Williams Lake resident explores an exciting new chapter in Chilliwack
Penny enjoys a walk at the nearby Vedder River. Photo courtesy of Elim Village.
When Penny McIntosh moved from Williams Lake to Chilliwack, she was on the hunt for a home that brought her closer to her children and grandchildren while also supporting her active lifestyle. She toured a few different communities in the area before settling on The Hawthorn at Elim Village Garrison Crossing.
“Elim just felt homier,” Penny explains. Asked what in particular stood out, she adds, “It’s the look and feel of The Hawthorn, and the people. It just feels welcoming. I also really liked the surrounding area. It’s just so beautiful, and I can walk to all kinds of places!”
Since moving in three months ago, Penny has embraced the freedom and independence that comes with life at Elim Village. No longer weighed down with day-to-day responsibilities like cooking, cleaning, shopping, and housework, she has taken full advantage of all that Elim and the surrounding area have to offer. Between participating in walking groups, a cribbage group, enjoying three exercise classes a week, and playing Canasta with her new neighbours, Penny, like other Elim residents, is filling her days with activities that bring her joy and fulfillment.
“Seems we're always doing something!” Penny says. “And people are friendly. I haven’t run into anybody who’s not. I like the open dining and the food is far too good! I was lacking proper nourishment before I came here, so that’s not a problem anymore. I also joined the pickleball club here in Chilliwack. I used to play in Williams Lake, so when I moved, my kids bought me a membership at the local club. It's great!”
Penny has also found joy in the new connections she's made, friendships that have helped her move beyond the grief of losing her husband, Bob, last year.
“Back in Williams Lake, so many activities were couples-related, and with the passing of a spouse…all of a sudden you’re not a couple anymore. At The Hawthorn, I feel like I have friends that understand me. Many of us are in the same stage of life; we’re going through the same things,” Penny reflects. “Everyone’s story is different, yet it’s the same, we’ve been parted from a loved one. I just find that here, people understand. I get tired of telling my story all the time; it’s nice when people just take you as you are.”
Penny isn't just keeping busy within the Elim community, she's also spending more time with her loved ones and living her life to the fullest.
“You have to take advantage of life; there’s going to be an end. So long as I can do it, I want to do it,” Penny says. “For example, my daughters and I are going to Iceland in the fall! Bob and I were going to go, but then COVID hit, and he was too sick. I still wanted to go, so now I’m going with all three of my daughters-in-law.”
Live your life to the fullest at The Hawthorn at Elim Village Garrison Crossing. Learn more at elimvillage.com, by calling 604-769-0022, or by emailing
garrisoncrossing@elimvillage.com. Stay up to date with their latest offerings by subscribing to their mailing list.