Essex Meadows resident Judy Kells enjoys a picture-perfect retirement: A photographer, she’s a member of the Coastal Camera Club, the Connecticut Professional Photographers Association and Chester Fair Board of Directors. She’s also a singer in the church choir, ballroom dancer … the list goes on.
“If anything, Essex Meadows has really picked up the pace of my life,” Judy said, who became a resident at 68. Judy and her husband, Ken, had chosen Essex Meadows after researching several communities. Ken passed away before they could move in, and Judy decided she didn’t want to handle the responsibilities of her Ivoryton house alone.
“I love living here. Now I can travel much easier when I want to visit my grandchildren around the country. I just shut the door and go.”
Making new friends has been easy, starting with the staff. “Everyone is outstanding; they trip over themselves to make your feel at home. And having my field spaniel Nellie Rose with me was essential. We’re both very comfortable.”
Choice also matters to Judy. She wanted to make a few changes to her apartment like hardwood floors and digging a water garden so she could have koi and plants. “The staff was so willing to work with me, which made such a difference. It’s really home now.”
Judy loves her neighbors as well. “I enjoy how well-traveled and educated our residents are,” she said. “But Ken and I were just regular people, so I love that I fit right in.” -Judy Kells