If you’re a baby boomer lucky enough to have aging parents, chances are you’ve been noticing changes in your parents’ activity level, health, diet or mental state. You want to help, but you’re not always sure how. You need information, but don’t always know where to turn. In this series of columns, I hope to enlighten adult children with information they can use to help their aging parents thrive, regardless of their situation.

To get started, let’s go back to that place and time when you first began to worry about your parents’ health and well-being. Perhaps it began with a thought like this:

My parents should not be driving.

My parents need to get out more.

My parents are not enjoying life the way they used to.

My parents shouldn’t be eating that way.

My parents really need to exercise.

My parents shouldn’t be living alone.

Each one of the above statements expresses a desire to influence the way your parents live, not because you want to take control, but because you care. You’re concerned that your parents aren’t living to their fullest potential, or worse, that their current lifestyle could be unsafe. But let’s face it, you’re still uncomfortable with the prospect of parenting your parents.

Even so, experts like Virginia Morris, author of “How to Care for Aging Parents,” agree that it’s important to talk openly with your parents about:

Their fears, needs, priorities and wishes;

Finances;

Health and medical care (what should you know if you have to make their decisions one day);

Housing options (where they might want to live if they couldn’t remain at home).

 

Pick the right moment

By far the best time to bring up these questions is before a crisis occurs. If there is a triggering event, be sure to pick a moment that will not add additional stress. Do not blindside them. A large family gathering is probably not the place. Consider scheduling a special time to talk; let them know that there is something important you would like to discuss. Ask them when and where would be good for them. It might be useful to set up a recurring time to talk about upcoming decisions and let the rest of your time together be free of difficult decision-making.

Your parents most likely have noticed the changes in their behavior and lifestyle that you have begun to notice, and they may not want to acknowledge them. Make sure to ask questions that will help you understand their experience and perception of the aging process. Be willing to follow their lead. There will probably be some surprises that will help you be a good resource and support for them throughout this time of change. Listen.

You no doubt know your parents well and realize how best to start this dialogue, but seeking the counsel of someone who has personal or professional experience with seniors may be of great help. You may want to confer with an outside expert on your own before starting the dialogue with your parent or ask your parent if it would be okay to include that person in your discussions. Having someone from the “outside” also may diffuse some of the tension that can accompany family discussions about coping with change.

The inkling that your parents may benefit from additional support may become clear suddenly, perhaps as the result of a specific event, or may be a gradual realization, as the subtle clues of diminished happiness and fragile health add up. But it can’t hurt to be prepared. You will have some of the groundwork laid and know how your parent feels about many potentially tricky issues.

So, talk early, and talk often. And stay tuned to the next senior section of “Are your parents thriving?” in the Arizona Jewish Post

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A job applicant posting in a Michigan hospital opened the door to a young Minnesota farm girl in the early 1940s.

“A medical technologist friend told me they were seeking up to 2,000 females for the new Women’s Air Service Pilots (WASPs) organization,” recalls Sylvia Clayton, who also was a med tech at Harper Hospital in Detroit at that time.

“I already was getting weary of being a medical technician, and that sounded like a great opportunity,” said Clayton.

The rest is history. Then 23 years old, she was one of 1,074 women from an applicant pool of 25,000 from across the United States who were accepted and completed training. From March 1943 to December 1944, she helped ferry 10 different types of military planes – from the P-51 Mustang to the B-24 Liberator – on domestic flights between Montreal and locations in the U.S. As a result, she helped to open the doors for today’s female military pilots.

Her favorite: the P-51 Mustang, the model legendary test pilot Chuck Yeager used to fly. Her biggest regret: “I would have liked to fly the P-38 fighter, but never got that chance!”

It was the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to her and the almost 300 surviving WASP pilots in 2009 that proved to be the trigger for last week’s special event at the Marana Regional Airport.

“Sylvia brought her medal and other memorabilia to our Veteran’s Day event in November at The Fountains of LaCholla (where she lives),” remembers Bill Zachau, a flying enthusiast and national sales director for Tucson-based Watermark Retirement Communities throughout the U.S.

“I knew I had to find her and talk with her more.”

So, for the first time since the mid-1940s, Sylvia Dahmes Clayton, now 91, piloted a single-propeller plane for 40 minutes Friday morning over the Greater Tucson skies. Eliza Wade, the chief flight instructor for Tucson Aeroservice Center, was also onboard along with Sylvia’s son, Bob, who lives in Tucson.

