Community
Aging Well: A Senior Citizen’s Resource Guide
The golden years are meant to be filled with meaningful shared experiences with family and friends, but in the chaotic times that we currently find ourselves, it takes a fair amount of extra effort to make sure the mind stays sharp and the body keeps active. That’s why we have compiled a helpful roadmap to local resources for senior citizens in and around Peachtree Corners, ranging from thriving residential communities to senior centers and at-home care.
This guide mentions many services typically offered, but for the most up-to-date information, please contact the businesses directly.
Residential Facilities
Village Park Peachtree Corners
Make your home just around the corner. Village Park Peachtree Corners provides all of the comforts and services of premier senior living within minutes of The Forum and other local shopping, dining and entertainment favorites. Choose between many living styles, from independent or assisted living to memory care — or in one of the luxury bungalows and cottages.
“Cottages and bungalows offer the same designer finishes, 10-foot ceilings, patios, natural stone countertops, full kitchens, gas fireplaces and washers and dryers; however, bungalows are stand-alone homes that include garages, while cottages are garden-style homes with designated parking spaces and closer proximity to the main building,” explained Kari Samuelson, COO of Galerie Living (Village Park Senior Livings’ Parent Company).
Cottages residents receive two meals a day and weekly housekeeping, included in their fees, while bungalows have customizable dining and housekeeping options. All residents have access to the amenities, including a heated pool, fitness center, full-service salon, courtyards, library, theater, club rooms, coffee bar and full-service restaurant.
More than simply focusing on the comfort and happiness of the residents, Village Park has made it a top priority to keep residents healthy during these tumultuous times.
“Village Park is grateful to be one of Georgia’s first senior living communities to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, with over 95% of residents vaccinated for COVID-19 in December 2020,” Samuelson said. “We are continuing to follow the safety guidelines provided by the CDC and are looking forward to the new possibilities the vaccine brings to our communities.”
For more about Village Park Peachtree Corners, visit villageparkpeachtreecorners.com or call 770-416-0502.
The Mansions at Sandy Springs
For a comfortable place to call home in Peachtree Corners, The Mansions of Sandy Springs is an excellent option. In addition to the standard features that one would find in most reputable establishments, Mansions has a few standout luxuries, such as a washer and dryer in every unit, as well as a balcony or patio for all units. Pet lovers who can’t bear to part with Fido appreciate that small pets are allowed for a nominal one-time fee. But as nice as the personal utilities are, the communal benefits are equally so.
The dedicated activities director makes sure to keep residents entertained, currently bringing in entertainers and performers once a week on Fridays, along with planning in-house activities and off-site outings. (Of course, outside trips are put on hold until it is safe to resume them.)
Some highlights of the Friday Follies include guitarists, pianists and soloists. Mansions also often hosts special speakers, some of whom are residents or from local organizations. One notable resident has given several talks on behalf of the Sons of the American Revolution, for example.
Besides providing entertainment, Mansions has gone the extra mile — or hallway — to continue connecting with their seniors, holding exercise classes in the hallway for safe social distance and delivering daily surprise goodies to raise spirits during times of isolation. Fortunately, residents are now able to move around more freely than they were in months prior, but it’s nice to see how the community has banded together.
When asked about how to stay healthy and happy during these times, Director Debbie Brennan had this advice: “Stay mentally healthy, stay social. If you can go outside and take a walk, that’s a great thing.”
Brennan is especially excited about the new walking trail that recently opened in Crooked Creek Park, which Mansions sometimes takes residents to walk along if they are physically able.
For more about life at the Mansions of Sandy Springs, visit mansionsseniorliving.com, then select the Sandy Springs community for contact information.
Vineyard Johns Creek
This brand-new assisted living and memory care facility is slated to open July 2021, pending occupancy approval. Currently, interested persons can schedule a private tour. Sales Director Jennifer Farine expanded on pioneering approaches that they plan to implement at Vineyard Johns Creek.
For instance, the dining room will be open for residents from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day for their meals, instead of only at designated eating times, allowing for more independence and freedom of choice. In-room concierge style dining service is also offered, as well as an open community kitchen. Other amenities include a RENEW Salon and Spa, movie theatre, library, gym and more.
In light of recent health concerns, a telehealth room will be in place to allow for safe medical consultation, in addition to traditional medical care monitoring. Farine even mentioned the use of Amazon Echo smart speakers in resident rooms for entertainment as well as communicating with staff. Talk about utilizing technology to create a brighter tomorrow for our seniors today!
For more about Vineyard Johns Creek, go to vineyardjohnscreek.com or call 470-329-7688.
Parc at Duluth
Over the past 18 years, Parc at Duluth has provided an attentive independent and assisted living community, with 135 apartments for independent residents and 35 assisted living units.
