By Jacqueline Kimball
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
Hickory Chase priority list members Lynne and Frank Otto seem to prove the maxim that opposites attract. She’s the quiet one, a former elementary school teacher known for her incredible patience. He’s the live wire, a retired industrial engineer intrigued by people and science, who has never met a stranger.
But the Ottos are more alike than not. They share a devotion to family and a love of travel. And her wry sense of humor matches his own. Also, “Lynne and I are both forward thinkers,” Mr. Otto says, “so we’re thinking five years down the road. I’m getting older. I cut half the grass now, then I sit down on a chair in the garage for half an hour, then I do the rest. Maybe we need to live someplace easier.”
That “someplace easier” will be Hickory Chase, the Erickson retirement community under construction in northwest Columbus.
Easier lifestyle
The seed for a maintenance-free lifestyle was planted ten years ago when the Ottos moved from their large house in Whitehall to one just two miles from grandchildren in Hilliard. “Shortly after we moved, Frank broke his foot,” says his wife. “Then he got gout in his other foot. He was completely bedridden, and that gave us the idea that we might need a different situation. Also, I had polio as a child.” While operations then have prevented regression now, “You never know what might happen.”
After reading about Hickory Chase and driving by its welcome center on their way to church, she sent for an information kit, an in-depth booklet about the community. “And when we learned about the 100% refundable entrance deposit,” she says, “Frank was sold on that. He doesn’t want his money to disappear.” He’s already calculated they’ll save $5,000 a year by eliminating one car.