The nonagenarian had a great time in the air, but noted “it felt like we had to ‘push’ the plane today.” She explained the military planes she had piloted went up to 400 miles per hour since they lacked today’s high-tech navigational systems.

“She did a great job,” says Wade. “Sylvia flew the entire flight, but wanted me to help with the landing.”

Wade “bumped” another instructor for the special flight with Clayton, according to Zachau, who completed his private pilot requirements last December. While in college, Wade got interested in and wrote a research paper on the WASP program.

“Mom has always been strong-willed,” remembers son Bob. “For her to get involved in the WASP program long ago and then fly again today is not surprising. In fact, she’s been talking about today’s event for many weeks with eager expectations.”

Bob and his sister Sharon of Chattanooga, Tenn., were the only children of Sylvia and Henry Clayton. The couple was married 53 years before Henry’s death in 2001. The two met and lived in California, where Sylvia spent several years working as an airline mechanic.

Her early years found her growing up on a farm near Redwood Falls, Minn., and then taking a medical technician course at Minnesota Medical Institute in Minneapolis. That was followed by her brief stint at the Detroit hospital and then, of course, flight training at LeMars, Iowa, prior to her WASP program start in March 1943.

In the early stages of World War II, WASPs were desperately needed to shuttle new aircraft from manufacturers to the East Coast, where they then were sent to the European theater via ship. The WASP program was disbanded at the end of 1944 when retiring male military pilots took over those duties.

In the WASP program’ short history, Clayton and other female pilots flew 77 different types of single- and twin-engine airplanes over nine million miles. Although they were under military authority, the WASPs were considered Civil Service employees and were paid less than standard pilots pay.

Last week’s trip proved as memorable for Clayton as for those who stopped by to watch her flight.

“It was so much fun,” she said afterward.

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Tucson, AZ – Fran Donnellan has joined the management team of The Fountains at La Cholla as Executive Director, announced Rich Howell, Managing Director for Watermark Retirement Communities. Donnellan is a 25-year veteran of seniors housing administration. The Fountains at La Cholla, 2001 W. Rudasill Road, is also in its 24th year of helping seniors thrive.
Donnellan earned her BA in Social Work from University of Missouri and studied Geriatrics at Arizona State University. In addition to her leadership roles at Arizona retirement communities, she has served as both a hospice counselor and a volunteer in the Peace Corps. She is a past member of the American College of Health Care Administrators and a former/founding member of the Board for the CareGiver Training Institute.
"It is an honor to join the respected Watermark team,” Donnellan said. “I look forward to becoming a viable member of The Fountains at La Cholla community, celebrate living and develop new friendships." 
 
The Fountains at La Cholla opened to public and industry acclaim in December of 1987 just across the street from Northwest Hospital on the growing northwest side of Tucson.  In its infancy, the rental community pioneered programs and services that led to the growth of a nationally recognized Fountains brand. It continues to be an industry leader today and remains the largest community of its kind in Tucson, serving more than 400 residents on its 25-acre campus. 

 

 

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Tucson, Ariz. – Tucson veterans are sharing life lessons learned in service as part of a nationwide project spearheaded by Watermark Retirement Communities. The local veterans all live at The Fountains at La Cholla, 2001 W. Rudasill Road, where services are planned to honor veterans this Veterans Day.

One of the Tucson veterans interviewed is Butch Esiminger, who served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1968. As Engineer Combat Battalion Commander during WWII, Esiminger says he crossed the Rhine River under enemy fire.  The simple life lesson this Retired Colonel would like to share is: “Don’t get shot.”

Lester Kniffin, wounded twice serving in two tours of Viet Nam as a U.S. Navy Seal shares this lesson for life:  “Keep your eyes open and stay low.”

David Meyer served as an Army Officer from 1943 to 1967. He saw action in WWII, Korea and Viet Nam and was awarded four “Legions of Merit.” The Retired Colonel today recommends: “Don’t give orders before you listen.”

Dozens of sage life lessons from veterans coast to coast are published for public viewing at www.watermarkcommunities.com/veteransday.  Stories and comments from other veterans are also welcome there.

The Fountains at La Cholla welcomes the public to attend its Salute to Veterans on November 11th from 2pm to 4pm. Retired United States Marine Corp Lieutenant General Bruce B. Knutson Jr. will address the audience during a traditional ceremony honoring veterans. All  guests are invited to stay to mingle with veterans and view a supersized exhibit of personal military photos, uniforms and other memorabilia on display, courtesy of Fountains residents.

