Favorite Memories

News & Events

Posted Feb 22, 2012

In celebration of our 35th anniversary, Friendship Village residents and associates have been invited to share their favorite memories of their time here. Please enjoy their reminiscence!

Friendship Village Residents

Friendship Village has the right name...’friendship.’ Everyone smiles at you all of the time. I’m really happy to be here. I’m lucky to be here because everyone is so nice.
Dorothea K.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2010

It’s a home away from home. I like the friendliness!
Rita L.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2007

I like it here because of the activities. When they plan a party they really go all out. And you meet a lot of people….make a lot of friends!
Marie M.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2006

One of my favorite memories is of having taken a small boy fishing. He was quite handicapped physically. We caught a couple of fish and he was absolutely delighted. I don’t know if he remembers, but I’ll never forget!
Norm W.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2003

Moving to Friendship Village is the best thing I ever did. It’s the best move I ever made. I have a lot of joy here…I enjoy every day here.
Rosie P.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2010

I’ve met so many nice people here!
Donna D.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2010

My best memory is of the first day we moved here. Our neighbors greeted us and employees greeted us. We have the best employees! People are so kind here!
Maryaldene B.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2003

My favorite memory is of the first time I found out that I could come and listen to the Brotherhood of Harmony rehearsals on Thursday nights. They rehearse here and I go and listen to them every week.
Millie S.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2007

All of the associates are so friendly!
Lavonne V.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2006

We were engaged and married here. We met at the fishing pond 2 ½ years ago. She was looking for someone to fish with and I was all by myself. Sparks flew. Within that year, I proposed.
Jim M.
It was love at first sight. I met my Jim and we got married. He is the nicest man in the whole world.
Justine M.

Being elected King and Queen of Mardi Gras. (Click here to see a photo of the King and Queen of Mardi Gras)
Ruth and George K.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2009

I’m in a wheelchair, but I can get up and go anywhere.
Marilyn C.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2007

I like the people. They’re very friendly. I’ve made a lot of nice friends.
Carmella P.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2011

We both moved here about ten months ago. We’re friends now. You make new friends…that’s for sure!
Florence C. and Corine E.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2011

It’s home. I don’t know what I’d be doing if I wasn’t in a place like this. It’s home to me, and the people are like family to me.
Anna S.
Moved to Friendship Village in 1984

When my husband passed away I decided to come and look at Friendship Village. I told them I’d have to be in and out a couple of times before I made up my mind. I was here seven times. The first time actually won me over, but I had to make sure because I didn’t want to end up being sorry I came. I’ve been glad every since.
Marie N.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2009

Laughter is the best medicine. I’m the Joke Lady. I tell jokes in Memory Care every week. I really enjoy that!
Marilyn C.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2007

It was the first time we moved into a beautiful grand NEW HOME here at Crosswell Trace in 2004. We have wonderful neighbors all around us, also at Bridgegate.and Bridgewater Place.
Rita D.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2004

One of my favorite memories was the making of the movie Let's Dance. I really enjoyed being in the movie and making new friends.
Tony D.

The premiere showing of Let's Dance in the assembly hall. Plus meeting a wonderful dancing partner. (click here to read more about Friendship Village's original film Let's Dance)
Dan Z.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2007

I am living in the same retirement home that my folks lived in. They were here when Bridgegate was first built, and lived there for sixteen years. It was so pleasant to move into Bridgewater Place. I had fond memories walking around the same places my folks enjoyed. My mom and dad’s children and grandchildren loved to come and visit them and now, my children and grandchildren and great grandchildren love to come here too.

One of my favorite memories is of all the new friends I have acquired and everyone being so friendly. Also the great staff…I know they will go out of their way when help is needed. I thank God that He has given me the opportunity to live in such a terrific place as Friendship Village.
Delores S.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2007

I was the third one to move into Bridgewater. Seasons and Herman’s were not open yet. Every morning they would have coffee and sweet rolls for us. Everyone was so friendly. We met in the Wintergarden and it was so nice to see the new people every morning. I still see most of them and feel they are my friends. I am still happy making more memories.
Armilda L.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2007

Thanking Friendship Village for allowing me to play the baby grand piano located in the atrium here at Bridgegate, and to have it printed in our Village Weekly. Thanks to Donna. It is hosted every Thursday, 7:00 p.m. as Shirley’s Piano Tunes. It makes me very happy. I am a life-long Christian and love all staff and people at Friendship Village.
Shirley S.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2009

We had been in Missouri for about two weeks and when we returned, we were met by Jim Q. in the garage. He said, “Welcome home. We missed you!” It was so wonderful to hear.
Barbara M.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2009

The first variety show we produced in 1999 directed by Debbie G. We thought it was terrific and so much fun. Eight of us did a line dance of Y.M.C.A. in costume. Bill B. was an Indian and the rest of us (seven women) were a sailor, a jockey, etc. We practiced over a month. That September we performed in the Septemberfest Parade. As we rode along on our flatbed truck in the costumes with the music blaring, we saw the many people along the way hearing the music and doing the routine with us. Our float won the first place trophy!
Maryjane H.
Moved to Friendship Village in 1996

During the time from our commitment to move into Friendship Village, from 2004 until 2007, we were invited to several functions. The spirit and pleasant attitude created that friendly open relationship with staff and residents that is present today. Our village is special in demonstrating that Life Is Better Among Friends.
Bud O.
Moved to Friendship Village in 2007

Friendship Village Associates

Spending time one-on-one with our residents. The life stories I have encountered are so rich and interesting. Every resident is a gift to be celebrated and cherished.
Chaplain Shawn K.
Started working at Friendship Village in 2005

Watching Doris make nine out of ten free throws in our very first Resident Free Throw Shooting Contest and listening to the assembled crowd cheer louder and louder with each basket made.
Rick P.-Director of Building Operations
Started working at Friendship Village in 2001

Performing as the Jersey Boys for the residents at the talent show my first year.
Ron H.-Assistant Director of Campus Management
Started working at Friendship Village in 2008

Being part of Christmas at Friendship Village by singing Christmas carols. It is truly a beautiful event. Participating and singing in our talent show for three years and enjoying our residents’ talent.
Mary Jo M.-Hospitality Assistant/Resident Services
Started working at Friendship Village in 2007

The making of the Friendship Village movie Let’s Dance and the movie premiere night and party. I really enjoyed seeing our resident actors and crew become the real stars of Friendship Village! (Click here to see photos of this event)
Donna B.-Lifestyles Activity Manager
Started working at Friendship Village in 2001

I worked there for 14 years and I have to say, the Ice Storm of 1994 when the entire community came together to help the entire population of Friendship Village! Employees willingly gave their time and the residents of the community took OUR residents in. It was amazing to see so many people helping.
Rita E.
Worked at Friendship Village 1984-1998

My favorite memory of my time here at Friendship Village is: How great everyone was when my husband died three years ago. Everyone came to the chapel. Friendship Village sent flowers and I received many cards and gifts. Friendship Village is a great place to work. That’s why I’ve been here 30 years.
Kathy B., Resident Services
Started working at Friendship Village in 1986

My favorite memory of my time here at Friendship Village is: In 2009, six of our residents went on an Honor Flight to see the WWII War Memorial in Washington D.C. We were at Midway Airport the night they returned, along with hundreds of other people waiting for their family members. I will never forget seeing our residents walking toward us, receiving the “welcome home” that all war heroes deserve. (Click here to see photos of this event)
Jeannette M., Lifelong Learning and Community Outreach Volunteer Coordinator
Started working at Friendship Village in 2007