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Welcome Home!
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Looking at Carl and Jacqueline Walz, you'd never know they left their lifelong home a few short weeks ago. As the first couple to move into their new cottage at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown on Nov. 15, they already feel at home in their two-bedroom-plus-den home with a beautiful backyard view of the wooded area surrounding the goldfish pond.
A member of Joseph H. Brown Lodge No. 751, Bro. Walz spent his career in the Philadelphia School District, first as an elementary school teacher and rising to the position of principal. He and Jacqueline, a homemaker, have two children: Carolyn, of Blue Bell, Pa., and Carl, who resides in Alabama. They plan to spend their 50th wedding anniversary on a riverboat cruise throughout Europe this summer.
The couple considers themselves adventurers, having traveled extensively in Europe and to all 50 states. Even their everyday itinerary includes a trip somewhere within driving distance to try new restaurants and explore new sites.
While they always wanted to move to Elizabethtown "someday" and were on the waiting list for a retirement living cottage for five years before their big move, the Walzs agree that they didn't think they were ready when they received the call from the Marketing Office informing them of the opportunity to move into one of the 102 new cottages being constructed on the campus. "We knew this was the time, though, to be able to choose exactly what we wanted," Jacqueline said.
"They really did a nice job - we're very, very pleased," Bro. Walz said, pointing out the roomy two-car garage and top-notch appliances. "This far exceeded our expectations - it really did."
Still, Bro. Walz was a discerning customer, even after placing their names on the priority list in their mid-60s. "There's no risk to get on the list," he said. The couple visited several times to experience the Masonic Village before truly buying into the community. "We were impressed by the ambiance of the grounds," he said, but more importantly, with the positive culture of the organization. "We scoped out the dining room, tried the food. I wanted to see if the staff knew the residents by name. I put this place to the test and made a resounding confirmation - I want to come here!" he said.
For the Walzs, it proved to be the right decision. But they were not just concerned about themselves. They wanted to ensure that, should their health status change as they age, their children would not be burdened. The continuum of care offered on the beautiful campus, attention to detail and the dignified manner in which people are treated were also determining factors in their move. "The staff has one thing in common - the smiles on their faces," he said.
Mrs. Walz said they also looked forward to the social aspect of the community. Anxious to meet their neighbors, they hosted a party shortly after moving in. They also have met people just by walking into the dining room. "People would notice that we're new here and offer for us to join them," Bro. Walz said.
They also are trying out the convenient amenities. Bro. Walz chuckled as he recalled his first haircut in the salon, admitting that he was not sure how it was going to work out. Obviously impressed, he said, "I'm going back tomorrow because June did such a nice job."
The Walzs are thrilled about their new adventure and feel that their neighbors share their excitement. "We want to make this a meaningful experience," Bro. Walz said. "It's all here if you want it - we might as well enjoy it!"
Carl and Jacqueline Walz relax in the living room of their new cottage.
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