 

Caption:  Retired United States Marine Corps Lieutenant General Bruce B. Knutson Jr. (left) will keynote The Fountains at La Cholla’s Salute to Veterans on November 11th. He is pictured here last year with Fountains resident and veteran Navy Seal Lester Kniffen.

 

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Tucson, Ariz. – Tucson-based Watermark Retirement Communities, Inc. (Watermark) has been named 21st among the nation’s 50 largest managers of seniors housing assets, according to a report recently released by American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA). The Fountains at La Cholla, located in northwest Tucson, is one of 24 communities Watermark manages coast to coast.

According to ASHA’s 2010 industry survey, “ASHA 50,” published by National Real Estate Investor in August, Watermark manages a total of 5,956 units. ASHA’s report states the industry’s top 50 management firms manage an aggregate total of 464,053 units across the U.S., delivering housing, hospitality and care to more than a half million seniors. Publicly traded companies account for nearly one-third (146,792) of the reported units managed.

Watermark is locally owned and privately held.

“We’re still a small company, relatively speaking,” stated David Barnes, President of Watermark. “What drives us is our mission to create extraordinary communities where people thrive. I attribute Watermark’s ongoing success directly to our ability to deliver on that promise.”

According to Watermark spokesperson Jill Hofer, close to 400 seniors are thriving right across the street from Watermark’s headquarters, at The Fountains at La Cholla, 2001 W. Rudasill Rd.

The Fountains at La Cholla is one of Tucson’s largest rental communities for mature adults, offering a wide range of services and accommodations for the over 62-crowd.  In keeping with Watermark’s emphasis on lifelong brain and body fitness, the community offers a wide variety of free classes to residents and guests through a program called Watermark University.  Instructors include residents, staff, family members and community volunteers. Through Watermark University, students can engage their bodies and minds in everything from Art to Zumba.

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June Hussey

Watermark University, which offers free and low-cost classes for seniors, will begin its fall semester this September at Fountains at La Cholla, 2001 W. Rudasill Road.

More than 25 diverse courses emphasizing brain and body fitness for seniors will be offered.
For example, Arizona Daily Star guest wine columnist Jon Rogers will teach "Wines Without the Mystery." Rogers, a wine educator and consultant, has been using a down-to-earth approach to wine education since 1983.

"Wines Without the Mystery" will meet from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. one Thursday a month beginning Sept. 9 in the casita clubhouse at The Fountains. Students may register for one or all four classes, which include sampling of wines and cheeses along with interactive discussion.

Cost is $15 per person per session.

Here's the topic lineup:
• Sept. 9, Introduction and History of Wine
• Oct. 14, Worldwide White Wines
• Nov. 18, Worldwide Red Wines
• Dec. 9, Worldwide Sparkling Wines

For information about this and other courses offered by Watermark University, call 797-2001.

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By June Hussey
Sister Madonna Buder, the oldest competitor to have ever completed an Ironman triathlon, still has the grace to race—at 80. In Tucson recently for a spiritual retreat in between competitions in California and Canada, the nun was honored July 25th at an 80th birthday celebration hosted by the Fountains at La Cholla, a full-service community for active seniors. Sister joins a long list of celebrities who have made appearances there, including Jack LaLanne and Art Linkletter.

As a room full of admirers looked on, Sister Madonna blew out two candles on her cake, wishing aloud on each candle that she will successfully complete the next of two Ironman competitions she plans to attend. She will compete in August at Ironman Canada, opening the 80-84 age group for the first time. The race is a qualifying event for Ironman Hawaii in October.

The “Iron Nun” inspired her Tucson fans, including local triathletes of all ages from Tucson Tri-Girls club, when she said, “You can do anything if you believe it. You have to believe.”

Sister Madonna became the oldest finisher at Ironman Hawaii in 2002, at the age of 72. She described what it was like running under a full moon, after swimming 2.4 ocean miles and cycling 112 miles in the lava heat. “I made up haiku’s, repeating them over and over while I ran,” she said. She wanted to remember them and write them down when she finished the 26-mile run.

Eight miles from the finish, she said, she thought about her deceased father and how much the champion oarsman and handball player had inspired her with his own late-life athletic feats.

“He’d moved on to another residence by then,” she said, “and I asked him as I ran, ‘Daddy would you ever be doing this?’ He answered me back, ‘No way, not without wheels under me!’”

Some people spend a lifetime searching for purpose. Sister has found hers twice: First in serving others, and later as an extreme athlete. The two passions blend well.

