Annual Report - NCPHS

12
JoAn Blackstone
THE WooDS
MoRe tHAn two deCAdes Ago, JoAn became part
of The Woods. Her husband Elliot had invested in
(and later sold) a home there when the community first
opened in 1973. While on a weekend visit in 1989, he
wanted to show his wife around the community. Finding
one of the original model homes for sale by the owner they
decided, on the spur of the moment, to make an offer. The
rest, as they say, is history.
Planned as their future retirement home, the house at
The Woods was rented out for several years. Some significant
repairs were needed in 2004 when they moved in,
and it was then completely renovated and made handicap
accessible during the summer of 2006. The following year,
with help from a gifted local cabinet maker, JoAn got her
“dream kitchen” with everything she always wanted. “I
feel completely at home both in my own house and in the
warmth and friendliness of the community that makes
The Woods such a special place,” she says.
“A friend once told me that a key part of retirement
planning is to own your home, free and clear. Our plan
worked and I will always be grateful for being able to spend
this part of my life in such a special place. It’s a comfort to
know that if I ever need assisted living, my first choice, The
Lodge at the Woods, is right here on the campus.”
A native of Los Angeles, JoAn loves Northern California
and especially Mendocino County. She has found many
opportunities for service in the greater community, and for
forming meaningful friendships. “This is a time for ‘giving
back’ and I’m so thankful to have that chance. There really
is no place on earth where I’d rather live!” she says.