Coming Full Circle
That’s because the veteran senior housing consultant was on the ground floor of its development over 40 years ago. In fact, his very first assignment after starting his own business was to conduct a market and financial feasibility study for the property that would become Collington, owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
With 125 acres, stunning natural features, proximity to major routes and the nation’s capital, and little competition from other senior communities in the area, the generous parcel of land seemed ideal for a retirement community.
But Joe made sure to do his homework, traveling to the Philadelphia area to investigate two new continuing care retirement communities (CCRC’s), one of which was a Kendal property.
“I was very impressed and recommended that the diocese form a not-for-profit company to develop a new CCRC modeled after Kendal,” said the man with a master’s degree in urban planning and years of valued experience in real estate consulting.
The diocese heeded Joe’s advice, and with his help built a development team, secured zoning and began marketing the property that opened in 1988.
In 2011, upon Joe’s advice to join with a reputable CCRC, Collington chose to become officially affiliated with the Kendal system of communities.
The Only Choice
“It’s about squeezing the last drops out of the lemon,” quipped Joe, a published author whose 1973 book Hard Living on Clay Street is still in print today.
Once the decision to move was made, the couple had no trouble deciding where to go.
“I know Collington, and I have a special place in my heart for it,” said Joe. “It was the only choice on our list.”
New Kids on the Block
In a blog on his website, Joseph Howell Photography, the accomplished photographer (yes, he’s that too) detailed the couple’s plan to shift gears. What happens next is the “story to follow,” wrote Joe shortly before their move late in March.
Despite his intimate knowledge of Collington (he provided additional consulting assistance throughout the years and served on the board as well), Joe knew he and Embry would still be the new kids on the block.
“It’s like being a freshman in college all over again!” he enthused. And while the community is a bit like an old friend, Joe is nevertheless impressed. “It’s everything I’d hoped it would be.”
Diverse, Welcoming Neighbors
While many of them have advanced degrees and remarkable resumes (several are published authors like Joe), “no one is impressed with themselves,” he said of his neighbors from various backgrounds, races and geographic areas.
“Elitism is not part of the culture,” Joe added, noting that’s by design. “Cottages and apartments are clustered so that larger residences are near smaller ones, diminishing income barriers.”
The Gold Standard
According to Joe, Collington’s affiliation with the Kendal organization was a turning point for the community. “Kendal represents the gold standard for not-for-profit CCRCs,” he said, with Kendal’s Quaker values largely to credit.
While he is still getting used to the role reversal from seasoned consultant to newbie resident, Joe senses a certain relief in not being in a leadership role – at least not yet. However, despite the advice he’s been given by fellow residents not to make any major decisions too soon, Joe is already envisioning himself in a governance role in the largely resident-led community.
“There are 80+ affinity groups here, and everyone seems to be involved in something! It’s an inspiration to see so many people still going strong.”
Perhaps that’s because they’re reaping the benefits of what Joe deems the three pillars of a quality CCRC: healthful nutrition; essential socialization; and top-notch care.
A True Believer
While Joe acknowledges that moving to a retirement community is a difficult decision for many, he contends that “most who move to well-managed CCRCs like Collington are glad they did, and so are their children.” Having visited hundreds of such communities over so many years, he would know.
Indeed, said Joe, “I’m a true believer.”