“You never know how God is going to use you,” she said.

Sister Madonna explained how she wanted to become a nun to be like her 7th grade teacher, whom she admired for her commitment to a life in service to others. “Serving others makes life worthwhile,” she said.

When she was 48, she was introduced to running by a priest on the Oregon Coast, who suggested that running is a great way to integrate the body, mind and spirit. She tried it immediately and found that she was quite good at it.

“It was April Fool’s Day,” she recalled. “I think I’ve been a fool ever since!”

She added, “Running really does harmonize my body and soul. All runners understand that.”

About turning 80, Sister said, “I ignore my age. I just keep on doing,” she said. She has completed more than 38 marathons and 325 triathlons. On July 18 she won her age group in the Vineman 70.3 Triathlon (1.2 mi. swim, 56 mi. bike, 13.1 mi. run) in a time of 7 hours 44 minutes.

To train, she says she usually runs to and from Mass near her home in Spokane, Washington. Due to inclement winters, she has to hang up her bike around October. But she swims year round.

“Everyone should swim,” she told the audience. “It’s the best exercise for older people because it’s low impact and high resistance.”

Her latest book, The Grace to Race (Simon and Schuster), is due out this Fall. Reviewer Dara Torres, Olympic gold medalist and author of Age Is Just a Number writes "Sister Madonna proves you can make records, and break them all over again, at any age. Her spirit is without limits." Pre-orders are being taken now at online bookstores.

 

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Triathlete, the 'Iron Nun,' celebrates 80th in Tucson between competitions

By June C. Hussey, Special to The Explorer
Published:
July-28-2010

Sister Madonna Buder, the oldest competitor ever to complete an Ironman triathlon, was celebrated Sunday in Tucson with an 80th birthday party hosted by The Fountains at La Cholla.

Some 75 people turned out to sing "Happy Birthday" to the "Iron Nun," in town for a retreat in between competitions in California and Canada.

"You can do anything if you believe it," Sister Madonna told local triathletes from Tucson Tri-Girls and residents of The Fountains. "You have to believe."

Sister Madonna is competing in August at Ironman Canada, opening the 80-84-year-old age group for the first time. The race is a qualifying event for Ironman Hawaii in October.

Sister Madonna talked about her experience competing at Ironman Hawaii in 2002, at the age of 72. Running under a full moon, after swimming 2.4 ocean miles and cycling 112 miles in the lava heat, she passed the time noticing the shadows the moon cast, and made up haiku poetry, repeating them so that she could write them down when she finished the 26-mile run. Eight miles from the finish, she thought about her deceased father and how much the champion oarsman and handball player had inspired her with his own late-life athletic feats.

"He'd moved on to another residence by then," she said, "and I asked him as I ran, 'Daddy, would you ever be doing this?' and he answered me 'No way, not without wheels under me!'"

Sister Madonna has blended two passions, religion and sports. She wanted to become a nun like her seventh-grade teacher, whom she admired for her commitment to a life in service to others. "If you think about it, serving others is really the only thing that makes life worthwhile."

When she was 48, she was introduced to running by a priest on the Oregon Coast, who suggested that running is a great way to integrate the body, mind and spirit. She tried it and found that she was quite good at it.

"It was April Fool's Day," she recalled. "And I think I've been a fool ever since!"

"I ignore my age. I just keep on doing," she said. "You never know how God is going to use you."

Sister Madonna's latest book, The Grace to Race (Simon and Schuster), is due out this fall. Pre-orders are being taken at Amazon.com.

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By Christy Krueger, Inside Tucson Business
Published on Friday, June 25th, 2010

Retirement communities are no longer a place to rest and grow old. Research supports the positive benefits of remaining active through a person’s “golden years,” and senior housing specialists are paying attention.

An innovator in the field is Watermark Retirement Communities, a multi-state manager of senior properties that began in Tucson with the 1987 opening of its flagship facility, the Fountains at La Cholla.

Two years ago, recognizing the changing look of the country’s upcoming retirees and embracing the concept of healthy living, the company launched Watermark University. On May 1, the program was introduced to The Fountains, where residents have numerous opportunities each day to expand their knowledge and skills or just have fun through a large assortment of courses.

“The Fountains is well known for its activities,” said Jane Murphy, community life director and co-director of Watermark University. “Many people who move here reap the benefits. Watermark University enhances brain and body fitness for life and creates extraordinary places where people thrive.”

