Well-Spring promises an engaging, active and vibrant retirement living experience – not only within the community itself, but also on activities and adventures beyond its grounds. Team members involved in life enrichment and wellness programs help ensure there is always a wide range of activities from which to choose.
Robin McCloskey, who for many years has overseen Well-Spring’s aquatics, fitness and wellness programs, is on the go offering physical activities, competitions and fun while striving to keep all residents active – no matter their age or physical condition. For example, the popular mini-golf tournament that has been a hit for years. This month the Aquatic & Fitness Center (AFC) will hold an eight-week Walk Celebration. The previous turnout yielded more than 90 residents!
“One resident called to thank me because his wife’s time had doubled,” Robin says.
For those who prefer to up their heart rate through dance, residents can bust a move. The AFC, along with Lenore Teer, who plans a wide array of resident activities and adventures, including programming in Well-Spring’s Virginia Somerville Sutton Theatre, joined forces to present For the Love of Dance: A Dance Party Weekend in the Well-Spring’s rotunda entranceway. This included both trendy line-dancing and an old-school sock hop. Chances are, if you weren’t dancing, you were a foot-stomping spectator, for sure!
Things are in constant motion with activities across campus, across town … and beyond. Transportation events cannot be overlooked at Well-Spring. This program offers a shuttle to the happenings held off-campus, which include Broadway shows at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, talks at the Guilford College Bryan Series and performances throughout the Eastern Music Festival, to name a few. Lenore, her team and their resident advisory committee continue to seek out the latest adventures, no matter the reach or complexity. Last year’s journey featured a memorable tour of the nation’s capital, Washington. This year, plans are afoot for a trip to Asheville.
For the theatre, Lenore says it’s important to scout performers with whom residents can relate. “Our residents don’t want to just be entertained; they want to hear stories and be educated.” The team looks for more than just a performer with skill but those also possessing personality and zest. Music is a good example of matching artists to the community. Since most residents grew up in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, the team will seek musicians who fit those eras but can also mix up the genre so everyone can benefit.
With the opening of the theatre in 2019, the sound in Well-Spring’s state-of-the-art theatre is never a challenge for performers. This has been a gem to the Well-Spring community as well as the greater community by offering resident-only programming and public events, too.
“Seasoned Broadway stars,” Lenore says, “are consistently wowed by our theatre. Rehearsals can take days, so they have time to appreciate the quality of our theatre. We have acousticians who strive to achieve sound perfection, down to the walls.”
While team members plan for symphonies, speakers, road trips and musicals, the AFC is revving up for the next big activity. Robin thought she had satisfied the adrenaline-seeking zip line group. However, the word around campus was to take it up a notch. Now, Robin is planning another sky-scraping event on a larger scale. “They want a bigger zip line!” she says.
Resident Angie Martinez, who is embracing her eighth decade, wholeheartedly agrees: “We are ready for a longer, more thrilling ride!”
If Robin senses a lull in things, she jumps into creative mode in a healthy heartbeat. In August, the AFC will run the Rain Gutter Regatta (alternating years with the epic Cardboard Boat Regatta). You can guarantee at one or both to see what these participants may have been like as children. Family and friends are invited to see silly and serious play out.
With so much to choose from, residents eagerly await the month’s calendar of activities.
We are ready for a longer, more thrilling ride!”
Angie, Well-Spring Resident
