Kendal at Oberlin Blog

We start the new year with resolutions and goals, an updated bucket list, travel plans and a list of books to read and movies to see. But as January flows into February, the snail mail and email from employers, banks, investment firms and the like remind us of another project at hand. 

Sure, Tax Day is still weeks away, but ‘tis the season to get papers in order, meet with a financial adviser and start whittling away on the IRS return, or hire someone to do it.

Flower arrangements throughout hallways and other public spaces. Healthy and creative cuisine in the dining rooms. Eclectic art in the three galleries. Entertainment – musical, theatrical, educational – in the auditorium. Daily fitness classes in the indoor pools and exercise rooms.  

Everyday, Kendal residents expect all of the above, and more. But a new year means new things at the 26-year-old community and its grounds, buildings and programs. Here are some of the highlights to come in 2020, starting with a topic of interest to people who are considering a move to Kendal.

Oberlin College alumni Bruce Harker and Anne Palmer spent nearly a decade deciding that Kendal at Oberlin was the best life plan community for them.

Holiday celebrations at Kendal at Oberlin are diverse, creative and lively, just like the people who live here. The celebrations reflect various cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. And they feature activities for young and old, with ample opportunities to participate or sit in the audience.

Whether it’s online or hard copy, fiction or non-poetry or prose, contemporary or classic, magazine or journal, Kendal residents are readers. 

It’s a wonderful life in and around Oberlin this time of year. The area is packed with holiday light displays, concerts and other festivities, both indoors and out. Make plans before your calendar fills up - add a few of the events below to your list.

When it comes to family well-being, Kendal resident Linda Bell has worn three hats during her adult life. With a Ph.D. in psychology, Linda is a family researcher and therapist. She’s also a wife to David (53 years) and mother to two sons and one daughter.

Kendal at Oberlin needs them. The city of Oberlin and surrounding Lorain County communities need them. 

In this season of giving thanks, the retirement community and other nonprofits are filled with gratitude for Kendal residents who exemplify Quaker values year-round by sharing their energy and knowledge with others.

Forget cardboard boxes, old suitcases and assorted tins for storing your stuff. These days retail stores are lined with containers – plastic, wood, metal - of every shape and size, furniture with storage cubbies, easy-to-adjust- shelving, and hooks and holders for everything from belts to batteries.

In the old days, our exposure to pumpkins included carving them at Halloween and eating them in pie on Thanksgiving. Today, the grocery aisles are so full of pumpkin eats and treats that it’s enough to make us say phooey on pumpkin.