Mallard Point

“Gardening connects me to the land,” shares Don, the newest member of the Green Thumb Group at Holiday Cedar Woods. He and his fellow gardeners share the responsibility of tending to the community's flourishing plants.

“This is my first summer living here," he adds. "So it makes it more like home." The group estimates it will have hundreds of cherry tomatoes to share with their neighbors along with a variety of herbs, nourishing their bodies and their friendships.

“While the plants grow, I grow," Don says, proving he and his fellow gardeners harvest more than what they sow. Read more about the fruits of this community's labor:

Green Thumb Group at Branford living facility are happy to get their hands dirty in community garden Members of Branford's Green Thumb Group at senior living facility are happy to get their hands dirty in community garden

"My mother taught me how to play the ukulele at 10 years old," remembers Shaun, a resident at Holiday Crescent Heights. But that's not Shaun's only musical skill. Along with the ukulele, he plays the bass and acoustic guitar and, of course, he loves to sing.

Shaun was a member of The Catalinas Band from 1980 to 1982, playing bass and providing vocals. His favorite song to perform was "Summertime's Calling Me." He adds, "Despite the hard work, being in a band was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed traveling and sharing music with so many people."

Shaun loves seeing the joy on people's faces when he performs. "When people are happy, it makes me happy," he says, continuing to share his music and stay true to himself. 🎶

We're showing up to support local teachers! 🍎📚

Our communities gathered essential supplies to ensure a successful back-to-school season as part of our Care for Your Community program. We wanted to give back to those who shape the future, showing appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Together, we’re building a brighter tomorrow.

📸: Holiday Echo Ridge, Holiday Monarch Estates, Atria Queen Victoria Estates, Holiday Jackson Oaks

"Camaraderie is key," says Bob, Senior General Manager of Holiday Hartland Hills. "The residents trash talk each other, but it's all in good fun."

He's talking about the competitiveness that comes out during Bocce with Bob, the most popular program at the community. "We started out with one bocce ball set," explains Bob, who has been with Holiday By Atria for more than 11 years. "The first time we played, we had six to eight people. Now we use three sets, and 21 to 24 people join in."

We love hearing all the ways our residents stay active. At Holiday Windlands South, one resident's hobby has him reeling in big fun.

"I love being outdoors on the lake," shares Jerry, who has been fishing since he was 12 years old.

So far, his most impressive catch is a two-pound crappie.

We hope you catch a whopper next time you head out, Jerry! 🎣

Discover how Atria’s employee referral program brought sisters Patti and Lynn together at Holiday Orchid Terrace. Learn about their careers, the referral bonus program, and how referrals add to the sense of belonging in our communities. Read more at Atria Careers:

Careers & Promotions | Atria Senior Living Sisters Patti and Lynn LePage at Holiday Orchid Terrace in St. Louis discuss Atria’s employee referral bonus and what it’s like working together.

“Everything inspires me,” says Wendy. “I wouldn't say I'm an artist. I’m a student of the arts. I have been painting for about 15 years.” This student of the arts became the teacher when she shared her artistic talents with her fellow residents at Holiday Winter Village by leading a fun painting class.

“It was actually nerve-wracking teaching the class. It’s different teaching as opposed to painting," she explains. Despite her nerves, Wendy's instruction led the class to create some really fun, funky and colorful depictions of ostriches.

Wendy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the early age of 29. She started painting because it helps with her Parkinson’s and has since become her passion. So it felt like a perfect fit that she also introduced painting therapy into her community's grief support group as a way for members to move through their grief with therapeutic painting.

"My hope is for everyone to find their true purpose and passion and follow it!"

We donned our best Hawaiian shirts and colorful leis for our Taste of the Tropics Social Series! From tiki mocktails to island-style treats, we snacked and danced our way down to Kokomo and back again. 🍹🌴🏄🌺

📸: Holiday Maplewood Place, Holiday Creekside Terrace, Atria Kingsdale Chateau, Holiday Orchid Terrace

Residents at Holiday Creekside Terrace grabbed their hats and sunglasses and took in the views at Mabes Berry Farm.

"They loved exploring the beauty found in the berry irrigation and picking process, as well as spending quality time with friends at one of the oldest strawberry farms in North Carolina," shares Tamisha, the community's Engage Life Coordinator.

It looks like it was a great day with sweet berries and friends. 🍓

"I never knew that miniature horses existed," remarks Jack. He and fellow residents of Holiday Capital Place were in for a treat when Diesel the miniature therapy pony came to visit. "Everyone was so captivated," Jack adds. "It was great to see my friends have special moments with the horse. I think I had the best bond with him though ... he always came back to me!"

Diesel was quite the charmer, winning over residents and employees alike. "I think it was because he was so wonderful to pet; his hair was so soft. I hope he comes back for another visit soon. Actually, I would love to get a miniature horse in my apartment," Jack laughs.