For residents with an interest in superb cuisine, this is the place to be, offering a full-service white tablecloth dining experience. Other notable features include weekly housekeeping and linen cleaning and 24/7 concierge service. A licensed personal trainer leads exercise classes, and a personal training experience is included in residential costs. Seniors can relax by the pool with a fun beach read or join in water aerobics.
Resident participation numbers in scheduled activities have been limited due to health concerns and to allow for social distancing. Visitors are currently allowed for independent residents, with prior reservation to avoid too many outside people in the building at one time.
Additional support from the local community has been a welcome source of comfort as well. Towards the beginning of shutdown, the National Guard came in several times to assist in a deep clean of common areas. Schools in the area also want to make sure that residents know that the community cares.
“Notre Dame Academy has been a great support, providing residents with cards and entertainment in our courtyard,” said Suzanne Nicol, Director of Sales and Marketing. “It has been a really great relationship here in the community.”
In warm months, the staff held outdoor events as much as possible, and as the weather cooled, they got creative finding space to allow for safe enrichment, such as hallway bingo and other unique modifications. (Restrictions have since relaxed to allow for more traditional interactions.)
In May 2020 during Mother’s Day Weekend, Parc at Duluth held a Drive Through Car Parade with over 100 families smiling and cheering as they drove around the perimeter of the complex.
“The biggest thing for seniors right now is to find a way for some type of safe social interaction, which is one of the most important things for our residents, being socially engaged instead of stagnant,” Nicol said.
For more information on Parc at Duluth, visit parcatduluth.com or call 770-622-6880.
At Home Care
A Hand to Hold
With its main office located at 3459 Holcomb Bridge Road in Peachtree Corners, A Hand to Hold is a leading provider of professional, reputable at-home care with dedicated A Hand to Hold Care managers.
The caregivers are experts in geriatric care with specialties in nursing, mental health and social work. The company carefully selects employees who are fully insured, drug tested and come with worker’s compensation coverage.
For more information, visit ahandtohold.com or call 770-992-5820.
Home Care Matters
Searching for compassionate live in and hourly caregivers? Over the years, Home Care Matters has won several awards from trusted organizations for their quality service, including SeniorAdvisor.com, Caring.com and Best of Home Care. Home Care Matters is family owned and operated, licensed, bonded and fully insured.
They offer a range of services for varied needs, from companionship and personal care to individualized independent living plans based on medical needs. 24-hour on call service is available for their clientele. To learn more, visit homematters.com or call 678-828-2195.
Senior Centers
First Senior Center
First Senior Center is located in Norcross, and just so happens to be the first senior daycare in Georgia that is Vietnamese owned and operated. It boasts a diverse community of senior citizens from all walks of life, with staff catering to seniors who speak numerous different languages. Their clients consist mainly of Southeast Asians from Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Korean, Thailand, Burma and China, according to Founder Von Tran.
“First Senior Center supports the health, nutritional, social and daily living needs of older adults, so they can continue to live safely in their homes and communities for as long as possible,” Tran said.
The center takes a personalized approach to keep the people it serves healthy and happy. “Our Adult Day Health program is unique in that we employ individual-directed programming that provides our members with activities tailored to their specific needs and interests,” Tran said. “Our Day Program is filled with activities and occasional outings, moderate exercise and programs throughout every day.”
As of January 1, the center resumed its normal activities while adapting to current needs, including offering telehealth through Zoom. Nutritious breakfasts, lunches and snacks are provided with dietary restrictions noted and planned for.
The center also made sure that clients had delicious meals throughout the shutdown, delivering 34,000 lunches and over 94,000 pounds of groceries over the last nine months in fresh and storable food, according to Tran. Partnerships with non-profits like Atlanta Community Food Bank helped bridge the food security gap. Going the extra mile for our elderly is always in style.
To see if you or a loved one could benefit from First Senior Center, visit firstseniorcenter.com or call 470- 289-2222. Additionally, the center is seeking community support to meet senior needs, so please reach out with potential assistance ideas.
Norcross Senior Center
The Norcross Senior Center is one of many services offered to Gwinnett County seniors age 60 and over by Gwinnett County Senior Services. For the safety of their clients, all operations and programs have been suspended at the center, and other Gwinnett County centers, with hopes of reopening once it is safe to do so.
During normal operating times, seniors receive services and participate in activities that support their independence, enhance their dignity and quality of life, meet their diverse needs and interests, reflect their experience and skills, and encourage community involvement and socialization.
Services may include transportation to and from the center, breakfast and lunch, and individual counseling. Activities may include educational and fitness classes, arts and crafts, recreational interests, volunteering, day trips, basic haircutting and more. Some activities and day trips may require minimal fees.
