Hickory Chase	UPDATED: Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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Living larger in a smaller space

Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008

By Jacqueline Kimball
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

The word variety aptly describes the residents of Erickson Retirement Communities—vibrant, active people making friends, pursuing lifelong passions, and exploring new interests. It also describes the range of floor plans—17 in all—at Hickory Chase, the Erickson campus opening next year in northwest Columbus. Here’s firsthand information about one, the Chadwick.

Right size for life and finances
Ask Madeline Waldman about her favorite spot in her apartment home at Ann’s Choice, the Erickson community in Warminster, Pa., and she says immediately: "Oh, I’m not at home very much." She spends her time at the clubhouse participating in numerous clubs and playing cards every evening. She also visits family and friends off campus.

Her extra-large one-bedroom, one-bath home mirrors the Chadwick, a new style designed for Hickory Chase. "It’s very roomy and sunny," she says. "You feel like you’re in a comfortable, airy place." It’s also a snap to clean.

Waldman chose Ann’s Choice because of Erickson’s 100% refundable entrance deposit. "I sold my house to get here," she says. "I don’t have a lot of money, and [this size home] was all I needed. I like the idea of my money going back to my estate."

Looking forward to living smaller
Mary Ankrom will move into a Chadwick at Hickory Chase next year. "I thought I could only afford the smallest unit, and I was content with that. But when I talked to [Retirement Counselor Debra Fondoulis], she told me I could afford the larger Chadwick," she says. Ankrom was thrilled.

Plus, from her large living room and bedroom windows, she’ll look right into the community’s tree preserve.

She’s already anticipating life next December. "Am I looking forward to living in my Hickory Chase home and being warm all winter," Ankrom says. "My condo in Powell has high cathedral ceilings, and it’s just not cozy."

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The art of downsizing
From 1997, when she sold her house, until 2007, when she settled in at Charlestown—an Erickson community with the same amenities as Hickory Chase—Marie Denhardt had downsized seven times.

Her home is smaller than the Chadwick. "I have girlfriends who have very large Charlestown homes, but I don’t envy them," she says. "All of my downsizing has made me realize what I don’t need. I remember when both my husband’s parents and my parents died. We went through their things thinking, ‘This means so much to him or her, but it doesn’t mean that much to me.’ With my own things, I kept saying, ‘I’ve had this, I’ve loved it, now someone else can enjoy it.’"

Denhardt recently gave away her prized easel because she can paint in Charlestown’s creative arts studios. "There I can put out my watercolor, be messy, and keep my home neat and clean," she says.

She cherishes her independence and new friendships. "That’s why I came," she says. "I can walk out my door, and there are friends out there. This space is just enough for me to take care of and come and go as I like."

She eats at a campus restaurant every night. "Where else can you live that you go out shopping, be tired, come back home—and dinner is ready? It’s delicious, and you don’t have to fix it and clean it up! I love my little place. I’m very happy here."