Walnut Village Residents Lead Great ShakeOut Drill

Walnut Village in Anaheim knows what to do in case of an earthquake. For the past four years, the resident-led Earthquake Committee has maintained twice-yearly earthquake drills for the full community. Most recently, the community participated in the Great Shake-Out, an earthquake preparedness program held each year on the third Thursday of October, the anniversary of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Although Walnut Village is not on any fault lines, it was constructed to withstand earth…

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Adventure Awaits Residents as Excursions Return to Walnut Village

Travel, adventure, friendship and fun. Who wouldn't love to enjoy the majesty of the Alaskan shore, the beauty of autumn at our national parks, the music of Branson, Missouri, the Albuquerque Balloon Festival, and the excitement and glamour of Las Vegas - all with an enthusiastic group that shares your love of travel? Trips like these, as well as many others are commonplace at Walnut Village, Anaheim's award-winning, continuing care retirement community. Life Enrichment Director Judi Mar…

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Walnut Village Hand Chime Choir is Music to Residents’ Ears

When retired school teacher and amateur musician Dee Morrison moved to Walnut Village a few years ago, she made a delightful discovery that was literally music to her ears. She found a set of Suzuki Tone chimes in storage that were donated by another retirement community. "They needed a little love and refurbishment but I was excited," she said. Dee has a long history of making music with this elegant instrument. "Years ago my church wanted to start a chime choir and asked for volunteers…

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Demystifying Resident Contracts

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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Gloria Schlaepfer is a ‘Natural’ Volunteer

As an environmentalist, naturalist, author and avid volunteer, Gloria Schlaepfer began her life's journey in Livingston, a small, rural town in New Jersey. As a child, she often ventured into the nearby woods to enjoy the natural surroundings. One day while there, she came across a nest where she saw a mother bird feeding her young. "I don't know what prompted me to do it but I ended up helping the mother bird feed the babies," Gloria remembers. "That was my earliest recollection of unde…

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Dining Room and Bistro Welcome Back Residents

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

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

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

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

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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