By Jan Landon
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

With arms full of complimentary gifts and information, John Whatley is getting even more prepared for his move to Tallgrass Creek.

He and about 60 other people visit with more than 30 vendors during the Move-In Seminar on Jan. 30 at the retirement community in Overland Park. Future residents who have reserved their apartment homes and members of the Tallgrass Creek Priority List were invited to the event.

Current Tallgrass Creek residents greet visitors with smiles and handshakes; staff members are ready to answer questions; and a table filled with cookies, coffee, and other treats beckons everyone.

Information shopping
“I’m really happy with it,” says Whatley, who had reserved his apartment in Redtail View just the day before. “I think it’s going to answer a lot of  questions.”

Spread through the room are tables with vendors including Realtors, moving and estate sale companies, organizers, designers, and experts on windows, counters, and cabinets. There is also a table for information on Erickson Advantage®, the community’s health insurance program.

“This is one-stop shopping,” says Suzanne Cole, marketing director for Tallgrass Creek. “New residents are able to coordinate all the parts of their move in one fell swoop. One day, and you’re done.”

The most recent seminar was planned because of the success of another held last summer, she reports.

Help is available
Judy Baxter, personal move consultant for those transitioning to Tallgrass Creek, tells the seminar attendees she is available to help them with all the  details.

“You’re not supposed to wake up in the middle of the night and worry about this,” Baxter tells the crowd. “That’s my job.”

John and Patricia Belden  are moving from table to table. They plan their move for April. The Beldens’ Overland Park home sold quickly.