Seniors must apply to become a participant at the center. For more information, including how to apply and application requirements, visit the Senior Services page at gwinnettcounty.com.
The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) donated a check for $3,500 to the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer at their October Business After Hours event. The organization was selected by the PCBA Community Outreach Committee and board, who are dedicated to identifying and selecting charities whose mission aligns with supporting the community.
Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer — formerly It’s the Journey — is a registered 501c3 non-profit that supports Georgia’s breast cancer community by raising funds for breast health and breast cancer programs throughout the state.
Since 2002, the organization’s Georgia 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer has raised over $19 million to fund 554 grants that provide breast cancer education, screening, early detection, support services and continuing care for Georgians. Their mission is to engage with Georgia’s breast cancer community to increase access to care and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.
“Since [our] donations are made possible through our members and sponsorships, we wanted to award this check at our recent PCBA Business After Hours Speaker’s event, allowing our members the opportunity to celebrate with us and learn how this organization supports our community” said Lisa Proctor, PCBA president. “This check represents the first of three charities we raised money for at our annual charity event, Tailgates and Touchdowns, in August of this year. We will be awarding a check to the Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries in November and Spectrum Autism Support Group in December.”
Supporting the community
“We are so proud of our continued commitment to supporting our community,” Proctor continued. “The PCBA has donated over $162,000 to local deserving charities and awarded 19 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors in our metro Atlanta community since the inception of our community outreach program in 2013.”
Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach program are raised throughout the year from PCBA memberships, sponsorships and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded during monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the selected organizations.
For more information about the Peachtree Corners Business Association, visit peachtreecornersba.com.
Although Debbie Mason, the first First Lady of Peachtree Corners passed away in January 2023 just shy of her 72nd birthday, she left a lasting legacy on the community.
Her obituary summed up her attributes beautifully.
“If Debbie Mason believed in a cause, she could be counted on to work toward it tirelessly. Debbie was known to her family as a full-time mom, part-time Wonder Woman and occasional miracle worker. To her friends and community, she was a professional volunteer, fearless leader and perpetual truthteller.
Before starting her family, she worked as a legal secretary, where she began honing her exceptional organizational skills and trademark charisma, which made her the most formidable fundraiser. PTSA president, Scout den leader, drama club mom, sports team mom, volunteer organizer, teen-driving advocate, recycling and beautification champion — whatever her kids were involved in or called to her heart, she made it a priority.
A consummate ‘mover and shaker,’ there was little in her sphere of influence that didn’t receive a bit of ‘the Debbie Mason touch.’ She and Mike were founders of the Fox Hill Homeowner’s Association, where she worked to build community on the street she called home for 36 years. Hanging holiday decorations, throwing her annual Halloween party and even going door-to-door gathering signatures to have sewers installed in the neighborhood, Debbie spent so much of her time and energy in service of others.”
A loving memorial
At a memorial service in her honor, several members of the community stood around brainstorming a way to truly respect the impact she had on those around her.
“There were a group of us that just kept talking to each other and saying, what else can we do?” said Lynette Howard. “Debbie inspired us. She did so many things for us, and she gave up great things to the city. And the city was something that she just … it was her pride and joy, and she wanted to make sure that everybody was embraced and hugged in this city.”
A public garden in Debbie Mason’s name was born from that discussion. And a little less than two years later, a dedication was held on Saturday, October 24 to commemorate the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden.
Her obituary went on to include her love of gardening and the outdoors.
“To nurture was her nature; she loved to look after her home and garden. Visitors often commented on how warm and welcoming the house made them feel and how beautifully decorated it was. She was an artist, viewing the backyard garden as her canvas and the flowers, plants and pots as her paints. Working in the garden restored her soul; it was her special place. She was brilliant, an independent thinker, honest, direct and utterly unique. There will never be another one like her.”
A legacy that will live on
As in life, her kindness, dedication and joy will live on.
“With the opening of this garden today, she will leave an imprint that will be enjoyed by Peachtree Corners citizens for generations to come,” said Dave Huffman during the ceremony.
Debbie inspired those around her to make a positive impact on the city, as seen in the garden project. The Debbie Mason Memorial Garden Committee: Bob Ballagh, Pat Bruschini, Lynette Howard, Dave Huffman, Sarah Roberts, Gay Shook and Robyn Unger worked together to answer questions, prioritize goals and honor Debbie’s legacy.
To ensure the garden design and features aligned with Debbie’s passions and the community’s input, the committee thought about things the garden shouldn’t be: hectic, feeling noisy, unkempt, sad, forgotten, without a purpose, ostentatious, gaudy, overdone, devoid of interactive things.