If the program’s first semester registration is any indication, residents of The Fountains will more than thrive. That sign-up attracted 250 people for 29 classes.

Popular choices included E-mail for Beginners, Introduction to Skype, a Fountain Pens writing group, Conversational French and water fitness selections. In addition, residents chose from environmental classes, personal enrichment sessions, vocational workshops and educational lectures.

Watermark’s summer session runs through August. The fall semester, held September through December, will include much of the same curriculum, as well as a few additional choices. “The first time is a learning process,” Murphy stated. “As people think about the Watermark concept, they’re suggesting new and different ideas, such as crocheting and quilting.”

The faculty is comprised of both outside instructors and those from within The Fountains community, including Helen Stewart, a 100-year-old resident who oversees Bible study and prayer time. Occasionally, outside organizations, such as Tucson Botanical Gardens, send representatives to lead activities.

Murphy feels that Watermark University’s developers are right-on in their approach to attracting future residents: “I’m your prime baby boomer and I think my generation is looking for brain and body fitness in our lives because there’s more understanding of health, diet and exercise fitting into longevity and all lifestyles. It gives us a one-up on other communities.”

While Watermark University adds plenty of new offerings, The Fountains still maintains activities that have made it attractive from the beginning. Art shows, book signings and live entertainment with favorite musicians, such as Oro Valley vocalist Joe Bourne, are often open to the public and remain a key to marketing The Fountains’ amenities to potential new residents.

“We get lots of interest on the property from those events. Ninety-five percent walk away with literature or stay for tours. Our activities programming is a big factor for people,” said Murphy.

Another opportunity for introducing neighbors to the facility, she said, comes during elections.

“We are a polling place so we get mass numbers of people who come in and vote. It’s wonderful exposure for the community.” she said.

In addition to all the strategies taken to increase The Fountains’ top-of-mind awareness, Murphy believes it’s simply a beautiful, uplifting place to live.

“You walk in the door and you get the feeling of life and energy. It’s exciting to think about moving to a place where you’re as active as in your younger years.” she said.

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Pat Caffrey, the food service director at The Fountains at La Cholla, cuts into a 300-pound block of ice as he begins his ice sculpture last week. As Caffrey carved away, Roger Kingsbury, the executive chef, prepared firecracker shrimp and bananas flambé.

 

Randy Metcalf/The Explorer, Pat Caffrey makes a couple detailed adjustments to the mouth of his ice sculpture of an angelfish. The 300-pound block of ice was donated by Ice T Inc., which is based out of Tucson.

 

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A happy marriage and fair treatment are gifts that keep on giving

 

Tucson, Ariz. – A new tie or a new rake may top the list of gifts many kids will give their fathers on June 20th. However, experienced fathers at a northwest Tucson retirement community are shifting the focus of the holiday to what lasting gifts fathers can pass on to future generations.

 

Staff of The Fountains at La Cholla, 2001 W. Rudasill Road, recently sat down with four dads in residence to ask their opinions about fatherhood as part of a nationwide project spearheaded by Watermark Retirement Communities.  Following is their advice for young fathers today.

David Meyer advises “Always treat your children fairly. Teach them to work for everything they want. My father did that for me and it was the best gift.” Meyer raised two children in Germany and France.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Vosk raised his three children on Long Island, NY. He says “Support your children in any endeavor (as long as it’s legal!).”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hap Failor, who raised three children in Tucson, Michigan and England, focuses on the importance of a strong marriage when he says “Never argue over money, have a common pocketbook,” and “It takes two to be agreeable.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Maynes says fatherly success boils down to a single phrase that he used often with his two children: “Pay attention to your mother!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each of these fathers raised their families a half century ago. Such perspective lends both clarity and credibility to their advice.

By speaking out, these members of an experienced generation are offering young fathers today a most valuable Father’s Day gift.

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“Crazy Heart” Author to Make Tucson Appearance March 19

February 19, 2010, Tucson, Ariz. -- Thomas Cobb, author of “Crazy Heart,” will appear in Tucson at The Fountains at La Cholla on March 19 for a 2:30pm book signing.

Originally published in 1987 by HarpersCollins, “Crazy Heart” was Cobb’s first novel, according to a story published in the Providence Journal (Rourke, November, 22, 2009).

Out of print for 22 years, the novel was recently reprinted in paperback following the December 8 premiere of the critically acclaimed film of the same name, starring Jeff Bridges. The low-budget movie pleasantly surprised critics. Bridges has already won a Golden Globe award and is up for an Academy Award for Best Actor on March 7 for his portrayal of “Bad Blake,” Cobb’s protagonist, a washed up country-western singer. The major motion picture, also starring Robert Duvall, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Colin Farrell, is showing in theaters now.

