paul.

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Rick Mattson

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Exploring North America’s Natural History He journeys into the forests and mountains near Judson Park in search of plants to photograph.

Rick Mattson’s interest in plants is an example of his interest in the evolution of life. He has spent years studying the history of the science of plants.

Mattson grew up hiking and picked up his deep study of botany in retirement from his career as a civil engineer. This allowed him to wed his inside world to his outside activities.

These outside activities now include his journeys into the forests and

mountains near Judson Park. He searches for specific plants to photograph to illustrate the text he writes. This detailed text touches on the history of the first scientists who studied vegetation.

Rick moved to Judson Park because an aunt and uncle had previously been residents, and had been very happy here. He was from the Washington area originally, so moving from his home in Virginia, he knew Judson Park would be a positive experience for him.

His curiosity in natural history is consistent with Judson Park’s encouragement of continued learning and exploration.

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College of Intellectual Inspiration BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH LEARNING

When Judson Park resident Shirley Peace got involved with the College of Intellectual Inspiration (CII) in 2016, she had no idea how people would respond. Over the past five years, it has far exceeded anyone’s expectations.

One class a quarter has grown to 20, spanning seven subject areas that fill a 12-page brochure. You won’t see basket weaving in that schedule.

“This is a college curriculum experience, not typical Parks and Recreation arts and crafts classes,” says Shirley, chairman of the CII committee, and Marica Patrick, member of the committee.

The college, which is free to residents, is fully funded by an anonymous donor with a few caveats: It must be entirely resident driven, and the classes are college level. The CII committee, consisting of eleven residents with various backgrounds and interests, has the responsibility of procuring speakers, preparing a quarterly schedule of classes 12 JUDSON PARK

and lectures, and doing publicity for these events.

The college also hosts film festivals and trips to local museums, including the Museum of History & Industry, the Boeing Future of Flight Museum, the Washington State History Museum and the Tacoma Art Museum.

“I stay up until midnight some nights getting ready for class the next day.”

Classes are taught in interesting and exciting ways. A Shakespeare class about Hamlet progressed from lectures and reading assignments to script readings, culminating with a performance by the Seattle Shakespeare Touring Company.

“The college is more than a learning and social experience,” says Shirley.

“It’s intellectual stimulation to support aging successfully, and it’s exciting!”

History

Example Courses

History o fT Coast Ra he Pacific ilroad Kurt E. Ar mb Northwest ruster, Railroad A rchives Ancient S oc The Lima ieties of Peru: , the Moc he, and the Inca Jennifer J one Highline C s, ollege

Astronomy

Message s from th eS Learning How to S tars: ee in the Dark Lik ea Dana Rush n Astronomer , Green Riv er College

Global Issues

Gender in Islam Jennifer J one Highline C s, ollege

China: Fa ct and Fic tion T. M. Sell, Highline C ollege

Music

Seattle O p Lecture: era Tchaikov sk “Eugene Onegin” y ’s Jonathan De Dramatur an, g, Seattle Opera Seattle S ymphon y Concert Preview : Play It A ga Michael B in Sam err University y, of Washin gton

Science

Crows: C le and Cha ver, Curious rismatic Loma Pen de University rgraft, of Washin gton Machine L The Nex earning (ML)— t Step in A Intellige nce (AI) rtificial Syeda Na zami, Highline College

BLUE FRIDAYS

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Dressed in their blue and green, residents and team members show their Seahawks spirit.

On Blue Fridays, you’ll find our residents and team members alike preparing to cheer on the Seattle Seahawks. Stop by the lobby and you may even be able to get your nails painted blue and green!

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PERPETUAL MOTION Janet Ludwig

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If you want to keep up with Janet Ludwig, you better be wearing your running shoes.

Equipped with her headphones and her Fitbit, she walks at least 10,000 steps each day, often finishing her final strides on her large deck overlooking Puget Sound.

She spends several days a week cha-cha-ing and hip-hopping through a high-intensity Zumba class at a nearby fitness studio.

And twice a week, you can find her at Judson Park’s Strengthen and Lengthen class.

“Exercise is the key to longevity,” says Janet, who moved into Judson Park in 2019 with her husband, Rondo. “It’s all about physical and mental health, and it keeps me ‘stretched out.’”

Janet brings this same energy and passion to volunteering at Judson Park, whether it be meeting with prospective new residents as an ambassador, helping to coordinate the Pancake Breakfast or leading the initiative to create the community’s first Dixieland Jazz Festival. Her husband says she rarely stops moving.

With Judson Park’s attentive staff taking care of meals, home maintenance and housekeeping, Janet has plenty of time to enjoy her favorite activities. “Every day I can wake up and do exactly what I want,” she says.

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PURSUING PASSIONS While Gaining Peace of Mind

When Jim and Marcia Patrick lived in their house in Tucson, Arizona, they watched as some of their neighbors became increasingly isolated as they grew older. That’s not the life this social, active couple wanted for themselves.

So Jim — a planner by nature — began looking at all the available options. Over the next few years, they visited over 20 Life Plan Communities before setting their sights on Judson Park.

Both Jim and Marcia agree it was the best decision they ever made.

In addition to gaining the peace of mind that comes from living in a continuing care retirement community, they say their lives are fuller, richer and busier than they ever imagined.

On any given day, they head off in different directions to pursue their passions, coming together at the end of the day to catch up.

Jim chairs the Resident Council and leads the residents’ advocacy group.

Marcia is an avid pianist and is involved in several Judson Park committees, including the College of Intellectual Inspiration.

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“I want to do as much as I can for as long as I can, pushing my limits,” says Marcia.

The thing that has pleasantly surprised the couple is the deep relationships they have forged with other Judson Park residents.

“People at Judson Park have become family.”

“We moved in expecting to have great neighbors,” says Jim. “But it has been so much more. The people at Judson Park have become family.”

Jim & Marcia Patrick

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At the End of the Day Catching up with friends over a drink before dinner is always enjoyable. And even more so when you’re taking in the glorious Puget Sound views from our rooftop deck. Come join us!

Judson Park is a senior living community with a oneof-a-kind location on Puget Sound. As a Life Plan Community, we offer the freedom of independent living, surrounded by friendly, interesting neighbors, as well as the peace of mind that comes from knowing a solid plan is in place for the future.

Find out more at ExploreJP.com

Judson Park 23600 Marine View Drive South Des Moines, WA 98198

Judson Park is owned and managed by HumanGood, a nonprofit public benefit corporation serving older adults since 1949. License #BH-681, DHS #797

HumanGood is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of housing and services for older adults. We serve more than 10,000 older adults in more than 100 communities across six states.

Why we do what we do.

Everyone should have the opportunity to live life with enthusiasm, confidence and security, regardless of circumstances. We all want to be purposeful. Stay connected to family and friends. Continue to learn and grow. Become our best selves. We’re here to help you make that happen.

Learn more about HumanGood communities at humangood.org.