By Jan Landon
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Spend some time with Wanda Williams and you’ll be seeing red.

Red is everywhere, from her living room furniture to her clothes, and even her dog’s collar and leash. No wonder red is her favorite color; it’s just like her—vibrant and full of energy.

Packed days
Williams’ days have been packed with activities and new friends since she and  her four-year-old schnauzer Lucy moved into their apartment home at Tallgrass Creek in October.

“I love it,” Williams says. “I love all of it. I didn’t realize how lonesome I was, living alone in my house.”

Along with keeping busy day-to-day, she has taken advantage of special  programs, classes, and events sponsored by Tallgrass Creek.

In November she attended the community’s Center for Continuous Learning programs on Big Band music and issues in the Middle East. She went to the Thanksgiving Interfaith service on campus. She joined other Tallgrass Creek residents on an outing to see the famous Christmas lights at Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza.

In December she helped decorate the community’s Christmas tree; each resident was asked to donate an ornament, and Williams’ was blue, white, and, of course, red.

Starting strong
As the day begins, Williams walks from her apartment home through the Audubon Clubhouse. She exchanges cheerful good mornings and hellos with residents and staff members, and it is as though she is walking down a main street in smalltown Kansas.

In the fitness center, which she tries to visit each morning, Williams gets to work. She does her cycling, her lifting, and her stretching. Accompanying her is Tallgrass Creek Wellness Coordinator Courtney Lockhart, who offers conversation and advice while she keeps track of Williams’ progress along the fitness plan they  designed together.