“Did we accomplish it?” Howard asked the crowd during the ceremony.
The thunderous applause proved that Debbie would have approved.
Not long after the incorporation of Peachtree Corners in 2012, city leaders envisioned an arts council that would ensure local arts and culture were given necessary attention. The Peachtree Corners Arts Council, now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was established in 2016 to bring that vision to life by creating an Arts & Culture Master Plan and Public Art Initiative program for the city.
The council facilitates public art projects, such as a soon-to-be-completed mural on Peachtree Corners Circle by artist Jonathan Bidwell. With another major endeavor, the independently funded Debbie Mason Memorial Garden, also nearing completion, Peachtree Corners Magazine caught up with the organization — now called Peachtree Corners Arts Inc. (PTC Arts) — to learn more about the projects as well as the future of arts and culture in our city.
Debbie Mason Memorial Garden
The Debbie Mason Memorial Garden is an aesthetic and contemplative garden space nestled in an area of the Peachtree Corners Botanical Garden near Town Center. A group of Peachtree Corners residents, with a shared love for the city’s first first lady and an appreciation for all that she has done for the city, formed the Debbie Mason Memorial Committee (DMMC) to raise funds to build the oasis that will delight with flowering color each season.
The goal of the DMMC is to preserve Mason’s memory by transforming a space that will offer Peachtree Corners residents a quiet place to reflect, connect and rejuvenate among vibrant colored seasonal plantings and mosaic tiled artwork, according to the PTC Arts website.
Although the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden falls under the umbrella of PTC Arts Inc., it had its own committee in charge of design and fundraising goals.
“When they started getting going, because they were creating an artistic kind of installation in the city and were going to raise the funds for it, they worked with our council for ideas and input on the plan that they ultimately came up with,” said Marcia Catterall, a member of PTC Arts. “They really ran independently with that. Primarily, they used us as the nonprofit vehicle to raise the funds.”
Independent of PTC Arts, DMMC created all of its own publicity and had a committee tasked with handling all of the fundraising.
Building a master plan
Although the objective of PTC Arts Inc. is simple, the execution can be complicated.
“We had our hands in numerous things,” said Catterall. “We’ve created the city’s arts and culture master plan. We created a public art initiative. Our goal was to think about all of the ways that arts and cultural activities could impact the city and then to help facilitate the creation and the installation of arts and culture in the city.”
The initiative, along with the master plan, took up the first several years of the council’s efforts. The master plan was formalized and officially adopted in 2018.
According to city records, “The resolution requires developers to meet with the Peachtree Corners Arts Council to discuss possibilities for public art on their property. Developers would also be asked to voluntarily set aside one percent of their project costs for public art, either by including public art on their site or contributing money to a public art fund administered by the city.”
“This Public Art Initiative and Vision Map is intended to help city officials, developers and the community at large visualize and implement the city’s public art future. It outlines a vision for public art, offers an inventory of opportunities for public art throughout the city and provides background on the types of projects that should be encouraged and prioritized,” the records continued.
Early efforts of the council included designing activities for the Town Green and facilitating the use of public spaces for a variety of arts and cultural activities.
“One of the things that we helped with initially was designing some of the activities and talking about how to host activities on the Town Green,” said Catterall. “Now that’s all handled separately by the city, but we were sort of the sounding board and created a lot of the ideas and the thoughts about how Town Green was to be used.”
The mural project and what’s ahead
The first big art installation project initiated from beginning to end by the council is a mural on the retaining wall at Peachtree Corners Circle.
“That’s going to be our first big project that we’ve started — soup to nuts — and have run with completely on our own,” said Catterall.
Jonathan Bidwell, a well-known artist out of Asheville, North Carolina is creating the mural, having designed several others in the past.
“He designed, for example, the playful foxes on the Social Fox Brewing Company in downtown Norcross,” she said. “He’ll be covering the big, long retaining wall that will border part of the Botanical Garden Walk around the Town Center area. And it will actually be near the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden.”
Funding for the mural project was covered partly through business donations.
“Part of our arts and culture master plan is to ask businesses, when they either develop or open up a new business, to donate 1% of their project value towards public art on their property or to give that to us,” Catterall said. “So, this is being funded mostly through the donation from QuickTrip’s new development.”
Since the company didn’t have a particular art installation in mind for its property, it allowed the money to go toward an effort elsewhere in the city.
The mural’s background colors were scheduled to be painted by the end of September with the remaining details to be completed by late October, in time for the ribbon cutting for the Debbie Mason Garden. That event is set for 11 a.m. on October 26.
For more information about Peachtree Corners Arts Inc., the mural or the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden, visit ptcarts.org.
You can read this article in the October/November issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine.
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