Video displaying scenes from Valle Verde, a HumanGood Life Plan Community in Santa Barbara, California

Kate

For the Love of Pickleball and Good Pals

If you are trying to find Kate, she is most likely playing a friendly, competitive game of pickleball on Valle Verde’s popular pickleball court. Before moving to the community, she had never played the sport, but when she saw others enjoying the game, she tried her hand at it.

“I saw how much fun people were having, so I decided I wanted to give it a try. I have been hooked ever since,” Kate says. “I jokingly say, ‘I have OPD: Obsessive Pickleball Disorder.’ Playing pickleball provides the three C’s: cardio, camaraderie and competition!”

At Valle Verde, there are a good number of residents who play the sport on a regular basis, and they refer to themselves as the Pickle Pals.

“The Pickle Pals have fun during pickleball gatherings and celebrate each other every day," Kate says. "The camaraderie here is so incredible on and off the court, and I have made some wonderful friendships at Valle Verde.”

Some of her fellow Pickle Pals call her “explosive on the court,” and when she gets a great shot, the whole neighborhood knows it.

“Everyone is so welcoming, warm and encouraging here,” she says. “I don’t have any family, so I was looking for a strong sense of community, which is why I decided to move to Valle Verde. I most certainly found that here, and I am grateful.”

In addition to being a resident pickler, Kate has put her strong financial skills as a financial advisor to good use as treasurer of the resident council and member of the finance committee.

“I had visited many of my clients at Life Plan Communities while working in the financial arena,” Kate says. “I came to know Valle Verde through my work and service on several committees before moving, so I knew the community well and really enjoyed the amazing caliber and diverse group of people who live and work here.”

But her favorite place to be is on the pickleball court surrounded by her Pickle Pals. You might even see her sporting her very own pickleball pants with colorful pickleballs from time to time. Good times and great fun!

Art & Ann

Creativity and Science Bring Connection

Art and science are passions that keep Ann and Art happy, active and connected at Valle Verde. Ann considers herself a dabbler in art, whether it’s painting, sculpting, drawing or making jewelry. “I have always believed that art is to be enjoyed,” she says.

One of the ways she fuels this passion is by participating in Art from the Heart, a group of Valle Verde residents who enjoy and appreciate the arts.

“This group plans trips to local museums and art galleries and does projects together," she says. "It’s a wonderful way for me to keep my love of art alive and share that passion with others.”

Ann is also a representative for La Tienda — the secondhand store on campus that is run by resident volunteers — and designs the store displays.

“It’s another outlet for me to be creative,” she says.

An additional project Ann and Art enjoy is helping to adorn the large display wall in the dining room. Ann is responsible for selecting pieces of art and photographs to showcase each month, and Art helps by hanging the artwork.

“Art is very good with a hammer and has a good eye for how to present the pieces." Ann says. "It’s been a lot of fun working together to share residents’ beautiful art to be enjoyed in the dining room.”

Art, an electrical engineer, is a member of the resident council, but his true passion is participating in the community’s science discussion group that meets on science-related topics every month.

“The group is made up of physicians, scientists, psychologists and engineers,” Art says. “I am so impressed with the professional caliber of the people who participate. We take turns researching and creating presentations, which certainly makes for stimulating conversations.”

Ann adds, “We absolutely love living at Valle Verde. It’s a place where we can continue exploring our interests and passions but also be exposed to new things. We continue to be impressed with the diversity of the community and the connection we feel with our neighbors. There is certainly a wonderful spirit here.”

Jo Ann and Pat

A Passion for People and Pets

As former owners of a bed-and-breakfast inn in Santa Barbara, residents Jo Ann and Pat learned the importance of making people feel comfortable and welcome every day.

Both entrepreneurs at heart, Jo Ann and Pat ran their inn for 10 years. They even started the Professional Association of Innkeepers International; taught innkeeping seminars for 17 years; and published a book, So You Want to Be an Innkeeper. They brought that compassion and business spirit to the greater Santa Barbara community as well as to Valle Verde, where they participate in various committees and help organize social events for not only the residents but also their four-legged friends.

Pat started a statewide organization offering workshops and national conferences for the 44-year-old Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP), bringing it to multiple communities and 30 California prisons. AVP focuses on enriching people’s lives and is committed to building peace in homes, schools, prisons and the greater community.

From a very early age, Jo Ann has had a love of animals. Specifically, she is passionate about animal rescue efforts. Jo Ann is involved with the national Havanese organization. She also enjoys attending the playdates for residents and their pets at the beautiful dog park on campus.

“We currently have five weekly play dates for the dogs, which are very well attended,” Jo Ann explains. “Even those who don’t have dogs enjoy hanging out to see them run and play. All the dogs that live at Valle Verde bring so much joy, including our sweet dog, Darcy.”

An event that is also popular is the annual Valle Verde Dog Show, where residents can “show” their dogs and take part in the festivities, which include a “Kanine Kissing Booth,” thanks to Pat, Jo Ann and, most certainly, Darcy, who gives out doggy kisses.

Jo Ann and Pat, however, are not just mindful of the happiness of the four-legged residents on campus. They have also served as zone representatives, checking in on neighbors and welcoming new residents to the community.

“Valle Verde is committed to making sure every resident is thriving and feeling connected,” Pat says. “It’s very rewarding to be a part of this effort. As a zone representative, I help plan monthly happy hours and Coffee Saturdays, so people stay engaged.”

Jo Ann adds, “Our careers and entrepreneurial ventures have brought us to this exciting place in our lives. We are grateful we can call Valle Verde our home and continue living a life full of learning, positivity and warm hospitality. And it’s nice to know the community not only welcomes us human beings but our four-legged family members too.”

Craig

A Glass More Than Half Full

After Craig retired, he and his wife, Penny, first moved to Santa Rosa, where he began working at well-known Napa Valley wineries, focused on sales and coordinating wine tours and tastings.

“I’ve always had a passion for wine, so it was exciting to live and work in beautiful wine country,” Craig says. “Along the way, I became a wine connoisseur, and I enjoy sharing the knowledge I learned with others.”

The residents at Valle Verde have certainly benefited from Craig’s expertise as he shares his experiences and passion for wine with the community. He enjoys working with the dining committee to organize and host wine pairings and tastings, which are very well attended. Craig and Penny, along with their Valle Verde friends, also visit and explore local wineries, including Rusack, Foxen, Beckman and Halter Ranch, whenever they get the opportunity.

“Living in Santa Barbara certainly affords us the opportunity to explore the many vineyards, wineries and varietals produced that are unique to this area,” Craig says. “The natural beauty of the landscape and soil quality in this coastal area of California make for wonderful wine.”

In addition to his passion for viticulture education, Craig finds other ways to give back to the community. He serves on the health services committee and the foundation committee, raising contributions for various meaningful endeavors. Craig is someone who simply enjoys life.

“Moving to Valle Verde was the best decision we ever made,” Craig says. “Our life is filled with good friends, fun activities and a glass or two of wine.”

Cheers to that!