From the moment I arrived at University House, Wallingford (UHW) on 26 May in Seattle, I felt that things here were special. I parked in the gated garage, went up to the lobby, and was ushered into the Olympic Auditorium by Beth Sutton, Life Enrichment Director, there to find an elevated stage with the American flag correctly placed of the left, from the audience’s perspective. Perfect for my trumpet show, “I Stand for the Flag.”

It was Memorial Day weekend. For one hour, I played 25 patriotic marches and songs and told a few jokes to an enthusiastic audience of about 40, including several veterans. I used four horns and four mouthpieces (two for my trumpets and bugle and two for my cornet). Judging from the sing-a-long participation, applause, laughs, comments, and compliments, it was a success. They went away happy, and so did I.

University House, Wallingford (UHW)

UHW was developed in 1997 by Eli and Rebecca Almo, real estate developers specializing in retirement communities. They now have a family of 8 such communities in the Greater Seattle area (please see http://www.eraliving.com). The sister community to UHW is University House, Issaquah (please see my blog post of 30 March 2019). Both communities have affiliations with the UW Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, and Social Work and the UW Retirement Association for the benefit of their residents. There is an emphasis in their programs and services on a “lifetime of learning.” Please see http://www.eraliving.com/about/health-wellness-partnerships/.

UHW has 146 maintenance-free, senior residences in one or two-bedroom floor plans, with 22 different layouts to choose from at current prices ranging from $3,640 to $6,770 per month. Please see http://www.eraliving.com/communities/wallingford/floor-plans/.

UHW Garden

Amenities:

• Elegant restaurant with flexible dining options, featuring various cuisines and in-house chef
• Vibrant Life Enrichment program
• Wellness and Active Aging programs
• On-site Wellness Center staffed by a nurse and caregivers
• Emergency call and daily check-in system
• Weekly housekeeping and linen services
• Maintenance services
• Group transportation
• Access to public transit
• Personal transportation services*
• Full service, on-site salon and massage therapy*
• Resident* and guest parking
• Large fitness center with various fitness programs and access to a personal trainer
• EnhanceFitness classes
• Large, professionally maintained library
• Beautiful garden courtyard, lush landscaping, and al-fresco dining
• Business Center with internet access
• Auditorium for large gatherings and events
• Private meeting rooms
• Professionally curated art collections

*Additional fee.

UHW Lobby

Residence Features:

• Private balconies available in most residences
• Cable TV and internet access
• Full kitchens
• Easy-access adjustable shower
• Individually controlled heating
• All utilities except telephone
• Emergency call system
• Additional storage available
• Pet-friendly

Photos are courtesy of University House, Wallingford. Please click on any photo to enlarge it.