Priority List Member Looks Forward to Experiencing The Grandview's Vibrant Lifestyle

When Ann Sundt began exploring her senior living options, she was looking for a community that was close to home and family.

Ann and her late husband Ed lived in Garrett Park, Md., for decades, so she was glad to hear that The Grandview, an Erickson Senior Living community opening later this year in Bethesda, Md., was coming to Montgomery County.

"I looked at another Erickson community in Virginia, but I have been in Maryland since 1967," says Ann, a former educator, lawyer, and judge. "My friends are here, my teaching colleagues and former students are here, and my law colleagues are here. I don't want to leave the area."

And thanks to the community's convenient location, it wouldn't be far from two of her daughters who live in Maryland and Virginia.

"Plus, one of my granddaughters just moved close to me, so I am thrilled!" says Ann, who looks forward to moving into her new home at The Grandview in just a few short months.   

Area ties

After meeting in high school, Ann and Ed headed off to the same college. In fact, they got married the week after college graduation.

"We were both English majors and became English teachers," says Ann, who would later hold the distinction of being the first female teacher in the Upper School at the Landon School in Bethesda.

"I taught for 20 years, and we had three daughters. The oldest was accepted to Amherst College, but the tuition was more than my annual salary as a private school teacher," she notes. "With two more children to put through college, we realized that one of us needed to change vocations. So, I decided to go to law school, even though I knew little about the law. I was accepted at Georgetown University at age 40."

After graduation, Ann clerked with a judge in Montgomery County and then practiced family law until she was elected as a judge on the Circuit Court.

"We started a family law division, which I am very proud of, and I then retired as a judge at age 70--per Maryland statute," says Ann. "I then joined a mediation practice, which I loved. When Ed became ill, I decided to spend more time with my family."

Planning ahead

With deep, longstanding ties to Montgomery County, it's no surprise that Ann wanted to stay close to home. But her house was becoming an issue.

"My house is almost 100 years old. It's a charming house, but it requires a lot of maintenance," she explains. "I am not going to get down on my knees under the sink to tighten a leaking pipe. Every time something needs repairing in my house, I think, ‘Wouldn't it be nice to pick up the phone and have someone else take care of it?'"

At The Grandview, that vision will be a reality--icing on the cake for a community in the area she knows and loves. Sold on the community's proximity and vibrant lifestyle, Ann decided to join the Priority List to prepare for her future move.

"It was a relief to know that I had plenty of time to begin the process and not be rushed," she says. 

The downsizing information offered to Priority List members was especially helpful to Ann, who wishes to gift some items to family before moving into her two-bedroom, two-bath residence.

"I want to be able to go through all of my belongings alongside my kids and then move to The Grandview," she says. She started lists for each of her three daughters and grandchildren and asked them what--if any--items they would like. "It gives me great pleasure that they would like some of my belongings from their childhoods."

Making new friends

Although she'll stay in touch with her friends from Garrett Park, Ann is looking forward to making new friends at The Grandview.

Thanks to the Priority List events she's attended, Ann has already met some of her future neighbors, joined a book club, and attended a meeting for a club for single residents.

And since her residence is located on the top floor, close to The Grandview's rooftop wine bar, she will be able to easily meet friends for a sunset cocktail or glass of wine.

"Best of all," she says, "my second bedroom will come in handy for when my daughters visit." 

She adds, "They won't have to worry about me at The Grandview, because I will be well taken care of."

To learn more about this community and joining the Priority List, request more information today!