Francis and Doris met in 1949 at a YMCA dance in Providence, Rhode Island. After dating for four years, they tied the knot in 1953. "We had a small wedding ceremony, maybe 20 friends and family members were there," shares Doris. Fast forward 71 years and they're still as in love as ever.

"We love dancing and Doris enjoys the bridge club at Holiday Kalama Heights," shares Francis.

I would say our advice to young couples is to forgive each other and not go to bed angry," says Doris. "Don't take life so seriously and enjoy every day. Oh, and don’t forget to laugh!"

Join us in wishing the couple a happy wedding anniversary filled with dancing and laughter!

You've retired. Now what?

There are plenty of ways to stay active, find new passions and get involved. Read our Retirement Guide blog for tips to help you find structure and purpose beyond your career: http://ms.spr.ly/6181lsQPN

“It felt good being on the news and was really fun," shares Marjorie. "It made my day feel even more special.” And a special day it was! Marjorie turned 104 with a celebration at Holiday Hartland Hills.

The local news came out to mark this momentous occasion, and Marjorie shared some wisdom with the world. “I would tell the younger generation to have fun. Always be kind to people because people will be kind to you.”

Queen for the day, Marjorie had a big party at Hartland Hills with three cakes! 🎂 🎂 🎂

Of her home, she shares, "I love the freedom of being on my own and having access to the culinary staff. I have everything I need.”

Join us in wishing Marjorie an amazing 104th birthday! 👸 🎊 🎉

There's nothing quite as fresh as produce from the farmers market! 🍅🥕🍓

Whether residents foraged at their local markets or shopped for fresh foods at pop-ups hosted by their communities, we nourished ourselves with seasonal delights!

Residents at Holiday Crescent Heights shopped around and settled on a big haul of fresh tomatoes!

The dog days of summer are here! We celebrated by tossing bean bags and snacking on mini corndogs at our aptly named Co****le & Corndogs Social Series events!

📸: Holiday Indigo Pines, Holiday Crescent Heights, Holiday Country Squire, Holiday Devonshire Estates, Holiday Thornton Place, Holiday Forsyth Court, Holiday Maplewood Place

"I volunteered with a Master Gardeners group for about 10 years," shares Art, a resident of ." I love being a part of Mother Nature. The best part was being able to share the bounty from my gardens, fresh carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, beans, raspberries and blueberries to name a few. I always shared with my neighbors, co-workers and friends at church."

Art proudly shares his legacy of gardening with his six grandchildren. Three of them even have their own greenhouses and raised beds in their backyards!

We're thankful that he shares his gardening gifts with Orchard Park residents too. Art even shares his gardening advice with the Orchid Park team, advising them to plant more perennials. "They'll require less work and give everyone more time to enjoy their beauty."

Good thinking, Art! 🌱

"Honestly, my first-grade teacher was not nice. From then on, I was determined to become a teacher who respected students," remembers Nancy, a resident at Holiday Creekside Terrace. "My second-grade teacher was an inspiration. I remember she told me that she thought I was going to be a teacher in the future."

"I started teaching in public schools in 1956. I taught language arts mostly. Reading was my specialty," she shares. "I loved watching children’s faces light up when they learned something that was hard for them."

Later, Nancy became a professor of education at her alma mater, High Point University, using her skills and experience in the classroom to empower future educators. Now retired, Nancy still has advice for young teachers. "Show your students that you love and respect them."

Residents showed off their green thumbs and impressed us with their gardening skills. From flowers to veggies, our communities are flourishing with homegrown natural beauty this summer.

🌱 Holiday Greenwood Terrace got their hands dirty in the garden.
💐 Holiday Elm Park Estates cared for their flowers.
👨‍🌾 Holiday Cedar Ridge and Holiday Orchid Terrace tended to their raised beds.

With the first day of school fast approaching, we thought we'd check in with one of the many retired teachers who now live at Holiday Winter Village. Gary, who taught students of all ages for more than 32 years, shares about his experience as an educator.

"The most rewarding part of my career was watching all the students grow. And most of all, seeing them be proud of themselves for accomplishments I was able to help with."

He remembers his first year teaching. "I held a turkey feast during Thanksgiving. All of the children came and brought their parents. I didn’t know how it would go, but it was so amazing. Everyone was all smiles."

Instead of offering advice to young teachers, Gary says he'd be more likely to ask them for advice. "How do they do it?" He is so impressed by the resilience of educators today.

Happy back-to-school season to all the teachers out there!

"My husband and his friends were ahead of their time," remembers Maureen of the years she spent traveling the country with her husband and friends on motorcycles. "They were very innovative and came up with many ideas, like attaching mics to their helmets for easier communication and making their helmets more comfortable on long trips by adding foam inside. These upgrades were introduced by the big corporations years later and they've become the standard in motorcycle gear."

