Dining Room and Bistro Welcome Back Residents

Posted on July 19, 2021

Residents say dining experience is just as much about camaraderie as it is about the food When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, one of the first precautions Walnut Village took was to close its dining room and bistro to indoor dining. Although residents enjoyed the same well-prepared meals delivered to their homes, for many, the food was only part of the dining experience residents loved about the community. "Dining here definitely goes beyond just the food," said resident Eve…

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McCaugheys are Happy to be at Walnut Village After Life-Changing Event

Posted on March 13, 2021

When Bill and Jan McCaughey were searching for a retirement community a few years ago, they knew one that offered continuing care was the right choice. "We wanted to make sure whatever the future held we would be well taken care of," Bill said. "My motto is … prior planning, prevents poor performance." Bill's philosophy proved fortuitous when in 2019, Jan entered Summer House, Walnut Village's memory care neighborhood. "This transition went smoothly thanks to the Walnut Village …

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Courtyard Concerts Entertain from a Distance

Posted on March 9, 2021

Walnut Village residents safely enjoy outdoor performances There is a rodeo circuit, the lecture circuit and a Vaudeville circuit. Now there's a new business niche: the senior living circuit. It is a group of entertainers who love performing at retirement communities. At Walnut Village, this includes weekly entertainment that has been delighting residents (from a distance) throughout the pandemic. Each week, a cadre of musicians, singers and entertainers bring bright moments to reside…

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Themed Dinners and Take-Out Tuesdays Spice Things Up for Residents

Posted on February 26, 2021

The old saying "variety is the spice of life" is being embraced by Walnut Village residents and staff with themed dinners and "Take-out Tuesdays." Take a tour of Italy, Israel, Hawaii or Germany. Experience culinary delights celebrating Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day or the first day of spring. Once a month, Executive Chef Jason Hosoi and his team take residents on a culinary adventure by creating an array of gourmet dishes perfect for that special occasion or destination. "For ou…

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Staff and Residents Showcase Their Creativity During Pandemic

Posted on July 16, 2020

Despite the need for social distancing, Walnut Village residents and staff have been incredibly creative during the past few months, using their creativity and ingenuity to stay engaged but safe. Virtual exercise classes; a virtual Seder; Zoom community meetings; virtual happy hours; an activity packet with brain teasers, word games; quilting activities; journaling; activity cart with movies, books and magazines; virtual walks through national parks and museums; TED talks; balcony "Sip a…

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Walnut Village Resident Honored as Member of Montford Point Marines

Posted on May 29, 2020

The first opportunity for African-Americans to enlist and serve in the United States Marine Corps came in 1942 during World War II as the Corps began to recruit qualified African-American men. The men who enlisted completed recruit training at Montford Point, North Carolina, during a time and place where racism and segregation were a part of everyday life. Among those Marines was Walnut Village resident Louis Massengale, who, in 2012, was proudly awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his s…

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Five Tips to Increase Physical and Mental Wellbeing as We Age

Posted on May 23, 2020

Everything starts with movement. As we age, many of us experience a decline in activity level whether it's due to health issues, weight gain, or concerns about falling and injury. As the director of the Walnut Village Wellbeing Center (WBC), my approach is to counter this tendency by finding ways to increase our residents' activity level, no matter what limitations they start with. Part of my job is challenging preconceptions about exercise. I've heard every excuse! "It's too late to st…

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Olympic Runner Bob Soth Goes for the Gold at Walnut Village

Posted on November 3, 2019

In the late 1950s and early 1960s America's Cold War with the Soviet Union was in full  swing and resident Bob Soth was smack in the middle. Bob, an up and coming world-class long-distance runner, had one thing on his mind ... "Beat the Russians!" Bob's best finish at an Amateur Athletic Union meet was third in the 10,000 Meters in 1959. He also placed fourth in the 5,000 Meters in 1956 and 1960. Bob won a bronze medal in the 10K  at the 1959 Pan American Games. It's now July 1…

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Pamela Lowe Says Trust is the Key to Having Happy and Healthy Residents

Posted on August 3, 2019

"When it comes to the health and wellbeing of residents, building a trusting relationship is the key," says Pamela Lowe, director of health services at Walnut Village. "Trust is the most important part of my job," Pamela says. "Residents need to feel comfortable coming to me with any health issues so I can help and I need to feel comfortable going to them with observations about their health if I see things they need to know about. I want residents to live their best  lives here." …

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Dr. Lucia Dean Calls Walnut Village the Friendliest Place on Earth

Posted on August 3, 2019

While nearby Disneyland may be the happiest place on Earth, Dr. Lucia Dean says Walnut Village may be the friendliest. "I am so happy to be here," said the retired family medicine physician. "I'm a very social being and Walnut Village is perfect for me. The interesting people I have met here are extraordinary. And the staff are top notch. I couldn't ask for nicer people." As a self-proclaimed people person who enjoys meeting new friends, living at Walnut Village  is a far cry from he…

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