Greenspring	UPDATED: Wednesday, December 03, 2008
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The best is yet to come

Posted on Monday, December 01, 2008

By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Less than one month ago, Marion Knowles moved from the McLean, Va., house she lived in for 40 years to Erickson’s newest community, Ashby Ponds.

"I really think living at Ashby Ponds will add ten years to my life," says Knowles. "Erickson communities provide stress-free living and everything you could want to help yourself physically and emotionally. I am so excited about the new life that awaits me."

Good for me, good for my family
Since losing her husband more than 20 years ago, Knowles has dedicated herself to her children. She views her move to Ashby Ponds as a win-win situation for her whole family.

"I am in a new season of my life," says Knowles. "I chose Ashby Ponds because I knew that the best thing I can do for my children is to make important decisions for myself. At Ashby Ponds, I enjoy new experiences and new friends. It gives my children and grandchildren pleasure to see me having a good time."

During her decision making process, Knowles felt it was important for her children to be involved and to voice their opinions.

"My son is a physician," she says. "I asked him to check out Ashby Ponds and give me his honest opinion, not just about the on-site medical center, but the whole lifestyle. After his visit, he said, ‘Mom, this place must be too good to be true,’ and that’s before he knew about the 100% refundable entrance deposit."

Forming a new community of friends
As one of Ashby Ponds’ first community members, Knowles enjoyed unique opportunities to meet her neighbors even before the doors first opened in October.

"There were a lot of activities planned even before I moved in," she says. "Last Christmas, I was invited to a party at River Creek Country Club to meet my soon-to-be neighbors. That’s just a simple example of how everything is thought of here.

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"[Founder] John Erickson is genuine. He is a gem. You can tell he is very concerned for the people who live in his communities, and it shows at every turn. Even all the staff members I’ve met with are terrific. They are very aware, and their commitment to the people who live here is immediately evident."

Bright future
"When I made the decision to move to Ashby Ponds, I was ready to leave behind the stresses of running a home," says Knowles. "And more than that, I was eager to enjoy what Ashby Ponds provides, from the good meals to the pool to new friends. I was ready to leave my house.

"I remember my own mother when she got older asking me, ‘What are we going to do today?’ She was happy to center her day on what we would do for lunch; that’s not what I wanted for myself. There is so much more out there to do, and I want to experience it all. Ashby Ponds will help me do just that."

In addition to new experiences, Knowles looks forward to meeting new people and making lasting friendships.

"I love to entertain and am looking forward to hosting new friends in my home," she says. "The nice thing about the Erickson lifestyle is that you have the opportunity to enjoy a busy, active, invigorating lifestyle, but at the end of the day you have the privacy of your own place."

Knowles also enjoys the unique ability to interact with high school students, who serve community members in the campus restaurants.

"I love young kids and really appreciate the opportunity to interact with them on a daily basis," she says. "I know that Ashby Ponds is where I am meant to be. Through all the things that Ashby Ponds provides, from transportation to safety to security to wellness, they are saying, ‘You are important to us!’ And that’s why I chose to live here."