Video displaying scenes from Plymouth Village, a HumanGood Life Plan Community in Redlands, California

Janet

Far and Away

Janet was born on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, and raised on a sugar plantation, but she later moved to the mainland to attend college. She later settled in Redlands, where she had an esteemed 37-year career teaching history, economics and government at two Redlands high schools.

“One of my favorite parts of teaching was instilling a love for the United States in my students,” she says. “Our country is filled with so much richness and variety. I believe everyone should have an opportunity to experience all that it has to offer.”

Janet surely lives by example. She has made traveling — not only across the United States but also around the world — a priority.

Impressively, Janet has walked on all seven continents of the globe, sailed on all five oceans, visited 117 countries and traveled to all 50 states. For many years, she was a weekly contributor to the local newspaper, Redlands Daily Facts, where she chronicled and shared her travel adventures with her readers.

“One of the most amazing trips I ever experienced was to the geographic North Pole,” she says. “I had the opportunity to go there aboard a nuclear-powered Russian icebreaker and walk on the ice there. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was truly an experience I will never forget.”

Another memorable trip was a 17-day journey on the Trans-Siberian Railroad from Moscow to Beijing.

“I was thrilled to find other people at Plymouth Village who had the same passion for travel as I do,” she says.

Janet participates in the Village Voyagers — a travel group here at the community — and looks forward to planning and taking trips throughout the year. She also gets to reminisce and talk about her life growing up in Hawaii with other residents.

“Some of the residents grew up in Hawaii too or have a love for the islands, so they started a Hawaiian group, where we meet and talk about all the things that make my childhood home so special,” she says. “This has been so much fun and comforting for me.”

When she doesn’t have a trip planned, Janet loves to read books about faraway places from the vast collection at Plymouth Village.

“I am so impressed with the library here that I don’t think I will ever have to buy another book again. I plan to borrow one of the many books and bring it along with me to my next travel adventure!”

Deborah and Frank

Celebrating the Long and Winding Road

Deborah and Frank are living vibrant, independent lives brimming with purpose and joy. As dynamic and cherished residents of Plymouth Village, they embody the endless possibilities of living in a Life Plan Community.

Frank’s life has been built on his dedication to service and a thirst for adventure. A former Army Ranger in special operations, he served in the Vietnam War and later transitioned to the U.S. Army Reserve. Following his active military duty, Frank enjoyed a successful career in insurance before pivoting to law enforcement.

As a deputy sheriff in Riverside County, Frank specialized as a bomb technician and served on the bomb squad, demonstrating resilience and courage in high-stakes situations. Even in retirement, his commitment to law enforcement continues. He now serves the Legal Defense Trust of the Riverside Sheriffs’ Association, ensuring that deputies receive the support they need.

Frank’s dedication extends beyond his professional achievements. He is an avid athlete who thrives on staying active.

“My days often start early with walks through Plymouth Village’s scenic paths or nearby Prospect Park,” Frank says. “I also enjoy participating in bodyweight exercises and stretching, ensuring I remain fit and energized for the adventures ahead.”

Deborah’s vibrant presence and community spirit have made her a welcome addition to life at Plymouth Village. She participates in the community’s creative writing group, engages in a Bible study group and has formed many new connections with residents.

Together, Frank and Deborah share an insatiable love for travel and adventure. In their Class B RV, they explore national parks across the Southwest and visit family and friends across the country.

When they’re not traveling, they take full advantage of Plymouth Village’s amenities and local attractions, enjoying swimming in the outdoor heated pool and attending cultural events, such as performances at the Redlands Bowl. They are season ticket holders and volunteers at the LifeHouse Theater. Their faith is also an integral part of their lives. As active members of a local church, they participate in community outreach programs and Bible studies.

Living at Plymouth Village has amplified Deborah and Frank’s active lifestyle. From the convenience of maintenance-free living to the abundance of social and recreational opportunities, the community offers a perfect balance of independence and connection.

“If you don’t show up, people reach out to you,” Frank says. “There’s a real sense of security and connection here.”

Carol

Penning a New Chapter

Carol has always approached life with a vibrant spirit of positivity and a deep commitment to giving back. After her husband passed, Carol took a bold and proactive step to shape her future by moving to Plymouth Village, a decision rooted in her desire to stay independent and find a strong sense of community.

“I chose Plymouth Village to be closer to my daughter, Julia, and also because I wanted to live in a place that values collaboration and meaningful relationships,” Carol says.

Surrounded by engaged neighbors and a vibrant environment, she has found a home at Plymouth Village, where she can contribute and live intentionally in every way.

Since her arrival, Carol has immersed herself in the programs and connections that make Plymouth Village a special place.

“My days are filled with wonderful opportunities to explore my interests and to give back, which provides me with a sense of purpose.”

Carol actively participates in Plymouth Village’s writers’ group, where resident writers — seasoned and new — meet weekly to enhance and collaborate on their craft. They write and share autobiographies, poetry and short stories, leading to a lot of laughter, deep thinking, learning and connections.

Additionally, Carol enjoys spending time with the local service dogs that visit the community and lends her talents to the Crafty Ladies Club, crocheting scarves and baby hats for charitable causes, such as the local Ronald McDonald House. Carol also serves as the secretary of the residents' association.

“I enjoy being a team player and contributing to the quality of life at Plymouth Village.”

For Carol, the feeling of community also expands outside of Plymouth Village. She finds great joy in the city of Redlands, which is so rich in history and tradition.

Don and Joanne

Through the Lens and Loop

Don and Joanne have woven themselves into the fabric of Plymouth Village, blending creativity, connection and community spirit into everything they do. Retired but far from slowing down, they have embraced every opportunity to turn their passions into meaningful contributions that inspire others.

Joanne’s love for knitting led her to join and eventually chair the Crafty Ladies Club. Under her leadership, the group has supported numerous causes, including knitting scarves for homeless youth through the YouthHope Foundation in Redlands.

Joanne also plays a key role in welcoming new residents and serves on various committees, including the residents' association’s leadership team.

“I love working with others to make Plymouth Village a welcoming and warm place to live,” Joanne says.

Don, meanwhile, has channeled his love of photography into creating art. His nature-inspired photographs, which he shows in his gallery in his home and in the community’s art gallery, have culminated in a few successful exhibitions. 

One of his most notable contributions is the design of a detailed tree map of Plymouth Village, highlighting 70 varieties of trees and more than 700 individual specimens on the community’s campus. Together with the committee that identified the trees, Don created this treasured resource for the community, with proceeds from its sale supporting Plymouth Village’s benevolent fund.

“Photography and art allow me to connect with the world in unique ways,” Don says. “Sharing that with my neighbors has been incredibly fulfilling.”

As they look to the future, their appreciation for Plymouth Village continues to grow.

“This is more than a place to live,” Joanne says. “It’s a community where you can live independently and find happiness at any age.”

Don agrees. “I often think of the phrase ‘bloom where you’re planted’ because we find ourselves getting more and more involved in the community. We feel lucky to be part of something so special. Plymouth Village is home.”