In addition to “Crazy Heart,” Cobb has written “Shave Tail” (2006, Scribner) and a short-story collection, “Acts of Contrition” (2003, Texas Review Press). Now he’s working on a fourth book, “Blood in Their Eyes,” that he expects to be published in the spring.

A Rhode Island College professor of English, Cobb earned his doctorate in creative writing at the University of Houston. According to the article cited, “Crazy Heart” was his dissertation, drawing on his experiences in Texas and in Arizona, where he was editor of a publication for country western music.

Cobb’s book signing coincides with a visit to see his mother, Lorene, who resides at The Fountains at La Cholla.

On March 19, Cobb will speak to his audience about the fascinating journey his manuscript took before being turned into a screenplay and finally a Hollywood blockbuster film. Copies of “Crazy Heart” will be available for purchase at the book signing event for $13.99 plus tax.

The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Call 797-2001 to attend.

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Tucsonan to be Honored in Nation’s Capital for WWII Service in Women Air Service Pilots ‘WASP’

Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2010 -- Tucson resident Sylvia Clayton, 90, will be honored next month with the Congressional Gold Medal for her service with the Women Air Service Pilots, or WASP, during World War II. "My mom’s been waiting a long time for this,” said Bob Clayton, also of Tucson. Bob will accompany his mother across the country to receive her medal March 10 at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The medal is awarded to U.S. residents who illustrated the “highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions,” according to information from the U.S. House of Representatives.

The WASP was a select group of 1,074 young women pilots who became pioneers serving their country during WWII. They were the first women in history to fly America’s military aircraft. The Army Air Force used them during the war to take over military flying jobs here in the US so that male pilots could go overseas and fly combat missions. In less than two years, they flew over 60 million miles--in every type of aircraft and on every type of mission in the Army Air Force except combat.

Sylvia learned to fly while attending Western Union College with her brother in Lemars, Iowa. She went there thinking she was going to become a dietician.

“But I changed my mind,” she said, “when the college sent out a letter to students inviting them to learn to fly.” After attending a meeting, her brother told her, “‘they’re going to let one girl be in and I think you should be it,’” she said. “The instructor took me up and I didn’t get air sick, so that was a plus,” Clayton said of her first flight.

Once accepted into the WASP, Sylvia says she flew five different types of single engine fighters: 39, 40, 47, P51 and P63. She also flew a C47.

After the war, she became a jet engine mechanic. In fact, Sylvia was rebuilding jet engines when she met her future husband, a project engineer.

Inspired by his mother’s pioneering spirit, Bob Clayton, a Tucson engineer, said, “My mother has taught me that limitations on what you can do are artificial and you can overcome them.”

Born and raised in Minnesota, Sylvia moved with her family to Tucson in 1961. Today she makes her home at The Fountains at La Cholla.

“We’re so excited that one of our residents will be honored in this way,” said Kay Warren, executive director of The Fountains. “Sylvia is one of many Fountains residents who have served our country and we’re proud of each and every one of them.”

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Watermark Retirement Communities Reappointed as Manager for Fountains Portfolio

Watermark Retirement Communities, Inc., formerly Fountains Retirement Communities, has been reappointed as manager for 16 retirement communities previously managed by Sunrise Senior Living, announced David N. Barnes, President/CEO of Watermark Retirement Communities.

“Watermark was the obvious choice for managing the Fountains portfolio because we know the communities so well,” said Barnes.

After selling 18 properties within the Fountains brand to Sunrise in 2005, Fountains Retirement Communities was renamed Watermark Retirement Communities. Over the past four years, with his partner David Freshwater, former Fountains CEO, Barnes has grown Watermark’s management portfolio to 11 communities plus three home health agencies in six states. The addition of the Fountains portfolio brings Watermark’s total managed communities to 27 in 16 states.

“We very much look forward to the coming weeks and months as we personally welcome back so many former residents and associates into the family of Watermark communities. It feels like we’re putting the band back together,” stated Barnes.

Watermark Retirement Communities has owned and operated successful, innovative senior housing communities for more than 20 years. According to Barnes, Watermark is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive and a culture where everyone is encouraged to express their creativity, passion and inner child – to express their true selves. As a result, Barnes says, Watermark communities are full of spirit, character, compassion and adventure.

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