Jerry Patton was ready to say “no.”
“No” to cutting grass, cleaning gutters, shoveling snow and chasing repair men to get things fixed in his three-bedroom home in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania.
Jerry arrived at Masonic Village at Dallas 15 months ago and has loved it here ever since. Jerry, age 66, was not actively searching for a retirement community for his next stage of life. He visited Masonic Village because it’s on a golf course where he plays, and he always liked the campus. He was ready to downsize, and knew other people who were renting apartments, but he didn’t find anything he liked. Until he came to Masonic Village.
“This was by far the nicest, cleanest, safest and most perfect fit for me,” he said.
Jerry has made many new friends he wouldn’t have known if he moved to an apartment or even a 55 and older neighborhood.
“I didn’t expect this sense of community,” he said. “It’s a small community. I wasn’t looking for it, but it’s nice to know people.”
Jerry participates in monthly happy hours during the summer and bakes Christmas cookies in the winter, in addition to other activities. He also attends quarterly meetings of the resident association and joins volunteer groups when he can. He owns his own treadmill and enjoys walking outside as well.
Jerry finds the staff at Masonic Village is very responsive and takes care of any issues. He has two daughters, one in New Jersey and the other 10 minutes away. They visit him often and are very happy with Masonic Village as a place where their dad can grow and thrive.
“I never expected all the positives here,” Jerry said. “The people are nice and it’s quiet. In a normal apartment complex, you hear everything. There are no college kids or little children running around. I like being on the top floor and having an elevator to carry groceries. The apartment is large. I enjoy having a balcony where I can go in the morning for a cup of coffee in the fresh air and to enjoy the view. It’s perfect.”