Over eight years, Maureen and her crew traveled across 13 states, Mexico and Canada, often covering 500 miles a day. "We rode beautiful motorcycles and everywhere we went, we drew people's attention. We struck up the conversation with so many different people." She fondly recalls meeting a native tribe in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and learning about their history, traditional clothes, dances and music.

That love of adventure and meeting new people is still strong in Maureen. "What I love most about living at Holiday South Hill is meeting so many people with different backgrounds and stories. I love hearing about everyone's lives."

We're sure Maureen keeps her neighbors entertained with exciting stories of her own. 🏍

Who won our Recipe Showdowns? We'll let our taste testers answer that question, but we can say this culinary celebration whisked up some fun for our amazing culinary teams and residents.

From cheesy creations to savory surprises, it was a mac-nificent time! 🧀🍲

📸: Holiday Essex House, Holiday Crescent Heights, Holiday Capital Place, Holiday Greenwood Terrace

"Our friendship blossomed over shared interests in Bible studies and music," says Melba, of her old neighbor and friend, Angie. But the two lost touch after starting families and moving away.

Forty years later, it was a heartwarming surprise when Angie came to Melba's community, Holiday Woods at Canco, as part of a singing group! Both ladies cherished the unforeseen reunion after all this time.

This coincidence turned into a touching story of rekindled friendship. We love seeing our residents both maintain relationships and make new ones!

Meet the four-legged team from the Pony Express Therapy Dogs. This crew "unleashes" happiness wherever they go.

"The residents love it when they visit," shares Marissa, the Engage Life director at Holiday Country Squire.

Thank you to our furry friends, and all the other supporting and therapy dogs out there making the world a happier, furrier place.

“I love the location, beautiful mountain view and proximity to shopping, restaurants and doctors," shares Shirley of her home at Holiday Elm Park Estates. "Our apartment is spacious and has many picture windows."

Shirley and her husband Sam love the benefits of independent living. "Whenever we need service, the handyman arrives promptly. The manager knows everyone by name and makes it feel like a community. The neighbors are caring and friendly.”

Thanks for choosing Holiday by Atria as your home, Shirley and Sam! 🏡

Join us in wishing Marie a happy 101st birthday! 🎂

What is Marie's advice for living a great life? "Share your smile and have a positive attitude, especially with someone who may need your help. Be considerate."

A resident of Holiday Orchid Terrace, she is especially proud of her family. "I happily feel the love of my caring family of five generations. I stay in touch with all of them, including my great-great-grandkids!"

Marie advises that when times get tough, acceptance and patience will help you overcome and grow wiser. She adds, "See each day as a gift and be thankful for it."

We're thankful for you, Marie!

Every morning, you can find Janie waiting for her friends to join her for coffee and conversation in her usual spot by the fireplace. She's called Holiday Willow Grove home for 16 years. She says the employees are a huge part of why she chose to move into the community.

"This is my home. The staff and my friends are like family to me."

She has a plaque with a photo of herself and her fellow residents when she first moved in. At 84 years old, Janie says she is still thriving and driving, which is one of her greatest joys.

We're so grateful Janie continues to choose Holiday Willow Grove. ❤️🏡

Can we get three cheers for the Holiday Illahee Hills home team?! 📣🦅

"This is my second year on the team," shares Eileen, a member of the Illahee Eagles. This beanbag baseball team is serious business.

Allison, the community's Engage Life coordinator, adds, "They are an amazing team that knows how to have fun and enjoy each other's company, even if they don’t win."

Hip hip hooray!

Discover six essential tips for maintaining heart health. ❤️

From staying active and eating right to getting enough sleep and enjoying nature, learn how older adults can keep their hearts healthy and strong. Read our Retirement Guide article to learn more and start your journey to better heart health today: http://ms.spr.ly/6184lJ2e4.

What started as a cat adoption story, ended in marriage. Wanda, a resident of Holiday Rancho Village, was adopting a cat from her neighbor Tom when Cupid's arrow surprisingly struck.

“My friends know me as ‘don’t want anybody, don’t need anybody, don’t put anybody in front of me,’" Wanda shares. “I pretty much made that clear to everybody.”

But Tom changed things. "I just could not get her out of my mind,” he said. “It’s all I thought about for months and months and weeks and weeks.” After Wanda adopted his cat, he used it as an excuse to pay her visits, and the rest is history.

Learn more about their love story in this Antelope Valley Press interview: http://ms.spr.ly/6181lyfm9

Let freedom ring! 🇺🇸🎆

Communities celebrated the 4th of July with a luncheon full of patriotic festivities, including live music and classic cookout staples. Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this year's celebration one for the history books!

📸: Holiday Vista de la Montan͂a, Holiday Country Squire, Holiday Cedar Woods, Holiday Crescent Heights, Holiday Cedar Ridge, Holiday Essex House